Submitted by county youth coordinator Janis!
Put It on the List by Kristen Darbyshire. Have you ever wished that Mom would buy that special something from the grocery store? Consider putting it on her grocery list. This book is an upbeat look at what happens when a graphic chicken family forgets to put things on their shopping list. When they realize the consequences of forgetting to write things on the grocery list, they do better at keeping the list up-to-date. Imagine peanut butter with no jelly, or milk with no cookies! The results are eye opening for the kids!
Just How Long Can a Long String Be?!
Submitted by county youth coordinator Janis!
Just How Long Can a Long String Be?! by Keith Baker. Ant wants to know, just how long can a long string be. Bird answers the question by showing Ant different ways a string can be used: a yo yo, a way to hold a balloon, a top, a mop, a puppet, a hair, a kite, a nest… At the end of the book Ant says, “Thank you, Bird! Now I see a string’s just as long as I need it to be.” This would be a great book to use as a prop story, with a ball of string to retell the book. After reading the story, find other ways to “use” the ball of string. This is a perfect way to promote the Early Literacy Skill of Print Motivation/Vocabulary. Having fun with books is important! It helps your child enter school ready to learn!
Where is the Cake Now?
Submitted by Tess from Lexington Park!
Where is the Cake Now? by T.T. Khing is a fascinating wordless picture book about a group of woodland creatures attempting to have a picnic. The centerpiece of the picnic is two delicious looking cakes. First, everyone treks through the woods, across the river, and up the hill to the campsite. It’s quite a steep hill and everyone’s struggling to make it. Somehow along the way the cakes go missing. When the burglary is discovered, accusations fly! The mice dressed in black jumpsuits and carrying an oversized sack are the obvious suspects, and the chase begins! Check out this book to find out the true culprits of the cakes, as well as who is grafitti-ing the forest, why the mole is incredibly sick, and answers to a multitude of other mysteries.
Mom Has Cancer
Submitted by Amanda from Lexington Park!
Mom Has Cancer by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos is a simple way to talk to kids about what cancer, chemotherapy, and life with cancer is. In the beginning, the little boy notices that something is wrong with his mother, and he thinks it might be his fault, since he did not do well on a test at school. He notices that his parents are often sad, and going to the doctor. Then one day they tell him about his mom’s cancer, and how things will change. She might rest more, and the medicine she will take will make her lose her hair. He knows that he must be quiet when she is resting, and helps around the house to keep it neat. In the end, the chemotherapy is over, and mom finds out the cancer is gone. The little boy appreciates his mom at his soccer games more, and spends more time with her. This is a simple story with great illustrations to help children deal with a difficult issue.
First Day Jitters
Submitted by Tammy, driver of the WoW van!
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. This would be a great book to use with children experiencing anxiety over starting school or facing any new situation. Mr. Hartwell finds Sarah Jane hiding under her covers in bed on the first day of school refusing to get up. He reminds Sarah of all the fun she will have and the new friends she’ll meet on her first day. After much encouragement, Sarah eats and gets ready for her big day. Mr. Hartwell drops her off and she enters the school with the rest of the children. The principal walks Sarah down to the classroom where he introduces the children to their new teacher “Mrs. Sarah Jane Hartwell”. The children will be surprised to learn that Sarah is an adult, and even grown ups get nervous about new situations!
Dino-Hockey
Submitted by Allana from Leonardtown!
Dino-Hockey by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Barry Gott, is a picture book told in rhyme about one of my all-time favorite subjects–Ice Hockey. The book is illustrated with wonderful and amusing artwork. In this fixture, it’s the “Meat-Eaters” versus “Veggiesaurs,” and as they take the ice, and the puck is dropped, a hilarious contest ensues. With passing, checking, slashing, shooting, and penalties, the writer shows her knowledge of the sport, as well as genuine dinosaur names. Would you believe the referee is a Dodo? Well, I’ve seen some refs act like Dodos before, but we won’t go there! T-Rex scores first, with Raptor picking up the assist, as the “Meaties” take the lead. I get annoyed when someone gives away the final score of a game I haven’t yet watched, so I won’t spoil the ending here. This is an entertaining and unique children’s book for sports fans and Dino enthusiasts alike.