Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Halloween Costumes Based on Kids' Books

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Halloween Costumes Based on Kids' Books Feb 29th 2012, 11:04 Have you thought about creating a Halloween costume for your child based on a favorite children’s picture book? Thanks to Sherri Osborn, Guide to Family Crafts and her readers, I have information about, and photos of, a number of homemade Halloween costumes that relate to children’s books. Many of them are even no-sew costumes. Since a lot of the materials needed can be found at Goodwill, DAV, or similar stores, most of these costumes are both easy-to-make and low-cost. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Halloween Costume Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a favorite read aloud for younger children because of its infectious rhyming text and the exuberant illustrations. It’s an alphabet book about the adventures of a group of young (lowercase) letters climbing up a coconut tree. I was delighted when I saw the clever costume (see photo above) that Ann Stafford devised. Even better, if you’d rather use a glue gun than sew, you can make this a no-sew Halloween costume. Ann has provided both a materials list and detailed instructions for the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Costume. Pippi Longstocking Halloween Costume Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren has been a favorite with kids for more than 60 years. As you can see from the cover of Pippi Longstocking, Pippi is known for her red hair, braids that curve out from her face and crazy socks. This makes it pretty easy to make a no-sew Pippi Longstocking costume. In fact, it’s more a matter of makeup and a wig with wire in the braids to make them stick out, plus fun long socks, than an actual costume. But whatever you call it, the end result is cute, as you can see from the Pippi Longstocking photo submitted by Meillyn Gustar. Max From Where the Wild Things Are Halloween Costume My review of Where the Wild Things Are is one of the most popular articles on About Children’s Books. Many 3- to 6-year-olds enjoy hearing the story of Max and the Wild Things again and again. Although there is no photo included, we’re indebted to tela1999 who submitted a materials list and specific instructions for an easy-to-make Max Halloween costume. She made it for her son and said, “It was adorable!" Scarecrow and Tin Man from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Many kids are familiar with The Wizard of Oz in the movie version while others have enjoyed The Wonderful Wizard of Oz book, or both. Of the two, the Scarecrow costume is much easier to make and is also a low cost Halloween costume. The photo and directions for the Easy to Make Scarecrow Halloween Costume were submitted by Bobbye Barthe, with additional suggestions from Lori Gidopoulos. Even though the Scarecrow Halloween Costume is quite easy to make, it is still a very appealing costume. While the the Tin Man from Wizard of Oz Halloween Costume, which was submitted by the Fanning Family, requires quite a few purchases and some painting, it looks great. If your two kids want to trick or treat together, they may enjoy teaming up as the Scarecrow and the Tin Man. A Scarecrow with a Pumpkin Head If you kids enjoy the picture book The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything (see my Best Children's Halloween Books list), one of them may want a Pumpkin Head Scarecrow Costume. If so, you are in luck because this costume, which was submitted by K. Sexton, is a no-sew, easy-to-make costume. Other Easy-to-Make Halloween Costumes Share Lady Liberty: A Biography with your tweens or teens, and they may decide to be the Statue of Liberty for Halloween. Take a look at this photo of a No-Sew Lady Liberty Costume for ideas. It looks like you could just drape and pin old bed sheets to create the costume. The bulk of the work is in creating the paper mache crown, tablet and torch. However, if you can’t find sheets the right color, you might need to dye old white sheets or buy fabric. If your youngster loves flowers and gardens, share some Picture Books About Gardens and Gardening with her and then, create an Easy-to-Make Flower Garden Costume. It’s a colorful and unique Halloween costume, one that should brighten the day of everyone who sees your child dressed up as a flower garden. If your little one loves Rosemary Wells' bunnies, such as Max in Max's Halloween (see my Top Halloween Board Books for more about the book), the Sewing Guide provides a photo, a pattern, and step-by-step instructions you can use to make Bunny Ears. With the bunny ears, drawn-on whiskers and a fuzzy footed-sleeper, your toddler will become an adorable bunny rabbit. If you need still more suggestions, see Sherri Osborn’s Home-Made Halloween Costume Photo Galleries on the About Family Crafts site.

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Mike Berenstain Interview

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Mike Berenstain Interview Feb 29th 2012, 11:04 Children's books about the Berenstain Bears have been popular since Stan and Jan Berenstain's The Big Honey Hunt was first published in 1962. The Berenstain's son, Michael, began working with his parents in the 1980s. In 2007, I did an interview with Jan and Mike Berenstain. So much has happened since then that in May 2010, I contacted Mike Berenstain for an update. Q. Mike, I know that you and your mother, Jan Berenstain, continued to collaborate on the Berenstain Bears after your father, Stan Berenstain, died in 2005. Now that your mother is in her 80s, is she still involved or have you become the sole Berenstain involved in creating the books? A. My Mom is very, very involved. She reviews all concepts for books and illustrates many of the books herself. The Living Lights Berenstain Bears Books Q. You have a new Berenstain Bears series, Living Lights, published by Zonderkidz. According to the publisher, Zondervan, “Living Lights Berenstain Bears help children learn how God wants them to live everyday.” Mike, how did the Living Lights series come about? Was it something your mom and dad had talked about? Was it your idea or did the publisher come to you? A. It was my idea but my Mom and Dad were very involved in developing it for publication. I wanted to do it because I am religious and wanted to create books about faith, expressing my own interest in this subject. Also, my parents and I sensed that many of our fans were religious and would welcome this. Q. Are you doing all of the writing for the Living Lights series? A. Yes, with my Mother’s input. Q. What about the illustrations? Do you do them or do you have a Berenstain Bears studio of artists who work with you? A. My Mother and I do most of the illustrations of our books. We have an art assistant who works with us and we also sometimes use freelance artists on some books. Q. You and your family have worked with HarperCollins for many years, has it been hard to get used to working with another publisher? A. Not at all, we published with Random House for 40 years, HarperCollins since 2003, and many, many other publishers over the years â€" Scholastic, Abrams, Bantam, Dell, Macmillan, etc. Q. I personally don’t like heavy-handed “message” books, so I was pleased to see that your Living Lights Berenstain Bears books have the same light touch as your other Berenstain Bears books. How do you approach developing the Living Lights books? Do you and your editor discuss themes, are you assigned topics or do you come up with your own? A. I suggest possible themes and our editor and marketing folks at Zondervan select those they think will work best in the line. Our intention from the beginning was to make these books accessible to very young children. Q. What has been the response from parents to the Living Lights Berenstain Bears books? Have you heard from children about the books? A. We have gotten lots of positive email and letters from both parents and children. Also the sales of the books have been extremely strong. Q. Has anyone complained that Papa Bear is a little too childish to serve as a good role model or is the loving, but slightly goofy, Papa Bear accepted as enthusiastically by the Living Lights audience as your traditional audience? A. Interestingly, I don’t think anyone has brought that up. The Berenstain Bears First Time Books and Other HarperCollins Berenstain Bears Books Q. Are you continuing to create books for the Berenstain Bears First Time series? What about other Berenstain Bears books for HarperCollins? What’s new or coming soon? A. Yes! We have full publishing schedule of First Time Books, HarperCollins I Can Read books, Lift-the-Flap books, and large format hardcover storybooks. The Berenstain Bears Movie Mike, I know that a movie featuring the Berenstain Bears is in the works, and I have several questions about it. Q. Will the movie be based on a specific Berenstain Bears book or just on the Berenstain Bears characters? A. It will be a new story incorporating elements of and references to many of the books. Q. Will it be live-action, animated or a combination of each? A. Combination Q. Who is producing the movie? A. 21 Laps, Shawn Levy producer, for Fox/Walden, to be distributed by Fox. Q. Are you directly involved in the movie? A. Yes, I’m supervising and reviewing its content. Q. Do you know what age children the movie will be for? A. All ages from babies to grandparents (maybe great-grandparents.) Q. Have any of the Berenstain Bears books been made into animated films or TV shows? If so, are they available on DVD? A. Many! There were an NBC series, CBS series, and a PBS series. About 20 DVD collections of these are available from Sony Pictures Entertainment. The PBS series runs on Sprout cable. In Summary Q. What else should we know about the Berenstain Bears? A. My Mom and I continue to create new books and entertainment about America’s favorite family of talking, clothes-wearing bears!

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Berenstain Bears Creators

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Berenstain Bears Creators Feb 29th 2012, 11:04 It's hard to believe that 2009 marks the 47th anniversary of the first Berenstain Bears book. When it was first published in 1962, The Big Honey Hunt quickly became popular with children who were learning to read (and their younger brothers and sisters), and the rest, as they say, is history. More than 250 million copies of Berenstain Bears books have been sold since then. The Berenstain Bears were created by the husband and wife team of Stan and Jan Berenstain. More than two decades after their first children's book, Stan and Jan's son Mike began collaborating with his parents on the Berenstain Bears books. Since Stan's death in 2005, Jan and Mike have continued to write and illustrate new Berenstain Bears books. The Berenstain Bears books have delighted two generations in our family: our children and grandchildren. While the books tackle some serious subjects, like teasing and stranger-danger, they are also funny. The Berenstain Bears books are about a family with two children. This human family is portrayed by four engaging bears: Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Sister Bear and Brother Bear. Papa Bear, sometimes acts a bit goofy, but he has a fierce love for his family; Mama Bear is the stabilizing force in the family, and the two cubs and their interaction may well remind you of your own children. I jumped at the chance to do an email interview with Jan and Mike Berenstain because I was eager to learn more about their books and how they go about creating them. After emailing back and forth, I completed the interview in early May 2007. The questions I asked are ones my grandchildren and I had wondered about. Let me know if they are the same questions you would have asked. The Development of the Berenstain Bears Q. Jan, did you start out writing books about the Berenstain Bears or did you write other children's books first? A. Stan and I began as magazine cartoonists doing cartoons about kids and then began to do books for kids. The first Berenstain Bears book, The Big Honey Hunt (1962) was our first children's book. Mike started as a children's illustrator and author in the 1970's, creating about thirty children's books on various themes and joined us in the late 1980's creating Berenstain Bears books. Since Stan’s death in 2005, Mike and I have continued to create these books. Q. Mike, how did you prepare for your role? A. I attended the same art schools as my parents, the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts) and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, studying painting and illustration. Q. Jan, how did you get the idea to write about families using a family of bears to portray a human family? A. The reason we did books about bears was because bears can stand up on their hind legs like people and they look good in clothes. The Writing and Illustrating Process for the Berenstain Bears Books Q. Jan, did you and Stan both come up with the stories or was there a strict division of labor between writing and illustration? A. Stan and I (and later Mike) always worked together on every aspect of the books. We all were and are illustrators and authors. Q. Mike, what process do the two of you go through in creating a Berenstain Bears books? A. First we talk and come up with a subject and a title. Then, usually, I write a manuscript which we review together. Then I make revisions. This is submitted to our publisher, HarperCollins. If they accept it they may make suggestions which we (my mother and I) discuss and I make further revisions. Then we decide who is going to do what on the illustrations. This is just a matter of convenience--who has the time available when the book is due. The different stages of illustration may be done entirely by one of us or we may trade the book back and forth for each stage. The stages are: 1. Rough sketches/layouts which are submitted to the publisher for suggestions. 2. Tracing in pencil onto illustration board. 3. Line inking with pen and India ink. 3. Color with watercolor. Q. Jan, who came up with the notion of the Berenstain Bears First Time series? A. 1st Time books was an idea that Stan and I came up with jointly around 1980 in response to the huge popularity of The Berenstain Bears' New Baby and The Berenstain Bears Go to School. Since people liked these books so much, it seemed natural to do a series about children's first time experiences. Q. Jan, how many Berenstain Bears books are there? What's the total number sold? Have they been sold in other countries? A. We have created over 200 Berenstain Bears titles. About 120 of these are in print and in distribution. We currently sell about 2.5 million per year in North America. Total sales since the series inception are over 250 million. Many editions have been and continue to be published in translation in other countries, currently Chinese and Arabic editions are examples. Q. Mike, when did you realize the connection between the Berenstain Bears books and your parents? A. From the moment of their creation--I was 10 when the first books were published. I very clearly remember watching them working on the first sketches and rough versions. Q. Mike, are your siblings involved? What atttacted you to the Berenstain Bears? A. My older brother Leo is involved with the business side of our work. Leo is the model for Brother Bear. I, being the younger sibling, must be Sister Bear. I have always loved the characters. They remind me so much of my own family growing up, both in the characters' personalities (my father and mother really were a lot like Papa and Mama Bear) but also my own childhood when I watched the first Berenstain Bear book coming to life. Q. Mike and Jan, do you hear from a lot of parents and children about the books? What kinds of things do they tell you about the impact of your books? A. We get an enormous amount of feedback from kids and parents both in mail and e-mail. They often tell us that they identify with the books so strongly that they call each other "Papa", "Mama", "Sister" and "Brother Bear."

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: new baby

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new baby Feb 29th 2012, 11:03 While you and your partner may be excited about adding to your family, a child may not share the same enthusiasm. As a result, some positive child discipline may be in order. It is quite common for a sibling who is used to having parents all to himself to begin to exhibit some ugly, and sometimes downright frightening, behavior that is most likely due to severe anxiety about the new baby. Sometimes, the acting out is targeted to the pregnant mom. Oftentimes, a child may become overly-attached and attentive to parents before a new baby's arrival, only to act out in unexpected and inappropriate ways after the baby is born. It is understandable that a child may exhibit concerns and fears about a new arrival, especially if changes are made in his own life to accommodate the pending birth. Changing beds or rooms may be stressful and unsettling for a young child. Parents should talk to their child regularly about what a new baby will mean in terms of their family lifestyle, render loving child discipline tactics, and provide extra reassurance that they will always be loved and cared for. At the same time, aggression, tantrums and other bad behaviors must be stopped at once. Acting out in such a way of hitting or kicking, screaming, defiance, or running away from instructions requires immediate child discipline intervention. A child cannot be allowed to continue these inappropriate behaviors, which could put a pregnant mom or newborn, at risk for safety. Consistent and firm child discipline is a must coupled with reassurance of love. But discipline calls for more than a stern talking to or a time out. Rather, a child should be removed from the situation and persons immediately. If at home, the child should be sent to her room (or designated area). If in public, you must be willing to leave at once in order to go home and to be sent to the room. There should be no exceptions, no second chances, no softening when a child wants to kiss and make up. The "go to your room" length of time should depend on a child's age, but the key is to separate him from the situation and from the person he is potentially endangering. This form of child discipline becomes even more critical when baby arrives. Parents too often let older kids get away with inappropriate and even threatening actions because they are concerned with a child's emotions. Rather, by rendering consistent and firm discipline, a child learns that you mean business and will not ever tolerate such behaviors targeted to you or the new baby. Ever. After a child has spent sufficient time in the room alone, you should then reintroduce a child to his typical environment after you have had a loving and reassuring talk that also includes what behavior is expected. Always offer a loving hug, so that your child knows that your love is not tied to his behavior, but that he will certainly be disciplined consistently for acting out. While an incoming birth or new baby certainly does bring change, kids will typically warm up to the idea and even become more accepting as long as they feel secure with their standing in the family.

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: Pitch Speaks Volumes!

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Pitch Speaks Volumes! Feb 29th 2012, 11:03 Have you ever noticed how most kids have a voice pitch of "loud" and "louder?" Why is it that kids, especially toddlers, seem to equate loudness with getting heard? Do they have some sort of misguided belief that if they speak in a normal tone then nobody will listen? A quick listen in any setting that involves kids (some grownups never seem to learn this volume control either), will send your poor, sensitive ears in overdrive. Kids often shriek, stomp, and well, "talk" is screechy tones that border on shouts ... and sometimes do so from the moment they rise until they fall fast asleep. No wonder we adults become tone-deaf! If your kids fall victim to "loud, louder, loudest" talking, it's time to turn down the volume and actually teach the art of what is often aptly named "the inside voice." Make it a game, it that type of approach works best with your child's age and development. Or practice the tried-and-true advice child experts also recommend when administering discipline: when trying to calm or "ssshhh" your child, speak calmly, quietly, and with a soft demeanor. If a kid isn't quiet and attentive, he will be unable to hear what you say. If your child is escalating with noise or seems to be spiraling out of control, calm him down by being calm and quiet yourself. Frequently repeat that you are using your inside voice (assuming you are indoors), and that this is the appropriate speech volume and tone to use at any time when you are in a house, building of any kind, or any facility. You can also tell kids that they can use their "outside voices" (within reason) when they're outdoors, on the playground, or other "hoot and holler" appropriate times. To help reinforce differences, praise kids for their appropriate indoor voices, offer incentives like taking them to the local library when they have achieved voice control, and then surprise them with a visit to a park or outdoor walk and be the first to let out some playful "hoots" of your own!

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Banned Books Week FAQs

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Banned Books Week FAQs Feb 28th 2012, 11:04 When is Banned Books Week? Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is an annual event, which starts the last week in September. BBW 2012 will be held September 30-October 6, 2012. When and why was Banned Books Week established? According to the American Library Association, "Observed since 1982, the annual event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. "Banned Books Week (BBW) celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met." For the many libraries that observe Banned Books Week, it's a chance to educate the public about their freedom to read and challenges to that freedom. Special Virtual Participation Through Videos According to the American Library Association, "This year, for the first time, readers from around the world will be able to participate virtually in Banned Books Week, Sept. 24 â€" Oct.1. During this year’s celebration of Banned Books Week, readers will be able to proclaim the virtues of their favorite banned books by posting videos of themselves reading excerpts to a dedicated YouTube channel. "Videos (no more than two minutes long) can be submitted by anyone as long as the video includes a reading from a banned or challenged book.... Alternatively, videos of up to three minutes can be submitted giving eyewitness accounts of local challenges." (Source: July 20, 2011 ALA press release) If you are interested in participating, more information is available on the Banned Books Week site. If you have questions, email info@abffe.org. What does the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Say? The First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Where can I obtain more information? See All About Book Banning and Children's Books for more of my articles about the subject. Who sponsors Banned Books Week? The sponsors of Banned Books Week are the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the National Association of College Stores. In addition, the Library of Congress Center for the Book endorses Banned Books Week. In 2011, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, National Coalition Against Censorship, National Council of Teachers of English, and PEN American Center also signed on as sponsors.

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: Child Care Is Serious Business

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Child Care Is Serious Business Feb 28th 2012, 11:03 Child care is a profession, not a babysitting service. And, as a business, there are certain things that the care professionals would like everyone to know. Here are 10 things the rest of us need to know about the challenging and rewarding career of being a child care provider. (Tips were provided from the Child Care Forum and seasoned providers.) Above all, remember that mutual R-E-S-P-E-C-T goes a long way! 1. Child Care Is A Business--Not A Babysitting Service Child care is a business and providers are professionals; please don't refer them as babysitters. As such, it is reasonable to expect that care providers will have established rules, hours and pay rates that keep the door open and quality care provided to all. Parents should be appreciative that a provider takes time to create a handbook, contract, and other details that help to foster communications and understanding. 2. Providers Have The Right To Charge Late Fees; Other Applicable Charges Providers have the right to add fees if parents are late picking up children, may charge even if a child is not taken to care on a particular day (the slot is still being held for this child), and should charge families in advance and not make exceptions. Why? They often get taken advantage of by families if they don't. Providers are empathetic to the kids in their care and their families; however, sob stories will not pay their bills. After all, would you work for free? 3. Hear The Calling? Calling For Bills To Be Paid Like Anyone Else Child care providers have a "calling" for caring for kids. But, I also like the Child Care Forum's moderator (Symphony) definition of calling. She says: "I also had a calling. The gas company was calling. The phone company was calling. My mortgage company was calling. They all wanted to be paid and I needed to make enough to pay them." After all, parents are using care providers usually because they are working themselves to also collect an income. 4. Care Providers Are NOT Housekeepers Do not expect care providers to do your child's laundry and wash their cups or items. Professional care providers don't have the time to do loads of laundry or wash dishes--and, would you rather them do housekeeping work or care for your kids? That's not to say that providers won't sometimes wash soiled clothing, rinse mud off shoes, or wash a sippy cup. But, parents should realize that a provider is being gracious and is going above what is required. 5. Boundaries and Rules Are Good For Kids & Their Parents Parents and providers should be clear on rules surrounding transportation (some providers take kids to the park or library; others do not for liability reasons), food that is served, discipline approaches taken, and other care issues. Parents and providers should be comfortable with the provider's rules. If not, they have a choice to go elsewhere, and providers have the choice not to keep a child. 6. Treat Providers' Home Like Your Own Mi casa es su casa. The well-known Spanish phrase of "my house is your house" often does not extend to children in care, much to the chagrin of child care professionals. Parents won't let a child with muddy shoes walk on their carpet, yet the same parents will bring their child into the home with mud (or worse) on the bottoms of the shoes. Respect of property and a person's home is important aspect of a successful child care arrangement. 7. Cost Is Well-Deserved: You Get What You Pay For! The same parents who seem incensed at a weekly child care rate of $75 or $125 think nothing of spending excessive money on personal items, clothes, cars, etc.--yet say their child is their most important asset. Parents should certainly consider cost when making a child care choice. At the same time, they should consider the quality of care and what they are getting for their money, and not grumble about having to pay for the service they receive. 8. Leave Providers Out of Domestic Spats and Custody Battles, PLEASE! Don't put a provider in the middle of spouse disagreements, custody battles, or other domestic concerns that don't involve child care. Providers lament being told, "if my ex comes for my child, don't you dare let my kid leave." Providers act in accordance with signed agreements of who can and cannot bring/pick up a child, and this is not a day-to-day variance. If there is a court order, the provider needs to have a copy. But, don't put them in the middle please! 9. Scrapes and Scratches Will Happen Accidents will happen. It's Rule 101 of the Kid Book. So, why is it that parents will become outraged sometimes when their child gets scratched, bumps a knee, or even, regretfully, bitten? Providers do their very best to keep kid play safe and positive, and to have all children be best of friends. But, falls and scrapes do happen. Just like they do at YOUR house. 10. What Do You Mean, "Do As I Say But Not As I Do?" To the chagrin of many a provider, some parents dictate rules that are hard to abide by (such as absolutely no sweets), only to see a child handed a cookie as they leave. While parents certainly should have a say over food or certain rules, a provider must be able to equitably provide meals, snacks and discipline. Obviously, allergies or healthy eating are a given; it's the inconsistencies that cause pause. Do you agree with these provider tips to parents? Do you agree with these lists of what providers want parents to know? Why or why not? Do you have other suggestions as well? Parents, do you have suggestions of your own? Remember--mutual understanding, respect, and clear communications are the key. Above all, care providers take their jobs seriously, and our children are the ones that are rewarded with proper care and nurturing.

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Children's Books: New Rowling Book Not A Harry Potter Book

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New Rowling Book Not A Harry Potter Book Feb 28th 2012, 00:01 After the worldwide success of her Harry Potter series author J.K. Rowling has written her first novel for adults. Her new publishers, Little, Brown Book Group and Little, Brown and Company will be publishing Rowling's novel in print, audio and eBooks. In the publishers' announcement, J.K. Rowling states, "Although I've enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different to the Harry Potter series..." The publishers will be releasing the title, publication date and other details later in 2012. Rowling has remained connected to the Harry Potter series and its many fans through establishing the new Pottermore.com site. What do you and your kids think of the Harry Potter series? Share your opinions and learn the opinions of others at Readers Respond. (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: In Memory of Jan Berenstain, Co-Creator of Berenstain Bears Books

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In Memory of Jan Berenstain, Co-Creator of Berenstain Bears Books Feb 27th 2012, 15:13 I was sorry to hear that Jan Bernestain, who, along with her husband, Stan, created the Berenstain Bears children's books, died Friday at the age of 88. After Stan's death in 2005, Jan continued to create more Berenstain Bears books, working with her son, Mike. I did an interview with Jan and Mike Berenstain in the spring of 2007 to learn about the books and the writing and illustrating process, including why the stories are about bears. In 2010, I interviewed Mike Berenstain about the Living Lights Berenstain Bears Christian series and about the Berenstain Bears movie. Read what other parents have to say about the Berenstain Bears books and share your opinions at Readers Respond. (Photo courtesy of Mike and Jan Berenstain) Subscribe to my newsletter | Follow me on Twitter | Connect with me on Facebook

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Childrens Music: Ukuleles to the Fore!

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Ukuleles to the Fore! Feb 27th 2012, 13:39 Fans of the ukulele should check out these two kids' music releases that feature the "leaping flea." Heidi Swedberg's PLAY! showcases the ukulele throughout her album of classic folk tunes, whereas Peter Rundquist's Bug Feathers relies on a variety of string and percussion instruments, including the ukulele, on original tunes, folk songs, and covers, including Syd Barrett's "Effervescing Elephant." Read a full review of Heidi Swedberg's PLAY! Read a full review of Peter Rundquist's Bug Feathers Image Courtesy Sukey Jump Music

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Children's Books by Dr. Seuss

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Children's Books by Dr. Seuss Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins is a good read-aloud. It will tickle your funny bone. Poor Bartholomew gets in trouble with the king for not removing his hat as a sign of respect. As Bartholomew tells King Derwin, he has removed his hat. However, there is also another hat on his head, and when he removes it, there is another hat under it, and on and on and on. The king calls in all kinds of experts to try to figure out a way to remove the hats. They can't. The king is so angry, Bartholomew is afraid for his life. However, as he removes each hat, each one becomes fancier than the one before, with surprising results. I recommend this picture book for four- to eight-year-olds. Compare prices. (Random House, 1989. ISBN: 039484484X)

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: The Tale of Despereaux

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The Tale of Despereaux Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo, is an odd and engrossing fairy tale. The hero, Despereaux Tilling, is a mouse with large ears. While of the same high literary quality as her previous two children's books, Because of Winn-Dixie, a Newbery Honor Book, and The Tiger Rising, a National Book Award finalist, and also geared to same 8-12 year old age range, The Tale of Despereaux is distinctly different from other children's books by Kate DiCamillo. It has a lot in common with Grimm's fairy tales The subtitle of The Tale of Despereaux gives the reader a clue that this is not an ordinary book. It states, "Being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread." What prompted Kate DiCamillo to write such a book? According to the author, "My best friend's son asked if I would write a story for him. 'It's about an unlikely hero,' he said, 'with exceptionally large ears.' When DiCamillo asked him, "What happened to the hero," his response was, "I don't know. That's why I want you to write this story, so we can find out." The result is a wildly entertaining novel with some important messages about being yourself and redemption. The characters include a very special mouse with an affinity for music, a princess named Pea, and Miggery Sow, a poorly treated, slow-witted serving girl. Since every tale needs a villian, even a sometimes sympathetic one, there is a rat named Roscuro to fill that role. This odd assortment of characters is drawn together because of their desire for something more, but it is Despereaux Tilling, the unlikely hero with large ears, who, along with the narrator, is the star of the show. As the narrator states, "Reader, you must know that an interesting fate (sometimes involving rats, sometimes not) awaits almost everyone, man or mouse, who does not conform." The unnamed narrator adds wit, humor, and intelligence to the story, frequently speaking directly to the reader, asking questions, admonishing the reader, pointing out the consequences of certain actions, and sending the reader to the dictionary to look up unknown words. Indeed, her use of language is one of the gifts that Kate DiCamillo brings to the story, along with her imaginative storytelling, character development, and "voice." It was interesting to me to see how Kate DiCamillo incorporated several of the central themes of her other two books, parental abandonment and redemption, in The Tale of Despereaux. Parental abandonment comes in several forms in DiCamillo's books: a parent leaving the family forever, a parent dying, or a parent withdrawing emotionally. Despereaux has always been different from his siblings and when his actions result in life-threatening punishment, his father does not defend him. Princess Pea's mother died as a result of seeing a rat in her soup. As a result, her father has withdrawn and has decreed that soup may no long be served anywhere in his kingdom. Miggery Sow was sold into servitude by her father after her mother died. However, Despereaux's adventures change the lives of the adults as well as the children and the rat. These changes hinge on forgiveness and again emphasize a central theme: "Every action, reader, no matter how small, has a consequence." I found this an extremely satisfying book, with lots of adventure, wit, and wisdom. The Tale of Despereaux - My Recommendation The Tale of Despereaux was first published in 2003 by Candlewick Press. The book itself is beautifully designed, with high-quality paper with torn edges (I am not sure what you call that, but it looks great). It is illustrated with strange and beguiling, dense pencil drawings by Timonthy Basil Ering. Each of the four books of the novel has a title page, with an intricate border by Ering. On January 12, 2004, Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux was awarded the prestigious 2004 Newbery Medal. According to the American Library Association (ALA), the Newbery Medal is awarded annually "to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." This is the first time that I have been correct about which book would win the Newbery Medal. I hope you and your children enjoy the book as much as I did. I highly recommend The Tale of Despereaux, both as an unusual fairy tale for 8-12 year olds and as a read aloud for families to share and younger children to also enjoy. With the coming of the movie version of The Tale of Despereaux in December 2008, came a number of movie tie-in books and a handsome special boxed edition of The Tale of Despereaux that features color illustrations on both the box and the cover of the book. This special edition of The Tale of Despereaux would make a wonderful gift for any child who cherishes the story and loves to reread or hear it again and again. Compare prices. (ISBN: 9780763629281) The Tale of Despereaux - Resources for Teachers The book's publisher, Candlewick Press, has an excellent 20-page Teacher's Guide you can download, with detailed activities, including questions, for each section of the book. The Multnomah County Library in Oregon has a helpful one-page The Tale of Despereaux Discussion Guide on its Web site.

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Louis Sachar, Author of Hol...

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Louis Sachar, Author of Hol... Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 Louis Sachar has been in the news a lot in the last several years. If you recognize his name, you probably know him as the author of "Holes". "Holes" (compare prices) is a fascinating contemporary fairy tale for children 10 years old and up as well as adults. You may know him as the author of the screenplay for the movie “Holes,” which has won accolades for remaining true to the book. Perhaps, you know that he won the 1999 Newbery Medal and the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. "The Austin Chronicle" reported, "‘Holes,’ the comically suspenseful story of a boy, a desert, and a generations-old curse, is the first book ever to win both awards in the same year." However, if all you know about Louis Sachar is that he is the author of a book that has sold more than 3.5 million copies, you are missing a lot. With its intricate plot and some frightening scenes, “Holes” is written for a more mature audience than Sachar’s other books. These include the popular Wayside School series, the Marvin Redpost series, and the award winning "There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom" (compare prices). The humorous Marvin Redpost Series, featuring the adventures of an imaginative third grader, are written for children eight and younger and are generally about 80 pages long. The clever Wayside School series centers on a most unusual school, and the absurd happenings, students, and teachers there. Due to a mix-up during construction, what was supposed to be a one story, 30-classroom school became a school 30 stories high with a single classroom on each floor. The books are considerably longer than the Marvin Redpost series and are written for children 9-12, although they make good read-alouds for younger children. “There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom” won several state awards, including the Texas Bluebonnet Award. While Sachar’s books are funny, they also deal with some of the serious issues, such as bullying, that children have to contend with. Louis Sachar was born in 1954 in East Meadow, New York. He earned both a B.A. degree in economics and a law degree. While an undergraduate at the University of California, he became a teacher’s aide, which piqued his interest in writing for children. His first book, “Sideways Stories From Wayside School,” was published just after he began law school. After working part-time as a lawyer for several years while continuing to write for children, Sachar became a fulltime children’s writer. In March 2003, Dell Yearling, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, published Louis Sachar’s follow-up to "Holes," "Stanley Yelnats’ Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake" (compare prices). If your child or young adult liked “Holes,” s/he will probably find this a fascinating book; I did. However, in order to fully enjoy this book, you have to have read all about Stanley’s experiences at Camp Green Lake in “Holes” first. Have you or your children read "Holes"? Share your comments by posting to the About Children's Books Forum. What are your favorite books by Louis Sachar? Share your recommendations here.

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Children's Books: What's Hot Now: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Feb 27th 2012, 11:04 The infectious rhyming text and the exuberant illustrations of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom have made this children's alphabet picture book a favorite read aloud for preschoolers. The amusing alphabet book was written by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault and illustrated by Lois Ehlert. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Story The story in this entertaining alphabet book is a simple one. It starts with A telling B and B telling C to meet "at the top of the coconut tree." The letters, in alphabetical order, begin to climb the tree. They are having a wonderful time, but as more and more letters climb up the coconut tree, the tree begins to bend over more and more until "Chicka chicka. . . BOOM! BOOM!," the letters all fall off. Comforted by their parents and other adults, the letters get untangled, again in alphabetical order. The story ends with A daring the others to climb the tree again, a subtle invitation to read the story again and again. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: Its Appeal What makes such a simple story so entertaining? The text by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault is lively and rhythmic. The repetition of the words "Chicka chicka boom boom!" positively invite children to chant them along with the person reading the book. Lois Ehlert's collages are full of strong colors and movement that complement and extend the story. Ehlert uses lowercase letters to illustrate the excited young letters and uppercase letters to illustrate their parents and other adults. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Authors During his career, Bill Martin Jr wrote more than 200 children's books. Both my children and grandchildren particularly loved his Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, which was illustrated by Eric Carle. In fact, I have read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? so many times, I know it by heart. Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault collaborated on a number of children's books, including Here Are My Hands and Listen to the Rain. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Illustrator Lois Ehlert is an award-winning illustrator, who has also both written and illustrated a number of books, including Color Zoo, a 1990 Caldecott Honor Book. She specializes in collage. Some of my other favorite Ehlert books are Growing Vegetable Soup, Planting a Rainbow, Hands, and Leaf Man. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: My Recommendation I would recommend this book for babies to six-year-olds. Children of all ages will enjoy the rhythm, story, and illustrations. The older the children, the more they will want to chant along. They will also enjoy identifying the letters of the alphabet for you. In fact, if your child is an especially big fan of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, be sure and take a look at the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom costume featured on About: Family Crafts. It's spectacular! (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1989. ISBN: 067167949X)

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Child Care: What's Hot Now: Toddler Time Outs

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Toddler Time Outs Feb 27th 2012, 11:03 Giving your toddler a "time-out" for behaving badly seems easy enough. Remove your toddler from the situation where he is acting out, sit him in a chair or in another room, and tell him he is in "time-out" from the activity. Or, at least that's the theory. But do child discipline time-outs actually work? It often depends on who you ask and how you apply the discipline. Time-out proponents Proponents of time-outs used for child discipline say that removing a misbehaving child from an activity and placing him in a pre-determined area or even a "time-out" or so-called "thinking" chair provides the toddler with a controlled way to calm down. Advocates say that properly behaving youngsters can continue their activity without further interruption from the misbehaving child, and a parent can use the end of the time-out to discuss with the tot what occurred, why it is not appropriate, and how the youngster should act in the future. Here are key tips to remember if using time-outs: Frequently discuss behavioral expectations with your child so that your toddler has a base understanding of right and wrong and consequences. Using a time-out without any prior discussions of what it means to a child may backfire on a parent. Positively remind your toddler of your expectations immediately prior to the activity. Use time-outs sparingly. Overuse of them for every single toddler infraction will greatly dilute their effectiveness. The amount of time for a time-out should be in keeping with a child's age. Most advocates recommend using one minute per year of the youngster. Having too long of a time-out can cause young children to actually forget while they were put in one in the first place. Remember that your intent is to separate them from the action--not make them scared or panicky--so choose your time-out location carefully. Have a talk with your toddler when time-out is over. Reassure your child that you love her no matter what, but at the same time remind her that certain behaviors cannot be allowed. Briefly talk about how a situation could have been better handled. Don't over-talk it either. Keep the conversation positive, loving, and to-the-point. Never threaten a "time-out" and then not carry it out. You are essentially making yourself an ineffective disciplinarian. Don't give multiple chances, and don't say "you're going to get a time-out" if you don't stop doing something, and then not follow through. If you say it, carry it through...even if the situation makes rendering a time-out awkward or even embarrassing. Parents around you will understand, and will probably be happy that you are removing your inappropriately-acting child from the situation. If your child lashes out, throws a full tantrum, or hits, bites or otherwise loses control when you are trying to administer a time-out, be prepared to leave (or at least go sit in the car, lobby or away from the action) altogether. At once. Please! Forget the embarrassment and get your child away from the situation--kicking and screaming if you have to--but don't ruin the event for everyone else. Further, don't let your child feel empowered that you will try and sweet-talk or bribe him into acting right. You may be mortified at having to leave the first time, but when you and your child have a clear understanding, you'll be the one left smiling when next time it is someone else's child misbehaving while yours acts like a sweet cherub. Time-out opponents Opponents of time-outs tend to be pretty harsh in their criticism of this style of child discipline. Many naysayers the discipline tactic is overused and applied inconsistently and that the child often has absolutely no clue why he needs to be placed in time-out in the first place. After all, they say, many toddler return to the same inappropriate behavior after completing their time-out. Is this a deliberate act of defiance? No, not at all. It's just that the child didn't apply his punishment to the behavior he was doing in the first place. If a toddler doesn't make the connection, then a parent may become increasingly frustrated and the child-parent interactions can potentially escalate. Further, the child didn't learn anything from the experience. Here are key reasons not to use time-outs: Your child may be too young to understand the significance of a time-out. If he doesn't "get" why he is being punished or even why a time-out is such a big deal, then your disciplinary tactic isn't working. Your child resists time-outs. If you find yourself in a constant battle with your tot to try and "force" him to stay in time-out because he keeps getting up, this approach may not work for you or your child. Some parents try and one-up their tykes by continuing to add time to their time-out every time they get up or move around. This means you are sitting there keeping time and watching their every movement. In the end, you are angry and upset and your child may likely turn the entire experience into a battle. Most parents don't apply time-outs consistently. More parents "threaten" a time-out than actually apply the discipline, effectively rendering it useless. After all, how many times have you heard a parent utter the words, "If you don't stop right now you're going to time-out!", only to do nothing about a child's bad behavior when it continues? Threatening an action and not carrying through is the ultimate parenting no-no. Try simple and positive redirection. Time-out naysayers often say that simple redirection of a toddler's behavior works better than a punishment for young kids anyway. Whether you are pro or con about using time-outs as a form of child discipline, both sides agree on one key issue: If a child is acting inappropriately and causing potential harm to himself or others and ruining an event, parents should remove him from the activity or situation immediately without second chances. While the party may be over for that child on that day, there's no reason to ruin it for everyone else! And, there's always the next time for a tot to get it right!

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