Wordsworth Dances the Waltz by Frances H. Kakugawa

Wordsworth Dances the Waltz
Frances H. Kakugawa

ISBN 10: 0979064732
ISBN 13: 978-0979064739

Children 9+

Hardcover, 32pages

Watermark Publishing

Wordsworth Dances The Waltz features a family of mice, living much as any family – enjoying their day to day lives, when time creeps up on a them…

Wordsworth first love is poetry – for a long while now it has been his source of comfort and understanding…writing is this little mouse’s way of dealing with life. And so when his beloved Grandma comes to stay with the family Wordsworth is shocked and a bit frightened by the changes that have taken place. The once vibrant, boisterous home, filled with the sounds of music and laughter has fallen quiet and his parents talk in hushed voices…whispering about how Grandma is losing her memory and things just aren’t the same. 

Wordsworth is saddened and very disappointed when his father tells him Grandma can’t attend the special Grandparent’s program at school. Before class that morning Wordsworth sits beside his Grandma’s bed and writes a poem, expressing his feelings – ending with – “She’s still my Grandma, isn’t she?”

What follows is a touching reunion of family, with a new found understanding of how they will interact from this day forward. This is a beautifully written, heartfelt story that addresses dementia, Alzheimer’s and loss of independence, subjects families are dealing with everyday. Seniors are an integral part of the family tree and it’s important to maintain close bonds and continue to interact with and allow children to enjoy the time they have with them…it is precious! 

I highly recommend this story to all families – there should be a copy in every elementary school, library and nursing home. Especially senior care facilities – this book would be an excellent tool to ease youngsters fears, answer questions they may not be able to express and reassure them Grandma or Grandpa may be different, but they love you and they’re still an important part of the family!
If you or someone you know is facing any of these situations, pick up a copy of this book!

Happy Reading!
RJ McGill
3Rs Den

 

 

The Trouble Begins at 8 by Sid Fleischman (youth)

The Trouble Begins at 8:
A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West
ISBN: 978-0061344312
Ages 9-12
Grades 4+
224 pp
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/

http://www.sidfleischman.com/

A thorough, detailed, beautifully written book about one of the most beloved authors of all time, Samuel Clemens, but we know him as the master-writer of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer… Mark Twain. Sid Fleischman has once again taken a topic that causes most kids to run screaming in the opposite direction – and made it interesting, intriguing and most importantly – Fun! You will thoroughly enjoy the wisecrack for which the book is named…”The Trouble Begins At 8.”

The life of Mark Twain has been written about by some of the brightest minds, however, knowing these texts are written with a dialogue that will never reach children, Fleischman targets the young minds with his books. Not an easy task and yet he has been able to deliver the absolute perfect mix of educational information and entertainment to keep youngsters turning pages and parents happily observing. Sid Fleischman writes with an elegant, well informed simplicity that immerses the reader, breathing life into the pages of the book, so much so that at the conclusion it feels more like you have spent time with these people as opposed to having read a book about them. Every character, as well as, each stage of Clemens’ journey contributes depth and richness to the story and has been beautifully captured in this unique, highly entertaining biographical book that reveals the creation of Mark Twain. From his early days in Missouri, through his quite interesting personal adventures; as a steamboat pilot, mining for gold, dancing the ‘kangaroo’ in San Francisco, just to name a few.

While you may think you know all there is to know about Mark Twain you have never had the pleasure of reading anything quite like this. Complimenting the narrative are numerous black and white photographs that truly bring the legend to life.

Often referred to as a ‘gentlemen of leisure,’ Mark Twain’s life was above all, interesting. Sid Fleischman has captured the essence of this free spirited writer that today is one of only a handful of authors counted as true masters of the pen. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in literature, regardless of age. Sid Fleischman is a talented writer and his ability to continually breath new life into old stories is unparalleled. This is an exceptionally well written and highly enjoyable read – Don’t Miss it!

In today’s high-tech, highly competitive market, I commend Harper Collins for delivering such unique, educational, fun titles!

*The Entertainer & the Dybbuk – also by Sid Fleischman

Happy Reading!
   -RJ

The Trouble Begins at 8:
A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West

 

Play & Learn: 1001 fun activities for your baby & child

Play & Learn
1001 fun activities for your baby and child
Dr. Roni Cohen Leiderman
Dr. Wendy Masi
ISBN 10: 1554700337
ISBN 13: 978-1554700332
Key Porter Books
www.keyporter.com

“Learn through play with Gymboree books”

Play & Learn concentrates on key areas of development through age appropriate activities which enhance motor skills, problem solving, coordination, language skills and encourage individual creativity and imagination. 1001 activities for children from birth to age five provides ideas for parents to connect with their children at every stage, helps build a strong sense of self and fosters a positive attitude towards learning.

The first thing I noticed was the sturdy cover, the colorful tab-style layout, with the age clearly marked on the center tab, which makes finding the exact section you’re looking for a breeze. The book is filled with gorgeous pictures of children at every stage, brilliant art work and lots and lots of color. At the beginning of each age change (0+, 3mo+, 6mo+, etc.) the authors have written an introduction page that includes a set of four milestones, displayed in color-coded boxes, giving parents a heads-up on what to expect as your little one reaches important and life-changing milestones.

Some of the activities include, recording your child’s favorite book on tape, making and decorating gingerbread cookies to enjoy while reading the story, playing footsie and the time tested trick to stop restaurant melt-downs, Mr. Fork and Ms. Spoon. The book is jam-packed with simple but ingenious ideas that help parents amuse and entertain even the fussiest child. With no preparation needed, using everyday household items, or sometimes just the sound of your own voice, these activities will enrich your relationship with your children and provide years of priceless memories.

This is an excellent tool for parents and caregivers, that I highly recommend. Loaded with fun activities that make life a little bit easier for tired parents and lots of fun for curious, energetic little ones.

Happy Reading!
-RJ

 

2 Board Books (Shapes…Colors) review

Shapes
by Christine Coirault
Children’s Board Book/24 Pages
ISBN 10: 155470040X
ISBN 13: 978-1554700400

Colors
by Christine Coirault
Children’s Board Book/24 Pages
ISBN 10: 1554700396
ISBN 13: 978-1554700394 Key Porter Books
www.keyporter.com

“Learn through play with Gymboree books for life’s best start”

Remember those chunky, easy to wipe off, durable board books, that introduced us to colors and shapes? Well, author Christine Coirault, together with child development experts at Gymboree have delivered a set of early learning books that will bring back memories for parents and lay a strong foundation for their little ones.

From the sturdy pages that are perfect for little hands, to the brilliantly simple artwork, these books are must haves for parents with young children. The Shapes book contains ten shapes, each is displayed on both sides of the open book, making it easy for parents to hold and for the child to concentrate on one thing at a time. The Colors book contains ten colors, displayed in the same easy to read format. Both books utilize familiar illustrations, for example; a school bus, pig, fire truck, barn, etc. But what makes these books different from all those that came before, is what you will find at the bottom of each page- the specific color or shape is translated into four languages French, German, Italian and Spanish and even includes a pronunciation key.

These books provide wonderful learning opportunities and open the door for parents to talk with and teach their children about other countries and cultures. Bright, colorful, easy to read and oh so durable, these books will amuse, delight and educate! Two-thumbs way up!

Happy Reading!
-RJ

 

Children’s Book Week *Nov. 12-18

     CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK:  NOVEMBER 12-18

Celebrating the magic of the written word since 1919.

We are thrilled to participate in this nationally recognized campaign and sincerely hope that all parents, grandparents, care givers, librarians, teachers… Well, everyone will get involved and share the magic with the youngsters in your life!Looking for a great book to read this week:
 
3Rs has recently reviewed these wonderful titles:
Sir Edgar Font’s Hunt for A House to Haunt
         *2books (by Patrick H.T. Doyle)
Cynthia’s Attic series
       *2books (by Mary Cunningham)
Coomacka Island series
         *3books (by Don Hooper)
Me & the Pumpkin Queen
           (by Marlane Kennedy)
The Entertainer & The Dybbuk
          (by Sid Fleischman)
Secret of the Lonely Grave
          (by Albert Bell, Jr)
Willow’s Bend
          (by Kat Michaels)
What’s On the Other Side of the Rainbow
         (by Carla Masterson)
Elwood’s Crown 
         (by Shannon Rumple)
Let’s Get Ready for …series
        (by Stacy Kannenberg)

 

Lenox Lizard & Kukumacka Duppy *Coomacka book 3

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Lenox Lizard and the Kukumacka Duppy
  Coomacka Island series *book 3
written by Don P Hooper
illustrated by Darnel Degand
ISBN 10: 1425129714
ISBN 13: 978-1425129712
Trafford Publishing
Ages 4-8

www.coomacka.com

The wildly popular, children’s Coomacka Island series returns with the third installment, entitled Lenox Lizard and the Kukumacka Duppy. Building on the success of the previous books, the creative team of Don Hooper and Darnel Degand continue to craft culturally diverse tales that are truly pleasure to read. The story opens with Lenox, the confident captain of the Fighting Peenywallies making his way to the stadium for some much needed extra practice. Enroute, he runs into his friends, Jamila and Amani on their way to Macka Street to buy some mangos. Even though Lenox loves mangos, he continues on to the stadium, determined to lead his team to their first victory in over a hundred years. Arriving at the stadium Lenox is shocked to see the Stoney Hill Scorpions on the field. Sulubu the Scorpions leader tries to intimidate and then to frighten the smaller lizard, by telling him the legend of the Kukumacka Duppy. Lenox has to make a choice, give into his fear and let his team down or confront his fears and do his best to lead the team to victory.

Combine Afro-Caribbean folklore, Haitian Creole and Swahili, blend it to lyrical perfection, then add the unique island flavor that is Coomacka and the result is an educationially sound, morally uplifting, down right fun children’s book that is a delightful read. Filled with emotion and eye-catching color, the detailed illustrations are visually stimulating and wholly engrossing. With each new installment the stories grow in depth, length and dimension leaving children and parents alike anxiously anticipating the next island adventure.

Don Hooper and Darnel Degand have delivered a fun book, exposing children to various cultures and laced with positive moral messeges. With the fun facts, definitions and questions included at the end, these little books pack powerful lessons. I highly recommend the Coomacka Series to anyone that has young children.

Happy Reading!
RJ
3Rs

Coomacka Series Books
The Story of Spider & Ant (book One)

Anansi Jr & the Mango Truck (book Two)

 

Re: “Silly Sentences ABC”

Silly Sentences ABC
by Sunshine
ISBN: 1-59926-576-1
ISBN: 978-1599-265766
cover design by: Rebecca Stiner

www.sensationalsunshine.com 

Silly Sentences is in a single word…Amazing! The alphabet is presented in a lyrical style, with individual letters featured in the accompanying dialogue. For example: The letter ‘B’ – “big bugs bathe bears.” Each illustration represents the text perfectly and are chock-full of small details that readers and listeners will linger over. A variety of shapes, sizes and colors are combined to create this eye-catching stroll through the alphabet.

For any child, the importance of a solid educational foundation is paramount in their development. Silly Sentences is a book based around the alphabet and especially designed in an interesting and entertaining way to encourage learning. Who better than a child to understand what interests and intrigues children? This book was created, written and fully illustrated by child prodigy, Sunshine, at the tender age of twelve. If you are looking for a helpful book, that’s a lot of fun or something to spark the imagination of your little one, Silly Sentences can’t be beat, it’s a true visual and verbal treat!

Keep an eye out for Miss Sunshine, with her depth, creativity and ability to bring her imagination to life on paper, we are sure to hear great things from her in the future!

Happy Reading!
RJ xx
3Rs
 CLICK the Cover to order your copy of Silly Sentences ABC

 

Re: Bob Books (set 1) from Scholastic

Bob Books
Set 1 *Beginning Readers
ISBN:0-439-84500-9
ISBN:978-0439-845007
Published by Scholastic

With numerous early reader tools available today the Bob Books series truly starts at the beginning. Arriving in a sturdy, compact, brightly colored blue box are twelve books, perfect for little hands just learning the art of holding a book and turning pages independently. Each book is comprised of 12 pages, containing three letter words. Because young readers are easily distracted by glossy, high color images, utilizing simple, black and white drawings help children remain focused on the words first and the pictures second. The gradual addition of new sounds, improves and expands the vocabulary of very young readers. Thus instilling confidence and nuturing the natural desire to learn new things.

It’s important to remember that every child is different – parents have to decide (independently) what is best for his or her child and at what stage you feel it is appropriate to introduce educational/learning tools. Keeping in mind that it’s never too soon to start fostering an education based environment.

I recommend Bob Books to all parents, care givers and teachers… it would be wonderful to see these colorful little boxes on shelves from coast to coast. The best way to encourage a new generation of readers is to start early! I will share Bob Books with my grandkids…someday!

Happy Reading!
RJ

3Rs-Reading Den

Extra Information:

Bob Books have been divided into 5 sets, each gradually adding new sights and sounds featuring a controlled vocabulary.

As a teacher, the author Bobby Lynn Maslen created simple, easy to read stories for her students. These would eventually be organized and released in the form of Bob Books. Each of the five boxed sets are uniquely color coded and continue your childs progression into the world of independent reading. The beginning set that introduces young children to the basic idea of connecting letters and organizing them to make words and utilizing phonics to sound words out.

The Magic of Bob Books from Scholastic
5 sets

Set 1: Beginning Readers (blue box) = 12 books, 12 pages each, 3 letter words, consistent sounds

Set 2: Advancing Readers (orange box) = 12 books, 16 pages each, Primarily 3 letter words, consistent
sounds & sight words.

Set 3: Word Families (yellow box) = 10 books, 16 pages each, 8 stories + 2 activity books. Short vowels
continue, adding blends & compound words

Set 4: Compound Words (gray box) = 4 books of 16 pages each + 4 books of 24 pages each. New blends,
more sight words, & longer compound words

Set 5: Long Vowels (red box) = 4 books of 16 pages each + 4 books of 24 pages each. New blends, more
sight words, & longer compound words. Strong emphasis on long vowels.

 

Review: Let’s Get Ready for First Grade

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Let’s Get Ready for First Grade
Stacey Kannenberg & Linda Desimowich
ISBN-13: 978-1933476-100
ISBN-10: 1-933476-10-9
Cedar Valley Publishing

www.cedarvalleypublishing.com

“The Cedar Valley Kids” are back in the second installment of this nationally recognized children’s series, with a new teacher, Mrs. Best, in Let’s Get Ready for First Grade. This is an absolute must have for parents with children preparing for elementary school. Age appropriate, thorough, colorful and entertaining, Mrs. Best guides the ‘reader’ through a myriad of activities which are all taken from the standard first grade curriculum. From vowels and consonants, proper pronunciation of short and long sounds, to the always tricky ‘silent e’, children will laugh while they learn. Lessons build upon themselves, utilizing that which was mastered yesterday as the base to build something new today. For example the lessons dealing with numbers begin with counting, differentiate between odds and evens, skip counting, and finally addition and subtraction of small sets. (1+2 or 7-3)

The Let’s Get Ready series demonstrates that learning can be fun and exciting. And with parents being the single most influential person in any child’s life, it only makes sense that establishing a positive attitude towards learning, education and books in general starts at home. It’s now easier than ever for busy parents to spend quality time with their children, building the basic skills necessary to succeed, while at the same time reinforcing the family bond. I have heard many parents say “I would do anything for my child”… all the work has been done, organizing the information that meets the standard guidelines, presenting it in an informative, exciting and entertaining way, via a reusable format (high gloss, non-stick, dry erase compatible pages) at an affordable price — what more could parents and educators ask for? Of course…. Let’s Get Ready for… Second….Third…

Happy Reading!
RJ xx
3Rs-Real Reader Reviews

Note: Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Mrs. Best’s assistant, “Yodie Coyote”, hiding throughout the book! There are plans to expand the series to include all elementary grades.

Parents should get involved with their local schools and contact their representatives, to make the Let’s Get Ready for First Grade available to children preparing to enter elementary school, regardless of socio-economic status.

Better Together

  Buy this book with Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! (Let’s Get Ready Series) (Let’s Get Ready Series) by Linda Desimowich today!

Buy Together Today: $33.92

 

Review: Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten

Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten
Stacey Kannenberg & Linda Desimowich
ISBN-13: 978-1-933476-00-1
ISBN-10: 1-933476-00-1
Cedar Valley Publishing

www.cedarvalleypublishing.com

Let’s Get Ready gives parents, a step by step guide that makes it not only easy, but fun to prepare your little one for their first day of kindergarten. No longer will parents wonder if they have covered all the necessary skills. No more trying to guess what will be expected of your child… because it’s all here in this quality children’s book. Beyond the mastery of basic skills, utilizing Let’s Get Ready strengthens the bond between parent and child, establishes at an early age that learning is fun, resulting in positive self-esteem and the desire to accept new learning challenges.

Children will be immersed in an educational environment filled with bright colors, shapes, rhymes, number and alphabet sequences, and so much more. Important lessons of equality and acceptance are embedded in the very fabric of this series and quietly presented through the cultural diversity of Mrs. Good’s students, “the cedar valley kids.” The actual design takes the no-stick, high gloss concept a step further, by utilizing dry erase compatibility, these books will be used again and again.From the ‘early skills checklist’ at the beginning, to the parent tips at the end, Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten is well organized, highly entertaining, easy to use, and packed with information that will give children a strong foundation on which to build their future. Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten has been recognized by Parent to Parent, winning the Adding Wisdom Award, Silver Addy Award for the illustrations and was selected by Orca Communications Best Guide as a top new product. However, I feel confident saying… the smiles, giggles, and excitement witnessed by parents as their children learn and have fun doing so, is by far the best reward of all. Happy Reading!
RJ xx
3Rs-Real Reader Reviews

Note:  Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Mrs. Good’s assistant, “peek-a-blue”, hiding throughout the book!
Let’s Get Ready for First Grade is now available and there are plans to expand the series to include all the elementary grades.
Parents should get involved with their local school and contact their representatives to make the Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten available to all pre-k age children, regardless of socio-economic status.  Buy this book with Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! (Let’s Get Ready Series) (Let’s Get Ready Series) by Linda Desimowich today!

Buy Together Today: $33.92

 

Re: Anansi Jr & the Mango Truck by Don Hooper (children’s)

Coomacka Island: (book 2)  
Anansi Jr and the Mango Truck
Written by: Don P. Hooper
Illustrated by: Darnel Degand
Children’s Adventure/Fiction
$12.95 US
ISBN: 1-4251-0143-7
Trafford Publishing
www.coomacka.com

Anansi Jr and the Mango Truck is the second installment in the Coomacka Island series. Based in part, on Afro-Caribbean folklore, Anansi was the great trickster and somewhat of cult hero to islanders. For hundreds of years, folk tales about the Macka Tree and the spirits dwelling within roots have been passed down through the generations. As with many cherished stories, the fictional fires erupted from a spark of truth.

The story begins with AJ tending his garden, filled with beautiful plants, including his award winning Monkey Tail Shrub. There was only one thing that he loved more than gardening and that was eating. However, he was a very greedy spider and had never experienced the joy of sharing. Nevertheless, on this day, he would learn a valuable lesson about the spirit of giving and friendship.Once again, Hooper and Degand have delivered a fictional tale, filled with life lesson of immense importance. From the first colorful page, the reader is transported to the heart of the Caribbean. The emotion-filled drawings bring the words, as well as, the island itself to life. Introducing names with various origins, such as Swahili or Haitian, offers children an opportunity to expand their vocabulary, while embracing cultural diversity. Although Coomacka Island is an uncharted, fictional Island, the morals and values found here have universal appeal.Featuring an entertaining forward and fun facts at the conclusion, Hooper and Degand have created a multi-layered, multi-cultural series that will be cherished by children, parents and teachers the world over.

Happy Reading!   
RJ xx
3Rs-Real Reader Reviews© Book 1 – The Story of Spider & Ant
Book 2- Anansi Jr & The Mango Truck
Book 3- Lenox Lizard & the Kukamacka Duppy

 

Re: The Story of Spider & Ant by Don Hooper (children’s)

Coomacka Island: The Story of Spider & Ant
Written by: Don P. Hooper
Illustrated by: Darnel Degand

Children’s Adventure/Fiction
$12.95
ISBN: 1-4120-9107-1
Trafford Publishing
www.coomacka.com

The Story of Spider and Ant, is the first book in a series written by Don P. Hooper and Illustrated by Darnel Degand. Coomacka is an uncharted Caribbean Island, where each of the stories takes place. Although the Islands itself is a fictional place, much of the inspiration is based on Afro-Caribbean folklore.In this story, Spider manipulates Ant by being dishonest and pretending to be injured. Ant, believing his friend, enlists his family to help. After working all day for Spider, the ants were tired. However, the selfish Spider had no compassion for the ants nor did he appreciate all their hard work.

Reveling in his deception and trickery, the greedy spider celebrated. However, the truth was soon revealed. Realizing this is not how friends are supposed to interact; the ant sets out to teach the spider a lesson.

This beautifully written story has an important lesson hidden just below the surface. Books such as this, that teach silently, while entertaining loudly are rare finds indeed. In addition to the child’s bedside table, this series should be available at every preschool and daycare, elementary school and library. The rhythmic sounds of the island are beating within the colorful drawings. The expressive eyes of the characters convey genuine emotion. Hooper and Degand have delivered a fun, entertaining story that will keep children wide eyed and interested. And that’s exactly what a good children’s book should do!

Happy Reading! 
   RJ xx

Book 1 – The Story of Spider & Ant
Book 2 – Anansi Jr & The Mango Truck
Book 3 – Lenox Lizard & The Kukamacka Duppy

 

Re: Willow’s Bend by Kat Michaels (children’s)

Willow’s Bend
by Kat Michaels
Children’s Book (ages 2-7)
$15.95
ISBN: 0-9745052-6-9
Tree of Life Publishing

Visit Kat Michaels Home Page
Visit Tree of Life Publishing

After reading Willow’s Bend, you too will be surprised to learn that this is Kat Michaels debut book. Children will undoubtedly sit in astonished silence, mesmerized by the brightly colored, intricately detailed glossy pages. This hardcover children’s book is easy to read and a delightful adventure for family members of all ages. Because of the catchy, rhythmic tones used throughout this book, I found myself almost singing the words. Which, of course, brings smiles, of all shapes and sizes to the faces of children the world over.

Willow’s Bend is the story of a grumpy little frog, with four little toes that lives on a lily pad near where the willow tree grows. He is introduced to a beautiful butterfly, a playful elf, and a rambling rabbit. All interesting characters but all very different from the frog. Believing he could only befriend those who were like him, he refuses to play with any of them. Until he meets another frog. A happy, singing frog that is on his way to the Willow Tree to meet all of his friends. Our grumpy little frog learns a valuable lesson – our unique qualities aren’t meant to separate us, but to bring us together.

A life lesson of immense importance that is taught with love, tenderness and humor. Willow’s Bend is a definite must have for all parents, grandparents and caregivers. Kat Michaels is a talented writer, loving mother and wife that has created a work filled with the same magic that fills her heart.

– –

On a personal note. I have found that this book is enjoyed by the elderly, as well as, children. While reading Willow’s Bend to several patients at a local nursing home facility, I witnessed a happiness in their eyes that I had never seen before. The rhyming words, the over-sized, emotional filled faces of the characters, combined with all the colors is a winning combination outside the confines of the stated age group. This is a beautifully written book that I recommend heartily and without reservation to everyone – young and old alike!

Happy Reading!
RJxx

Review submission acknowledged April 4, 2007