Archive for November, 2009
Monday, November 30th, 2009
By John Burningham
Mr. Gumpy’s Outing
It’s a pleasant day, so Mr. Gumpy decides to go for a boat ride. Each barnyard animal begs to join him, and Mr. Gumpy agrees-as long as each behaves!
Rating: ****
Mr. Gumpy is not grumpy by any means. You’re preschooler will love the repetition as each animal asks to join the boat ride and the inevitable ending.
Posted in Age 3 reading list | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
By Pam Conrad
The Tub People
During an unseen child’s bath time, the seven members of a wooden toy family ride on the floating soap and compete in swimming races. But after the near loss of the Tub Child down the drain, they are all reunited on a warm bed, where they mountain climb on the ridges formed by soft quilts.
Rating: ****
As you’ve found out from your preschooler children love routine and so do The Tub People. After every bath they’re lined up in a row in the same places every night. Until something changes. This is a nice book because it opens the discussion for change in routine and ends with everything working out well.
Posted in Age 3 reading list, routine | No Comments »
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
By Helen Bannerman
The Story of Little Babaji
So he put on all his Fine Clothes, and went out for a walk in the Jungle. And by and by he met a Tiger. And the Tiger said to him, “Little Babaji, I’m going to eat you up!” And Little Babaji said, “Oh! Please Mr. Tiger, don’t eat me up, and I’ll give you my beautiful little Red Coat.”So goes this classic tale of a boy who outwits the proud tigers in the jungle, a story of courage and pancakes.
Rating: *****
You may remember this story as Little Black Sambo. It’s the same story without the controversial drawings and names. The story does an amazing job at showing kids how to be cleaver when dealing with bullies. In this case tigers. Your preschooler will love the repetition with each tiger visit. Oddly, I remember it differently as a child though. For some reason I only remember one tiger and them sharing pancakes.
Posted in Age 3 reading list, bullies | No Comments »
Thursday, November 19th, 2009
By Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Ella Sarah Gets Dressed
Despite the advice of others in her family, Ella Sarah persists in wearing the striking and unusual outfit of her own choosing.
Rating: ****
I think this story might be more for parents then kids. If you’ve ever fought with your child in the morning about what they’re going to wear you’ll appreciate this story. In the end, you’ll see that all kids dress funny, and then at least you know that it’s a struggle all parents face and that you’re not alone.
Posted in Age 3 reading list, independence, individuality | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
By Debbie Bertram
The Best Place to Read
A young child with a new book hunts inside and outside the house before finding the right chair for reading.
Rating: ****
A nice rhyming story that encourages reading. As a mom you’ll love the ending where you find the best place to read.
Posted in Age 3 reading list, reading | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
By Virginia Lee Burton
Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel
After working together for many years, Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Anne, are told that their services are no longer needed.
Rating: *****
This is classic children’s tale about perseverance and hard work. It’s a great way to discuss technology and how things change but values remain the same.
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Posted in Age 4 reading list, technology | No Comments »
Monday, November 16th, 2009
By Ruth Brown
Buddy the cat imitates all those around him, whether they are cats, dogs, or squirrels.
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Rating: ***
There’s not much to this story, but it does show consequences of being a copycat of something you are not. It also has half pages, which when turned show the copycat, that your child will love.
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Posted in Age 3 reading list, individuality | No Comments »
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
By Eve Bunting
Dad tries various activities to get Susie tired enough to take her nap, but they only exhaust him.
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Rating: **
This book may be cute, but as a mom who has fought hard for her cranky toddler to take a nap I think this book sends the wrong message — that if you fight hard enough you don’t have to take a nap. As every mom knows naps are an important part of any toddler’s day. I’m looking forward to a follow up book — Yes Nap.
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Posted in Age 3 reading list, naps | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
By Barbara Bottner
Don’t let that frilly pink dress fool you. Bootsie Barker is one tough cookie, and she makes life miserable for another little girl whose mother said she has to learn to get along with all kinds of people.
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Rating: *****
Whether your child has a problem with a bully or not this is a wonderful book that shows how one child stands up to the bully and wins through creativity and wit. It’s another great book to open up discussions with your preschooler.
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Thursday, November 5th, 2009
By Kathi Appelt
Incredible Me
A girl celebrates her own individuality, from her freckles to her wiggles.
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Rating: 4
This is a great book to show your preschoolers the importance of celebrating themselves. That every part of them is special and important.
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