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
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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!

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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.

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Book of the Week: Anna’s World by Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin

Fourteen-year-old Anna Coburn doesn't want to grapple with such terrible issues. Just growing up seems awful enough. Forced from her home and away from her beloved father, Anna is sent to live among the stern people called Shakers. Their strange ways and strict lifestyle are both appealing and difficult for the bright, headstrong Anna.

When reunited with her father, Anna is plunged into upper-class Boston life, where she faces a troubling mystery, new responsibilities, and events that will affect not just herself and her loved ones, but a country about to come apart at the seams.

With a cast that includes Henry David Thoreau, a perceptive Shaker schoolmistress, and a murderous false friend, Anna's World is a powerful coming of age story, widely praised for its vivid characters, gripping plot, and moral stature.

* * * * *“Anna’s World” is a book that takes you into the world of the Shaker’s back in the mid 1800’s though the eyes of a fourteen-year-old girl, Anna. After a terrible flood and bout with Typhoid fever, Anna’s father leaves her in the care of the Shakers. With the promise to return for her, Anna is left to live, work and study with these strict hardworking people.

Her journey to adulthood is peppered with mischievous fun, rule breaking and danger. See how Anna handles growing up in a world that she thinks she doesn’t belong in.

Wim and Pat have done an outstanding job bringing the world of the Shaker’s to life. Their historical fiction shares a part of US history that is fascinating. Their sense of character development makes you a part of the story. You’ll fall in love with Anna, your heart will go out to Sally and you will grow to loath Seth.

How do they take this book beyond reading? Wim and Pat have created an in depth teachers guide and some notes on Utopia living, the Mexican War and the Shaker’s. Check them out over at Chiron Books You can also watch a video trailer there.

You can buy “Anna’s World” over at Amazon in both book format and Kindle format.

See you back here Wednesday with some new and creative ideas to go beyond reading.

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Book of the Week: My Grandma’s Kitchen Rules! By Bill Kirk

Today’s book is a cute rhyming story about a young girl and her grandmother. Grandma loves all the things in nature that her granddaughter brings home, with one exception. Ants! Read along as all kinds of creatures and discoveries are brought home. See what happens when ants are introduced and the problems they bring with them.

The illustrations in this charming story capture your attention and bring the rhyme to life. Lots of color and fun borders on each page bring you into the story.

How has this book gone beyond reading?
Bill has once again combined a fun rhyming story with science. At the end of the story there are six pages of factoids, activities, games and a list of websites where you can go to learn more about ants.

Pick up your copy today at Guardian Angel Publishing.

You can visit Bill over at his site Bill Kirk Writes.

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See you back here Wednesday for another fun creative brain boost.

Book of the Week: Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy by Martine Groeneveld

In honor of my mother's 82nd birthday today, I want to share a book all about interactive play between a parent and young child. Nurturing our children when they are infants, toddlers and beyond is a vital part of parenting. This book is a tool for parents to use at home to instill love and affection through use of touch-play, rhymes, games, songs and stories.

“Positive touch plays a major role in my family. Besides daily hugs and kisses, many activities are easily combined with loving and playful touch. We enjoy touch-play activities in the car, in line at the grocery store and before bedtime. They can be done anywhere and anytime.”

The layout is wonderful. In each section you are given guidance on how to use touch-play and tips to involve your child in the process. For example:
Everything in this book goes beyond reading. Martine starts the book with an introduction to touch-play and how to use it with your child, She continues with notes for parents about types of oils to use, pressure and stroking, clothing and timing. At the end of the book she goes into the benefits of touch and research that’s been done on brain development and how it helps reduce aggression. She also gives you a list of resources and books that can further your knowledge.

Reading through this book brought back memories of when my children were very young. I was involved in a “mommy and me” that used these same types of touch-play in a group setting. When we’d go home, we’d continue the experience and make up new songs and rhymes. This would be a great gift for anyone that’s going to have a child.

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Book of the Week: Andy and Spirit in the Big Rescue by Mary Jean Kelso

This week’s story is the third in the Andy and Sprit stories. Once again Andy and Spirit show what a great team they make.

We are back at the State Fair. It’s the day after Andy won the ‘Grand Champion’ ribbon in the 4-H riding competition. He and his mom have stayed over to see the rest of the fair and see how the other 4-H clubs do in their competitions.

Tracy, Spirit’s owner, has promised a ride around the tents to show Andy all the 4-H animals and the rest of the livestock that’s at the fair. When they arrive at the rodeo arena, Andy is watching a girl practicing barrel racing when suddenly one of the bulls breaks down the gate to his pen. The bull races after the girl and her horse then takes off out of the arena chasing Spirit, Andy and Tracy. When they reach the barn, the bull and Billy (the school bully) enter it at the same time. Will Billy be hurt? Will Spirit be hurt? See what happens and how Andy and Spirit save the day.

Mary Jean has once again done a wonderful job portraying the love between horse and boy. Her imagery brings you to the fair and makes you feel like you’re riding with Andy. K.C.’s illustrations show you all the action in this thrilling story.

So, how does this book go beyond reading? At the end of the story, Mary Jean has two pages about ‘hippothrerapy.’ And several links to learn more about the procedure.

Check out:
American Hippotherapy Association
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
You can also google “equine therapy” for more information and maybe find a location near you.

On a personal note: I have done some volunteer work with one near my home. This is an amazing type of treatment with unbelievable results. They can always use more volunteers too.

You can buy this and the other books in the Andy and Spirit series from Guardian Angel Publishing.

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Book of the Week: “An Environmental Guide from A to Z” by Tim Magner Revisited

Back in May I reviewed this book. I’m revisiting it today because Tim and his staff have added more ways to take this book beyond reading.

First he’s added a Parent’s Guide. The 14 page guide “promotes outdoor activity necessary for healthy childhood development. It gives children a chance to bond with and understand nature, a chance to become excited about and
involved in the places we live. Uncovering the secrets of nature, opens opportunities in transforming how we live-—from changing where energy is derived to how products are made.”

The book is divided into 3 sections.
Where do we live? Who lives with us?
How does it work?
How do we protect our places, keep them working and build a better future?
Each section is filled with activity ideas, detective questions, writing activites and section one has map activities as well.

This is a wonderful addition to “An Environmental Guide from A to Z” and a great way for parent and child to study the world they live in. My children are grown and off involved in their own careers, but, I plan to use this book for my own learning and pleasure.

The second book is a well thought out and comprehensive Teacher’s Guide. Written for the state of Illinos, this can be adapted to any state with a few changes. Starting with pre-reading questions and ending with post-reading discussion the students will get a real feel for the essence of this book. Going through every letter in the alphabet, there are ‘Be a detective’ questions and a wide variety of activities for teacher and students to do. For example here is a sampling from questions and activities for one section.
H is for Habitat and N is for Nature
Be a Detective general questions:
• Why are maps important? What are they used for? How do we “read” maps?
• Are the plants and animals living near us, native to the area? Why? If not, how did they arrive and
what is the impact?

Activities
4. Native American Story: In conjunction with researching pre-European history in America and the prairie-lands of the Midwest, write a story as a Native American child five hundred years ago, e.g. “A Day in the Life,” or, “A Year in the Life.” Describe their relationship among local resources?

8. Need vs. Want: All our needs, including air, water, food and shelter, are met. What members of the community have unmet needs? What is it like to feel cold, hungry, thirsty or lonely? As a person? As a wild animal? Have students choose animals to act out. After the drama ask the student to explain why the animal felt that way. Note: the “L is for Lugari” contains a Need vs. Want exercise.

I believe these books are excellent ways to take a book beyond reading and very good ones to have for anyone interested in studying the environment they live in.

I’ll be back Wednesday with my take on the Muse Online Writing Conference.

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Book of the Week: U.N.I.Q.U.E. Kids by Debra J.Slover

This week we have a different kind of book for you. The full title is “U.N.I.Q.U.E. Kids Growing My Leadership Garden.” The concept of this book in the author’s words:

U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS: Growing My Leadership Garden
will help you nurture and grow the unique leader within
each child.
Written for 8–12 year-olds, the story is a fable of the lost
sheep, Hugh. Representing the human heart, mind, and
spirit, he wanders onto the Leadership Farm. There, he
learns how to become a courageous leader with a unique
purpose and aim. He discovers that all plants have a primary
shoot called a leader, which eventually blooms. Like
plants, each child is a leader waiting to blossom.

The story starts out with Leda working in her garden when a lost sheep happens upon her. When Hugh the sheep tells her his story about why he left home, Leda starts teaching him the concept of growing a Leadership Garden within himself.

Through Hugh’s interactions with all the unique farm animals in the story, Hugh learns to develop his own Leadership Garden. Follow along on the journey and learn how to grow your very own Leadership Garden.

Debra has skillfully woven together a fable children will enjoy and understand with some very powerful lessons. All children need to learn the skills taught in this book to develop and have a fulfilling life.

This book goes beyond reading in several ways. First, at the end of each chapter there is a section called “Hugh Wants To Know.” Here there are discussion questions, writing activities and /or an activity to complete. This helps bring home what lessons were taught in that chapter. Next is the Activity Guide. This reinforces the lessons in the book through further discussion and fun activities for the children. There also is a listing of the Oregon Standards that are met by each chapter.

To learn more about U.N.I.Q.U.E. Kids, visit the Learder Garden Press.

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Book of the Week: The Traveler’s Trunk by Amanda Litz

This week’s book is an incredible journey into the imagination of young children.

Sierra, Jacob and Brent are visiting their great-grandma’s house with their parents. Great- Grandma Addy loves to tell the children stories about great adventures about far off places. After another wonderful story about how she saved a naval ship from pirates, Great-Grandma Addy send the children off to play while she takes a rest.

In their exploration, Sierra finds a rope hanging down from the ceiling. What do they find? What great adventure do the three children have? You’ll have to read this fast paced beginner chapter book to find out what happens.

Amanda has really done an excellent job bringing this story to life. It will peak your child’s (or you own) sense of imagination. Do you have a reluctant reader in your house? This book will grab their attention. I can’t wait to read more stories in this series by Amanda Litz.

So, how has she taken this book beyond reading? I really had fun with all Amanda’s done. First off, at the end of the story she invites her readers to send in their own stories. Not sure what to write about? No problem. There’s a “fill in the blanks story” for you to use. These are fun and can have many different stories come from them. Oh, she also has a permission slip in the book for child and parent to fill out before she’ll post on her web site. Great idea! But that’s not all. Amanda has a 42 page activity book filled with fun activities like coloring pages, word searches and puzzles. These will keep your child occupied for hours and help them relive the experience of “The Traveler’s Trunk.”

Where can you buy this book?
Travel Trunk Publishing

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Book of the Week: the No-No Boys by Teresa Funke

A few weeks ago I shared Teresa’s first book, “Doing My Part” with you. This week’s book is the second in her World War II series.

Here’s what the back cover says about the story:

Based on a true story in the winter of 1943…

Fourteen-year-old Tai Shimoda’s family has lost everything. Like many other Japanese-Americans at the start of World War II, Tai’s family has been forced to leave their home and move to Tule Lake Relocation Center— a desolate camp surrounded by barbed wire in northern California.

Though he misses his home in Sacramento, Tai keeps busy at Tule Lake hanging out with friends and training for the judo tournament. But as tensions in camp rise, Tai’s brother, Ben, joins a group that has refused to swear
allegiance to the United States. They call themselves the No-Nos. Tai’s father calls them Disloyals. Soon Tai must decide what he believes. Will he join his beloved brother and the No-Nos or, like his father, remain true to America?

Readers, don’t miss the last few pages to learn more about the real kids of Tule Lake.

* * * * *

Once again Teresa has done an outstanding job weaving fiction and fact together. As I read her book, I could feel what life in an internment camp must have been like. The pride of the Japanese culture is beautifully portrayed through the lives of Tai’s parents, relatives and other families in the camp. The emotions of being a teen in troubled times are brought forward as Tai struggles with wanting to do the right thing both for his parents and his big brother Ben who’s become one of the No-No boys.

Thought Teresa’s books you will learn about what life was like during World War II in a way you won’t learn in a history book. She’s done a wonderful job reaching into the lives of her characters, real and fictional, to show us all a piece of American history.

How does Teresa take her book beyond reading? At the end of the story, Teresa introduces you to the people whom the story is based on. She give insight into life back in the 1940’s, has a glossary of the Japanese words that were used throughout the story and has the questions 27 and 28 of the “War Department’s War Relocation Authority Loyalty Questionnaire” that helped separate those who were loyal from those who were not.

In addition to all that, she has kits made up for homes schooling, book clubs and classroom study. You can read about them at Bailiwick Press. These kits help students and adults alike experience more about our great American history and pride in our country.

Where can you purchase this book?

Bailiwick Press

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Book of the Week: Andy and Spirit Go To the Fair by Mary Jean Kelso

This is the second story in the Andy and Spirit series. Back in March I reviewed the first in the series where Andy and Spirit met. You can read it here.

In this week’s story, Andy has joined a 4-H club called the Dusty Riders. Andy and several other members of the club are competing at the State Fair for ribbons. He’s very excited about being at the fair, even though he doesn’t think he’s the best rider in the group.

When the time comes for the competition to start, Andy’s a bit nervous. He’s used to working Spirit with his friends around, but this is different. When it’s his turn, Billy, the school bully, yells out from the crowd and lets out a shrill pitched whistle. Will Spirit react and run off with Andy on her back? How does the competition end? I don’t want to spoil the story for you, so I’ll just say that Andy and Spirit prove what a great pair they are.

Mary Jean has once again done an excellent job sharing the experiences of horse and rider and the bond they form. She shows how having a handicap doesn’t have to keep you from doing the things you want to do. The illustrations by K. C. Snider let you see and experience being at the fair with Andy.

This book goes beyond reading with the added information at the end about how wild horses are managed in the U. S. and horse adoption. Mary Jean also gives you some insight to 4-H clubs which have been around for over 100 years.

Learn more about horse and burro adoption

You can also learn about volunteering with horses and burros.

If you’re interested in reading about 4-H go to their web site .

You can buy this book at:

Guardian Angel Publishing

See you back here Wednesday.

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Book of the Week: Doing My Part by Teresa Funke

How much do you remember from history class about World War II? Teresa Funke has written several books on the subject.

"Doing My Part" is one of her stories. She uses real life experiences and spins a fascinating, can't put down, story about what life was really like for people in America during the war.
Here's what the back cover says:

Based on a true story . . .

Until World War II came along, fourteen-year-oldHelen Marshall’s biggest problem had been her height.Few men in Hayden’s Valley, Illinois are as tall as Helen.But when Helen’s mother is hurt and can’t work and her favoritecousin ships off to fight, Helen must find a way to supportboth her family and her country. Along with her best friend,Janie, she takes a summer job at a war factory and discoversthat not everyone welcomes her enthusiasm.
Determined to prove she can handle her new responsibilities,Helen must confront a lazy boss, two older women who try to slowdown her work, and townspeople who gang up on one of their own.But when she answers the eerie cries of her mysterious Germanneighbor, Mrs. Osthoff, Helen learns the true sacrifice of war. Andwhen she keeps a secret for a friend, she realizes that grown-updecisions sometimes have life-or-death consequences.


Teresa has done an outstanding job of bringing a part of history to life. Her characters are so believable you'll feel like you're right there with Helen as she goes through a life altering summer.

How does Teresa take this book beyond reading? Teresa has kits made up for homes schooling, book clubs and classroom study. You can read about them at Bailiwick Press. These kits help students and adults alike experience more about our great American history and pride in our country.

Where can you purchase this book?

Bailiwick Press



I’ll see you back here Wednesday with more fun ways to take books beyond reading.

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Book of the Week: Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog by Dayna Hilton

This week I have a very special book/project to share with you.

"Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog" by Dayna Hilton teaches children all about fire safety. Dayna is a firefighter and currently serves as a Public Fire and Life Safety educator in Clarksville, Arkansas.

With the help of father and son who are also firefighters, she developed a complete package of fire safety information that's sure to delight children as it teaches.

Her book walks you trough a day in the life of Sparkles as she helps Dayna teach children fire safety. The photographs in the book show Dayna, her son Michael and Sparkles get ready for the day and how they help children learn what to do in case of a fire.

Dayna has taken this book beyond reading in many ways. First she has an audio CD available where the story is read with and without page turning prompts. There is also a song about Sparkles.

If you go to Sparkles website, you will find activity sheets, games and much more. Sparkles even has a fan club your children can join.

To get her message out, Dayna has been on the "PBS KIDS Sprouts" as well as "Fox and Friends."

Where can you buy her book?

Amazon at Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog (saddle stitched)

This is a must have book for all families with young children. You never know, these lessons could save your life.

See you back here Wednesday with some fun craft sites.

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Book of the Week: Tree House in a Storm by Rachelle Burk

This week’s book is about natural disasters, hurricanes to be specific.

Kenny and his sister Allison are growing up in New Orleans back in the 1960’s. Their favorite way to spend the day is up in their tree house they built together. Then along comes hurricane Betsy and not only destroys people’s homes, but also takes down the mighty oak tree where their tree house is. But keep reading because there is a happy ending.

This story not only teaches about how to deal with loss but also how to rebuild. Rachelle’s personal experience of living through a devastating hurricane is felt through the lives of her characters Kenny and Allison. She shows you what life is like, before and after the storm.

Rex Schneider did a wonderful job illustrating this story. His illustrations give you the feel of the 60’s and show how magnificent a child’s imagination can be.

So, how has Rachelle taken this book beyond reading? She has many activity pages such as coloring pages, crossword puzzle, a maze and a teacher’s guide to name a few. Her teacher’s guide is a great way for a teacher or parent to help children understand natural disasters in a fun way how to handle them.

Pop over to Rachelle’s web site to see all the activities and more.

Where can you buy Rachelle’s book?

Stemmer House Publishers

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Book of the Week: Moving Through All Seven Days by Kathy Stemke

Kathy will have you up out of your chair and moving as you read her book. Each day of the week has different moves from slipping, sliding and spinning on Sunday to wiggling, wobbling and whirling on Wednesday. She has lots of fun active words to take you through the week.

Illustrator Tony Glisson’s drawings are full of children having fun acting out Kathy’s words. I liked his illustrations for Kathy’s song near the end of the book.

How does Kathy take her book beyond reading? She has pages at the back of the book that take you through each day of the week with a fun game you can play. After that, she has several pages with fun language arts activities, coloring pages with writing skills added two them and fun word puzzles.

This is a great book to help parents and teachers alike teach the days of the week in a very fun way.

Where can you buy Kathy’s book?
Lulu

Want more from Kathy? Check out her blog Educationtipster. She always has fun ideas to share.

See you back her Wednesday with ideas to starch your family zoo and museum memberships.

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Book of the Week: Frankie, the Walk ‘n Roll Dog Activity Book by Barb Techel

This week’s book follows the picture book “Frankie the Walk ‘n Roll Dog” Barb Techel wrote about her dog Frankie. Back in April I did a review on it. You can read it here.

With her book, Barb took it beyond reading right away by visiting children and spreading Frankie's message of hope. Now she’s come out with this fabulous activity book to go even further beyond reading.

Frankie starts off her book saying "Always be positive and keep on rolling!" There are also several pictures of Frankie at the beginning and end of the book.

Barb has lots of fun activities for children to do and learn more about challenges, dreams and happiness. Fill your young ones time with word searches, story telling, coloring pages and much more.

At the end of the book, Frankie has an Achievement Award for finishing all the activities. Oh, and it has Frankie's paw print too.

Where can you buy these two books?
Joyful Paws

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Book of the Week: The 4 Little Pigs by Jeanette Ramnarine

This week I have a really cool book for children. Jeanette has done a great job helping us teach our children about the use of money.

Welcome to "The 4 Little Pigs." It's Caleb's third birthday and his parents want him to learn how to save and spend money. One of his presents is a box of 4 little piggy banks. They are named schooling, saving, spending and sharing. See how Caleb learns what to do with his money and how he decides to spend it.

Jeanette has created an easy to read and understand book about finances that all young children can understand. She shows ways to teach your young ones how to handle their allowances. Franfou's illustrations fit perfectly.

So, how does Jeanette take her book beyond reading? First, the whole book lends itself to questions and discussions between parent and child. Beyond that at the back of the book there's a chart with guidlines for how to encourage your child to split their allowance into the four groups. Over at her website, 4 Piggies she has each piggy bank with ideas for children on what to do with the money inside. Also, when she talks at schools she has coloring pages of the 4 little piggy banks that children can color and talk about what they'd use the money in each one for.

You also can buy the banks to help your young ones get started.

Where can you buy the book and the banks?

4 Piggies

Check it out and get your children on their way to financial independence.

posted by Joy Delgado
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