Today I am sharing a nonfiction picture book that shares the life of a sea turtle. I have always loved these types of books. These books share a story about one animal but also share all sorts of facts and information about the animal within the story. Today's book is The Secret Life of a Sea Turtle by Maddalena Bearzi and illustrated by Alex Boersma. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. I am including a turtle craft roundup to go with the book.
It is hard to believe it is almost the end of May and thus almost the end of the school year! When are your kids out of school? I only have a week and half left of work with kids in my room. Today I am going to share three new books that have different school themes to them. The first book is Together, a Forest: Drawing Connections Between Nature's Diversity and Our Own by Roz MacLean. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Are you an animal lover? I find many kids are. I feel like there are some great new books featuring animals as well as climate change. Today I am sharing an amazing middle grade novel that dives into the amazing world of animals and tries to bring to light some of the endangered animals. But it also is a riveting, action-packed story full of relationships and adventure. The book is Armando & the Amazing Animal Race by Diana Schaffter. There is a giveaway at the end of the post to enter!
Where do tacos come from? What about pizza? We have all heard stories of food coming from one place or another and even some stories about different places claiming the first of a food. Today I get to share a fun new book with you that explores the origins of some of our favorite foods and how they became what they are today. The book is The Traveling Taco: The Amazing & Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods by Mia Wenjen and illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong. Mia blogs over at Pragmatic Mom and is cofounder of Read Your World (formerly Multicultural Children's Book Day). The book is recommended for ages 5 to 8.
Have you ever worked so hard practicing something but still feel like you are making mistakes? Each minor slip up takes away a bit of your self-confidence. Today I get to share a picture book with you about a girl who has a desire to dance but feels like she just can't do it correct until her parents give her a special pair of magic shoes. The book is Ellie's Dancing Shoes by Scott Sollers and illustrated by Bryan Janky. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!
Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Amplify Publishing Group to bring you this post.
When I was young, I loved playing make believe. Hazel played in her own way. I always love books that encourage such play and today I get to share one with you. It is the sweetest book. It is I Am NOT Sophie! by Robyn Hodess and illustrated by Terry Kole. At the end of this post is a giveaway!!
Have you noticed this year seems a bit harder for everyone and especially for moms? I just saw a post on Facebook from The Scary Mommy that talks about how many moms want to be left alone for Mother's Day instead of gathering with family. I have to admit I somewhat want this too. Of course, it doesn't matter much for me since I won't see Hazel. She has things going on at school and can't come home. We will see her Saturday night for a short time after her show. But the truth is I'm exhausted. It is May. School is a bit crazy with the end of the year. This week we had a night open house. Next week we have our spring fling dance as well as spring games. The following week we have our Showcase. Each requires teachers to stay much later than a usual school day. Add in all the things going on at home and Hazel's school and life is crazy!! Plus, the chaos our country is in seems to be affecting everyone and moms seem to be needed more than ever. And quite honestly, we are all trying our best but if you are like me, you worry that you are not doing enough or doing your best. Today I am sharing a book with you for moms who need some reminders of how strong we are! The book is Hope for Moms: It's Tough Out There, But So Are You by Anna McArthur. There is a printable and a giveaway at the end of the post.
What relationship do dogs and cats have? Typically we say they hate each other, but we all know people who have both animals that get along. Today I get to share a fun book that explores this relationship from the dog's point of view and it is not just any dog but it is a pug. You may remember by review of Ode to a Pug. Well the pug is back and he has a new housemate. The book is Ode to a Pug: That Cat! by Jill Rosen and illustrated by Stephanie Rohr. At the end of this post there is a giveaway!! Be sure to check it out.
Today I get to share two children's books that are released today!! One is in the manner of Dr. Seuss and the other gives life lessons from a dog. They are fun and will be loved by kids! We will start with the Seuss Studios book, Gertrude Gish on a Dish on a Fish by Sarah Hwang. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.
What makes a place a home? What happens when you move? What about when your family left your home country before you were born? What if your home country is no longer on the map? Today I am sharing some picture books that help to answer some of these questions. One book is about moving and the other is about trying to find Palestine on a map and perhaps help the discussion that is needed with it. The first book is Home Is a Wish by Julia Kuo. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6.
I'm a bit behind in reading my chapter books, but I have finished this one so I have to share it with you. It came out at the end of March. It is a middle grade fantasy novel with Greek mythology references. It takes place in the Underworld. The book is the first in what is called The Underwild Series. The book is River of Spirits by Shana Targosz. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.
