Picture Books & More - Book Recommendations

i love you americanly

7/6/2018

With all that has been happening with immigration in this country, I wouldn't be bragging, "I love you Americanly." However, this book isn't about loving like an American, but rather loving your kids like the landmarks and natural wonders of the USA. Whether you love them colossally like the High Cascades, bountifully like the Everglades, wholesomely like a warm apple pie, or soaringly like a ninth inning fly, this loving exploration of the United States, from coast to coast, sea to shining sea, will have you shouting, “I love you shiningly, freely, Americanly!”

Click here to download this Americanly Word Search!
.americanly_word_searches.pdf

May 13 is Frog Jumping Day!

5/13/2016

What's a group of frogs called? What's the longest distance a frog has ever jumped? How many species of frogs are there? How do frogs breathe? My kids are full of questions like these and today is the perfect day to explore & discover the answers.

Who knew there was a day dedicated to FROGS?!! And that the reason is based on a literary work??!

Mark Twain’s first short story was first published in 1865 as “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog”. Later, he published it as “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”. It is also known under a third title “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”. But nobody seems to know why we celebrate it and why it falls on May 13th!

So how could you celebrate today besides donning green and hopping around? Leap frog is silly and works on gross motor skills. But how about turning it into a STEM experiment by having your kids measure the distance that they jump using a tape measure?

And of course, read some frog books like this Tadpole & Frogs book. Hardbound for just $4.99. Here are some Quicklinks on Usborne UK's site where you can continue to explore frogs.
http://www.usborne.com/quicklinks/eng/catalogue/catalogue.aspx?cat=1&loc=uk&id=1073

Or how about folding those origami frogs that jump when you tap their backside? This site shows you some fun games to play after you've folded them. http://www.itsybitsyfun.com/blog/how-to-make-an-origami-frog-that-jumps

These plastic cup jumping frogs look like so much fun! http://deceptivelyeducational.blogspot.com/2014/05/plastic-cup-jumpin-frogs.html

Whatever you do, hop back here and let us know what things you tried today!!

3, 2, 1...Blast Off!

4/11/2015

There's something about outer space that draws us all in, no matter our age. For me, it's because for every known fact, there are a million unanswered questions. The possibility of life on another planet, in another solar system, in another galaxy is a mystery that is fun to contemplate, though it may not be determined in my lifetime. For my kids everything about the night sky is fun (the bright moon, the twinkling stars, the dark sky). Usborne Books has a wonderful variety of space-themed books that will take your child on the most wonderful mysterious adventure through outer space.

On the Moon

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to the Moon? This picture book, which combines beautiful illustrations and photo from NASA, will take you on a journey to find out. You can fly into outer space, walk on the Moon and take a look at our world from a very, very long way away.

Look Inside Space

Blast off into space with this fascinating flip book. Find out how the moon was made, why stars shine and how we know so much about planets that are far, far away. With over 60 flaps to flip, including a 4-page fold-out spread of the solar system, your child will be mesmerized by this interactive book.

Age: 3+
Size: 7 1/2 x 8 1/2
Pages: 14

Knights, Horses, Action!

2/21/2015

This is Part 2 in a series of posts recommending titles covering everything medieval (castles, kings, queens, princes, princesses, knights, and wizards). If you missed Part 1 about castles, click here.

Sticker Dressing Knights

A colorful sticker book with 13 medieval scenes and over 200 stickers to dress the knights in armour or jousting gear and arm them with shields, swords and lances. Scenes include the Crusades, Arab warriors, a castle siege, knights in training and a fantastic feast. Written with the help of experts, every detail is historically accurate with fascinating facts about weapons, armour and the life of a knight in medieval times.For a sneek peak at the inside, click here.

Age: 5 years and up
Size: 9 3/8 x 12
Pages: 24 + 10 stick
Price: $8.99

Illustrated Stories for Boys

Want to sail the high seas? Or battle dragons to the death? Dive into this collection of thrilling stores and choose your adventure. Pirates, monsters, robots, knights and ghosts are all waiting to excite you – or send shivers down your spine. As well as funny, scary and action-packed original tales.

Age: 7 years and up
Size: 6 1/4 x 7 7/8
Pages: 352
Price: $19.99 Hardbound

Living Long Ago

This book looks at the fascinating details of everyday life in the past. Find out, for example, what a Roman kitchen looked like, how Ancient Egyptians took showers, how a knight put his armor on and who used wheelbarrows with sails. Clear, simple text and bright, detailed illustrations make this book both informative and fun. Sections of this book include Clothes & Fashion, Homes & Houses, Food & Eating, and Travel & Transport.

Age: 7 - 9
Size: 7 5/8 x 8
Pages: 96
Price: $12.99

Medieval World - IL

From the big battles to kings and warriors, from peasants to palaces, this lavishly illustrated book is crammed with essential information about the medieval world. Follow the Crusades to the Holy Land, explore China with Marco Polo and visit a Mayan ball game. Find out how a knight trained for battle, who invented fireworks and who the Vandals were.

Age: 8 years and up
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 7/8
Pages: 96
Price: $14.99

Time Traveler

Discover what life was really like in this action-packed adventure through history. Visit a castle during the Crusades, meet a ferocious band of Viking raiders, explore Rome when the Roman empire was at its height and take a trip down the Nile at a time when pharaohs ruled Egypt. Informative and amusing, this fully illustrated book contains four updated Usborne classics: Knights & Castles, Viking Raiders, Rome & Romans, Pharaohs & Pyramids.

Age: 8 - 11
Size: 8 5/8 x 10 3/4
Pages: 130
Price: $22.99 Hardbound

Tales of King Arthur

These legendary tales of knights and nobility in ancient Britain, rivetingly retold for today’s readers, remain as fresh and exciting as the day they were first written. From the sword in the stone to the lady in the lake, these stories bring to life the fantastic characters of Camelot: the wise wizard Merlin, the gallant Sir Lancelot, the wicked Morgan le Fay, and the beautiful Queen Guinevere.

Age: 10 years and up
Size: 5 1/8 x 7 3/4
Pages: 144
AR Level/Points: 6.3/4.0
Price: $4.99

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! All ye Kings and Queens, Knights and Nobles!

2/19/2015

Since Usborne Publishing is the biggest and most successful independent children’s book publisher in the UK, it makes sense that we would carry a TON of titles about castles, kings, queens, knights, princes, princesses, and wizards. Today's post is dedicated to our wide variety of castle-based books that your children will LOVE. We have noisy books, flap books, sticker books, and even a slot-together 3D castle kit that is a great birthday gift & activity to do with your child.

Noisy Castle

It’s a noisy old life in a castle! Children can discover what it was like to live in a castle with this introduction to life in the Middle Ages, with buttons to press to play sound effects to match the story. Galloping horses, clashing swords, strumming minstrels… it’s a noisy old life in a castle! Each page of the story has a different sounds to play, like a herald’s trumpet, a knight dressing for battle and a vicious jousting tournament. Little hands won’t be able to resist pressing the colorful buttons to make the sounds that bring the castle to life. Click here for a sneak peek of the inside.

Age: 3 years and up
Size: 11 3/4 x 10 7/8
Pages: 10
Price: $19.99 (Board Book)

My Very First Castle Book

This delightful book is full of scenes of medieval castle life, from delicious feasts to life under siege. Each page covers a different element of castle life, from different rooms like the dungeon and the guard room to castle animals such as horses and falcons. Children can learn how a squire became a knight and how to defend a castle under attack, and special pages show how castles were built and how they have changed over time. With lots to spot and talk about, this is a fun and entertaining way to introduce little children to a fascinating new subject. Click here for a sneak peek of the inside.

Age: 3 years and up
Size: 8 3/4 x 10 1/8
Pages: 30
Price: $11.99 (Board Book)

Look Inside a Castle

Lift the flaps to explore behind the scenes of a bustling medieval castle as Lord Robert and Lady Margaret hold a feast, watch a tournament and fight off fearsome enemies. Amid the hustle and bustle in the colourful illustrations, find flaps beneath flaps and many more surprises to keep enquiring minds entertained. Young readers can meet lords, ladies, knights and squires and find out how they live, work, fight and relax in their magnificent castle home. Click here for a sneak peek of the inside.

Age: 3 years and up
Size: 7 1/2 x 8 1/2
Pages:14
Price: $14.99 (Board Book)

First Sticker Book Castles

Discover the world of medieval castles in this fun book. Eight busy castle scenes to fill with over 150 stickers of jolly knights. Scenes include a castle siege, a feast, a joust and a castle picture to complete. Simple facts on each page help bring the world of medieval castles to life.

Age: 4 years and up
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 7/8
Pages: 16 + 8 sticker
Price: $6.99

Build a Picture Castles Sticker Book

An engaging sticker book which allows children to create their own colorful castle pictures. Children love adding the stickers to each scene to create a medieval stone castle with gatehouse, portcullis and drawbridge, a fairytale castle, a creepy castle with giant bats, a castle under attack and a fortress by the sea, as well as building their own castle. With over 100 stickers of towers, turrets, fairytale princesses, brave knights, seige towers and more. Click here for a sneak peek inside.

Age: 4 years and up
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 7/8
Pages: 16 + 8 sticker
Price: $6.99

Castles - Level 1 IR

Who lived in a castle and what was it like? In this book you’ll find the answers and lots more about the wonderful world of castles. Castles is an exciting series of books for children who are beginning to read on their own. Vivid, full colour illustrations and photographs on every page, accompanied by short, informative text. Carefully selected Internet links to exciting websites to find out more. The easy-to-read text has been specially written with the help of a reading expert. Great reading practice for children who prefer fact to fiction. Click here for a sneak peek inside.

Age: 5 years and up
Size: 6 1/8 x 8 3/8
Pages: 32
Price: $4.99 (Hardbound)

Slot Together Castle

Build your own model castle with this kit containing 90 sturdy, press-out foam board pieces that slot together to create a medieval castle complete with siege towers, a drawbridge and a trebuchet. Includes two model armies, and a 40-page book that shows you how to assemble your castle, describes life in a castle, and suggests ideas for games and battles. Presented in an attractive book-shaped box that can be used to store pieces when not in use. An amazing gift that will inspire hours of creative play. Finished model is 16" x 16" x 8".

Click here to see a video of the castle being built.
Click here for a sneak peek inside the book.

Age: 6 years and up
Size: 9 1/2 x 12 3/8 x 2 7/8
Pages: 90 press-out pieces and 40 page book
Price: $41.99

Stories of Fairytale Castles

In the world of fairytale castles, anything can happen. There's an invisible castle with guests turned to stone. A handsome prince who needs help from a castle ghost. And a contest to see who can build the most amazing castle of all. This book is part of our young reader series and has three original stories for children just beginning to learn how to read.

Age: 7 years and up
Size: 5 3/8 x 8
Pages: 48
Price: $6.99 (Hardbound)

Castles - IL

Have you ever wondered what castles were really for? or what it was like to live inside one? In this fascination guide to castles, you'll discover why and when castles were built, who lived in castles, what they ate, where they slept and what they did for fun. You can even learn tactics for capturing or defending a castle and see a siege in action. Fabulously illustrated with photographs, computer reconstructions, detailed illustrations and cut-away scenes, this book takes you inside the world of castles as never before. Includes a castle glossary, a timeline, and maps of castles around the world. Click on internet links via the Usborne Quicklinks Website to access recommended websites with virtual castle tours, games and activities.

Age: 9 years and up
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 7/8
Pages: 96
Price: $14.95

Mardi Gras!

2/18/2015

In honor of Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, here are my recommendations for books about celebrations, carnivals, masks, costumes, and beads! And for anyone who might be giving up sweets for the next six weeks, I've included a "sweet" recommendation and something to read instead of reaching for that bag of chips or candy!

Boom Bah!

Shhh! Listen! Whats that sound? It starts with a Ting! When a tiny mouse taps a cup with a spoon. And ends with a triumphant Tah-dah!, as one by one, all the other animals join in. Ting! Tong! Clickety-click! Follow the band and tap your toe! Boom Bah! Here we go! With exuberant, vibrant illustrations and a rollicking, repetitive text, Boom Bah! encourages music activities, offers countless opportunities for preschool class extensions, and is perfect for story time.

Age: 2 years and up
Size: 9 7/10 x 9 4/5
Pages: 32
Price: $10.99

Sticker Dolly Dressing: Costumes Around the World

In this book you will find dolls celebrating exciting festivals around the world. Use the stickers to dress them in traditional costumes for each festival, from elegant dresses and masks at the Venice Carnival, to a lion costume for dancing at a New Year's festival in Vietnam.

Age: 4 years and up
Size: 9 3/8 x 12
Pages: 24 + 10 sticker
Price: $8.99

First Sticker Book Fairgrounds

Come and have fun at the fair in this exciting book. There are stickers to add to every page to bring all the rides to life. You can almost imagine yourself whizzing around the carousel, slipping and sliding down the helter-skelter and following the sweet smells towards the candy-floss stall. Perfect for young children, this simple sticker book features a range of fairground scenes to complete with the 200 stickers provided.

Age: 3 years and up
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 7/8
Pages:16 +8 sticker
Price: $6.99

Sticker Dolly Dressing: Parties

Help the dolls get ready for a whole range of different parties, from a sleepover to a spooky Halloween party. From aprons for a pizza-making party and pajamas for a sleepover, to costumes for pirate and fairy parties, there are over 350 stickers to provide hours of fun. Includes stickers of party food, games, party bags and much more.

Age: 4 years and up
Size: 9 3/8 x 12
Pages: 24 + 10 sticker
Price: $8.99

My Jewelry Book

This book has everything you need to design your own jewelry collection! Containing 67 stickers, 16 pages of paper "materials," 29 stencils, 40 pages of silhouettes and 3 pages of punch-out cardboard jewels and accessories to get you runway ready!

Age: 8+
Size: 9 5/8 x 10 1/4
Pages: 77
Price: $11.99

20 Party Invitations to Color

This box contains 20 vibrant party invitations to color and send to friends and family. There are five different designs, and stylish, patterned envelopes as well. It contains 4 sets of 5 designs featuring cats, dogs, mice and birds all dressed in their party gear! Children can color the cards themselves or give to friends to complete - just add the names and party details in the spaces provided. Each card has a colored background making the cards easy for young children to complete.

Age: 3 and up
Size: 5 x 5 3/4
Pages: 20 cards
Price: $9.99

Children's Cupcake Kit

An irresistible gift set to bake delicious and colorful cupcakes, all presented in a stunning storage box. The beautifully illustrated recipe book has step-by-step instructions for making 23 different kinds of cupcakes, including red velvet, chocolate marble and spiced apple. Includes suggestions for adapting the recipes for different flavors, and ideas and tips for decorations. Contains 380 cupcake cases in two sizes – enough to make each recipe in the book once – plus 20 cupcake toppers.

Age: 6 years and up
Size: 6 1/2 x 8 1/4
Pages: 64
Price: $19.99

Why Shouldn't I Eat Junk Food

A fun and informative guide to healthy eating which answers questions such as Why does junk food taste so good? What are food additives? What is processed food? and Can I still eat burgers? Includes simple recipes for healthy snacks and burgers, ideas for taking more exercise and information on food labels, advertising and how food is grown. Written in a clear, factual style with bright, stylish illustrations and internet links to recommended websites to find out more.

Age: 8 years and up
Size: 5 7/8 x 8 7/8
Pages: 48
Price: $6.99

Gobble Gobble Moooooo, I'm Thankful for You!

11/23/2014

Now that it is November, the focus in our house has been Thanksgiving. We've found the cutest crafts on Pinterest and my kids are eager to make our decorations this year. However, I wanted to teach my kids that Thanksgiving is more than turkeys, corn, Native Americans, & Pilgrims. My kids love Usborne Books, so I checked the catalog for Thanksgiving-themed books. When I couldn't find much, I realized it's because Usborne Books is a British publishing company, and Thanksgiving is an American Holiday. Here are the Usborne Books that I recommend and a way for your kids to show their gratitude year round.

The Gobble Gobble Moooooo Tractor Book

While Farmer Dougal sleeps, Sheep and his friends board the tractor and take turns making engine sounds. But what if their loud honks, moos and squeaks wake the farmer!? Children will love copying animal noises in this joyful story. A wonderfully noisy picture book, featuring brand new characters, from the bestselling creator of Duck in the Truck.

Age: 2 - 6
Size: 10 5/8 x 10 5/8
Pages: 32

I Can Say Thank You

You can fly our kite. Thank you!
These flowers are for you. Thank you!

This companion book to I Can Say Please follows the same group of friends as together they combine the joys of play with the joys of good manners!

Age: 2-6
Size: 7 7/8 x 7 7/8
Pages: 26

20 Thank You Cards to Color

This box contains 20 thank you cards to color and send to family and friends. Each card is different and the pack includes yellow envelopes as well.

Age: 3 years and up
Size: 5 x 5 3/4
Pages: 20 cards

Music Does a Body Good!

11/18/2014

Here's a great article about the importance of music on your child's development. Read the article and come back here to learn about the fabulous musical CD books I found in our catalog. (In a separate blog entry, I'll write about our interactive music books).

Little Ballerina Dancing Book

This book and CD will delight any aspiring little ballerina. The CD contains over 30 minutes of enchanting ballet music – perfect for tiptoeing, twirling and skipping. Five ballet scenes are described in the book and a step by step illustration/description of how to do the dance is included.

Age: 3+
Size: 8.5" x 8.5"
Pages: 12

Elephant's Birthday Bells

Jump up, join in and read along with Carrie and David as they teach you to enjoy and feel confident about music! Elephant is far too loud for the family band and everyone's fed up... until a very special birthday present helps her find her gentle jingle-jangle! Contains a seven-track CD with an audio version of the story, includes musical activities, make your own musical instrument, sing along with a cool pop song (and there's a bonus karaoke track!).

Age: 4-8

Size: 9.8" x 9.8"

Pages: 32

Lions Speedy Sauce

Jump up, join in and read along with Carrie and David as they teach you to enjoy and feel confident about music! Lion's lost his rhythm and his bongos are missing a beat! Will the marching band help him get his tempo back in time for the summer fair? Contains a seven-track CD with an audio version of the story, includes musical activities, make your own musical instrument, sing along with a cool pop song (and there's a bonus karaoke track!).

Age: 4-8

Size: 9.8" x 9.8"

Pages: 32

Yellow Umbrella

The perfect book for a rainy day (obviously) but also for an art lesson, a lazy afternoon, or a quiet classroom, Yellow Umbrella tells the wordless story of one umbrella's morning journey. Accompanied by a CD of original and evocative piano music, this is a book meant to be enjoyed by all people, connecting us through music and art and transcending language and cultural barriers. Readers, "lookers" and listeners of all ages will love this slice of a rainy day.

Age: All Ages
Size: 8" x 10"
Pages: 32

Monster Mash!

10/2/2014

October is here and that means Halloween is around the corner. But Halloween doesn't have to be all about candy! Reading can be a treat too. These books will turn any Halloween Bash into a Monster Mash!

That's Not My Monster!

This delightful series of board books is aimed at the very young child. The bright pictures, with their patches of different textures, are designed to develop sensory and language awareness. Babies and toddlers will love turning the pages and touching the touchy-feely patches. This book comes in over 20 varieties (That's Not My Train, That's Not my Mermaid...) so you can personalize your gift!

Age: 9 months and up
Pages: 10

Noisy Monsters

A howling good book of noisy monsters. Find them in the forest, in the city and in the swamp! Children will love pressing the buttons to hear the noises of the eight monsters as they roar, bounce, crunch, chomp, bubble and burp. This book is now out of print and can only be purchased directly through me. Only 1 copy left in stock!

Age: 1 years and up
Pages: 10

Muddle & Match Monsters

Readers will make up their own funny stories and create magnificent monsters as they flip through the split pages and muddle things up! The story is written with lively alliteration and can be used to work on beginning sounds. This book delivers endless fun and can also be used to stimulate creative writing. Also comes in Adventure, Imagine & Jungle.

Age: 3 years and up
Size: 6 1/4 x 8 1/4
Pages: 16

Build a Picture Monsters Sticker Book

Mix and match over 250 bright, colorful stickers to create a myriad of monsters in this fun activity book. There are mega-monsters to invent, a fangtastic family of freaky faces to frame, a scary sleepover and creepy cooking to concoct. Stickers include googly eyes, fuzzy fur, garish grins and much more – perfect for keeping your little monsters occupied!

Age: 4 years and up
Size: 8 1/2 X 10 7/8

Monsters Sticker Book

Take a tour through time, space and beyond that will bring you face to face with a myriad of monsters old and new. There are over 300 frightful stickers you can use to decorate the monstrous scenes..if you are brave enough!

Age: 4 years and up
Size: 9 3/8 x12
Pages: 24 pages + 10 sticker pages

Monster Activity Pack

Perfect for Halloween, this brilliant, brightly-colored carry case contains four fantastic monster activity books. A marvelous medley of monster activities - munchy monsters midnight-feasting and bogey-monsters under the bed, terrible trolls and howling werewolves, as well as monsters of myth and legend. Drawing and doodling activities include designing and naming monsters, writing a mini-monster tale, and escaping the Minotaur’s maze. The activity books are reduced-size versions of Monster Stickers, Monsters Sticker Book, Monsters Coloring Book and Monsters Activity Book.

Age: 6 years and up
Size: 6 1/4 x 8 1/4
Pages: 4 books, 16 pages each

Monster Doodles

There are over a hundred monster doodling opportunities in this pack, and the cards are wipe-clean so you can doodle over then again and again. Put these in your bag and take them out whenever your kids have to sit quietly and wait!

Age: 6 years and up
Size: 4 X 6 1/8
Pages: 50 cards

Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster

Whenever Jonathan James finds himself in a new situation, he hears his Whatif Monster asking all kind of questions to stop him trying something new: What if it’s scary? What if they laugh? What if it’s hard? Finally, Jonathan James has some questions of his own: What if they don’t? What if it isn’t? What then?

Age: 3-7
Size: 7 3/4 x 9
Pages: 32

Whatif Monster Plush

Hugging this soft, cuddly, lovable Whatif Monster plush toy will help make worries vanish - no ifs, ands or what ifs about it! Purchase it along with Jonathan James and the WhatifMonster for a great combo book/toy gift. Or purchase it separately for the monster-lover in your life.

Monsters Aren't Real

He can’t believe his eyes! How can there be no such thing as monsters? He's as big as a monster. He's as strong as a monster. He’s a monster! … He is! … (Isn’t he?) And he’s going to prove it! Convinced readers will be hard-pressed to find a more engaging monster than this one, in this not-so-scary story about being true to yourself.

Age: 5 years and up
Size: 7 1/2 x 8 1/2
Pages: 44

The Usborne Big Book of Big Monsters

Legendary creatures from around the world and throughout time, including dragons of all kinds, sea serpents, ogres, water spirits and giants. Amazing artwork with giant fold-outs and littlechunks of information make this a fascinating book for young monster-lovers.

Age: 4 years and up
Size: 9 3/4 x 11 7/8
Pages: 16

Oliver Moon and the Monster Mystery

Packed with comic exploits, extraordinary characters and more than a handful of magic. Oliver Moon thinks his luck is in when he wins the Magic School raffle, until he's presented with his prize - a hideous painting of an ugly monster. But could there be more to the picture than meets the eye? Only 1 left in stock!

Age: 7 years and up
Size: 5 1/8 x 7 3/4
Pages: 89 pages
AR Level/Points: 4.5/1

Hey Jack! The Worry Monsters

Jack has a spelling test, but he doesn’t want to study for it. What will happen if he leaves it until the last minute? Watch out for The Worry Monsters! This early reader series featuring Billie B. Brown’s best friend, Jack, is full of down-to-earth, real-life, fun and funny stories that boys can enjoy and relate to. With word art or illustrations on every second page, and no huge blocks of text or intimidating words, they're perfect for newly independent readers.

Age: 4-7
Size: 5 x 7 3/4
Pages: 48
AR Level/Points: 2.8/0.5

Author

I'm a mother of two bookworms and have a passion for sharing the joy of reading.

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