OOKA Island... A Learning Resource Review

I found Ooka Island after I received an email from my mom one day about an episode of Dragon's Den, which gives exposure to new business in Canada, similar to the Shark Tank show in the U.S., and sometimes funding in exchange for various different forms of investment and involvement. I approached Ooka Island for an opportunity to review the program and showcase a learning resource that would help children learn to read with confidence. They agreed to give me the chance to try the Home Edition of their game program out with both my kids, 5 and 3, for 2 months, in exchange for a review here on the blog.

What Is Ooka Island?

Ooka Island, is a learning to read game geared at kids between 3 and 7 years of age.  They are from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Ooka island was founded by Dr. Kay MacPhee and Jim Barber and with the Ooka Island team have hit the road to better learning full tilt. Ooka Island is available in 3 editions: Home, School and Homeschool. Each with their our processes and purpose that serve the needs of the children involved in a setting that is both progressive and technologically advanced in the use of computers in the classroom.

The Ooka Island approach to learning is science-based reading using technology to making it fun for kids and enticing them to want to learn more. It is a learn-to-read game geared for Pre-K to Grade 2. The adventures played out on the game teach phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. The child is unable to move on to the next level until the present level has been accomplished. Ooka Island uses Eye/Ear Reading method, a scientifically based learning method which allows each child to learn the 5 basis of learning to read: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. The basis around which the Eye/ Ear Method works is to use the child's visual cues paired with auditory skills in order for children to achieve the ability to read. This Eye/ Ear method to learning to read has been embedded throughout the Ooka Island game through the activities in phonic, a built in e-reader, and the levelled and sequential e-books. There are a total of 85 e-books that used in Ooka Island's learning to read game. The words are being learned in the game with the introduction of their individual sounds and blending them to create words. And the end result is the child learning to read through the use their eyes and ears.
Ooka Island uses ReaDirect™ in the program's game, which makes use of algorithms created for the best learning processes to lead the child making use of the Eye/Ear method. It adapts to the needs and learning stages of each child based on their strengths and weaknesses as they go through the game. ReaDirect™ makes Ooka Island a phenomenal learning experience which is unique and one-of-a-kind learning for each child. The pace of learning for each child is at their own pace and it creates positive self-esteem and motivation as well.

Ooka Island has a way for parents to track their child's learning progress. They use a section called "Lighthouse" where access can be gained through online account (created when you setup your program and download your game) as well as by clicking the lighthouse on the map of Ooka Island in the game. Lighthouse creates online reports based on reading comprehension (scores comprehension and vocabulary learned), accuracy analysis (breakdown of every question posed to the child during game time and how the child responded), and book progress (number of books read). Lighthouse gives parents a real-time look into their child's reading abilities, with a score that based on correct responses in the game during present activity level. The scores meaning are: 75% or below shows the child needs more practice; and 75% and above shows the child is on the right track and doing well.

The Learning Flow Cycle for Ooka Island is

Guided Play: this is where skills are built with a play- phonetic activities

E-reader: the game centres around word concepts, vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension in   the activities.

Free Play: this is where the child takes the reins and uses the activities accomplished thus far in the game and plays around the island.

Ooka Island is laid out in an Island map where the child progresses around the island in various levels of learning activities and does not get advanced into the next level until the present level is achieved in the game. They are motivated with cheers and awards in the Mist Mart with points. The characters on Ooka Island are also motivating and helpful in their roles.

In the beginning, entering into the game your child will create an avatar of themselves, then meet Miss Kay, Zobot, and the Ooka Elves; and after a certain level Zopet is unlocked to play with in the Pencil Playground. 

When the child reads 5 books in the Popcorn Library, they free an Ooka Elf to also join them in the Pencil Playground. As well as the e-book characters, twin siblings, Kayla and Jayden, and their friend Boo the bear; who are in the first 15 e-books of Emergent I.

All the activities in the game are point and click and available for Mac and PC. There are also iTunes downloads of sing-a-long songs from the game to make it easy to take Ooka Island on the go, called Ooka Tunes, the pdf lyrics are available HERE. 

REVIEW:

I am complete awe of principles behind Ooka Island game, the fact of using entertainment to enhance the skills of reading amaze me. But as the weeks passed and I watched my kids with this game, I saw the confidence of Princess, once a reluctant reader and now a confident lover of the word. Monkey is starting to gain enjoyment in the game and at almost 4 he will be starting to use Ooka Island more as the 

school year approaches. I was so amazed by Ooka Island, we purchased a year subscription. Princess' improvements have been noticed by her Kindergarten teacher. She is very confident in reading various written forms, be they books or signs. 

Above is Princess B choosing her next book for the popcorn Library to read as Cheeky Monkey observes. 

Reading her book #16 of the second level of the Emergent I 

Playing 'Pop Drop' activity associated with the book #16 she just read.
A great reinforcement to comprehension of the e-book.

'Pop Drop' is a wonderful way to see if there is reading comprehension of the e-books from the Popcorn Library. The achievement of the next book for reading is a huge happy movement for Princess. She loves seeing how many books she has read.

This is the activities about matching and word recognition where Zobot
calls out words in a sentence and clicking on the correct word.
Shells are associated with where the book was found in the sea.

This is the Matching game you play against Zobot
the words are from the same sentence of this entire activity
from the book. And the game is part of vocabulary and recognition.

Princess really enjoys the activities in Ooka Island. And I really like the progression of the game which doesn't allow advancing until the level is accomplished correctly. In the beginning, Princess was just starting the reading process and was very much a reluctant reader. She hated reading because it was taking time out of her play time. She stalled reading and would always ask me to help her even though she knew the sounds of the letters. But since starting Ooka Island, I can say she enjoys reading very much and reads with confidence. She has lately been reading things I was surprised she is reading at a level 6 reader at school at the beginning of May, right on target for where she needs to be for Grade 1. The words I am surprised she is able to recognize are 'follow', 'river', 'princess'... and she is getting better every day at reading. 

Monkey playing the Alphabet Mountain,
learning his ABCs

I am thoroughly impressed by the fun she has while playing and learning! I also love the  fact that she wants to learn- play with great excitement. It has become the alternative to her off school days and will be wonderful for her when she is in her French Immersion program. I love that it has made her want to read with great intensity to where she reads to me and her dad and Monkey.

Monkey has been a little slower at starting Ooka Island, he has been showing less interest right now with the game, he would way sooner play with his trains and cars. But we will be making use of it over the summer for sure to prepare him for the school year.  He really liked watching Princess in the beginning as she went through the activities he kept her company. He also likes the Bubbly Trubbly fountain activity. He is really good answering the Pop Drop questions about the books he reads in the popcorn library. 

Monkey in the Cave of Sounds,
learning phonemics and phonics

On a side note: Hubby and I decided to purchase the year subscription for the kids for many reasons: Princess is starting French Immersion in the Fall; Monkey is beginning Junior kindergarten in the Fall; they really loved playing the game and watching each other play the game; and it is a great educational game that has the potential to expand their learning potential to make them well prepared for school.

Princess' thoughts on Ooka Island: "I like it when I unlocked Word Ball!"  "Ooka Island is Fun!" 

Monkey's thoughts on Ooka Island: "I like playing the bubbles and in the roller coaster"

Ooka Island has graciously offered our readers a discount link to get the game for your self. Please check out the game if you have a reluctant reader because from experience with Princess, it makes a huge difference in a little over 2-3 weeks. Mind you she had already started reading in school but the difference is amazing. Her reading is no longer robotic like with stops and starts, it has become fluid and smooth and should she have to sound out a word she rereads the entire sentence to make her reading smooth with practice.

Here is the link to get a 30% discount off the Ooka Island... click here (Valid until June 1st, 2013)!!!

Thank you to Ooka Island for the opportunity to try out  your game and tell people about the wonderful program you have!!!

Educents Review: Actual Size Book: Science

Educents approached me with an opportunity to review a great new addition to their daily sales this week. The review was for the Actual Size Books  from SunflowerEducation.net. The Actual Size books are currently part of their National Deals, with a savings of 32% off. From the two versions available from the Visual Learning Books, we chose the Science book. The book is amazing, it cam with 72 different curriculum lessons and plans to bring science to life. I really wish when I was in school that these were around it would have made learning science more fun! I liked the idea of being able to bring this into any current setting in the classroom for even the younger ages because it can actually help you put things into perspective when it comes to different ages. My kids are 3 1/2 and 5 years of age and they were amazed at the size in comparison to themselves. I  really liked that variety of plans available in the book that would be useful to introduce kids to science that is hands-on and 'outside the box' so to speak when it comes to the classroom. If I was a science teacher I would so use these in every unit that I was teaching so that the mundane everyday classroom life would be more than just sitting and being in the classroom. It would be great for group projects where the kids would have to do a presentation on the various plans and draw them out for all to see. It would definitely make science more enjoyable to bring in the big guns like the periodic table and formulas so that they would be able to bring science to life.

With this review opportunity, I had the kids choose the plan that they liked the most out of the ones that would fit in our driveway. They chose the Polar Bear. So off we went with our materials (chalk, plans and measuring tape) outside to draw out our plans for a Actual Size Polar Bear. As I drew out the Polar Bear referring to the specs in the plans, with my daughter calling out the numbers to draw, we drew out our Polar Bear. Don't laugh at my drawing I don't claim to be an artist that is for sure. After we had the Polar Bear on the driveway, we then discussed the habitat it lived in, what it would eat, how it hunted, how it could swim in the icy Arctic Ocean. Also, with Earth Day having just passed and her Kindergarten class discussing recycling, and pollution we talk about what was happening to the Polar Bear's habitat with Earth getting warmer and how this once majestic animal was losing it's home. I also brought in that Polar Bears are a protected specie here in Canada and that they were once hunted almost to extinction and now we are losing them to the melting of the Polar Ice. We really enjoyed creating the plan and will most likely use the Actual Size book as a means to bring learning into their summer. They love using sidewalk chalk, so getting a little education sneaked into their fun is a bonus. It would be fun to take the plans to the Zoo and draw one out at the different exhibits we have here, like the polar bears, and buffalos. What a great way to take learning on the road too!!

our Polar Bear

Kids walking the length of the Polar Bear
to get an idea of its size

Thanks to Educents for the opportunity to introduce the Actual Size Book: Science from SunflowerEducation.net to you. If you are interested in checking it out or picking up a copy should you be a teacher in the traditional school system or homeschool, getting while it is on a special discount over at Educents.

Thank you to Educents 

for the Review Opportunity!

Disclaimer: The opinion in this review is expressing that of the writer of this blog, A Mama's Two Cents Worth..., and it is that an opinion. We received the product reviewed here from Educents and did not make any monetary gain in the process of doing the review. Please use your own power of knowledge to develop your own opinion of the product. 

Educents is having a Mother's Day Giveaway!!!

Well Mother's Day is just around the corner and I want to give you a heads up on the Educents' Mother's Day Giveaway going one to honour all the mothers out there. The prizes are amazing from this Mother’s Day package, from gift cards, spa credit, fun educational products for kids, and even an iPad 2 with Smart Case!

AND....

The MORE people who sign up =  MORE prizes Educents give out…so here’s where you come in!

If you would like to enter and get a chance to win some wonderful prizes, you can do so by clicking here or here. The Giveaway ends May 12, 2013... and all you gotta do is "like" them on Facebook and enter your email address in the giveaway entry form. I hope that you will take advantage of the chances to win a prize.
PLUS... is you "Share" the giveaway with your Facebook friends and family, you will double your chances of winning som great prizes!!!

Good Luck!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers, Step-Mothers, Grandmothers and Aunts, be you of the same DNA or chosen to take care of those less fortunate, have a wonderful and memory filled day!!!

Earth Day Giveaway from Educents and Conscious Box!!!

In celebration of Earth Day 2013 we have paired up with Educents and Conscious Box to do a giveaway of 1 box from Conscious Box.

 If you haven't heard of Educents and are looking for great learning resources and products for you children this is the place to go.
Educents is a one stop online shop that works with the best educational resource companies to get you the best discounts on products that will enhance your child's learning. The deals are negotiated with a timeframe in mind for receiving the huge discounts and you join Educents.com, creating an account and sign up for their newsletter alerts as well, and then you watch for the wonderful deals to be posted almost daily. You get an emailed voucher for the product and you use this voucher with each item you purchased there is a start and end date for purchasing, all ordering information accompanies the voucher email. Educents was founded by a brother-sister team that has years of experience in the educational industry.

Who is Conscious Box??? 

Conscious Box is an environmentally friendly company that uses sustainable businesses that take care in preserving our planet through healthy, organic, sustainable products in their boxes. The boxes are delivered right to your door on a monthly basis. It is done through a process of ordering one of the 3 options:  1-month, 3-months or 1-year worth of boxes, which start at $19.95/ month (shipping included) all the way up to $203.40 ($16.95/ month) for the year of boxes. The boxes are based on natural items for you, such as bath & body products, conscious living items, food products, health items, or home & garden. You will for sure find new favourites for yourself in the items chosen by Conscious Box to pass on to you that month. Your box of the month will arrive packed full of things, ranging between 10-20 products arriving in each box, along with a discount for buying those that become your favourite items to continue you on a path using the more sensible products that are sustainable and eco-friendly in your life. Each month's box exact content is a surprise to the recipient but is for sure to contain planet and socially conscious companies. 

Conscious Box's mission is based on the belief that if everyone shops with a conscious the world will be a better place. They also have an online store that you can get items based on the categories as well, if you so wish to do so and are looking for specific natural products or looking to give a try something new to you from the planet and people minded companies all over the world.

The Giveaway

1 lucky AM2CW's reader will receive 1eco-friendly box from Conscious Box and their partner Educents as part of Earth Day 2013 celebrations. Isn't this great!!!

Sample of  one of the
box of the month from Conscious Box

a Rafflecopter giveaway


On A Side Note:
Also in light of the events in Boston this month, in addition to the giveaway, anyone who ends up purchasing a Conscious Box on the Educents site (beginning Monday, April 22nd), will also be helping by giving to One Fund Boston, which will provide funds to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during the Boston Marathon, April 16th. 100% of the profits made from every sale of the Conscious Box will be given to One Fund Boston, and matched, personally, by the Educents staff (for a total of 200%). As a company (and family) who are very connected to Boston, these tragedies hit home for many of our employees. 

Update: I forgot to add in this little blurb, but please note, that by entering the giveaway your emails will be given to Educents mailing list to receive giveaways from them. They will honour the privacy and will not sell your email addresses... read more about their privacy policy at https://www.educents.com/national-deals/page/privacy_policy.


Disclaimer: I have not received any monetary gain from this giveaway. The information and opinions expressed here is that of my own, please use your own judgement and form your own opinion of Educents and Conscious Box. This giveaway is no way associated nor the responsibility of Facebook in any way. A Mama's Two Cents Worth... is not responsible for non-delivered prize and is between you and the company, Educents and Conscious Box, offering the prize in this giveaway.

39DollarGlasses.com Review and Giveaway

We have been blessed to bring you another review and giveaway from the special people at 39DollarGlasses.com. This time it will be my hubby reviewing the glasses because her recently found himself in need of some specks, having not worn glasses since he was younger, I think he told me he was in his teens. He has been feeling his vision in the last few months getting blurring and finally after som coaxing to go to the Optometrist from me, off he went only to find he has bad vision and requires glasses. He was extremely interested in the chance to try some glasses that were not from the eye doctor. 

39DollarGlasses.com has giving us the opportunity to order and review a pair of glasses. They are a discount online website that offers great prices for stylish prescription glasses and sunglasses that young and old would be pleased to wear. In the process of checking out their website you will have to create an account to place your order and need the prescription from you Optometrist, along with the PD (pupil distance) measurement {the measurement from pupil to pupil... with the assistance of another person). Then all you will need to do is decide from the hundreds of options of frames 39DollarGlasses.com has to offer online. Whether you are ordering single vision, sunglasses, sport orientated frames, or for reading; you will not be disappointed by the choices, be they plastic or metal eyeglasses.

The prices of glasses on 39DollarGlasses.com are very reasonably priced and start at $39.00 and up. Shipping is very reasonable as well with it starting with basic at $4.95, with RUSH option available as well. They also offer free shipping to APOs & FPOs. And if you do not want your information on the internet you are able to call their toll-free number and place your order with them. 

Once you have chosen your frames you are able to print out the frame and try on the paper version to see if they are for you using their Exactfit®, you can try them before you make the investment but it also gives you an ability to be sure the choice is the one that best suits you. 

The Lenses that are used by 39DollarGlasses.com are top of the line, such as Transitions®, NuPolar®, and Seiko®, to name a few, in your discount glasses. When you get your order there are certain things that come standard with your glasses, such as a hard case, screwdriver keychain, cleaning cloth, 100% protection from UV rays, and a guarantee for your purchase that is completely worry-free coupled with great customer service. 

My Hubby's Review of his 39DollarGlasses.com prescription sunglasses...

He chose to order sunglasses because he constantly on the road every day and thought it would be safe for his eye when he drives. After searching through the choices of the sunglasses available he knew what style of frame he was looking for was the aviator. So he narrowed it down to 2 styles he liked: the Navigtor and the Aviator. We then printed out the frame styles and he tried them to be sure they would suit his face. He decided on the silver frame in the Aviator style. Then together we went through the ordering process of entering in his prescription, PD, and creating an account for him. This was a very fast process to complete. The hardest was having him narrow his selection down to 2 styles of frames. He was very surprised at first of all the great prices and secondly, by the selection available to choose from in the online store. He really like the idea of being able to print out the frame styles in the actual size you would receive to see what they looked like on. He chose the grey lens tint for the sunglasses because that best suited the style of the frame.

Once the glasses arrived, Hubby took them out for a spin. He was utterly surprised at the clarity of the lenses and exclaimed that they was clearer that his actual glasses he received from his Optometrist. He also liked the lightweight feeling on his face. He really liked the style he chose. He admitted that the overall process was very easy and the shipping was faster than if he had ordered from Costco® which gave him a timeframe of 15 days to receive the glasses and his 39DollarGlases.com came in 7 days. The Aviator frames were a great choice for him and he wears them daily...and always remembers to put them in the hard case that came with them. In his package from 39DollarGlasses.com included a microfibre cleaning cloth as well as a screwdriver keychain. Here are his in his new Aviator sunglasses.

NOW to the Giveaway from 39DollarGlasses.com...

39DollarGlasses.com has graciously offered one lucky AM2CW reader, a pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses, valued at $75 including the shipping.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to 39DollarGlasses.com for the chance to bring this review and giveaway to you! 

Good luck in the Giveaway!!!

As a Thank You, here is a code to receive a 10% discount off of your order at 39DollarGlasses.com.

Use the code: Z13X2B

Code expires December 31st, 2014

This giveaway is in no way affiliated or associated with Facebook in any way. Facebook is not responsible for any situation in which you do not receive your prizes, nor is A Mama's Two Cents Worth... responsible for prize not being received due to human error or address error.

Disclaimer: We received the product from 39DollarGlasses.com free of charge in exchange for the review and giveaway. There was no monetary gain for this review. The opinion expressed here is that of persons associated with A Mama's Two Cents Worth.., please feel free to generate your own opinion.

BOOKS.... glorious books (Part 2)

Books.... glorious books!!!!

This is part 2 of the book reviews from our lovely friends at Scholastic Canada...

Welcome, Baby by Barbara Reid, 2013, ISBN: 978-1-4431-1960-3
Overview: This is a wonderful book that would make a great gift for new parents. Colourful and bright clay sculptures matched with rhymes make it a fun book to entertain new parents and baby. In the book, you will find the moments where memories are made whether they be small or large, significant or insignificant. Those moments where you cherish the new addition to the family.
Review: This is an entertaining book for those with new babies or young children because it makes you reflect on the moments you value from the time the little one came into your life. I love the clay work as it captures the instances that can make memories. As a Mama of 2 young children, I loved reading this and discussing with them the moments that we shared as they became a part of our family. I would definitely suggest this book as a great addition to top off a gift to new parents.

Little Jack Horner, Live From the Corner by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Mike Boldt, 2013, ISBN: 978-1-4431-1378-6
Overview: This book offers us a twist on the old nusery rhyme about Little Jack Horner. The story is brought to by way of the "showcase of talent" inspiration and family characters are in the tale of Little Jack Horner who is trying to tell the audience "Old MacDonald".  As he starts he is continuously interrupted by Mary Mary Quite Contrary, correcting him and offering clarification on the character's in the nursery rhyme... until finally Little Jack Horner gets it right and we all find out what Old MacDonald had on his farm.
Review: This was a fun book to read because we tried to figure out what Old MacDonald had on his farm as we read before I revealed what Mary Mary told Little Jack Horner. It is a cute story with lovely graphics and tells the story in a very fun and unique way that would interest little ones. My littles found it to be funny and brought out giggles as we read.

My Friend Henry by Philippe Béha, 2013, ISBN: 978-1-4431-1967-2
Overview: My Friend Henry is tale of his best friend looking all over for him and not being able to find him. It tells of the favourite places and spots they frequented together and visited, such as the grocery store and the park- but alas Henry is no where to be found, and his friend is worried that he has lost his best friend. As the story progresses and Henry is found the fun and surprising reason behind him being missing is a wonderful treat for the readers.
Review: We really enjoy the bright illustrations and kids were left on the edge of their seats trying to figure out where exactly Henry was... we discussed how we feel when we lose things and with Princess being in school how important friends are to our lives and how we feel when they are away from school. We also found the ending of the story really cute and enjoy reading this book over and over. It shows how we rely on our friends to brighten our day and make us feel happy when we are with them and sad when they are away.

Seeing Red by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, 2013, ISBN: 978-1-4431-2446-1 PBK
Overview: Seeing Red is  certainly another wonderful addition to the Robert Munsch library. It is a story of Alex and Arie, best friends, who want to change the colour of their hair. Alex wants to have black hair and Arie wants to have red hair (the colour of their friend's hair). Each one asks the other to share their secret to have their hair colour. Each boy go home to try out the secrets to get the hair colour they desire. Finally, they discover they are having the wool pulled over their eyes by their friend's method to hair colour and then change their hair to one they both can have!!!
Review: Robert Munsch does not disappoint at all with this book, we loved reading this tale of how each child tries to change their hair to their friend's hair colour. We discussed whether or not their recipes for hair colour would work. The illustrations are fabulous. They are bright and fun and makes you want to find out if they can change their hair colour. We are definite Munsch fans, me from all the way back, and I am glad to be able to introduce my littles to his wonderful writings.

Hope you take these books into consideration when looking for books to add to your kids' home library!

Thanks to Scholastic Canada for giving us the opportunity to introduce you to a few books that are good reads!!!


Disclaimer: I received these books from Scholastic for the purpose of writing a review of the them, free of charge. There was no monetary gains made on my part. The opinions expressed here at strictly that of mine and you are free to make your own judgement.

BOOKs, BoOkS.... lots of books (part 1)

Well, I first want to apologize for being absent from the blog in the last little while. It has been a trying past few months balancing kids, holidays and illnesses and my own little side business. I have a few things lined up over the next few weeks that will be of great interest to all of my wonderful readers that have stuck with me.

Now the title of the post is all about the books that I received from the great people at Scholastic Canada. They have been generous enough to send us books to review on a regular basis and here are the wonderful books... I will do this in a 4-part post.

We first received a package of books oriented towards the great game of hockey... and at the time the National Hockey League had locked out the players which has now ended after 60+ days... now functioning on a shortened season the NHL is back and only about 20 odd games left to the regular season.

Crosby's Golden Goal by Mike Leonetti and Illustrations by Gary McLaughlin; 2012;ISBN: 978-1-4431-1910-8
Overview: This book recanted the tale of how a little boy who had felt his passion for hockey was gone. And his parents' acceptance of his decision. The main character, Tyler, still following his hockey heros and teams, found himself experiencing the great game in all of history, the Gold Medal game at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and how the goal by Sidney "the Kid" Crosby help him regain his passion for his memorable moment back on his team.
Review: This was a great read for me as a hockey fan and as a parent of 2 children just starting out in their journey and finding their passions. I think this made me realize that the decisions you children make reflect the parenting you have provided them and they will be fine in the end. I was able to discuss with my daughter that she has the power to be and do whatever she puts her mind to and should she change her mind she can and will be accepted and praised no matter where it takes her.
Good book for parents and children both because it opens us to accept that our children grow-up and we can only hope we have taught them well and showed them that we love and support them whole-heartedly. The book is colourful and the illustrations are realistic and eye-catching.

My First Hockey Book by Ian Crysler, 2012, ISBN: 978-1-4431-0752-5
Overview: This is a hardcover board book, perfect for the little one to go through on their own. It is a pictorial describing the different ways the game of hockey is enjoyed whether it be on an outdoor rink, in front of the television with family or on a playground. A great way to celebrate one of the greatest games.
Review: This is a great book for parents to use to introduce their kids to the sport of hockey and describe how it is played year-round, on the ice or in the playground. It shows the family aspect of the game and how it can be enjoyed watching hockey at the rink or in front of the television with Dad or Mom. It also shows that it can be enjoyed during the warmer months on the playground or even the backyard. I really enjoyed discussing the equipement required to play the sport in different seasons as well as how we can enjoy the sport as a family too. The book is very much an early reader for those who are beginning their adventure in reading as well.

Over at the Rink: A Hockey Counting Book by Stella Partheniou Grasso and illustrated by Scot Ritchie, 2012; ISBN: 978-1-4431-1374-8
Overview: This is a story all about what happens during the game. This ins and outs of the puck and the players with a hint of counting and numbers thrown in for good measure. The story is told in a point of view of each person involved in the game whether it be the players, the referee & linesmen, the spectators, the reporters and hockey scouts. It discusses the numbers of people playing and watching and keeping the rules of the game in tow. It is writing with excitement and glory in the game being played. The tale is told and set to a fun rhythm of the counting rhyme Over the Meadow, it creates a fun way to show how much appreciation we have for the sport of Hockey.
Review: We loved reading this one because not only did we have fun with the rhyme but the illustrations were absolutely illuminating. The excitement built as we went through the tale of the game and we stopped to count as we read. In the end we read this book many times since and enjoyed it even more every time. If you love hockey this is a great way to bring counting to the little ones and share the love of the game. Brilliant way to use the rhyme to show the love we all share for the game to the little ones in our lives and lights a spark in their outlook on the fun as well.

The Big Game by Gilles Tibo and Bruno St-Aubin, 2012, ISBN: 978-1-4431-1943-9
Overview: This book tells the story that all athletes face as they come upon the "best" team in their league... the pressures and the passions of the non-athletes and coaches. The feelings that overwhelm the athletes psyche as they end up not being able to do what they do best... play the game they love pressure free. In this the main character, Nicholas, comes up with a plan of his own to be able to play his game without all the advice engulfing him and pulling  him under. He shares his secret with his teammates and the game ends with the victory. The strategy of winning the game was ingenius and fun.
Review: The kids really enjoyed the ending of this book it brought out giggles and belly laughs in all 3 of as we finished the book and found out what Nicholas had done. It is a great book for kids to learn that everyone has an opinion and wants you to do your best. Also that people want to think they are helping when sometimes they are not, only creating pressure or feelings of confusion and discomfort in you. It also showed that you can take it into your own hands and silence the outside noise so you can concentrate on the task at hand. The book is colourful and well illustrated.


We would like to thank Scholastic Canada for the opportunity to review the books. We hope that you will take these books into consideration when adding to your kids library at home!

Disclaimer: I received these books from Scholastic for the purpose of writing a review of the them, free of charge. There was no monetary gains made on my part. The opinions expressed here at strictly that of mine and you are free to make your own judgement.