Would today’s teenagers think that Holden Caulfield is weird, asks the New York Times. I’m sure they would think he’s a complete ‘phoney.’
Archive for the ‘family’ Category
Holden Caulfield vs today’s teenagers
Monday, June 22nd, 2009A Josef Fritzl book for Father’s Day? Twice…
Friday, June 19th, 2009OMG! It’s Josef Fritzl/Father’s Day confusion/stupidity. Shame on Tesco in Leighton Buzzard. Shame on WH Smith in Lewisham.
Tales for Tots Tuesday: Nursery Rhymes and Poetry
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009From Elizabeth Kennedy of About.com comes this article with 5 Top Picks - Children’s Books with Rhymes and Fun:
Young children love the sounds of rhythms and rhymes, from Mother Goose and other traditional rhymes to recently written rhymes. When the rhymes are coupled with engaging illustrations, children tend to enjoy hearing (and seeing) them again and again. A nice side benefit is that rhymes, alliteration, and other word play are great ways to begin to prepare children to learn to read.
- Good for You by Stephanie Calmenson
Subtitled Toddler Rhymes for Toddler Times, Stephanie Calmenson’s entertaining book celebrates all that toddlers can do, from playing on the playground to using the potty. Other topics include colors, manners, counting, the alphabet, animals, travel, families, and friends. The two dozen poems feature the bright and lively artwork of Melissa Sweet. - Four in All by Nina Payne, Adam Payne (Illus.)
Both the poetry and the artwork in Four in All are unusual and affecting. Written by poet Nina Payne and illustrated by her son, Adam Payne, the text features just 56 common nouns set in verses that are surrounded by dramatic cut-paper collages. The story of a young child’s adventure is told in such verses as “oats wheat corn rye / sun moon stars sky.” - Playtime Rhymes for Little People by Clare Beaton
Clare Beaton’s book features her imaginative fabric and trim collages and 40 well-loved rhymes and finger plays. Many, like “I’m a Little Teapot,” will be familiar to you; others may be new to you. The finger play instructions that accompany each rhyme are particularly helpful and ensure that you and your child will get the maximum enjoyment from the book. - Tomie dePaola’s Mother Goose
This delightful book contains 200 rhymes, ranging from such familiar Mother Goose rhymes as “Old Mother Hubbard”, “Simple Simon,” and “Little Miss Muffet” to “Yankee Doodle” and other traditional rhymes. The folkart-style illustrations from the talented dePaola are full of good cheer and include a diverse group of children, adults, and farm animals. - The House That Jack Built by Diana Mayo
The constant repetition in this traditional rhyme is particularly appealing to young children. Diana Mayo’s large and vivid illustrations cover the pages, bringing life to each verse. There are a lot of details in the pictures that children will have fun identifying. This rhyme is one that three- to five-year-olds will enjoy learning to recite.
Home Game by Michael Lewis - a waste of a book
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
Yesterday I drove to work listening to NPR as usual and ended up shouting at the radio because of the nonsense being spouted by Michael Lewis, author of Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood.
Lewis, a full-time writer (so he isn’t in a particularly taxing profession), complains in the book that he has to do about a third of the childcare in his household. The point being, his father never did any childcare at all and he thought it would be the same for him. Of course, life isn’t like that anymore, especially as lots of mums are eager to resume their careers.
I was thinking ‘well this book just shows the difference in the generations.’ Then Lewis let it slip that his household also includes a nanny!
A nanny! What are you complaining about? You’ve got a nanny! What a waste of a book! Stop whining and pull your weight. If things get tough, you can just dump the kid on the nanny and bugger off for night any way.
There have been times when I’ve returned home from work and a screaming baby has been thrust into my arms by my other half almost before I’m out the car. Any parent knows that working a full-time job is much easier than being a full-time stay-at-home mum or dad. During the early years of both my children, I did the full night shift to give my other half as much sleep as possible. Both my children were poor sleepers as babies, the second was an absolute nightmare. She was such as a sensitive sleeper that one time after spending around 50 minutes to rock her to sleep and then gently placing her in the crib, I slowly tried to exit her bedroom only for my knee joint to crack and wake her up. Becoming a parent gave me a new appreciation for the beauty and value of sleep.
Tales for Tots Tuesday: Top 5 Books to Read to Babies
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009Reading to infants helps develop their communication and early reading skills. The more stories you read aloud, your baby will be exposed to more words which can positively impact their speaking abilities. In fact, studies have shown that children whose parents frequently communicate and read with them, know more words by two years of age than those who aren’t read to.
Most importantly though, reading is an excellent bonding exercise for parents and their little ones.
Heather Corle, an About.com contributor recommends these five favorite books to get your baby’s library started:
- The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
A popular modern classic which follows the tale of a beautiful iridescent fish, who suffers a life of loneliness until he decides to share his glittering scales with a catch of new friends. Rainbow-colored foil stamping glitters on every page. - The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This follows a caterpillar as it munches its way through a variety of edibles such as ice cream, salami, watermelon, one slice of Swiss cheese, and a lollipop before it finally pupates and emerges as a butterfly. The story teaches counting to 5, the names of the days of the week, and about different types of food. It is highly popular and has been praised for its use of easy-to-read words which makes it good for teaching young children to read. - Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
A little rabbit bids goodnight to each familiar thing in his room, in this classic story told with gently lulling words and soothing illustrations. - Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt
Pat the Bunny is a “touch and feel” book for small children and babies that has been a bestseller since publication in 1940. Always a perfect gift, the book has delighted millions of youngsters with its simple style yet enchanting story and activities.
- Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth
One by one, ten tactile bugs disappear. Young ones can feel their way through the sturdy, colorful pages of this innovative book looking for the ladybugs while reinforcing the counting concept.
Preconception Reading from What to Expect When You’re Expecting Author
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009
Following on the heels of last year’s publication of the fourth edition of the perennially popular and bestselling book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting is Heidi Murkoff’s newest book, What to Expect Before You’re Expecting.
With an estimated 11 million American couples planning parenthood the book is bound to be a hit. Especially since medical experts are now recommending that hopeful parents prepare for at least three months before they begin trying to conceive.
For a sneak peak at some of the tips offered in the book, watch this video of Murkoff’s visit to CBS’ The Early Show yesterday morning.
Find new copies of What to Expect Before You’re Expecting starting for $8.94.
Tales for Tots Tuesday: Five Little Monkeys With Nothing to Do by Eileen Christelow
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Five little monkeys may be bored but Mama monkey has things for them to do!
Grandma is coming for a visit and the house needs cleaning. The little monkeys are asked to tidy their room, scrub the bathroom, beat the rugs and pick berries for dessert.
The poor little monkeys soon realize that all their hard work is easily undone when they run from picking berries to quickly get ready for Grandma’s arrival!
Five Little Monkeys With Nothing to Do is just one of the books in Eileen Christelow’s Five Little Monkeys series. The other titles include:
- Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
- Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree
- Five Little Monkeys Bake a Birthday Cake
- Five Little Monkeys Wash the Car
- Five Little Monkeys Play Hide-and-Seek
- Five Little Monkeys Go Shopping
Five Little Monkeys With Nothing to Do is a cute story that helps build in children an appreciation for the amount of work that goes into running a household. It’s a good catalyst for introducing chores and ways they can help out. The book can also be used to help them develop thought processes for when they do feel that there is “nothing to do”.
Activities guides for Five Little Monkeys With Nothing to Do are available online to help you get the most out of the book.
It’s Children’s Book Week!
Monday, May 11th, 2009
May 11-17 marks 90 years of Children’s Book Week. Since 1919 Children’s Book Week has been celebrated through storytelling, parties, author and illustrator appearances and other creative bookish events.
The event began with the idea that children’s books can change lives and Franklin K. Matthiews, the librarian of the Boy Scouts of America, who in 1913 began a tour to promote higher standards in children’s books. Six years later, the American Booksellers Association committed to the organization of an annual Children’s Book Week. As of 2008, Every Child a Reader (the philanthropic arm of the children’s publishing industry) took on this responsibility.
The Children’s Choice Book Awards are a major part of Book Week. Starting early spring, children can vote on their favorite books, authors, and illustrators of the year. Stay tuned for the winners…
Why not spend some time this week reading with a child?
To help you out, here’s About.com’s list of Top 6 Guides to Children’s Books and Reading Aloud:
- The New York Times Parent’s Guide to the Best Books for Children
- The Read Aloud Handbook
- Valerie & Walter’s Best Books for Children: A Lively, Opinionated Guide
- Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever
- How to Get Your Child to Love Reading
- Books to Grow With: A Guide to Using the Best Children’s Fiction for Everyday Issues and Tough Challenges
For other ideas on celebrating Children’s Book Week, visit www.bookweekonline.com .
Tales for Tots Tuesday: Peggy Rathmann’s Good Night, Gorilla
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009“Good night, Gorilla”, says the zookeeper not realizing that Gorilla is taking the cage keys from his belt loop. 
It’s bedtime at the zoo and all the animals are going to sleep. Or rather they should be!
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann is the tale of a zookeeper closing up for the day and saying good night to all the animals. All the while Gorilla is following behind him unlocking the cage doors and an animal procession ensues. One that leads right to the zookeeper’s own home!
There is very little text, really just “Good Night” and the animals’ names. But it’s a fun way to introduce animals to young children. The lack of text doesn’t take away from the book at all - the vibrant images and the parading animals are entertaining in themselves. Who could resist the toothy, mischievous grin of Gorilla?
Good Night, Gorilla was named as one of the Best Children’s Books of 1994 by Parenting Magazine and was included in the 1995 list of Children’s Books 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing from the New York Public Library.
It’s also very easy to find activities to do with children relating to this book. Here are some good examples:
Neil Gaiman’s Blueberry Girl, Illustrated by Charles Vess
Monday, April 20th, 2009
I really love the recent trend towards video trailers for books, and this one, for Neil Gaiman’s children’s book Blueberry Girl, which came out in March, is no exception. Recent Newbery Medal-winner Neil Gaiman is a longtime friend of alterna-pop songstress Tori Amos. It’s been rumoured that some iterations and renditions of the Sandman character Delirium were inspired by Amos. As well, several of Amos’ songs make reference to Gaiman, including Tear in Your Hand, which was first recorded on a demo tape that served as the original means to an introduction between Amos and Gaiman in 1991.
Now, 18 years later, the two are old, close friends, and Gaiman is godfather of Amos’ daughter, Tash, born in 2000. Blueberry Girl is a gorgeous children’s picture book, illustrated by Charles Vess from a poem that Gaiman wrote for and dedicated to Tash:
Parts of it made me feel quite trembly in the lower-lip region, personally.
Words can be worrisome, people complex;
Motives and manners unclear.
Grant her the wisdom to choose her path right,
Free from unkindness and fear.
Let her tell stories, and dance in the rain,
Somersault, tumble and run;
Her joys must be high as her sorrows are deep,
Let her grow like a weed in the sun.
….
Truth is a thing she must find for herself,
Precious and rare as a pearl.
Give her all these and a little bit more -
Gifts for a Blueberry Girl.
What a lovely poem, and Vess’ illustrations absolutely bring the text to life. I think I’ll be buying this for future little girls coming into my life.
Tales for Tots Tuesday: LOUDMOUTH George and the Fishing Trip by Nancy Carlson
Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
LOUDMOUTH George and the Fishing Trip by Nancy Carlson
George the rabbit has a confidence problem - he’s overly confident!
George will tell you he’s the fastest runner and eats the biggest pizzas. When Harriet tells George that she’s going fishing with her family, George brags that he’s previously caught the biggest fish.
Truth be told, George has never gone fishing so when Harriet’s family invites him on their fishing trip, he gets worried. But not worried enough to tell the truth!
Surely George learns his lesson when the fish he catches is so small it has to be thrown back…Nope, not George. He’s back to bragging about the enormous fish he caught.
Despite his bragging, George is a likeable character who reminds us that being a loudmouth isn’t such a good idea and that some people like to brag no matter what.
Classed for kids age 4 through 8 years of age, LOUDMOUTH George and the Fishing Trip is a book that can start off as a “read to” and later can be used as “read with” as each page has short sentences or phrases that early readers won’t find too difficult to master.
It’s also a good book if you’re looking for material for lessons about attitudes and bragging. In fact, I’ve seen it mentioned in several book lists for teachers for that very reason.
Nancy Carlson has published more than 50 books including several more featuring Loudmouth George.
The 100-Mile Diet Book Inspires Reality TV
Monday, March 30th, 2009
The 100-Mile Challenge, a six part series based on the bestselling book The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating by James MacKinnon and Alisa Smith is scheduled to air on Food Network Canada starting Sunday, April 5 at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.
The program follows six families in Mission, BC as they spend 100 days completely living the 100-Mile Diet. Authors MacKinnon and Smith were on hand as guides.
Interestingly MacKinnon noted, “[The families] couldn’t get their kids to eat spinach from the store, but when they grew it they ate it.”
Parents, get ready to plant!
Tales for Tots Tuesday: Monty Goes South by Marc Tetro
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
For children ages 4 to 8.
Marc Tetro’s Monty Goes South is a tale of a Canada Goose with a problem. A pretty significant problem - he’s afraid of heights which means he won’t fly!
Monty’s feet have been firmly planted on the ground but as winter approaches, his friends are getting ready to fly south. How will Monty join them without becoming airborne?
Monty and his friends sit down to brainstorm. Could Monty drive, skateboard or travel in a boat? These methods are impossible for a goose so Monty’s only hope is to conquer his fear so that he can fly south with his friends. But how will he do this?
Monty Goes South is a great book to let kids know that they aren’t alone in having fears but there are ways to overcome them. It’s not a saccharine “believe you can and it will happen immediately” story - Monty does have some challenges including an anxiety induced fainting spell.
I enjoy Tetro’s illustrations and the bright colours he uses. His use of cursive writing for the text is also an interesting choice however, I think this could be a failing if you want to keep this book on hand for when your young children are starting to read.
For Canadians, Marc Tetro’s books are a great choice as gifts for children living outside of the country as they are all very much Canadian-themed (except maybe his work for Disney, 101 Dalmations: The Puppies Are Here!).