Book of the Week: Wright on Time Utah (book 2) by Lisa Cottrell-Bentley

I’m back from a 2 week hiatus and am recharged and ready for the new year. I hope all of you are ready for a great 2010.

My format here is going to change a bit. I still will be doing reviews on books that go beyond reading. The rest of my posts will deal with a combination of different ways to use books, creative writing prompts and news on the multi-lingual front. In this last one I might even include some basic words, customs, games and fun things from around the world. I hope you all follow along this year and enjoy the ride.

So, let’s kick this year’s Book of the Week off with the second book in the “Wright on Time” series. “Utah”, book 2. It is every bit as action packed as Lisa’s first book, “Arizona”.

This time the Wright family has traveled to the state of Utah. They’re helping out at an Allosaurus dinosaur dig. Aidan is trying hard to find a new bone at the dig. Nadia gets some new surprises from her mysterious device. The symbols state changing and glowing in the night. Just what is this thing? What are the changing symbols that look Mayan, Chinese, Egyptian and Native American? Also, what’s going on with Aidan’s teeth?

I like the way Lisa’s books not only are very fun adventure stories, they also teach and encourage you to want to learn more about the subject, in this case dinosaurs and hieroglyphics of different ancient civilizations.

As with her first book, Lisa takes this book beyond reading with the two page spread of Utah facts at the front of the book. At the end of the story there are more Utah facts, a glossary, a contest and a peak at book number three “Wyoming.”

Check out her website and pick up your copy today.
Wright on Time Books

While you're there, check out her game page, blog by Nadia and character bios as well.

Check out her Flat Kids link and print out your copy of Aidan and Nadia today. Enjoy!

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children

Creative Wednesday: What Can You Make of This?

This morning while I was thinking of ideas for today's post, I came up with three different ways to get your creative juices flowing. For the next three weeks I'll be giving you started ideas you can use and of course I'd love you to share what you come up with in the comments.

Let's get started:

Since it's Christmas time, look at the three pictures below and write a story through the eyes of a child or elderly person who's reminiscing about what you see here. Make this a flash fiction of no more than 100 words.

Have fun! I look forward to reading your stories.

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

Book of the Week: Wright on Time Arizona (book 1) by Lisa Cottrell-Bentley

Today I'd like to share what will prove to be a great series of mid grade adventure books. The books are about the Wright family. Dad, Harrison and mom, Stephanie are taking their two children 7 year old Aidan and 11 year old Nadia on an RV trip around the United States. They will be home schooled as well as get to see up close and personal the entire country.




The first book takes place in Arizona. The Wright's are about to explore one of the many desert caves. Aidan wants to see bats. Nadia wants to see minerals and rock formations. Will Aidan see bats? What kinds of minerals do they find? What mysterious glowing thing is buried in the rocks? You'll have to read the book to find out.


Lisa Cottrell-Bentley's books are a great way to learn about some of the interesting facts each state has to offer. If this book is any indication of what the entire series will be like, we are all in for a fun and interesting ride along with the Wright family.




So how does Lisa take her book beyond reading? In the first pages, there is a two page spread of Arizona facts that are beautifully illustrated by Tanja Bauerle. Things like:
State insect

State mammal

State flower

and more. At the back of the book Lisa has created a six page glossary of terms for young readers to learn a bit more about some of the things mentioned in the story. She also has a preview of the next book "Utah," a write up about the mysterious item they find, more facts about Arizona and a contest for young readers to enter. With links to her website as well Lisa has created a great learning tool.

Check out her website and pick up your copy today.

Wright on Time Books

While you're there, check out her game page, blog by Nadia and character bios as well.

Take a look at her trailer. Enjoy!

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

A Truly Bilingual Program That Works Both Ways

PSJA bilingual program recognized

When I read this article today, I just had to share. Finally, a school district that gets it. They are offering dual language classes from elementary up. The students that graduate from this program are fully bilingual and ready to face the challenges of the world better than most American students.

Right now the program is in English and Spanish. They want to add a third language the program has been so successful.

Kudos to the creators of this program. I really hope more school districts adopt it.

What are your thoughts?

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

Book of the Week: Soap, Soap, Soap by Elizabeth Dulemba

Today we have a fun book to share with you. "Soap, soap, soap" is both written and illustrated by Elizabeth Dulemba. This is a fun filled bilingual story about Hugo, a young boy. His mamá sends him to the store to buy soap or jabón. Follow Hugo's adventure to the store and see who he meets along the way. Watch out, or you might end up needing a bath by the end of the story.

Elizabeth's illustrations are amazing. Her style really makes you feel like you are running right along side Hugo during his adventure. This is Elizabeth's first book that she both wrote the story and did the illustration. She has done a wonderful job weaving a cute story and illustrations together. All young children will enjoy this book.

So, how has Elizabeth taken this book beyond reading? Hop over to her website page for this book. There you will find all kinds of activities to enrich the story. You'll find coloring pages, recipes, how to make soap bubbles, finger puppets and lots more.

Pick up your copy today at these locations:

Barnes and Noble

Borders

Amazon

and at your local Independent book store. Go here to find the one closest to you.

Before you go today, watch the trailer of this fun book.

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog

Bilingual Crossword Puzzles

When I was creating my activity book to go with "Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa", I wanted to include crossword puzzles. they are great learning tools. But how could one be made bilingual?

I could have made two puzzles, one in English and one in Spanish, but that didn't feel to me like it would teach which ever was the second language very well. Then I came up with the idea of having the clues in one language and the answer in the other language. Teachers really liked this idea saying they'd never seen it before.

Have a look at one I have in my activity book and then download it and try it yourself.

Have fun!

Loooking for more bilingual fun, hop over to my bookstore and pick up your copies today. They make great Christmas gifts and throw in a bit of learning at the same time.

Creative Wednesday: What Hapened Next?

Have you ever read a book to a child and had them ask you: "What happened next?"

Do you say: they lived happily ever after?
they went to sleep?
or worst of all, nothing the story is over?

So, what did happen next? Did the three little pigs become famous wolf slayers and travel the world? Did little red ridinghood run off to Hollywood and become a star or did she marry the woodsman who saved her?

Next time a child asks you "What happened next?" I challenge you to come up with a new story ending that children will talk about for years to come.

posted by Joy Delgado
We go Beyond Reading
Laughing Zebra – Books for Children
Check out what’s going on at the zoo!
Zooprise Party / Fiesta Zoorpresa blog