Flashback Tuesday: The Complete Adventures of Curious George by H.A Rey

The other day my brother stopped by my house and noticed that I had finally cleaned up the boxes of books I had piled in the office.  Most of the books are children’s books so I didn’t think he would be interested in them.  I was a bit surprised when he said he wanted one of my copies of today’s book.   I then remembered he read Curious George books to his boys when they were little.  I specifically remember my nephew Daniel liking Curious George Rides a Bike. 

The Complete Adventures of Curious George by H.A Rey is the perfect gift for a new baby. Curious George is a classic character that all children should read.  While some of the original stories can seem dated they are still fun stories that can grow with your child.  I remember reading them to my nephews and at story time in the bookstore.  I always found they made for great teachable moments.  The books always made for good discussions on how to behave.  This is a must have book for any child’s bookshelf.   

These Rocks Count! by Alison Formento illustrated by Sarah Snow

I was so excited that Spring had finally come and that it was warming up here on the East Coast.  Sadly we are in for one more wintry blast this week.  Although on the bright side I know it won't last and it will get warm again soon.  Today's book is a great book to help prepare children for some out door activity.  As they say "learning can be fun"....

These Rocks Count! By Alison Formento Illustrated by Sarah Snow is a wonderful new addition to Alison Formento’s picture book series These Things Count.  It is a great picture book series that teaches children about the world around them.  I also like the series because it isn’t preachy or condescending to children.  I know for a fact that kids respond well to the books having seen the author interact with them.  I especially like this new book as rocks have always fascinated me; I even took a geology class in school just to learn more.  I was so excited for spring to come so that on my next walk/hike I can utilize some of the things I learned from reading this book.   A great first book on geology for kids.  A must have for the classroom.   

EIEIO: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm with a Little Help From a Hen by Judy Sierra illustrated by Matthew Myers

Spring is in the air....well it will be eventually...it is still quite cold but the good news is the snow has begun to melt.  With that in mind I thought today's book should help us get in the mood for warmer weather and being out doors.

EIEIO: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm with a Little Help from a Hen by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Matthew Myers.  I love how Ms Sierra takes child staple and mixes it up a bit.  How did Old MacDonald start his farm?  All we have known is the song we sing with children but she takes it to another level.  This is a fun way to take something old to teach us something new.  I love the environmental aspect of the story.  It would be a great book for Earth Day next month but more importantly it teaches children about how the earth works as well as being a great introduction to gardening and all it entails.  Just as important as the message  is that it is a fun read aloud with cheerful illustrations that will be read again and again.  A must have new book for spring...even if I am a bit early....

Me....Jane by Patrick McDonnell

While unpacking books yesterday at the bookstore I came across today's title. I have already written of my love for all things Patrick McDonnell before but I can't help writing about him again.  

Me...Jane written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell is one of the sweetest picture book biography's I have ever read.  I think this is the perfect book to share with a child especially during Women's History Month.  Patrick McDonnell sweetly and simply tells the story of young Jane and her stuffed chimp named Jubilee.  He tells of her love of nature and helping animals.  She dreams of  "a life living with and helping all animals" --which she she eventually does. 

I love love love the illustrations in this book and the simple text makes it a perfect read aloud too. This is a must have for every child's bookcase....oh and for the classroom.  The lessons are bountiful from loving nature to following your dreams....a good lesson for anyone...no matter what age!