Reference Sunday: Through Time: Olympics by Richard Platt

Last night while flipping channels on the TV I stopped to watch some Olympic qualifying Diving competitions.  I felt so bad for the team who came in second...they missed winning by a literal hair.   This is why I am not much into sports....I always feel sorry for those who lose.   Anyway I realized that the Summer Olympics in London were fast approaching so I thought I would recommend a book that would be a great way for kids to prepare for the fun.  

Through Time: Olympics by Richard Platt and published by Kingfisher is a great illustrated history of the Olympic games.   It starts with the history of the games all the way back to ancient times. It  concludes with the London 2012 games.  The book talks about each host city and nation giving the reader information about the cultural and social impact the games had on their cities.   There are details about the events themselves with listings of records that were broken as well as the major highlights of each game. I especially liked the illustrations and the wonderful cross-sections that show with meticulous detail the stadiums and cities throughout time.  A perfect way to introduce the Olympics to a child and to help them enjoy them more.   This also makes a great gift for the young sportsperson in your life.

One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson

I am always looking for books that I know kids will love and understand.  I have many friends who are animal lovers....dogs especially so I love when I find something for them to appreciate.  Eva Ibbotson has always been on my radar as a very prolific writer who always has something for everyone.  I was so happy to see her new book but it wasn't until I finished it that I read the back flap where it says this was her last book before she died.  It is sad to think she will no longer be able to delight the world with her words, but at least she went out on a high note.

One Dog and His Boy by Eva Ibbotson is a sweet and fun book about a sad and lonely little boy who always wanted a dog of his own.   This book has everything; friendship, adventure and heart.   It is very Dahlesque with a little bit of Jean Ferris thrown in....although for a younger audience.   This is a perfect summer reading book for young children ages 8-12.....not too hard but not too easy either.

Thank you Eva Ibbotson---you will be missed.....

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.

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!

Reference Sunday: Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks by Sharon Lovejoy

When I saw today's book I was immediately drawn to it.   I loved the title.   When I flipped through it I was even more impressed.

Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks by Sharon Lovejoy and published by Workman Publishers is a great book for anyone to use when confronted with the task of entertaining children on a summer's day.

While it is geared towards spending time with Grandma I think anyone can benefit from using this book. The projects are fun and not too difficult---and coming from me that is an accomplishment.   Mostly it has outdoor activities but there is also rainy day suggestions and indoor fun as well.   Like I said it might be geared for Grandmas (or Grandpa's) but anyone can enjoy it.    Here is to making fun summer memories with family and friends!

Reference Sunday: Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids' Guide by Lynn Brunelle

Here we are in the middle of summer.  This is vacation time for so many.    Today's book celebrates the kind of vacation I never had but always wished to try.   Although I have never been one to enjoy roughing it if I had this book I might have liked it better.


Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids' Guide by Lynn Brunnell is the perfect book for the first time camper.   It has great activities and even recipes to try.   It is just the right book even if you are only "camping" in your own backyard.   It has games and activities too!  I also liked the fact that it reminds us to clean up before we leave the campsite...very environmentally sound advice.  It is marked for ages 9-12 but I think younger kids can learn from it too!  Have fun camping!

Reference Sunday: Show Off: How to Do Absolutely Everything. One Step at a Time by Sarah Hines Stephens & Bethany Mann

My nephews are so excited about the end of the school year.  They can't wait until they can get up when they want and pretty much just play.   Now while my nephews are happy my sister and sister-in-law are both dreading it.   They know that there is a good chance that by the middle of summer vacation they will start to hear whining from their kids about having nothing to do.  

Show Off: How to Do Absolutely Everything. One Step at a Time by Sarah Hines Stephens & Bethany Mann from Candlewick Publishers is just the book to have at the ready.   It is geared toward the older child ages 9-12 but I think younger kids can use it too...especially if they have older siblings.  This really great book is filled with activities like cooking, crafts, magic tricks and so much more.   I really think it can keep kids occupied for hours.   I also think it is great for a gaggle of children as there is something for everyone.  My one nephew likes to cook and another nephew likes to explore while a third nephew is really into pranks....so like I said something for every child.   A great fun book that should keep your children occupied....at least for a couple of days.