Spooktacular Picture Books

(I know, that was terribly cheesy)

(Books received for review)

Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show 

by Diana Murray

Another Grimelda book!  I really enjoyed the first one and this one does not disappoint.  The twist at the end is pretty fun.  I haven't actually shown this one to the girlies yet, but I am positive it's going to be a hit.

Duck, Duck, Dinosaur: Perfect Pumpkin

by Kallie George

Poor Spike.... he just doesn't get it quite right.  Cute "I Can Read" book about the dino and the ducklings and the search for a pumpkin.

I Love You More Than The Smell of Swamp Gas

by Kevan Atteberry

BUNNIES!  Okay, not really, but it IS the same author which made me pretty excited.  This one is cute and hilarious.

Other titles you might take a look at include:

Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete

Flat Stanley and the Missing Pumkins

Even Monsters Need to Sleep (which we've actually already reviewed)

Also, MeiMei recommends In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories.

Picture Books Everywhere

Like seriously.  EVERYWHERE.

Newish ones we've received for review are as follows.


Good Night, Baby Animals, You've Had a Busy Day
by Karen B Winnick
A picture book of short stories featuring tigers, elephants, pandas, etc.
Personally the text didn't do anything for me, but MeiMei enjoyed it (though it's baby animals, so it would have to be REALLY bad for MeiMei to not like it, lol) and really since she's more the target audience we'll go with it.


The Big Adventures of Tiny House 
by Susan Schaefer Bernardo
A cute story of a tiny house on wheels who travels the country and meets other interesting vehicular housing units.  Good choice for preschoolish kids who like vehicles or are weirdly in to tiny houses.

Sonya Sahni and the First Grade It's International Day!

by Soma Mandal

Sigh.  Formatting issues.... editing/typo issues.... and a truly poor choice in rhyming scheme/style.  It drove both my husband and me crazy.

BUT MeiMei liked it.  And since she's the target demographic (ish... she's in 2nd grade), she's maybe the better judge.

(Older elementary kids are probably not going to embrace it as well.... Mister was not a fan... on any level.)

It is a good message, and I could see it being a good resource in a classroom.  Maybe to springboard an international day activity.

The Big Bad Fox by Benjamin Renner

3 stars
JF graphic novel

Um.... this is one of the weirdest books I've read so far this year.

That might be saying something.

This goofy graphic novel features a fox who is subsisting on turnips.  Why? Because no one is afraid of him.

In fact, the chickens beat him up.

So no chicken dinner for him.

Until the wolf convinces him he should steal some eggs...

hatch them...

fatten the chicks up....

THEN he'll have his chicken dinner, right?

You probably know where this is going.

And you're right.... mostly.

Anyway, bizarre in that way that kids just giggle and giggle and giggle at.  Boo, Mister, and MeiMei all enjoyed it.

(And as long as no one starts calling each other "fart face" I'm good with this.)

The humor is perhaps lost a little on adults, but it's still fun.

Even More.... Picture Books

Because.... I'm caught up (ish) on current books to review until I read something else.... and I don't feel like digging through the backlog of books I never reviewed.

So yeah.

Picture books.

Cockatoo, Too by Bethanie Deeney Murguia
Cute illustrations with minimal text.
Don't let the lack of variation in the text fool you into thinking it's easy to read aloud, though.... 'cause not so much, lol.

Won Ton
Won Ton and Chopstick
by Lee Wardlaw
Both told in haiku, the first tells the story of a cat being chosen at the shelter and taken home-- all from the cat's point of view.
The second is also told by the cat but involves a new pet, a puppy, joining the family.
These are so so fun and if you haven't tried them you really need to.

Even Monsters Need to Sleep
by Lisa Wheeler
Very similar to MeiMei's beloved Sleep Black Bear Sleep, but maybe not quite as well executed?  I don't know... I have mixed feelings there.  But the illustrations are Chris Van Dusen, which is always a good thing.  And overall they're really cute.

Life on Mars
by Jon Agee
This is a major LuLu favrorite at the moment.  And it really is fun.
The text maybe isn't amazing, but the real story is happening in the pictures, so don't let the text fool you.  Also don't skip the last page (there's not more text, but again, it's about the pictures).

All the Laughing Out Loud

I've talked about these before, I'm pretty sure.

Laugh-Out-Loud ..... Jokes for Kids by Rob Elliott

We've gotten a bunch of these for review and they are well-loved.

MeiMei seems to have just hit the sweet spot for them.... end of first-grade.  She reads them aloud to me and makes me text them to my dad.

Which seems only fair given the jokes he inflicts upon the rest of us.

Be aware that some of the titles are 2-in-1 style combos of other titles.   (For example, Ultimate is Awesome plus Road Trip.)

But seriously folks.

If you've got an elementary school kid in your life, you've got to try these.

I think they'd be really great for a reluctant reader.

Real Friends by Shannon Hale

5 stars
memoir, graphic biography

This was so good.

In fact, I made this required summer reading for both Boo and Mister.... and then MeiMei insisted on reading it too.

(I wouldn't have given it to MeiMei, not because there's anything inappropriate but just because it probably went over her head a bit, but hey, she really really wanted to read it.)

Mister was a little more resistant to reading it, but he's probably the one who would benefit the most from reading about interactions with friends, so I insisted, lol.

Anyway, it's graphic novel format (though it's a memoir, not a novel) so it's a really fast read.

My only complaint is probably the font size.... my eyes are not a fan. ;)

Overall, just go read it.

Summer Reading Saturdays!

It's a return to Summer Reading Saturdays!

This year, for Boo and Mister, I'm modeling things on the 30 book challenge that Mister did in school a year or two ago.

For each month I will give them a list of genres and how many of each they need to read, totaling 15 books per month.

(Does that sound like a lot?  Boo was on book 3 on day 2.  I promise they can do it.)

Actually technically it's 14 books plus one title that I'm requiring (for June it's Real Friends-- review next week).

I'm trying to get them out of their ruts, so Boo's list does not have fantasy on it (it does require one Robin McKinley, because McKinley's amazing and Boo's been weirdly resistant about her books).

They both need to read a classic (which for Boo means things like Little Women and for Mister means things like Newbery winners from before he was born), a couple of mysteries, at least one verse novel and one graphic novel, 2 or 3 historical fiction, etc.

We'll see how June goes and maybe we'll tweak July.

Their reward will be the ice cream sundae parties each month like we did last summer.

What about MeiMei, you ask?

MeiMei's goal is just to finish what she starts.  She's the child that starts a book, reads a chapter, puts it down, starts another book, etc, etc.

Even when she's really enjoying a book she does this.  It makes me batty.  I cannot read that way.

What are YOU doing for summer reading?

{School} Reading Saturday

My bigger kids just finished their latest school fundraiser-- a Read-A-Thon!

I was actually kind of excited for this one, because reading is totally doable, no one was selling lame over-priced junk, and all the money actually goes to the school instead of some little fraction.

We did warn people, though-- think carefully before you give them a "per minute" pledge.

The example/suggestion was 10 cents per minute.

No big deal, right?

Until you start doing the math....

That's a dollar every 10 minutes.

If anyone had gone that route, here's what they would have owed my kids:

MeiMei-- $72

Mister-- $132

Boo-- $198

That's right, my kids read 720, 1320, and 1980 minutes respectively.

In like 2 or 3 weeks.

Because hey, they're my children. ;)

Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy by Doug Savage

3.5 stars
jf graphic novel

Y'all.... this was so bizarre.

My kids found it HILARIOUS.  MeiMei was particularly amused.

And really, who wouldn't be?  Laser Moose and his sidekick Rabbit Boy protect the forest from seriously weird happenings in three stories.

Aquabeebear might have been my favorite.

If you have a elementary schooler in your life-- get this.

Christmas Gift Guide (Even More) Middle Grade Edition

You didn't think I'd actually covered everything last week, did you?

Once again, these are books I haven't read (so many books, so little time) but like the look of.  We have received some for review, some my kids are getting for Christmas, etc.

Pax by Sarah Pennypacker
Maybe I'm just a sucker for that fox on the cover, but I really want to read this one.  It sounds a little "The Fox and the Hound".  This is actually in my "to read aloud to MeiMei" pile.

Like Magic by Elaine Vickers
To be totally honest, this story of friendship might not end up being Boo's cup of tea, but I like the looks of it and I'm going to push her to read it.  The main characters are 10, so this is probably a good choice for girls around that age.

Foxheart by Claire Legrand
A fantasy adventure for fans of Neil Gaiman and Diana Wynne Jones? Um, yes please!  I mean, that's a no-brainer, right?

Wing and Claw #1: Forest of Wonders by Linda Sue Park
Boo enjoyed this one.  She thinks other kids would like it. :)

Laugh Out Loud [blank] Jokes for Kids by Rob Elliott
What elementary student doesn't love a good joke book?  The [blank] there is because there are SO MANY of these.  Animal jokes, Spooky jokes, Christmas jokes, Holiday jokes, etc etc etc.  Seriously, just search the author on Amazon or something.  These are a great choice for any kid, but definitely a good idea for reluctant readers.

Lock and Key: The Initiation by Ridley Pearson
Sherlock and Moriarty reimagined.  Who could resist such a thing??

Also: Stick Dog.  I know, they look goofy, but I tell you they are well-loved around here.

Christmas Gift Guide Middle Grade Edition

(Also known as JF because that's what my local library calls it, lol)

Disclaimer-- I have not actually read any of these yet but I like the looks of them, have received some of them for review, and my kids are getting some of them for Christmas (shh, don't tell).

Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome by Robby Novak
My kids LOVE Kid President.  They love this book.  Good bet for elementary kids, especially the older ones.

Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy Seeks a Fortune by Jane O'Connor
This is the 7th in the series, so really you might want to start at the beginning (Nancy Clancy Super Sleuth) but these are a great choice for younger readers transitioning to chapter books.  They aren't terribly long, they're illustrated, and they're a familiar character.  Good for 1st-3rd grade-ish, especially kids who love the Fancy Nancy picture books.

My Weird School Fast Facts: Geography and Sports by Dan Gutman
(That would be 2 different books)  I don't know about you, but I've found that boys especially LOVE books of facts and trivia.  These books are a great choice for fans of the My Weird School series or kids who want to know things like why major league umpires are required to wear black underwear.  (I have no idea on that one.  Maybe I need to read it.)

Ms. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson
This looks SO GOOD.  Recommended for later elementary probably.  This one looks a bit more serious, but I think Boo's going to enjoy it.  And you can bet I'll be stealing it from her pile to read it myself.

The School for Good and Evil: The Ever Never Handbook by Soman Chainani
I don't know a ton about this one, but I do know that things like this are crazy popular with the 4th-6th grade girl crowd right now.

Moo by Sharon Creech
Forget the kids, I want this one for me!  Two kids move to Maine and their parents "volunteer" them to work for an eccentric neighbor.  I am very much looking forward to this one.  (I'll definitely give y'all a full review once I've read it.)

Hamstersaurus Rex by Tom O'Donnell
This looks hilarious and right up Mister's alley.  Really, it's a hamster gone Godzilla-- what's not to love?

Also-- the Big Nate series.  I know I've talked about them before, but I'm talking about them again.  New this year: Big Nate Flips Out, Big Nate Doodlepalooza, and Big Nate Puzzlemania.  Mister would read little else if I let him.  An excellent choice especially for reluctant readers.

A Few More Picture Books

Yeah, I'm catching up on review copies.

Samanthasaurus Rex by B B Mandell

You had me at "You clearly need to evolve".  That page made me laugh SO HARD.  Samanthasaurus is not a typical T-Rex, but in the end she can save the day HER way.  Fun story about just being yourself.

My Little Sister and Me by Maple Lam

So cute.  This book captures the bond and the responsibility involved in being a big brother.  Good for any siblings but especially recommended for a big brother with a little sister.

Paddington Sets Sail by Michael Bond

This is a Level 1 I Can Read book.  A few words were a little tricky for MeiMei, but overall it's a good fit for where she's at right now.  Plus she LOVES Paddington, so really.... can't go wrong.

(I saved my FAVORITE for last)

Chicken in Space
....
You know what? This requires CAPS

CHICKEN IN SPACE (that's better) by Adam Lehrhaupt
illustrated by Shahar Kober

Oh. My. Gosh.  This book is hilarious.  It is a HUGE hit at our house.  AND there are sequels planned.  I can't wait. :)

If you check out NOTHING ELSE that you see on my blog this month, seriously-- do yourself a favor and check this one out.  It's really that fun.

What This Story Needs Now Is....

(Copies received for review)

So, a while ago I reviewed What This Story Needs Is a Pig in a Wig.  We've since read the next two books in the series-- What This Story Needs Is a Hush and a Shush and What This Story Needs Is a Munch and a Crunch.

Both follow a similar template as the first, with simple but entertaining text and fun pictures.  MeiMei is at the point where she can read them herself and enjoys that aspect.

Hush and a Shush is probably the one I fine more amusing as an adult, and has the bonus of being full of animal sounds.

Munch and a Crunch is about a picnic ruined by weather, which is possibly something more kids can relate to.

Either way-- two more great options for the pre-k into k or 1st grade crowd.  Great phonics/rhyming words while still being a really fun story.

Busy People

(books received for review)

Busy People: Police Officer
Busy People: Astronaut

This seems like a great series.  The cute but fairly simple text packs in a lot of information.  I liked the illustrations.  They say recommended for ages 2-5, but MeiMei just turned 6 and they still seemed like a good fit.

I really liked that the Police Officer one involves a child going to the officers for help.  I thought that was a great way to show kids that they are there to help you and not scary.

I don't think they're the funnest books for reading at home, though, unless it's an occupation the child is really IN to.  I think they're actually excellent for a kindergarten or first grade teacher doing a unit on careers.


What Do Grown-ups Do All Day?
by Virginie Margand

This one is a much more broad career book.  It goes through various locations and talks about what the different grown-ups there are doing.  The premise is kind of a class field trip idea.

This showed up at our house right when MeiMei had just finished a week of career-related stuff at school, so the timing was perfect.  She loved it.

I love the format and layout.  The illustrations and text are great.  I like the bigger size and bold colors.



All in all, as a teacher or home school parent these would be amazing resources.  For just regular at-home reading, I think What Do Grown-ups...? is a better option, but if you have a child who is obsessed with a specific job then the Busy People series would be a great place to look.

Monday with MeiMei-- Backyard Witch

Sadie's Story
by Christine Heppermann and Ron Koertge

copy received for review

What?  It's not Monday, you say?

Meh.

Close enough this week. ;)

(I tell you, this week between the big kids starting school and kindergarten starting is KILLING US.)

So-- Backyard Witch

Pros: Cute introduction to birdwatching, silly witch, animals, MeiMei liked it.

Cons: fart jokes, lying to parents, whining/self-pity, pointless subplot, Mommy didn't care for it.

Sadly, the cute birdwatching and silly witch story was derailed by the pointless subplot-- which included the fart joke (I HATE fart jokes.  I thought they were stupid when I was a kid... they are no funnier as an adult), most of the lying to parents, a goodly portion of the self-pity, and did I mention was pointless overall.  The plot didn't need it, it didn't help anything along, and it went nowhere.

If you'd taken out those chapters, you'd have lost nothing and I'd have liked it a whole heck of a lot more.

MeiMei did like it, though, so if the cons don't bother you much (or if your child can read it alone and therefore you won't be subjected to any of it, lol) then this may be a good pick for the younger elementary school crowd.

Mondays With MeiMei-- Mercy Watson

Oh my goodness.

Have you seen the Mercy Watson books by Kate DiCamillo?

MeiMei LOVES them.

So far we've read the first two.  They are absolutely zany.

These are set up as short chapter books, but the length is such that we easily finish them in one sitting.

And just in case you didn't realize.... Mercy Watson is a pig.  As in an actual pig.  Who lives with the Watsons.... kind of as if she were their child. lol

Excellent for a young reader-- either in the "you read to me" stage or the "I'll read it myself" stage.  :)

Mondays with MeiMei- Thornton Burgess Edition

So now that MeiMei is getting ready to start school and we're doing more deliberate reading, I'm going to try doing "Mondays with MeiMei" as a fairly regular feature.

This girl cracks me up.  After her first day of swimming lessons this summer I asked if she'd learned anything.  Her response? "Don't drink the pool water.  It tastes gross."

Part of our summer routine this year was reading more deliberately to MeiMei-- preferably chapter books.

Which meant I had to FIND chapter books... preferably ones that she would like but that were not as mind-numbing for me (can we please not repeat the stacks and stacks of fairy books we did with Boo??).

We started with Thornton Burgess.  My friend had a bunch that used to be her dad's so she suggested them and we borrowed a couple.

For an animal-loving child like MeiMei, these were PERFECT.  Yes, they're slightly old-fashioned and sometimes sound weird, but still.

We've read Whitefoot the Wood Mouse and The Adventures of Buster Bear.  I think we both slightly preferred Buster Bear, which felt a little bit less disjointed.  Also, Whitefoot ends up getting married to a shrewish little mouse who continually calls him "stupid", which I really didn't love.  I did some editing as I read aloud.

We've got Buster Bear's Twins in our pile still, along with Paddy the Beaver.  We'll see who she ends up liking more. :)

PLUS-- did you know you can find a lot of them for free on the Kindle??  That's actually how we read Buster Bear.  I don't love reading ebooks still (they'll have to drag me into the ebook era kicking and screaming, I tell you) and they don't have the illustrations (at least they didn't on my phone using the kindle app) but it's kind of awesome to have so many choices.  Especially since they're old enough that the library has very few.

A Pig in a Wig

What This Story Needs Is a Pig in a Wig
by Emma J. Virjan

5 stars
copy received for review

Oh my goodness, the giggles.

This probably just earned a spot on MeiMei's list of favorites.

With a simple text filled with rhymes, this is an awesome one for beginning readers to read themselves.  Also a great read-aloud, though.  Either way. :)

Overall, just a really cute picture book for the pre-k/k crowd.  (Not that it didn't make my older kids smile too, but there's probably not as much staying power there.  MeiMei's probably going to be requesting this one CONSTANTLY.)

May the FOURTH Be with You

Chronicle Books sent us a cool activity kit for our May the 4th party this year!!  How awesome is that?

It had this great poster:

And this fun new book-- each page is like a little comic.  It was a HUGE hit.

It also had stickers, activities to copy, pins... ridiculously cool.

SO-- it needed to be an awesome party.  We put it together and celebrated with Alyson's crew (of Eat, Read, and Be Mommy).

We needed light sabers.... (these were a "hit" [pun so very intended] but they make an insane squeaky sound when they hit each other, so there was actually less fighting than anticipated, lol).

And blasters.... (which were actually pretty much a flop-- didn't work well AT ALL).

(Playing with the blasters)

Here are 6 of the 7 padawans.... LuLu kept wandering off.

(Epic light saber battling)

The activity that was the biggest hit, though, was rescuing the poor soldiers frozen in carbonite.  Each of the padawans had a tray with "carbonite" (baking soda mixed with just enough water to pack it) and a bowl of vinegar....

along with some cool Star Wars ice "cubes"....

and they were off and "saving" the poor plastic army men.  

My kids play with vinegar and baking soda on a regular basis (gotta love cheap entertainment) but this was LuLu's first time.  She'd pour a bit of vinegar and look up at me exclaiming "WOW!"  It was pretty cute.

And of course you can't have a party without food-- here's our tie fighter and ewok snack.

The kids read the book in between activities and overall we all had a blast!! (Ironically, excepting the part with the blasters... wouldn't do that bit again probably....)

HUGE thanks to Chronicle Books!!  

Wordless Wednesday