Child Care: What's Hot Now: tablemanners

Child Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

tablemanners Jul 31st 2011, 10:02 Your youngsters may know how to sit still, use a napkin, and how to cut with a knife and fork, but do they really know proper table manners? The holidays, weddings, anniversary celebrations, school dances, and other social events are prime occasions for kids to demonstrate appropriate table manners. However, far too many parents somehow assume that their kids will know how to act, what to do (and not to do), and how to exhibit proper table manners--only to be embarrassed by a youngster's double-dipping, slurping, or demonstrations of finger-lickin' good! You've taught them most everything they know up to now, so take time and teach them table manners basics that will dazzle at the next occasion. Here's how to get started: Teach kids how to greet relatives and guests. Many kids simply don't know what to say or the appropriate action to take. If the occasion is at your home or you're serving as host, instruct your kids about properly opening the door and taking any coats. (Show them how to hold them and not to roll them up in a wad.) Teach them how to properly shake hands and how to appropriately hug relatives, especially elderly or individuals with disabilities. If you're serving appetizers, ask your youngsters to act as a host/hostess. Instruct them what to ask, how to not interrupt conversations, and to tell them what the choice is. If they are on the receiving end of an offering of hors d'oeuvres, be sure to tell them how to say hors du'oeuvres and what it means to avoid the normal kid reaction of "what's that?" Instruct them how to take one or how to graciously refuse. If it is an item that sounds unappetizing to a kid's palate (and many do), tell them to simply decline without offering any commentary about how it looks, smells, or seems to taste. At the table, show them how to pull out a seat for a guest and to hold it and help them scoot to the table. Boys can do this for ladies or girls, and boys or girls can do the same for older guests as a sign of respect. Teach kids how to place the napkin in the lap and how to sit up straight and near the table. Be sure to let youngsters know not to plop their elbows on the table. Practice table manners such as passing food, asking for something rather than reaching across the table to get it (and risk spilling a drink or worse), and to take only as much as they know they'll eat. The proper table manners protocol is to pass food from left to right (counterclockwise). Talk with kids about how tables are set up, where forks, knives and spoons go, why sometimes there are utensils above the plates and what particular order means (using the outside utensil first). Emphasize that proper table manners are for everyone to be served and the host/hostess to pick up a fork to begin eating. Talk about the no-no's of "double-dipping," slurping, licking fingers, or the ever-tempting dragging a finger across the side of an item to taste it (i.e. icing on the cake). Practice sitting up straight and not hunched over, and remind them to bring food from their plate to their mouth and not hunker down over it. Explain bread etiquette and how bread plates are positioned to the upper left of a dinner plate. Kids need to learn not to butter the entire piece of bread; rather, butter is placed on the bread place, and then a bite-sized piece is to be buttered only. Explain how some breads are to be "torn off" with your hands while other types may need to be cut. Younger kids won't be apt to understand the differences, but older ones should be able to make a distinction. Practice napkin use about how they should wipe their mouth appropriately, and where to put the napkin if they need to get up or go to the bathroom. Offer your kids some conversation ideas, and be sure to emphasize that they are not to talk with their mouths full or too stuff too much in their mouth, or chomp with their mouths open, or other disgusting kid habits. Kids should be reminded to eat slowly and to not gobble down their food. Use utensils and only eat with fingers if it is meant to be eaten with fingers. Explain to youngsters the difference, and how french fries are even meant to be eaten with a fork and dipped into ketchup rather than with hands during certain occasions. Tell kids to always thank the cook for the delicious meal--even if it wasn't to your youngsters. Someone put forth an effort, and kids should be taught to find at least one or two things they did like, and to praise those items in particular. Kids should stay seated until the dinner is concluded or until there becomes an obvious point where kids are being excused and going elsewhere so that adults can linger. Adults should set the stage for success through practice. A "fancy table" can be set up at home and kids can ask questions and practice so that they are comfortable and familiar enough to wow everyone with their great table manners when it truly counts!

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: Self Awareness Crosses Line

Child Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Self Awareness Crosses Line Jul 31st 2011, 10:02 Question: How Do I Stop A Child From Playing With His Privates? A family child care provider has asked how to deal with the situation of a young boy in her charge liking to undress and play with his privates. She says the tot is totally unaware that the action could be inappropriate, and howls when required to re-dress and participate in a different activity. She asks: "How can 'private play' be kept just that?" Answer: Most kids at a certain stage of development discover their penis or vagina, otherwise referred to as "privates." While the self-discovery of private parts is a very natural stage and can be equated to playing with fingers and toes, the behavior is still not condoned when in a child care setting. It can create embarrassing moments for a child care provider, a parent, or even other children.Most child experts caution that there is a balance between innocent self discovery and doing something that causes discomfort for anyone. Playing with or examining private parts is something that certainly should be discouraged in a low-key way, without passing judgment or making a child to feel that any such action is bad or wrong. Parents can assess any moral/parenting discussion to the action; child care providers simply stop the behavior because it is not appropriate around others. A tried-and-true recommendation is to clearly state rules of required dress and then re-directing ANY behavior that involves removal of any clothes, including socks and shoes when not allowed. Of course, parents should be brought in the loop so that a provider-parent partnership can be worked out to stop the behavior. (Almost certainly, regardless of parents' views on inquisitive play of privates, they won't want their child doing such an activity in a public setting.) In addition, the same approach can be utilized when kids touch others inappropriately, and that doesn't need to be something of a sexual or private parts type of touching. Kids may swat another's backside or tickle them under the arms or even the inner thighs based on what someone has done to them. While the action may be innocent, the key rule to remember is that if it could make anyone uncomfortable then it is not appropriate in whatever context it may have been meant. By this same token, discussions about appropriate and inappropriate touching or looking is also a must-have conversation with children at an early age, although the talk should be geared toward the age and maturity level of kids. Kids need to know expectations as to what is acceptable behavior and privacy requirements (that include touching, looking, taking pictures, etc.) of themselves. It is recommended that child care providers notify parents in advance of a planned conversation with kids in their charge about this topic and encourage parents to have additional conversations with their kids outside the child care setting. Parents may very well have questions about what will be discussed and how issues may be presented, and certainly have the right to ask that their child not be included in the conversation.

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: Take A Break Together

Child Care: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Take A Break Together Jul 31st 2011, 10:02 If your nightly refrain is how tired you and the kids are, perhaps your family is struggling with how to balance work, school, and activities. Here are some quick tips for juggling the various schedules and spend some quality time together: Create a family night. The solution is simple and can create memories to last a lifetime. Whether it's movie night, take-out night (think pizza or Chinese, for example), game night, or a family walk night, the key is that a night each week is designated for together time. Relax...and talk with each other! You might be surprised the things you learn from your kids on your special night. Enjoy and interact with your child's friends. Yes, really! Letting kids "hang out" at your place gives you valuable insight into what interests and motivates your own child as well as understanding the "crowd" he or she is associating with. For younger kids, an hour or two with a friend can teach sharing, responsibility, taking turns, and other traits through actual learning and experiences. And don't forget that many child experts indicate that free time for play and social interaction can be better for a child's development than too many organized or structured activities. Let your child choose his/her interests, and not you. Too many well-meaning parents sign their kids up for activities they're truly not at all interested in or good at, then face conflicts and power struggles as a result. It's another issue all-together if your child constantly begs to sign up for activities and then wants to quit, but kids at even a young age develop certain interests and dreams that they want to pursue. And, they most likely won't be the same dreams you had either! Be careful to choose your battles and accommodate activity requests where practical. Consider the commitment when making decisions. More and more activities are emphasizing additional practices and time requirements in today's competitive world. You as the parent have to decide if a particular activity is appropriate for your child. Options for time-pressed families is to sign kids up for a recreation league vs. a select season; for pee wee-cheerleading instead of a year-round squad, for example. Determine your child's commitment as well. If your kid says an activity "might" be fun, avoid committing to a full season or year. Not only could it present a problem for your child if he/she doesn't like it, but will infringe on the other players/members participating in the activity. Many teams rely on a certain number of players or kids to form a group, and a last-minute pull-out could cause an impact on everyone else. If you're not sure, consider signing your child up for a mini-camp or week-long or short session instead. If your kid loves it, then you can always seek something more in the future. Assign family responsibilities. If everyone in the family is participating in some type of activity, then general household chores may be harder to get accomplished due to lack of time. Have a family meeting and explain that in order to do these enrichment activities/sports/music, everyone will have to pitch in to make sure the clothes still get washes, dishes done, and table cleared. If you set expectations up front, any grumbling will be minimized. Even small kids can help set the table, clear dishes, or take out the trash cans to the curb. Watch for signs of being overextended and adjust schedules as needed. If your kid's grades starting plummeting or you get a note that says Emma often falls asleep after mid-morning snack, you may be asking too much of them. Keep in mind a child's age, personality, and true interest in making decisions. Encourage the "all for one and one for all" concept. A family who plays together, stays together is the message and encourage your kids to support each other's activities and endeavors. Above all, keep family first! Keeping your priorities straight will ensure a happier, better-adjusted family.

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: The Enduring Roald Dahl

Children's Books: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

The Enduring Roald Dahl Jul 31st 2011, 10:02 Check in the juvenile fiction section of your public library. Look in the children's section of your local bookstore. Most probably, you will find multiple copies of several books by Roald Dahl as well as single copies of some others. Read lists of authors recommended for kids who like Harry Potter, and you'll find the name Roald Dahl there. Watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory or James and the Giant Peach, and when the movie credits run, you will see they were written by Roald Dahl. Who was this man and what is it that makes his books continue to be so popular? Roald Dahl Roald Dahl, whose parents were Norwegian, was born in South Wales in 1916. He had five sisters, one of whom died at age seven. When Dahl was four, his father died, and when he was seven, he was sent to boarding school. In later accounts, he related the bullying and beatings he endured there. Rather than go on to the university, Dahl opted to go to work for Shell, in the hope, realized when he was sent to Africa, that he would get to travel. Dahl served in the Royal Air Force in World War II, attaining the rank of wing commander. During his military service, he was injured. Later, when those injuries flared up, Dahl was sent home to England. Then, he was sent to Washington, D.C. to work at the British Embassy. It was while working as an assistant air attache that Dahl began his writing career. His first children's book, The Gremlins, was published in 1943. He did go on to write for adults, but he did not write another children's book for 17 years. Dahl said that it was not until he had children of his own that he felt he could write for children. In his adult life, Dahl, who had a reputation for being a cynic with a mistrust for social institutions, suffered considerable tragedy. In 1953, Dahl married actress Patricia Neal, and they went on to have five children. One daughter died of the complications of measles and their baby son suffered massive head injuries when his carriage was hit by a taxi. His wife suffered several major strokes. Dahl's reputation as a harsh taskmaster stood him in good stead as he helped her recover. The marriage ended in divorce and Dahl went on to marry again. Roald Dahl's Children's Books It is difficult to describe Dahl's books because they are so different from the typical children's book. The author's childhood experiences, the death of his sister and his father, and his unhappy years in boarding school influenced his work as did his vivid imagination. Dahl's books might be called modern fairy tales. Like Grimm's fairy tales, they are sometimes violent or grotesque and have often been the subject of some controversy. However, they are also well written, humorous and very entertaining. Children break free from their cruel oppressors (adults) and go on to have the most amazing adventures. Goodness triumphs; revenge is sweet; evil is punished. It's no wonder that children 9-12 have continued to enjoy Dahl's tales for decades. In all, Dahl wrote nineteen children's books. They include: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (compare prices) James and the Giant Peach (compare prices) The Magic Finger (compare prices) The BFG (compare prices) The Twits (compare prices) The Witches (compare prices) for which Dahl won the 1983 Whitbread prize, and Matilda (compare prices). While these chapter books are great for independent reading, Dahl's books also work well as read-alouds for third grade and up. You might find that you get almost as much enjoyment out of the books as your children do.

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Wimpy Kid Book 5

Children's Books: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Wimpy Kid Book 5 Jul 31st 2011, 10:02 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth is Wimpy Kid Book 5 in the enormously popular (and funny) series by Jeff Kinney. Middle schooler Greg Hefley continues to relate, in words and cartoon drawings, the story of his life in middle school and at home. According to the author, "To me, the fifth book is the linchpin of the series. Since Greg Heffley is a cartoon character but also a literary character, I've always wondered if he should grow up or stay in a state of arrested development. This book answers that question once and for all." (quotation from ABRAMS news release, July 29, 2010). While Greg's goofy escapades and his self-centered take on life continue to be funny, Greg is growing up and becoming more aware of the world. It's a very busy school year with lots of changes. Greg is going through puberty and getting advice from health class and lots of other places. His mother writes about puberty in her column for the local paper, which embarrasses Greg; she also gives him a book to read, What the Heck Just Happened to My Body?, but Greg wants no part of it. Even his grandmother gets in the act and he knows that the next time he sees her, she'll give him the dreaded "talk" just as she did his older brother. It's not just Greg's body that's changing. Greg and his best friend Rowley had a big fight and are no longer friends. Greg's mother goes back to school and Greg and his brothers have to take on additional responsibilities, with sometimes hilarious results. Greg is interested in boy-girl parties now and upset when he has to turn down a party invitation from one of the popular older kids because he has to be in his Uncle Gary's wedding - and it's not even Uncle Gary's first or second wedding. The boy-girl middle school overnight lock-in is a disaster for a lot of reasons, including the fact that it is 90% boys and 10% girls and there is almost a one-to-one ratio of chaperones. Poor Greg. Through it all he soldiers on. From caring for a raw egg for 24 hours as a health class introduction to parenting to Uncle Gary's wedding to dealing with the changes in the family's schedule when his mom goes back to work to coping without his best friend, Greg decides, "There's been a lot of change all of a sudden, and I really liked things the way they were BEFORE." By the end of the book, Greg realizes, "I guess I'm just not in a big rush to grow up right now." However, Greg is changing. One of the biggest indicators of the change in Greg over this school year, has to do with his attitude toward his broken friendship with Rowley Jefferson. At the beginning of the school year (and the book), Greg writes that he and Rowley have had a big fight and Rowley is now his "ex-best friend." As far as Greg is concerned, it's up to Rowley to do something to repair the friendship, and if Rowley doesn't, that's it; the friendship is over. By the end of the book, Greg writes, "I decided it was time for me and Rowley to put the past couple of months behind us and get our friendship back on track. Me and him have a long history together, and there's no point in throwing that away over something dumb." Greg is the one to do that by going over to Rowley's house, something he wouldn't have thought of doing earlier. While he is definitely still not a role model for anyone, Greg is growing up. The Wimpy Kid Book Series and Other Wimpy Kid Books The books in the Wimpy Kid series include: Diary of a Wimpy Kid(2007), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2008), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (2009), and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2009). In addition, Jeff Kinney has also written and illustrated two Wimpy Kid-related books: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book (2007), and The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary (2010). Click on each of the titles above to read my book reviews. Read my Diary of a Wimpy Kid feature article for a brief overview of all of the Wimpy Kid books. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series: Its Popularity The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has been enormously popular since the publication of the first book in the Wimpy Kid series in 2007 by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams. According to the publisher, “More than 42 million Diary of a Wimpy Kid books will be in print in the United States and Canada as of November 9, 2010. The books have been sold in more than 37 countries in 35 languages around the world.” (Source: Source: 11/3/10 news release) Wimpy Kid Author and Illustrator Jeff Kinney Despite his success with his Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie, Jeff Kinney continues to work full-time as a virtual world designer. While a student at the University of Maryland, Kinney had his own comic strip in the school newspaper. After college, he began writing Diary of a Wimpy Kid and putting it online in daily installments on FunBrain.com. Then, publisher Harry N. Abrams signed Kinney to a multi-book deal to create a Diary of a Wimpy Kid series for the Amulet Books imprint, and the books have been enormously popular with upper elementary and middle school readers. In fact, the 5 million copy first printing of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth is a testimony to the popularity of the Wimpy Kid series. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth: My Recommendation Series fans will not be disappointed in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth. All the things they liked so much in Jeff Kinney's previous Diary of a Wimpy Kid books - the diary format, the illustrations, the humor and the "voice" of the main character - are all here in full force. Also here is a taste of change, which will make readers more anxious than ever for the next episode in Greg's life. Like the other books in the series, I recommend Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth for tweens and younger teens, grades 4-8. If you have a reluctant reader in your family, I recommend the entire series; it has engaged the interest of many reluctant readers. As I've mentioned before, while it’s not necessary to read the books in the series in order to enjoy them, I recommend doing so to gain the maximum enjoyment out of each of the books. (Amulet Books, An Imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 2009. ISBN: 9780810970687)

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Children's Dinosaur Books

Children's Books: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Children's Dinosaur Books Jul 31st 2011, 10:02 I’m not sure what it is about dinosaurs that appeals to children, but dinosaur books continue to be popular with all ages. Dinosaur books for younger kids tend to be funny (see the last three books on this list), but there are also many excellent nonfiction books for children eager to learn more facts about dinosaurs. Here is a brief look at a variety of dinosaur books. Young children with a serious interest in dinosaurs can also enjoy the books for older children if you read them aloud. This nonfiction book will interest kids eager to learn about the study of dinosaurs. It was written by Pat Relf, with the Sue Science Team of Chicago's Field Museum, and covers the 1990 discovery of a nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, its removal, and transport to the Museum for study and reconstruction. The engaging writing style and the many color photographs make this a favorite with 9-12 year old readers and as a read-aloud for younger kids. (Scholastic, 2000. ISBN: 9780439099851) This 48-page book, part of the excellent Scientists in the Field series, chronicles the work of paleontologist Cathy Forster on an expedition to Madagascar to research whether birds evolved from dinosaurs. The account of how Cathy's childhood interest in dinosaurs and fossils led her to her profession should be of particular interest to 8-12 year olds. The field work is well illustrated in words and photographs by nature photographer Nic Bishop. (Houghton Mifflin, 2000. ISBN: 9780395960561) This book is for the serious student of dinosaurs (ages 9-14) who wants the benefit of a reference book and reliable Internet resources. The 96-page book is filled with illustrations and detailed information about dinosaurs. It also has a companion Web site. The book covers how to use the Web site, what a dinosaur is, the bird connection, habitats, extinction, fossils, fossil hunters, scientists at work, reconstruction of dinosaur skeletons, and more. (DK Publishing, 2004. ISBN: 0756607612) If your three- or four-year-old is obsessed with dinosaurs and wants to know more, I recommend this non-fiction book from the Eye-Openers series. Originally published by DK Publishing, it features a series of two-page spreads on different dinosaurs, with photos of lifelike models, smaller illustrations, and simple text. The text, while limited, includes information on the dinosaurs’ size, eating habits, and appearance. (Little Simon, An Imprint of Simon & Schuster, 1991. ISBN: 0689715188) This first person account of a search in the Gobi Desert for Velociraptor remains is fascinating. Written by the two paleontologists from the American Museum of Natural History who led the expedition, the 32-page book is illustrated with more than three dozen color photographs of the project. Highlights include the hunt for fossils, success on the final day of the expedition, digging up the Velociraptor skeleton, and researching it back at the Museum. (HarperCollins, 1996. ISBN: 9780060258931) This is an excellent reference book for 9-12 year olds who want specific information on the many different dinosaurs. Each of the hundreds of individual listings contains the name of the dinosaur, a pronunciation guide, the classification, size, time in which it lived, location, diet, and additional details. Carefully rendered illustrations by artist Jan Sovak are an asset. The book’s author, Don Lessem, has written more than 30 books about dinosaurs. (Scholastic, Inc., 2003. ISBN: 978-0439165914) This 192-page book stands out because of the detailed paintings of dinosaurs. The book was written by Paul Barnett and illustrated by Raul Martin, a paleo-artist. The first third of the book provides general information while the remainder provides descriptions of more than 50 dinosaurs. A map, a chart comparing the dinosaur’s size to that of a man, a detailed painting, and photos are some of the graphics that accompany the written descriptions. (National Geographic, 2001. ISBN: 0792282248) This book is a perfect bedtime book. With simple rhymes by Jane Yolen and funny illustrations by Mark Teague, bad and good bedtime behavior is modeled by dinosaurs. The parents in the story are human and the scenes are of homes much like we live in. However, the children in the homes are all dinosaurs. This is sure to tickle a child's funny bone. This is one of a series of dinosaur books for young children written and illustrated by Yolen and Teague. (Blue Sky Press, 2000. ISBN: 9780590316811) A young boy, Danny, visits the local museum and is surprised when one of the dinosaurs comes to life and joins him for a day of play and fun around the town. The controlled vocabulary, imaginative story, and appealing illustrations have made this I Can Read book popular with kids who have just started to read without assistance. The Danny and the Dinosaur series by Syd Hoff has entertained several generations of beginning readers. (HarperTrophy, 1958, reissue edition, 1992. ISBN: 9780064440028) This engaging wordless picture book for 3-5 year olds is by artist Peter Sis. A little boy steps into the tub to take a bath and play with his toy dinosaur, and his imagination takes over. From very simple and childlike illustrations, the artwork becomes very detailed and colorful, with a long foldout scene of dinosaurs in the wild. The boy is a part of the scene, bathing in a tub-size pool of water. As the last dinosaur leaves, his bath ends. (Greenwillow Books, 2000. ISBN: ISBN: 9780688170493) Share Your Recommendations Are there other dinosaur books that you recommend? Join the discussion on the About Children's Books Forum.

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Children's Books: Two Harry Potter-Related Birthdays

Children's Books Get the latest headlines from the Children's Books GuideSite.

Two Harry Potter-Related Birthdays Jul 31st 2011, 01:29 July 31 is the birthday of both Harry Potter and his creator, author J.K. Rowling. Celebrate by learning more about The Harry Potter Controversy, creating a Potter-related dish from The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook, starting a knitting project featured in Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter, and reading one of Harry Potter's schoolbooks to learn more about Quidditch. You are also invited to share your experiences as a fan of the Harry Potter series and post a message at Reader Stories. (Cover art courtesy of Scholastic) Subscribe to my newsletter | Follow me on Twitter | Connect with me on Facebook

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Eats, Shoots & Leaves

Children's Books: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Eats, Shoots & Leaves Jul 30th 2011, 10:02 G.P. Putnam's Sons When British author Lynne Truss's book for adults Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation was published, it became a bestseller, an unusual occurrence for a book that is all about punctuation. Now Lynne Truss has a delightful new children's picture book that is based on her bestseller. Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make A Difference! takes a humorous look at how the placement of commas can totally change the meaning of a sentence. The Focus of Eats, Shoots & Leaves As Lynne Truss points out in the Introduction, "Commas can create havoc when they are left out or are put in the wrong spot, and the results of misuse can be hilarious." With humor, Truss emphasizes the importance of punctuation marks, specifically commas. Children who are learning how to punctuate their sentences will get a kick out of seeing what can go wrong when a comma is misused and how important it is to the meaning of a sentence to place commas correctly. The Layout of Eats, Shoots & Leaves Each set of facing pages contains the same sentence. One of the sentences is punctuated properly; in the other, the commas are in the wrong place, with hilarious results. Each sentence is printed in black ink, except for the commas, which are red, making them stand out in the sentence. Each sentence is illustrated with very funny, full-page pen and watercolor sketches by Bonnie Timmons. For example, the sentence "Look at that huge hot dog!" shows a picnic scene with a man grilling a hot dog that is three times bigger than he is. The sentence "Look at that huge, hot dog!" shows a large, hot-looking dog slobbering over a kiddy pool as the little girl in it splashes him. Learning with Eats, Shoots & Leaves At the end of the book, there is a two-page, illustrated spread titled Why These Commas Really Do Make A Difference. For each set of sentences, there are thumbnails of the illustrations and an explanation of the function of the comma(s) in the sentences. For example, in the "Look at that huge hot dog!" sentence, the author points out that "Without a comma, huge modifies hot dog." Teachers will enjoy using the book because it illustrates the importance of punctuation in a way that will engage students' interest. When I was a kid, I didn't see why punctuation, other than a period at the end of a sentence, mattered, and I suspect that many kids feel that way today. This book will change their minds. The funny sentences and illustrations will also help them to remember the points the author makes about commas. The Author and Illustrator of Eats, Shoots & Leaves Author Lynne Truss has a background as a literary editor, novelist, television critic and newspaper columnist. She is also the author of a number of radio comedy dramas. According to her publisher, "Lynne Truss also hosted Cutting a Dash, a popular BBC Radio 4 series about punctuation. She now reviews books for the Sunday Times of London and is a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4." An outgrowth of Lynn Truss's radio series about punctuation, Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation became a bestseller in England. In the United States, it has also become a major bestseller. The children's picture book version, Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make A Difference!, has also proven popular. By September 2006, it had already been on the New York Times list of bestselling children's books for five weeks. If the illustrations by Bonnie Timmons look somewhat familiar to you, it may be because you watched the TV series Caroline in the City. Timmons drew all of the cartoons for the NBC series. She has also done a lot of work on national advertising campaigns and has illustrated several other books. Eats, Shoots & Leaves: My Recommendation I recommend Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make A Difference! for children 8-12. The book would also make an excellent gift for teachers, including home-schooling parents. (G.P. Putnam's Sons, A Division of Penguin Young Readers Group, 2006. ISBN: 0399244913)

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Harry Potter 6 Formats

Children's Books: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Harry Potter 6 Formats Jul 30th 2011, 10:02 How many different editions and formats are available of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth book in the series of children’s books by J.K. Rowling that have become equally popular with adults? From the different formats of Harry Potter 6 to the different covers for the children’s and adult versions of the books in the UK to the audiobook and deluxe edition, here’s information about the English language versions of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The book's American publisher, Scholastic, Inc. announced a first printing of 10.8 million copies of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in the U.S. by its imprint Arthur A. Levine Books. On July 16, 2005, the book were released in the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia. In addition to releasing the regular 652-page hardcover edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on July 16, Scholastic also released a deluxe edition. The book, which has a handsome slipcase, features “…a 32-page insert on special paper at the end of the book featuring near scale reproductions of Mary GrandPré's interior art, as well as a never-before-seen piece of full-color-art for the frontispiece” (Scholastic). The regular edition of the sixth book in the Harry Potter series is 672 pages, while the deluxe edition also includes the 32-page insert. The cover art for the Scholastic editions was created by Mary GrandPré, who also created the cover art for the Scholastic editions of the first five books in the series. Jason Cockcroft created the cover art for the Bloomsbury children's edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The cover art for the Bloomsbury adult edition was created from a photograph by Michael Wildsmith. The audiobook of the sixth Harry Potter book was also released on July 16, 2005. The audiobook, available in CD or cassette versions, is narrated by Jim Dale, the voice of the previous five Harry Potter audiobooks. The audiobook versions of the series are also available through Apple Computer for download on iPods. Scholastic and the National Braille Press, a nonprofit braille printing and publishing house, collaborated on the braille edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The large print edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released by Thorndike Press in August 2005. There are no plans for an eBook version of Harry Potter 6. The paperback version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released on July 25, 2006. Your options include: The regular hardcover edition (compare prices), The deluxe edition (compare prices), The audiobook on cassette tape, The audiobook on CD (compare prices), The audiobook series for download on your iPod, The paperback edition (compare prices), The braille edition, and The large print edition. Let me know what version or format you buy and what you think of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by posting a message on the About Children's Books Forum. Thanks.

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Winter & Snow in Picture Books

Children's Books: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Winter & Snow in Picture Books Jul 29th 2011, 10:03 Introduction These children's picture books about winter and snow (and much more) are among the best for both their stories and their illustrations. Owl Moon It's no wonder John Schoenherr received the 1988 Caldecott Medal for his Owl Moon illustrations. The story by Jane Yolen and the artwork by Schoenherr beautifully capture a child's excitement at finally being old enough to go "owling" with her father. The little girl eloquently describes their late night walk through the cold and snowy woods. Author Jane Yolen's words capture the mood of hushed expectancy and joy while John Schoenherr's luminous watercolors capture the wonder and beauty of the walk through the woods. It's apparent that the walk itself is what's important and getting to actually see and hear an owl is just the icing on the cake. Both the artwork and the text show the loving bond between father and child and the significance of their walk together. Compare prices. (Philomel, A Division of Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, 1987. ISBN: 0399214577)

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Historical Fiction

Children's Books: What's Hot Now These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week

Historical Fiction Jul 29th 2011, 10:03 All of these works of historical fiction for middle grade readers have been recognized with awards recently, ranging from the 2011 John Newbery Medal to the 2011 Scott O’Dell Prize for Historical Fiction. They represent time periods from the turn of the century to the 1960s. These books will appeal to kids somewhere within the upper elementary and middle school range.  According to reviewer Jean Hatfield, "Historical fiction allows young people to experience history in an entertaining way, to meet people, including some their own age, from the past and to learn about other times and places." 1. Countdown, Book 1 The Sixties Trilogy: 3 Novels of the 1960s for Young Readers Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Title:  Countdown, Book 1 The Sixties Trilogy: 3 Novels of the 1960s for Young Readers Author: Deborah Wiles Overview: The first in a trilogy, this novel is about an 11-year-old girl and her family in 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Photos and other artifacts from the time period add to teh book's appeal. Awards:  Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year, 2010 Publisher:  Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc., 2010 Publication Date:  2010 ISBN:  9780545106054 Read theRead the review of Countdown, Book 1 The Sixties Trilogy. 2. Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page Candlewick Press Title: Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page Author:  Richard Platt Illustrator:  Chris Riddell Overview:  With an oversize format and wonderfully detailed illustrations, young readers get a firsthand view of daily life in a medieval castle in 1285 as Tobias Burgess, who is 11 years old, recounts his experiences as a new page in the castle of his uncle, John Burgess, who is Baron of Strandborough. Awards: Parents’ Choice Awards, Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Publisher: Candlewick Press Publication Date:  1999, PB 2001 ISBN: 9780763604899 Read my review of Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page. 3. Moon Over Manifest Random House Title: Moon Over Manifest Author: Clare Vanderpool Overview:  The story, which is set in southeast Kansas during the Depression, moves between 1936 when 12-year-old Abilene Tucker comes to Manifest, Kansas, to 1918 during her father's time there and includes mysteries and the search for home. Awards:  2011 John Newbery Medal, 2011 Spur Award for Best Western Juvenile Fiction from the Western Writers of America Publisher:  Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc. Publication Date:  2010 ISBN:  9780385738835 Read the review of Moon Over Manifest and my interview with author Clare Vanderpool. 4. One Crazy Summer Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Title: One Crazy Summer Author: Rita Williams-Garcia Overview:  Set in the 1960s, this novel is unusual in that it focuses on the Black Panther movement in the context of one African American family and the summer three sisters, who have been raised by their father and grandmother, visit their mother in California where she is involved in the Black Panther movement. Awards:  2011 Scott O’Dell Prize for Historical Fiction, 2011 Coretta Scott King Author Award, 2011 Newbery Honor Book Publisher:  Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers Publication Date:  2010 ISBN:  9780060760885 Read the review of One Crazy Summer. Read Review 5. Zora and Me Candlewick Press Title: Zora and Me Author: Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon Overview: This novel is based on the childhood of author and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston. It takes place around 1900, during the year Hurston was in the fourth grade and living (and telling stories) in Eatonville, an all-black community in Florida. Awards: 2011 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent; also endorsed by the Zora Neale Hurston Trust Publisher: Candlewick Press Publication Date: 2010 ISBN: 97800763643003 Read the review of Zora and Me. 6. The Dreamer Title:  The Dreamer Author:  Pam Munoz Ryan Overview:  This novel by Pam Munoz Ryan is based on the life of poet Pablo Neruda from Chile and tells how a sickly boy whose fsther wants him to go into business becomes, instead, a belovd poet. Awards:  2011 Pura Belpre Author Award Publisher:  Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc. Publication Date:  2010 ISBN:  9780439269704  Read the review of The Dreamer. 7. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate Henry Holt Title: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate Author: Jacqueline Kelly Overview:  Set in Texas in 1899, this is the story of spunky Calpurnia Tate who is more interested in science and nature than in learning to be a lady and her life with her family, which includes six brothers. Awards:  Newbery Honor Book, several state awards Publisher:  Henry Holt Publication Date:  2009 ISBN:  9780805088410 Read the review of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.

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