Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Poris

I am amazed that the summer is over already.   I just saw some photos of my cousins little ones all dressed up for the first day of school.   My nephew told me that his two favorite days of school are the first day and the last day....

Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Poris is a great new book for any child going from Preschool to Kindergarten.   It is a great read along book that shows the progression of acceptance and joy that new adventures bring.   At first the main character Annalina is apprehensive but in the end she is happy.   A great new addition to a "back to school" book list.   The illustrations are sweet too!

Flashback Tuesday: Frog & Toad by Arnold Lobel

The summer is almost over so I thought I would go to the pool with my nephews.   Since I hadn't thought of what to write about today I asked them for suggestions.   I asked them what books they liked when they were younger and my nephew Michael V immediately said "Frog & Toad".....I thought that was a great suggestion.


I always loved the Frog & Toad books by Arnold Lobel.   They were such simple stories of friendship and acceptance.   Here were two friends who were in a way such opposites and yet they got along so well.
These are more than just books to teach children how to read but are great read aloud story books as well.   They make wonderful gifts and are great reminders of the simpler things in life.   These are must have classics that every child should read.   Thanks to Michael V !

Frog and Toad Are Friends 













Frog and Toad Together












Frog and Toad All Year 












Days With Frog and Toad

Reference Sunday: Hurricane Katrina - 5 Year Anniversary~

Today is the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.   I remember watching the news and staring in disbelief that this should happen here.   Children today might not have an understanding of what went on.  Here are a list of books that I think will help a child understand the gravity of this terrible event.

Story of a Storm: A Book About Hurricane Katrina by Reona Visser for ages 4-8.  What I liked about this book is that it by a group of children and their teacher who actually lived through the storm.


Hurricane Song by Paul Volponi is for older children ages 10 and up.  I think it is also a wonderful books for adults to read....one of those "not just for children" titles.   I love the voice in this book.  This is a fictionalized account of what happened to one family after they were trapped by the storm.   The descriptions of the super dome are very powerful.   There is some language in it that might not be appropriate for younger children but it is a very powerful read for older ones.  I know this is Reference Sunday and this is a book of fiction, but the events are true.

Hurricane Katrina (Disaster Alert) by Ellen Rodger is for ages 7-14 but I think can be shown to younger children with some supervision.  This book not only talks about the cause and effects of hurricanes, what happened during Katrina but also talks about the rebuilding of New Orleans and other communities affected by the tragedy.   While this might be considered a 'school' type book I think it would help explain this event to children.


These are just a few recommendations to help lead you to what may be needed to explain this historical event.

One Year!

Today is the the one year anniversary of this book blog.   I have been reading some of my old posts and have a feeling I have strayed from my original mission.   I am going to try and rectify that.   I started this blog because I wanted to help people find good books for kids.    I thought if anyone had a book question I could help answer it.   I still want to do that.   I have said it before but it bears repeating that I do not want this to be a book review site.  I think recommending books is different than reviewing books.   Some books don't need recommendation nor do they need reviews they will get bought or read no matter what.   I want to recommend titles that have a purpose, even if that purpose is just a good bedtime story.    My primary concern is getting the right books into the right hands.   I just want to be helpful...

I have greatly enjoyed writing this blog.   I love finding new titles to suggest as well as reintroduce some older titles I have loved.    No book really goes out of style.....they may get a bit dated but sometimes that is their charm.   I love my Reference Sundays and my Flashback Tuesdays.....they are really fun to write.   I also hope that whoever reads this is enjoying my suggestions as well.  Hears to hoping that this blog continues to bring enjoyment to all who read it.   Thanks too to my followers and everyone else who has supported my efforts.   I truly appreciate you all!  

It's a Book by Lane Smith

It's a Book by Lane Smith is one of those books that is really more for adults than kids.    That being said I would love to read this at a story time just to see parents and kids reactions alike.    Author/Illustrator Lane Smith has not subtly explained why "books" are still relevant.   The fact that it isn't subtle is what makes it so charming.    I love how the characters interact and their facial expressions are priceless. This is the kind of book that had me laughing out loud ~ which always brings stares from the people around me.   Like I said this is not really meant for kids but they can enjoy it too.   This is, for me, very reminiscent of Mr Smith's The Happy Hockey Family in style and tone.   I know so many people I can give this to and none of them are children.   I love books like this ~ it shows how not all "children's" books are meant to be enjoyed by children alone.   Oh and the message is great too!

Flashback Tuesday: The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr

The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr was originally published in 1968.   I remember having a mini version available when I was working in the bookstore.   I was so happy to see a reprint of it come out last year.   This is the iconic story of a Tiger who visits a little girl named Sophie and her Mother one day for tea.   It can feel a bit dated but still quite a wonderful read aloud.  Kids love to see what the Tiger eats next.  I have also felt it is a nice subtle way to discuss proper manners with children.   This is a classic story that would be a fun addition to a child's repertoire of books.

Word After Word After Word by Patricia MacLachlan

Word After Word After Word by Patricia MacLachlan was such a wonderful read.   I started to read it one day but had to put it down because it made me cry.   When I finally picked it up again it only took me 20 minutes to finish.   For such a short book it is very powerful.

I am not sure if it is a book a child would pick up but it most certainly is a great book to be read in class.   Having taught fourth grade Sunday School I could relate to the kids in the book.   I am not sure if kids really talk this way or as sensitive as these kids are but part of me wishes there were more like them out in the world.

What is so great about this book is how in simple terms Ms MacLachlan teaches us that words are power.   I love the way that she shows us how words can be real or unreal....and that being unreal doesn't mean it isn't the truth.   I almost felt that Ms MacLachlan had channeled my sister Ann.   Ann has always been about words and truth....how they intertwine and teach us about ourselves.

This is a must read for any age.....like I said I cried through the whole book.....which is always a litmus test for me.   The more I am touched by the words in a story the more I love it!