Finding Christmas... a Robert Munsch Book Review

This week we were given the opportunity to review a book from Scholastic Books... it is part of our festive reading series leading to the holiday month.

Finding Christmas by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, 2012, North Winds Press, ISBN: 978-1-4431-1317-5, Ages 3-8 - 32 pages - 8 ¾" x 10 5/16" 

Every single Christmas, Julie finds the presents her mom and dad have hidden. But this year, the presents are nowhere to be found! Have her parents decided not to have Christmas at all? So Julie searched the house and in places she found the presents in previous years... but they are nowhere to be found. Does she find them... or will she become something special on Christmas morning??? It becomes the family's most memorable Christmas ever!!!

My Review~~ This brings me back to memories of searching for my gifts every year as a child but I never found them... As my kids grow up I enjoy the idea of them eventually trying to figure out where we hide their gifts from us. The book is full of excitement and the kids guessing if Julie was going to be able to find her presents. We loved the ending and really want to leave it for you to figure out... where she finds the gifts and why it is a wonderful Christmas for her family...

On a fun side... there is a fun game on the Scholastic Book site to play and go allow with this book
Click HERE for the link to play!


Thanks to Scholastic Books for the chance to review this lovely book! It will definitely be a fun annual read for our family.

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.

Happy reading!

How Does a Dinosaur Say Happy Chanukah? Review

Our second book, we have the opportunity to review in the festive book series from Scholastic Books is...

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yelon & Mark Teague, 2012, The Blue Shy Press, ISBN: 978-0-545-41677-1 HC,  40 Pages,  Ages 0-4, 9" x 12".

Little dinosaurs love to celebrate the Festival of Lights, from the warm glow of holiday candles in the menorah to the fun of family gatherings. But sometimes the excitement of Chanukah, its treasured rituals, and the tradition of gifts can tempt a youngster to misbehave.... 
Come along on a joyful romp filled with tumbling dreidels and melting gelt as North America's favourite prehistoric pals spread a little mischief this season. Children will laugh out loud as dinosaurs fidget, fuss, and stomp through every occasion, while their human parents shift from shock to weary patience. 

My Review~~ This was a great way to teach my kids about the festival of lights and Chanukah. We discussed what Chanukah was and he traditions around the holiday. We talked of the games that children play during the celebration of lights. We also talked about the eight nights of festival of lights and what happens. We discussed the behaviour that kids might be acting like as with those children feel during Christmas. We discussed how it is important to behave well in all children during the holiday season. It makes the kids think about the holidays and how it celebrated by everyone. 


Here is a inside look of the book....

Thanks to Scholastic Books and we hope that you will give this book a read for this holidays!!!

Check back and see what our next book review will be for the holidays... next week!

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.

Happy Reading!

Read-to-Me-Mama- Mondays #5

In this edition of R2MM Mondays, we were able to review a series of books by Nicholas Oldland (author /illlustrator) of the three titles we received.

Big Bear Hug, 

© 2009, 

4-color • 8 x 8 • 32 pages, 

Ages: 3 to 7, 

Grades: Pres

chool to 2, 

Hardcover Jacket, ISBN:978-1-55453-464-7, $16.95 CAD

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Science & Technology

Life Science
habitats
ecosystem
READING LEVELS
Fountas & Pinnell I
Grade Level 1/2
Reading Recovery15-16
Accelerated ReaderLG   2.5
About the book: 
Bear is a hugger...yes a huge bear is wandering through the forest and he's hugging everything he sees! A beaver? And a moose? And a bird? And a tree?Welcome to the world of Big Bear Hug, a contemporary fable about a bear who has an appetite for hugging everything in sight - even creatures that bears have been known to eat. One day, the benevolent bear meets up with a human. This human proceeds to do something the bear cannot understand: he raises his axe and begins to cut down a tree. Suddenly the bear doesn't feel like hugging anymore and must make a difficult decision on how to stop this destruction in his forest. The environmental message of Big Bear Hug is both funny and powerful, while simple enough to engage very young children and show them the awesome power of a hug.
My Review: I love the premise behind this story...of which there are many. First, the bear hugs everything he sees...even things he has been known to eat. Second, when faced with a decision, bear realizes he must take stand and make hi point known to the human. And third, the environment message underlying that leads you to ask "what would the animals do if they took a stand on the harvesting of trees?" makes you wonder if all humans in the forest would meet the same demise as this one did???? I love the things that come into my adult brain when I read this, especially because I was raised in a town where the forestry industry is the main staple of income for most. What if the animals all rebelled to the cutting down of trees...how would they do it? What would be the end result? This book brings to a lighthearted look on the ecosystems and habitats of animals a great way to touch briefly on the environment as well. I discussed with Princess B, what bear could have changed to his reaction in the trees being cut down. We also talked about emotions and how they get expressed differently in various situations.

Making the Moose Out of Life, © 2010, 4-color • 8 x 8 • 32 pages, Ages: 3 to 7, Grades: Preschool to 2, Hardcover Jacket, ISBN:978-1-55453-580-4, $16.95 CAD

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Language Arts

Picture Books

READING LEVELS

Fountas & Pinnell I

Grade Level 1/2

Reading Recovery15-16

About the book:

Moose is from the start of the story, quiet and reserved in his character. This moose may live in the wild, but he doesn't act it — he watches from the sidelines as his friends have fun. Every now and then, he wonders if he's missing out on anything. When the moose finally takes a chance and goes on a solo sailing trip, a raging storm carries him far from everything he knows. Will he curl up in a ball and cry, or make the 'moose' of it? This once mild-mannered moose, soon learns how to take life by the antlers.

The moose's unlikely hero-journey is a lighthearted, contemporary fable that celebrates living life to the fullest.

My Review: This is a great read to show how not everything we do is set in stone, and when we are faced with a dilemma we must make the 'moose' of it. Live life to its fullest potential. this book introduces kids to the idea of making friends as well as getting to know yourself. The pun also kept me interested as an adult. It talks of how trying something new gives you confidence and self-esteem.

The Busy Beaver, © 2011, 4-color • 8 x 8 • 32 pages,  Ages: 3 to 7, Grades: PreSchool to 2, Hardcover Jacket, ISBN: 978-1-55453-749-5, $16.95 CAD
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Language Arts

Picture Books

READING LEVELS

Fountas & Pinnell I

Grade Level 1/2

Reading Recovery15-16

About the book:
The busy but careless beaver spends his days following random impulses, rarely thinking things through and leaving in his wake a devastated forest filled with stumps, half-nibbled trees and injured, homeless animals. But then one day the beaver finds himself on the wrong side of a falling tree, which as it turns out, is just the thing to knock some sense into him. After reflecting on his behavior, he decides to make some changes. Soon, the now wiser and gentler beaver is getting down to the business of making things right, much to the delighted surprise of his forest friends. This charming story which gently teaches youngsters how to take care with others, as well as the world around us.
My Review: I love the idea behind this book that if we rush through things without taking the time...things don't get done right. This is something for my new JK'er, she rushes everything and fails to take her time just so she get things done. This leads to carelessness and messy work along with disorganization in the long run. It shows how if you just slow down and look around you notice how things were not done in the greatest of your potential and could cause harm others around us.



This series of books by Nicholas Oldland, are colourful and the illustrations are stunning. Oldland has wonderful ideas that come to life in his 3 books here. We really enjoy reading them time and again.

Disclaimer: I received these books from Kids Can Press 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.

Read to Me Mama Mondays #4

 The Munchkins and I recently received a new release book from Kids Can Press to review.
The book is called My Name is Elizabeth!

Author: Annicka Dunklee
Illustrator: Matthew Forsythe

© 2011 

4-color • 9 x 9 • 24 pages Ages: 3 to 7 Grades: PreSchool to 2

Hard cover Jacket ISBN:978-1-55453-560-6
$16.95 CAD
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Character Education
self-respect
READING LEVELS
Fountas & Pinnell G
Grade Level 1
Reading Recovery 11-12
About the book:

Meet Elizabeth. She's got a pet duck, a loving granddad and an awesome first name. After all, she's got a queen named after her! So she's really not amused when people insist on using nicknames like "Lizzy" and "Beth." She bears her frustration in silence until an otherwise ordinary autumn day, when she discovers her power to change things once and for all. In the process, Elizabeth learns about communication and respect — and their roles in building better relationships with family and friends. The two-toned illustrations reflect the story's energy and sass, and the comic-book-like format makes it easy to follow. The cheeky, retro drawings also keep it real — depicting the sometimes-feisty Elizabeth as a resolutely normal kid — whether she's flossing her teeth or feeding her pet duck. 

My Review: This book is very colourful and the illustrations are just eye-catching. It really puts forth the importance of being self-confident and having respect for yourself. Everyone at some point in their lives comes home with a nickname, and sometimes it is one we don't like at all. Elizabeth stands up to those individuals and makes sure they call her by her proper name. She shows love for her name and how it is important to her in every way...even a queen shares the same name with her. Pride in your name helps you respect yourself. Names are given because they have a meaning to your parents whether it be sentimental or not. No matter the number of letters in your name you should love it because it makes you who you are. This book teaches children to stand up for themselves when they don't like how people are addressing them and doing so in a means of communication so as to create understanding and respect. It was a hit with 4 year old Princess B because she herself has communication issues when it comes to her new classmates this year pronouncing her name properly...after all "B" and D" when an "r" follows do sound similar...NOT! I seen a lot of Princess B in "Elizabeth" the attitude and tenacity are certainly there as well as the need to show how important she is to everyone. Overall a definite good reader when it comes to teaching communication and respect for one's self. I think the next time I read it with Princess B we will discuss the ways Elizabeth could have reached out to others regarding her name, as well as manners.

Disclaimer: I received these books from Kids Can Press 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.

Read-To-Me-Mama Mondays #3

I am sorry for taking so long to put another edition of this series up....life has been hectic here. Now I am back to help promote reading to your child, as part of my daughter's JK program the kids received a red file folder and inside was a calendar and instructions for the parents to read to their children every night and sight on the calendar then return the folder with the communication folder each day for the teacher to give the children a stamp for the day and at the end of the month they would get a reward (to be placed on the opposite page in chart form for each month. I think this is a great way to peak your child's literary interests and it can be reading on all levels of media forms (such newspaper, magazines, instruction manuals, cook books) as well as books. I love this idea, not only does it force parents to read to their child but also slow down and take some end of day time to be with your family. The only thing is how does the school reinforce the importance to those parents who don't see it as important, that question was answered today when the teacher instructed the siblings of one student to read to them and sign off on it because it was an important part of learning.
So today, I want to discuss some of the books we have been reading as part of Princess B's JK program.

 Chester by Melanie Watt (Author/ Illustrator), 2007, ISBN: 978-1-55453-1-40-0 (Hardcover), ISBN: 978-1-55451-460-9 (Paperback),  Ages 4-8, 32 pages, $18.95 (Hardcover), $8.95 (Paperback) CAD
Chester is a picture book with more. Inside the cover of the book is a story that is told and retold through dueling authors. The author, Melanie, starts the story out about a mouse in a house, when all of a sudden Melanie's cat, Chester, takes over the story with his red marker and send that mouse packing and then rewrites the story about himself. As Chester's antics escalate Melanie and the mouse won't have any of it. Chester becomes a powerful and confident feline with his red marker in tow, while Mealnie and mouse fight back to regain control of this book. Needless to say, Chester loses his power when he is written into the story as a pink tutu wearing cat.
My Review: This was one of the funniest books I have read. The kids and I enjoyed the take-charge-cat but his antics with the red marker for the kids was "naughty" It was a picture book filled with questions as to what Chester would do next. And the end when he was written in as a pink tut wearing cat was where the giggles came out for all of us. We loved discussing the antics and what was wrong with them. Chester and his red marker take over was a hit but the wonderful story was able to introduce to my kids what was right and wrong in a situation such as this, not that we have a cat that can take over out book but maybe when faced with not wanting something instead of forcing a change maybe discussing why you don't like the situation and how you can compromise may be an option.
I found a great site with activities that we will be using the more we read Chester, go to the follow URL: http://www.bookcentre.ca/activity_chester

Cinnamon Baby by Nicola Winstanley, Illustrated by Janice Nadeau, 2011, ISBN: 978-1-55337-821-1, 32 pages, Ages 3-7, $18.95 CAD
This book is a modern version of folklore that brings to discussion of a magical remedy for stopping a baby from crying. It starts that story about a baker named Miriam, who creates delicious bread works of art that fill your nose full of wonderful scents and make you tongue come alive with each bite. As each page turns we learn that 

Miriam's own favorite cinnamon bread also delights Sebastian, a musician who enters her shop, that he buys it every day for a year and then asks her to marry him. After a baby is born to the happy couple, all is blissful until their bundle of joy begins crying. And crying. Only when the two are almost at wit's end does Miriam suddenly know, looking down at her baby curled up like a little raisin, exactly what she must do.

A celebration of the bond between mother and child and an ode to the power of our senses, each delectable word and image of this beautifully told and illustrated story will be savoured.

My Review: This is a lovely tale of how the bond between mother and child begins in the womb. It is a wonderful story of how the love of a mother knows just what a child needs. It is this sixth sense, that brings this crying baby to a sudden squeal of happiness. It is as much as lovely to read as it is to look at the illustrations that are a beautiful compliment to the tale. For me this was a great tale to use as a means to end the day for my kiddies, reminding me of though the day may not always be perfect and they may not always listen but I love them not matter what.

On the Kids Can Press link to this book are some story time activities that can be used to promote the caring character education that this book holds for the children, from prop suggestions to discussion of the five senses to sound and smell recognition to the discussion on how they parent(s) make the student feel better or comforted when they are sad. Also included is a page to allow the children to draw their favourite smell.

Disclaimer: I received these books from Kids Can Press 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.

Scholastic Books Review

Princess B, Monkey and Mama have received a few new books courtesy of Scholastics Canada to review. This review is separate from the Read-To-Me- Mama Monday series which will return in October.
We received 4 books over the summer to read. Since starting JK Princess has to record daily readings in her communication folder and return it daily to the teacher. The promotion os reading is great because it becomes our winding down time. Although I have noticed that Princess B has started to memorize the stories we repetitively read...two of them are in this review.
The Underpants Zoo, Author/Illustrator Brian Sendelbach, ISBN: 978-0-545-24935-5, Ages 3-8, May 2011, Hardcover, $19.99 CAD, is about a zoo where all the animals where underpants just like us. What kind of underpants would a lion wear? how about an elephant? Come through the gates of the Underpants Zoo and find out the answers to these questions, and see just how an octopus manages to wear his underpants!  My Review: Brian Sendelbach is a bestselling illustrator and has created a funny and wacky world that captured my little one imagination and love of reading. This book has become a favourite of Princess B and Monkey. It is now a staple in out bedtime routine and we read it at least 3 out of 7 nights of the week. This book has captured her creativity and she loves to discuss the types of underpants other zoo animals might wear as well. Each of the animals in the book wear the underpants that characterize them, lions= royalty, monkeys= wild, and so on. it has rhyming and colour filled illustrations that draw every reader to enjoy it! From start to finish the book entices and pulls you into an world of wonder and enjoyment and fun with every page turn. We give The Underpants Zoo 4 thumbs up!!


Meow said the Cow, Author/Illustrator Emma Dodd, ISBN: 978-0-545-31861-7, Ages 4-8, May 2011, Hardcover, $19.99 CAD, is a story of how the happenings on a farm was changed when the cat got tired of the the noises each animal made every morning. So the cat played with black magic. And what happens next is truly a mixup. Horses were "quacking" and Cows were "meowing"...but when the animals demanded to have their voices back the cat reversed the spell for all of them but one... And the cat got a taste of his own medicine each morning when he wakes early and gives a "Cock-a-doodle-doodle-doo!!!" My review: This is a book that I loved reading to the kiddies because I noticed that I would read it with more zealous each time. It is a fun book! I use it to get the kids attention sometimes when they are getting a little out of hand and I begin to use a voice that is not my own. It is a great book to help teach your children of the sounds associated with each animal as well as recognition of what has happened in the story. It has become a favourite of Monkey. We give this book of animal antics 4 thumbs up!


Give Me Back My Dad!, Author: Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Michael Martchenko, ISBN: 978-1-4431-0764-8 (paperback), ISBN: 978-1-4431-0763-1 (hardcover), Ages 3-8, May 2011, $7.99 (paperback), $19.99 (hardcover) CADs , is a wonderfully written story inspired by Cheryl, a young girl that the author met in Rigolet, Labrador 20 years ago. The story tells of the ice fishing trip that Cheryl took with her dad. In this tale it seems that the fish are too smart for Cheryl and her dad. The fish try to catch humans right back! In the end, Cheryl and her dad bring home something good and it isn't a fish at all! My Review: Robert Munsch is the greatest children's author I have ever known. I loved reading this as it is written and it is a tale that by doing that drew the kids to request it over and over. Honestly, I love all of the books written by Munsch. This one is a fun tale of fish versus human, human versus fish that in the end becomes a family story. It was fun asking what Cheryl and her dad need to do to catch a fish. Our family gives this tale 4 thumbs up!!!
Side Note: This book was chosen as the winning story in the Scholastic Canada's Pick-A-Munsch contest!!!


Picture A Tree, Author/Artist Barbara Reed, ISBN: 978-1-4431-0761-7, Ages 3-8, October 2011, Hardcover, $19.99 CAD, is a beautiful book about how trees are pictured in every season and from every angle. It discuss how these wondrous living beings give shade and shelter. They protect and bring beauty to any landscape. What do YOU see??? Taking a closer look at a tree and its splendour and glory in the colours creates excitement and relaxation. The shape of a tree can ignite imagination and conjure a world of wonder, through it becoming a pirate ship, a friend, or a tunnel to name a few. Its grandeur creates a sense of family, belonging, changes, growth, endings and new beginnings. What you make of a tree when you look at one closely leaves the possibilities to be never ending...just as in the circle of life. My Review: This picture book is created in the art of Plasticine as the author brings her story to life. It really made us feel as if we were in the book. The colourful modelling of clay and means of bring the story to her vision through her craft is amazing. It brought me back to my child hood where we used trees as our pretend homes and hiding places as we played amongst them at my grandmothers. I enjoyed thinking back to what role trees played in my life as I was growing up, serving as pretend places, homes, stores, and fun hideaways. The pride of having planted a tree in my parents yard and now seeing the size of it as well as the animals that call it home. We discussed the way trees change go through as the seasons change and what it means. I used this book to help the kids understand the seasons and changes that take place throughout the years. 4 Thumbs up for Picture A Tree!!!! 

All of these works of literature can be found on the Scholastic website, if you are interested in adding them to your library!!

Disclosure: We received these books free of charge from Scholastic Canada in exchange for the reviews expressed above. There was no monetary gain made from these reviews, no money exchanged hands; and the opinions expressed here are that of our own, you are free to make your own judgement.

Mama & the Munchkins: Mama-Read-To-Me-Monday #1!

Welcome Everyone to AM2CW newest feature "Mama-Read-To-Me-Monday" with the Munchkins. It will be a regular feature and sponsored by Kids Can Press on A Mama's Two Cents Worth..., on the first and last Monday of the month. I decided that this would help show you the books for our summer reading. The books will cover ages from birth and up, covering the Juvenile readership, so that Monkey and Princess can tell you what they thought of the books. Some of the features could include a series or an individual book.
I will include the ISBN of each book featured here. I hope you will enjoy the reviews as much as we enjoy the reading process. I chose to start a regular feature showcasing books to help promote the importance of reading to your child and having your child involved in reading no matter what the age. Without books we would never learn the importance of the written word.
Our rating system for our reviews will be based on 3 thumbs up (highest value) to no thumbs up (lowest value). I began reading to my kiddies in vitro, and continue to pick up a book or encourage them to pick up a book and read with them.

Today, we are reading a board book series, called Learning with Animals by Melanie Watt. It is a 5 book series, enabling them to discovery over 60 animals in these colourful concept board books. The series of concept books are geared toward the little ones ages 1 - 4.
This series includes  Shapes with Ocean Animals (ISBN: 1-55337-833-4), The Alphabet with Wild Animals (ISBN: 978-1-55337-829-1), Numbers with Farm Animals (ISBN: 978-1-55337-831-0), Colors with Tropical Animals (ISBN: 1-55337-830-X), Opposites with Polar Animals (ISBN: 1-55337-832-6).  Each book has a curriculum connection that varies from Visual Arts to Math to Language development to Skills & Strategies. On the Kids Can Press site there are stickers available for  parents to print off and use to coincide with the book series feature some of the animals from the books. At the parents discretion the stickers can be used as part of incentives, rewards or in a matching game.

With young children's facination with animals, these books offer a method of incorporating the animals in the learning process via various different settings, whether it be the ocean, the jungle, the farm or the polar settings; they all create a point of interest for many children full of bright colours. Whether we were delving into the tropics to check out the colours or counting the animals on the farm. The eye-catching colour and artistry got the Munchkins interest from start to finish of each book. Princess enjoyed the series quite thoroughly as did Monkey. I even made the book, Numbers with Farm Animals, into a song per say engaging their interest and asked to perform the song over and over again. Princess was asked to count the animals on each page to see if she could recognize the number. monkey was asked to identify the animals as well as the sound associated with each animal on the pages. We also would make the sounds of the animals for the number of them found on each page. This was the most fun for us because we had to combine the concepts. I would have to say that this was the favourite all because of the activities we were able to create to go along with it.  monkey also really loved the Shapes with Ocean Animals book, because I would ask him to identify the shape in both pointing as well as by words. The book, Opposites with Polar Animals,  was the biggest challenge for Princess because we are still talking about the opposites right now so it is a work in progress. Using this book also we were able to discuss some things such as camouflage as well as animal identification. The Colors with Tropical Animals, was fun for both Monkey and Princess on varying levels. Princess could identify all the colours while Monkey was just learning his colours. Very colourful book in the series featuring the tropical animals so widely from the Toucan to the snakes. Finally, the Alphabet with Wild Animals, 26 animals from around the world and some even unknown to me. We made a song game out of it where we focused on the phonics of the letters as we said each animal associated with the letters of the alphabet. Princess had fun and learned about a few animals, as did Mama. Monkey just like to sing the alphabet and tried to name the animals he was familiar with. 


All in all, we give this series of concept board books, Learning with Animals, 3 thumbs up for their well-researched topics, colourful and eye-catching imagery as well as the ability to bring learning more prevalently on in the various levels for the age groups they encompassed. 
**Melanie Watt, is the Author and Illustrator of the Learning with Animals Concept Board Book Series.
This board book series is a great addition to our library and will be read repetitively I am sure over the next few years as Princess and Monkey grow.


We hope you enjoyed our book review and look into the series as a chance it becoming apart of your summer reading.
Please come back and check out the activities we incorporated into our days in association with this book series over the next couple weeks.
See you on the last Monday of the month for our next instalment of "Mama-Read-To-Me-Monday".


Disclaimer: We have recieved the books reviewed above free of charge from Kids Can Press in exchange for our review. There was no monetary gain made from this book review, no money changed hands. The opinions and point of view expressed here in this review is that of my own and to some extent the Munchkins. Please feel free to make your own choices.


Ciao for now,

 & the Munchkins

New Features Coming Soon!!!

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know that in the coming weeks I will bring you a new feature here at AM2CW. We will be reviewing books that could possibly make it to your Summer Reading list for your kids.  The "Mama-Read-To-Me-Monday" feature posts will give you the run down of the book we reviewed, as well as what we (Mama and the Munchkins) thought of the book. We will be using our rating scale of 1-6 thumbs, based on 3 of us and 2 thumbs each. Also we will be including an activity that will be associated with that book or series of books in the weeks in between the next book review. The activities may involve printables, crafts or physical activities that will be inspired by the book or series we read.
On that note: the "Mama-Read-To-Me-Mondays" and AM2CW has a new sponsor, Kids Can Press Canada, has become our sponsor, providing us with books to review. So look for their button or banner arriving soon to the left sidebar. 
So please check them out...they are located in both Canada and the U.S. And be kind and check them out on Facebook. You are also able to sign up for their newsletter on their website. You will know Kids Can Press from the Franklin the Turtle series by Paulette Bourgeois, illustrated by Brenda Clark as well as Scaredy Squirrel series by Melanie Watt.
***Here's a little highlight on the Franklin books, it is celebrating 25 years in 2011 as well as the writer, Paulette Bourgeois and illustrator, Brenda Clark, are up for nomination on the Canada Walk of Fame. Did you know there are now over 30 book in the Franklin series?

So stay tuned to AM2CW over the next couple weeks, as we get our biggest jump into blogging, with the "Mama-Read-To-Me-Monday" taking off.

Ciao for now,

"Gifts from the Heart" Book Review and Giveaway-Extended

Christmas has always and will always be my favourite holiday to celebrate. It means the most because of the wonderful family I have and now get to pass on my traditions on to my kiddies. I love everything that is associated with Christmas. I want my kids to know the real reason for the season as well as the "Santa" factor. Last Christmas was the year I started to get crafty and spread my craftiness into our family gifts. I made my brother in law a poker themed clock and a remote control sofa hanger, and may my baby sister a handbag and a t-shirt necklace. This year I am up in arms with what to give everyone for Christmas. And the thought of making more gifts actually is t me more meaningful. I also love trying to think of gifts that would make those special people go "Wow" when they know we put our hearts into the gifts.
So when we received a beautiful book called, "Gifts from the Heart" to review, it was with pleasure to be able to spread the idea of gifts don't have to come from a store to mean the most, I jumped at the chance.

Gifts from the Heart by Victoria Osteen; Illustrated by Diane Palmisciano; ISBN-10: 1416955518 ISBN-13: 9781416955511; Hardcover, 32 pages; Little Simon Inspirations; October 2010, Ages 3-7, $16.99
This is a beautiful story where the author continues her series of the royal adventures fit for the most rambunctious of princes and princesses. A brother and sister, Jon and Sue, take an imaginary journey into a medieval world of kings and castles. they find themselves in a bustling town that's getting ready for a party in their king's honour. The townspeople are busily trying to find fancy gifts to buy for their king, Jon and Sue- with the help of their new friend Maryanne- remind everyone that the talents God has given them are the most precious of all the gifts to give. The celebration of the king is a success with each person giving gifts from their heart. The morale of the story is reinforced at the end with and interactive question encouraging the parents and children to talk about the lessons they have just learned and discover the adventure in their own daily lives.
My Review: Reading this book to the kids was a time for us to unwind after a busy day. We cuddled up on the sofa with only the reading of the words the sound in the house. Princess loved to idea of prince and princess in the story. The Cheeky Monkey just sat and pointed at the pictures on the page. As we went along in the story, Princess would ask questions about the events in the book. She loved the idea of the concert and asked about each person in the story. We also discussed the actions some of the king's people were acting out in the story. The illustrations were colourful and well drawn. The story was well complemented with the illustrations. As a parent, I loved the idea of teaching my kids that God has given you talents which are gifts that you can share with others, and that the material stuff is not as important as giving of your talents. This to me is very important as we come upon the Holiday season. I am trying to bring about Princess' understanding that it is better to give than receive as she becomes sucked in by the advertisements and store shelving loaded with toys. We have started to discuss how her making a wish list of wants can only be answered with her making the decision of donating her no longer used toys to children who are less fortune than she and her brother. Throughout the time we were reading the story, we discussed the pictures on the page as we went along, such as facial expressions and mannerisms. I loved how the ending of the book poses questions for us to discuss and if helped Princess start to understand how we can give of ourselves to others the gifts that God has given us, those talents be they singing, comforting, listening, humour or artistic; we all have gifts to give from our hearts. Truly a story that is special at this time of year. Give gifts that come from your heart to your fellow people.

Giveaway

Little Simon and Schuster Inspirations book division has offered 5 lucky winners from AM2CW a copy of "Gifts from the Heart" by Victoria Osteen.

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There you have it...12 chances to win one of the 5 copies of "Gifts from the Heart" by Victoria Osteen!!!

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for this giveaway!

Good Luck to all of you who enter! 

Stay tuned for more giveaways coming up.

Giveaway will run until November 30th!

Winner to be announced on December 1st!

Ciao,

Scholastic Halloween Themed Books Review

I was honoured to receive 3 Halloween themed books from Scholastic to review....as were the kiddies. When we went to get the mail the other day we found a big brown box. Princess is always excited when we get mail, especially if there is something in it for her. And this time there were 3 books...she has had a love of books from the time she was able to get herself crawling to the book basket. She will sit for hours with books and "read". Lately she has been making up stories and telling me about the pictures she sees, and if it a book we read over and over she will ask questions about the story like "is this the monster?" or "what is the girl dressed as?" (Her inquisitive mind astonishes me everyday. Questions are a good thing right? In the right situation and not over and over and over again, but I love her inquests into the world around her.)
The books we received were:
Zen Ghost by John J. Muth

ISBN: 978-0-439-63430-4/ $19.99 hardcover/ For ages 3-8/ September 2010
This is a beautifully interpretation of the story of a bit of Japanese folklore. It is told by a visitor to the friendly Panda, Stillwater and  3 children on Halloween, as part of Stillwater's surprise for them. It is a beautiful tale that leaves the children wondering as well as the readers. The folklore is of that of Senjo and Her Soul Are Separated, which discusses how we can be one with family, and a different one with friends, but we are the same person.
My Review: This lovely illustrated book was a fun read for Princess and I because it left her asking a number of questions...which even had me thinking of answers. I was a nice folklore tale that told of love and family, being torn between them. A little old for a 3 year old to understand the the idea of duality in personalities but a wonderful none the less. Princess liked the fact that there was a panda in the story and the kids talk of their costumes. Well written and a great Halloween read.

Scary Science: 25 Creepy Experiments by Shar Levine & Leslie Johnstone, Illustrations by Ashley Spires

ISBN: 978-0-545-980303-2/ $6.99 paperback/ For ages 7-12/ August 2010
This book is a collection of haunting experiments that are creepy, ghastly and spooky. They are able to create Halloween inspired science, such as shrunken heads, alien barf, bubbling alien blood, spider webs, spooky writing and much much more. Geared to a middle-school age group the instructions are easy to follow and many of the ingredients can be found in your cupboards. It's eerie, it's spooky... and it's all science!
My Review: This book is chalked full of fun experiments, but they are a little old for the Princess and Monkey. We looked through it and decided I would try the "Ghost Lights" experiment. This is where you take a balloon (blown up) and a light tube (ie: florescent tube) not in a fixture; in a dark room (ie": closet) you rub the balloon in your hair as holding the tube (resting on the floor) in one had and the balloon in the other hand (rubbing your hair back and forth) and then as close to the tube as you move it along the tube without touching it...What happened next was the light tube began to glow as a result of the static electricity created from rubbing Princess' hair (fine hair so hello static). This was a blast and we did it over and over again...Princess was fascinated by it. It taught her a little about science and left her with lots and lots of wondrous questions. You really need to try this one if you are homeschooling...I will post pictures later of us experimenting.

 The Haunted House That Jack Built by Helaine Becker, Illustrations by David Perkins

ISBN: 978-0-545-98539-0/ $7.99 paperback/ For ages 3-8/ August 2010
This is a creative twist on the classic nursery rhyme, based around the Halloween season. This is very spooky and funny tale with Jack and his ghouly family and friends who have put together a haunted house for the occasion. The readers meet many different characters in the house's dark halls, such as a mummy, vampire, ghost and monsters along with others who peak interest from the readers young and old. 
My Review: This book was the biggest hit of all them for the Princess. She loved the characters and the story itself had building theme where it actually would add to the story. It kept her attention and she then would take the book and try to read it as I did to Monkey. It is a great little Halloween read and very entertaining. We loved it! A must read for Halloween. I will definitely get you into the spirit of Halloween!




Thanks to Scholastics for giving us the opportunity to learn, listen and imagine through these books!
Please check these books out as the Spooking Season fast approaches, they will sure bring out the curiosity and imagination in your young readers.

Disclaimer: I have not received any monetary compensation for reviewing this product of which I am provided for free; and the point of view expressed here is completely objective.
Ciao,