Flashback Tuesday: Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe

I have been dog sitting my brother's dog for the past few days.  He is very cute and I love taking care of him but I forget that he needs to go out at night.    Last night as I took him out I saw something I had forgotten about~ an abundance of fireflies blinking in the night.   I was immediately sent back in time to childhood summers of staying out late and chasing fireflies.   I can still see my Dad punching holes in jar lids so we could catch the fireflies.   All night long I tried to remember a book I used to read to kids during the summer when I came across today's book.

Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe is definitely a flashback to another time.   I love the soft illustrations and sweet easy to read story of catching fireflies.   It is a sweet sentimental story that is soothing to read on a warm summer night.   The cover is what I remember and what I saw last night while the fireflies flew~

Here are some other books on fireflies that are also great to read....

Ten Flashing Fireflies by Philemon Sturges and illustrated by Ann Vojtech--sweet illustrations
The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle ----it's Eric Carle, what more can I say!
Sam and the Firefly by PD Eastman (a personal favorite)
Firefly Named Torchy by Benard Waber ---a fun book if you can find a copy....

These are just a few titles I like...gotta run and go find a jar to poke holes in....just in case....

Reference Sunday: Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments by Allen Kurzweil

Every year my family and I go on vacation to Long Beach Island, NJ.   One family tradition has us going to Uncle Will's Pancake House for a family breakfast.   In past years we would always wait for a table while browsing The Atlantic Bookshop next door.   It is a great bookstore with lots to offer.   When my niece and nephews were small my sister would buy them little activity books to use while we waited for breakfast.   A couple of years ago the store moved to a different location.   So instead of going before breakfast we usually go afterwards.   This year was no different.   It actually works out well because I always need a walk after eating a delicious breakfast.



While perusing the store the store this past week I came across today's book.....Potato Chip Science by Allen Kurzweil .  I thought Workman Publishing had done it again by packaging a book on experiments with stuff to do those experiments in a potato chip bag.   Just when I thought I had seen everything....again very clever.   Clever packaging aside a book like this is only good if it is useful.   While it doesn't have all the components to do the experiments with it has enough to get a child started.   This is actually a great science kit because it appeals to the adult who wants their child to learn something and it appeals to the child who likes stuff. I especially liked the fact that the bag can be turned into a kind of kite....which is a very popular past time down the shore.

Special Flashback Wed: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

I have been a little lax in posting lately.   Basically because I am in vacation mode.   The sun has been beautiful here on Long Beach Island and it is hard to use the computer on the beach.  As this is a family vacation I have also been spending my nights eating and playing games.   Last night we played "Clue" with the kids.   I needed to relearn the rules myself as I hadn't played in ages.   The game board is much fancier than I remembered.   While we were going over the instructions my nephew JoJo wanted to know if it was like The Westing Game.....a book he said he liked a lot.   I liked how he knew to compare the two.  





The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is the perfect book for the curious young reader.   It is a great mystery book.   It is the kind of book I read when I was an adult but knew my younger self would have loved it.   Since it is summer it makes a great summer reading title.  Since it won the Newbery award it should be on most school reading lists.  



If your child has already read this then they should try some books by Blue Balliett: Chasing Vemeer, The Wright 3, The Calder Game, and The Danger Box.  These are great mysteries too!

As to our game of Clue last night, while JoJo tried really hard and was very enthusiastic my nephew Alex came out the winner in both of the games we played.   I sense a rematch in the near future!

Flashback Tuesday: Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

I haven't been posting lately because I have been busy with my other endeavor ~ The Savory Garden~ the veggie burger business I have with my sister-in-law.  Our farmer's market season had started again and we were busy preparing and cooking all last week.  


Today's book wasn't what I originally planned but as they say "plans change"....I was so excited to read that Beau Bridges in working on making The Giver into a film.  I think that is wonderful.   While we are all familiar with this Newbery Award winning title and it's iconic cover.....I think Mr Bridges will be perfect for the role.  


Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry is what some consider part of "The Giver" trilogy.   I always felt there was a connection but it is a subtle connection.   I loved this story just as much...if not more....because I could identify more with the characters.   It is also a futuristic society only this time it is more primitive but no less different or challenging than the world we live in.   Like I said I don't feel it is sequel to " The Giver" it is a perfect companion piece----these books are stories of two completely opposite ways of living....but both are destructive.  Since most children read "The Giver" in school I think Gathering Blue would make a perfect summer reading title....beautifully written and lovely to read....maybe some day Beau Bridges will want to make a film of this also....

Friday Fun Book: Catch That Baby by Nancy Coffelt illustrated by Scott Nash

It has been a long time since I have been around a baby.   Last Sunday I got to hold a sweet little baby boy who  loves Ice Cream.   He is a boy after my own heart....so sweet.

Catch That Baby by Nancy Coffelt and illustrated by Scott Nash reminds me of all the babies who have come in and out of my life.   Most babies love to run around sans clothes and sometimes it truly is hard to "catch" them.   This is a really cute book that is really fun to read.   I love the illustrations for their cartoony aspect and because it matches the baby's antics so well.  I can't think of any child who wouldn't find this funny.   I also think it would make a great present for new parents....it can show them what they have to look forward to.  A fun fun book!

Flashback Tuesday: The Summer Solstice by Ellen Jackson illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis

It is a sure sign of summer when kids are out selling lemonade.....my neighbors little girl just set up her stand.....so sweet.  


The Summer Solstice by Ellen Jackson and illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis is a beautifully illustrated book that details how different countries and cultures--ancient and contemporary celebrate the first day of Summer.   This book has a lot of information along with great activities and even a few recipes.   I like that it combines history with science so that there is something for everyone.  A great book to use throughout the summer for when the doldrums set in.  


Happy Summer!

Summer Jackson: Grown Up by Teresa E. Harris illus by Ag Ford

Summer Jackson: Grown Up by Teresa E. Harris and illustrated by Ag Ford is a really sweet read aloud book that sure to become a favorite.  The author is so spot on with her depiction of a child who can't wait to grow up.   I always marvel at children who try constantly to be considered a grown up.  This just doesn't apply to girls but to boys as well.   This is the kind of book that makes me wish I was doing story times again.   It is a fun read with wonderful illustrations.  I know that not only will the kids enjoy it but their parents too.   This is the perfect book for the mini adult in your life....