Book Advent Calendars -- Get Them Reading While Waiting for Santa

 

Disclosure: I was sent these Advent calendars to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Yesterday I shared a new picture book about getting ready for Christmas. Today I thought I would share some Advent calendars. Now Advent is one of my favorite times of the year. The first Sunday of Advent is the beginning of a new church year. I love the preparation time that is Advent. It is time for each of us to prepare for Christmas and as a Christian that means preparing myself for Jesus. I use it as a time to reflect on my life and what I can do differently to be a better person -- more like Jesus. Over the years I have shared quite a few posts about Advent including ones specifically about Advent calendars including fun facts and a roundup of them including ones you can make. Today I am going to share two secular Advent calendars for different ages that are books. This will get your kids reading while they prepare for Christmas. The first features the popular Bluey. It is Bluey: The Most Amazing Advent Book Bundle by Penguin Young Readers License. The suggested age range for this one is 4- to 8-year-olds. 

Avoiding the Summer Math Slide with Roundup of Ideas for Different Ages (PreK - grade 11)

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Independence Day is past. Summer is quickly passing. Kids are enjoying their break from school as are teachers. But what is happening to your kids' math ability this summer? According to Learner.com, 70-78% of elementary students experience a decline in math skills over the summer. (Source) Most schools now assign summer reading to prevent the summer slide in literary skills, but does your child's school assign summer math? Most high schools do these days. Now I am a huge advocate for a break! I love summer! It is my favorite season, and I remember the days of having nothing to do and being able to hang out with friends and relax. However, summer slide is real. (There is a slide after any vacation and the longer the vacation the more skills lost.) There are things to do to help with the math summer slide even if your child does not have math summer work. Today I am going to review two great resources for different ages to help with the summer slide or just give extra practice to two ages groups: middle grades (8+) and high school. These books are amazing resources to help with math skills and also can give students extra practice or a leg up on the upcoming math year. At the end of the post, I have a roundup for different ages math products and activities to try this summer to keep your child's brain thinking mathematically.

I Don't Think So -- Picture Book Review & Giveaway

 

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 K. Joyner to bring you this post.

Do you know any kids who don't want to try something new, but when they do, they love it? I feel like so many kids go through this stage. It is hard to try something new. It is scary and a bit nerve-racking even for adults. For kids it is easier for them to say no then try it. Today's book is all about this stage. It is I Don't Think So! by K. Joyner and illustrated by Asha Butler. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!

Mrs. R. Snugglesworth Attorney-at-Law Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Amy Flanagan for this Virtual Book Tour and will receive a small stipend for my participation. All opinions are my own.

Today I get to share a creative and fun beginning reader illustrated chapter book with you that kids are going to love. It is also perfect for back to school since its main character, Mrs. R. Snugglesworth goes to dog law school in it. The book is Mrs. R. Snugglesworth, Attorney-at-Law by Amy Flanagan and illustrated by Jon Davis. 

Oi Gets Lost -- Book Review, Cat Craft Round-Up & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Bright Light Books and will receive a small stipend for this post. All opinions are my own.

Do you have a cat lover in your house? We are all cat lovers here and have two cats in our household including a kitten (at least for a few more weeks). Most kids love animals including kittens. If you have an emerging reader you will want to check out today's book. It is Oi Gets Lost by Lorna Likiza and illustrated by Yeveheniia Melnyk. 

Award Winning New Picture Books Perfect for Black History Month

 

On January 24, 2022, the American Library Association announced the 2022 Youth Media Awards! You can see all the winners here. I was happy to see Firekeeper's Daughter won the William C. Morris Award and the Printz Award. Ace of Spades was a finalist for the Printz Award. I really enjoyed both of these young adult books and Ace of Spades is another book great for Black History Month. I went through the list of awards and began requesting books from the library. I found five picture books from the list that are perfect for Black History Month and thought I would share them with you. One will be reshared as I did review it in 2021. We will start with Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12 or grades 3 to 6.