Children's Book Reviews

From children's book superstar DAVID CARTER:
100 surprises are in this book, just waiting for kids to sneak a look!

Flaps upon flaps upon flaps—100 of them—are layered on top of each other like gift boxes filled with surprises. Acclaimed master paper engineer and illustrator David Carter offers children a magical experience as they uncover an array of 100 wonderful things in a variety of landscapes. From zippy city streets—where successive flaps open to show a truck, taxi, bicycle, scooter, and skateboarder—to scenes deep undersea, in the forest, and in a prehistoric world with dinosaurs, this clever, visually astonishing book will amaze kids…and teach them to count up to 100 too!

My thoughts: 

I just loved this book.  I used it my COUNT ON IT class and the kids went wild.  They loved seeing the layers of the flaps and what was underneath.  The kids were so excited that they counted all the way to 100.  It was an experience of learning and fun, joined! 

The book contains themes and each theme has ten flaps that reveals fun and interesting things.

1. Under the sea
2. On a busy city street
3. Into the forest
4. Within a garden
5. To the land of dinosaurs
6. Around a dessert shop
7. Along a beach
8. Exploring the jungle
9. Beyond a barnyard
10. Investigating a classroom

It was so fun teaching not only counting, but also groups of 5 and 10.  This is a great an unique learning tool.  My kids also loved it.  I rate it 5 stars.  My only warning is that the kids will need to be gentle with the flaps, so that they don't get torn off.  This book will provide great conversation between parent and child.  

What can you see in the deep blue sea? Dolphins, stingrays, men o' war, and more! In Shimmer and Splash, acclaimed author and artist Jim Arnosky—whose award-winning nature books delight children, parents, and teachers alike—captures the endless variety of spectacular marine species. From the beautiful (starfish, coral reefs) to the scary (sharks, barracudas) to the yucky (jellyfish), these undersea inhabitants will amaze kids…especially in the seven fantastic gatefolds!

My thoughts: 

Beautiful and educational the kids and I spent well over an hour taking about all the sailfish, sharks, jellyfish and the other amazing underwater creatures contain in Shimmer & Splash.  The book had pages that folded out bringing the illustrations to life.  The kids eyes were big with wonder and excitement while reading and learning about these amazing creatures.  What I loved about this book, besides the obvious beautiful pictures and interesting facts, is that is created great dialogue with my kids about the time at the aquarium.   We talked about the facts, looked at the pictures and then reminisced about what we saw on our trip to Chicago.  I really enjoyed this book and my kids are constantly looking at it and discovering new things. 
 I rate this book 5 stars!

TIME For Kids Kids in the Kitchen Cookbook, Fun Recipes for Kids to Make! features tasty recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert that kids and adults can have a lot of fun making together. 

These homemade meals focus on utilizing fresh ingredients while encouraging the understanding of the nutritional and kitchen safety. New twists and alternate recipes will be included to enhance a simple recipe becoming a new favorite.

Filled with full-color photos and some illustrations, this book will feature step-by-step, easy-to-follow recipes. Kids will practice measuring ingredients, reading nutritional labels, and learn the basics of cooking. 

All of the recipes were chosen from myRecipes.com. Recipes include:

Applesauce Muffins

Chocolate Chip Waffles

Fruit Smoothies

Sweet Potato Fries

Fish and Chips

Sloppy Joe Sliders

Creamy Berry Fruit Pops

And more...

Even the most picky eaters will find foods they will love inside this cookbook.

My thoughts: 

My son is an inspiring chef at the young age of 6.  When given the opportunity to read and review this book I was so excited.  I knew that my son would love it and it would offer us together time doing something he loved.  When we go the book we looked though it, picked a recipe  hit the store and then got to work.  We made the Soup-er Quick Chicken Noodle Soup and it was easy, fun and it tasted great!  Since the first recipe we have made so many great things, such as, Mixed Fruit Sunshine Smoothie, Wheel in the Sky Tortilla Pie and Easy and Perfect Vanilla Pudding.  The recipes are easy and the book is spiral bound making looking at and following the recipes a snap.  This book as provided me not only great new recipes that are tasty and easy...which has made menu planning easier, but is has given a gift of time and memories with my little inspiring chef!!!  5 stars!!!