Friends, if you are stuck at home with young children (and most of us are right now, due to COVID-19), I have a great idea for you. It’s time to enlist your superheros and teach them to cook!
Why not? Plenty of time, cooking reinforces OH SO MANY skills (math, reading, science, nutrition, fine motor, life skills), and your enlistees will be SUPER happy to help you make a meal!
Thank you, Mascot Books , for sending a review copy of Be a Superhero in the Kitchen by Donna Glass. I didn’t know I was getting a very cool COOKBOOK!
Let’s dig in!
Why I LOVED this Book:
~ Super colorful and engaging
~ Each page spread is an entire recipe, filled with simple directions, ingredient lists, and illustrations; Cautions are listed along the way
~ 20 different recipes are included for entrees and side dishes, desserts and breads, and even a beverage
~ Superhero Cooking Tips are listed right at the beginning of the book! Yay!
~ The superhero theme is wonderful. I love how it is continued throughout the entire book. Kids will LOVE being a SUPERHERO chef!
~ This book is perfect for teaching young readers and chefs how to TAB a favorite recipe with a sticky note. The age old method of quickly finding your place…
~ Well written, fun, interesting, and very useful
~ With so many families caring for and homeschooling their children and grandchildren right now, this “activity” book is perfect. Plus, you get help making dinner.
~ Scroll down to the bottom of this post and follow the link to order your own copy.
Let’s get cooking!
Amazon Blurb:
Every caregiver knows the trials of feeding a picky eater. Some nights are truly a battle. Nerves are frayed, and a pleasant, relaxing dinner can quickly be filled with tears, tantrums, and some nights, a battle of wills. Well, my goal with this book is to tip the scales in our favor. One surefire way I’ve discovered to get my picky eaters to eat is to let them help make the meal. After all, food tastes better when you’ve had a hand in fixing it. Let your child try their hand with the recipes in this book. A child who becomes the superhero of dinnertime is one who eats super well.
To purchase a copy of Be a Superhero in the Kitchen, click this link:
Andres and His Rubik’s Cube Madness is the perfect book for these anxious days! If you and your child are stuck at home due to the coronavirus, get yourself a copy of this book and your own Rubik’s cube. Accept the challenge!
Much thanks to Mascot Books for sending a review copy. Happy book birthday, Andres and His Rubik’s Cube Madness (March 3, 2020).
I loved reading this book about Andres. Introduced to the Rubik’s Cube by a new neighbor, Andres was inspired and challenged to try to solve the cube. He eventually discovers that there are Rubik’s Cube competitions all over the world and decided he wanted to compete. Hard work, practice, and dedication helped Andres learn ways to solve the cube.
I was amazed at how FAST Andres and other competitors solve the cube. At the time of the printing, Andres had a personal best time of 8.33 seconds to solve the cube. That is seconds! I take longer to sneeze. Congratulations, Andres!
Why I Enjoyed This Book:
~ The story is wonderful! Based on a true story, the author (mother to Andres) shares how he decided to accept the Rubik’s Cube challenge.
~ I learned so much about Rubik’s Cubes. There is an entire community built around competing and solving the puzzle cubes.
~ Excellent illustrations perfectly match and enhance the story. The reader is engaged in the story and illustrations.
~ Information is included for readers to use as they learn the algorithms to solve the cube.
~ Good writing and great story telling!
Our state just closed ALL schools for 6 weeks. That’s a long time, friends. I think this book AND several Rubik’s cubes might just help us to fill the long, long hours.
Amazon Blurb:
When Andres saw the new kid in the neighborhood solve a Rubik’s cube super fast, he wondered if he could learn to solve one too. He tried twisting and turning the multicolored cube but it seemed impossible. With a little encouragement from his mom, Andres began to practice every day. And when he discovered a Rubik’s cube competition to qualify for the biggest championship, he knew he had to try!
Andres and His Rubik’s Cube Madness is based on the true story of Andres a boy who cleverly practiced hard and learned hundreds of algorithms to solve the Rubik’s cube in lightning speed. He was dedicated and persistent, but most importantly, he never gave up.
What happens when Mom finally gives up on the whining and lets her daughter eat all the candy she wants?
Yikes! Most can (correctly) predict the consequences of this sweet-tooth folly. Quick, make a list of what you think happens. I bet you’ve guessed at least one disastrous consequence!
Thank you, Mascot Books, for sending a review copy of Jessica Tandy, The Girl Who Loved Candy.
Why I Liked This Book:
~ Like Jessica, I love candy (though I rarely eat it due to the consequences of too much sugar)
~ Jessica, free to eat all the candy she wants, gorges herself, and then suffers overwhelming health issues
~ This book really lets readers know what will happen if too much sugar is in your diet (cavities, rotten teeth, poor health, grumpy attitude, sleepiness, general malaise)
~ The real consequences of eating straight sugar, even with brushing, are mouth and health issues; I’m glad this is included in the book
~ The book shares the path back to good health (and renewed friendships)
~ Love the importance of eating healthy, which was shared in ways I thought not too pushy
~ Great illustrations
~ I did want to shake the mom a bit (really? Jessica could eat ALL the candy she wanted??? But then, where would the story be?)
~ Fun and engaging, told in rhyme
Amazon Blurb:
Oh, how delicious it would certainly be If we could all eat what we wanted freely!
Join Jessica Tandy in this humorous tale as she learns a lesson the hard way, finding out that poor eating habits can lead to a lot more than just cavities.
What perfect timing for What is An American? by Matt Scott! After all, it is an election year and it’s bound to be spicy. To say the least. Thank you, Mascot Books, for sending a review copy of this patriotic book.
While What is An American? is not what I first expected, it is a picture book about the American dream, one of the foundations of being an American. It’s about being a dreamer, a believer, a keeper of others-potential with every breath.
Freedom, liberty, and justice for all. All.
What is An American? made me reflect on what it means to be to be an American.
Starting with young children, Matt Scott encourages readers to fuel up, dream big, and follow their dreams. A self-help book of sorts, What is An American? challenges readers to believe and reach for the stars, since Americans are free to follow their dreams.
What I Liked About This Book:
~ the exploration of the American dream
~ the reminders of our task of caring for the American dream, keeping it strong, and caring for America for ourselves and future generations
~ the nod of thanks for those who have established and preserve our freedoms
~ the patriotic theme and feel of the book
~ how the book helps readers see that they can dream; the “I can” mentality
~ the way this book will open discussions about what it is to be an American and what that means (past, present, and future)
~ colorful, patriotic illustrations
Amazon Blurb:
What is the American Dream?
It all starts with YOU… Saying and knowing and practicing discovered truths to life… no matter who you are, or where you are…
America was created to allow for these truths in Freedom and Liberty and Justice, for ALL!
It s time to teach what this means again.
Every child has that one special lovey, you know, the one where tragedy will strike if it goes missing. No sleep, no rest, no snuggles-but plenty of tears and agony (for both child and parents).
Just Bunny and the Great Fire Rescue is the story of such a lovey, Just Bunny, who is accidentally left behind when Francesca, her sister, and her mother hurriedly leave a restaurant due to a kitchen fire. Disaster strikes once Francesca realizes she does not have Just Bunny. After racing back to the scene of the fire, a firefighter is quick to recognize the loss and is able to save Just Bunny from certain doom.
In honor of the Fire Department of New York, and a certain Captain Anthony Matteo who rescued Just Bunny, a portion of the proceeds from sale of this book will be donated to the NYFF Burn Center Foundation. Jeanne LaSala Taylor wrote this book based on a true story.
Thank you, Mascot Books, for sending a review copy of Just Bunny and the Great Fire Rescue.
What I Love About This Book:
~ Just Bunny! I love that most every child has a favorite stuffed lovely. Just Bunny is perfect.
~ Francesca and her mom and sister are out playing at the park and decide to eat dinner out, enjoying a normal day.
~ This book honors firefighters who rescue others from disaster and put their lives in danger to help.
~ Fun, colorful illustrations
~ Big city New York life is on show in this picture book
~ Based on a real story
~ A portion of the proceeds will go to help burn victims
~ Fun rhyming tells the story
Amazon Blurb:
Just Bunny is Francesca’s right-hand stuffy who has been with her through thick and thin since day one.
Nothing can tear these two apart except, maybe, a fire! Thankfully, one of New York’s Bravest is on the scene to prove that selfless acts of kindness happen every day.
Doesn’t the name Princess Pudding Pie make you want to read about her adventures? I know it grabbed my attention. Thanks to Mascot Books for sending a review copy.
The Adventures of Princess Pudding Pie, written by Saureen Naik Desai, is the story of Princess Pudding Pie, a young girl who loves to travel, taste delicacies, and enjoy the different places she visits. With passport in hand, Princess Pudding Pie heads out to explore a variety of international locations.
What I Liked About This Book:
~ Princess Pudding Pie (I love that name)
~ Princess Pudding Pie has a pie (complete with pan, which frames her face) for her head. It’s not weird, but pretty cute.
~ Princess Pudding Pie tells how to say hello in the language of each place she visits (I was wishing for pronunciation on a few of them, but still loads of fun)
~ I love how Princess Pudding Pie wears a themed outfit for each country
~ Each spread for every country shows a famous landmark for that country
~ Told in rhyme, this book shares about delicious treats from international countries, but readers are encouraged to eat healthy foods first and then sample sweet desserts
Young readers will enjoy traveling with Princess Pudding Pie. I think it would be fun to choose a favorite treat and make that for the family. Yummy! Or, let’s dream big, travel to a favorite international location and taste the treats there!
Amazon Blurb:
Princess Pudding Pie is a smart, sassy, free spirited globetrotter! She loves visiting new countries and learning all about different cultures, traditions, and delicious delicacies. Princess Pudding Pie is excited to take you on an adventure around the world tasting new and interesting desserts, all while visiting symbolic landmarks, collecting neat souvenirs, and learning about traditional dress. She ll even teach you how to say hello in each country s native tongue. Join Princess Pudding Pie as she shows us how much beauty and elegance our world has to offer.
Now, I know this Throwback Thursday only goes back to last fall (October), but look at the beautiful book I received in the mail from Little Bee Books! I thought I would share the cover and a few inside pages again. Just because.
You can read the original posts (throwbacks) by clicking the links below.
***The Giveaway mentioned in the Author Interview post has concluded.
About Vivian Kirkfield (Author)
Vivian Kirkfield’s career path is paved with picture books. From shelving them in a children’s library and reading them with her kindergarteners, to writing them, her goal has always been to help kids become lovers of books and reading. She is the author of many picture books including: Four Otters Toboggan: An Animal Counting Book; Pippa’s Passover Plate; From Here to There: Inventions that Changed the Way the World Moves; and Sweet Dreams, Sarah. Her parent-teacher guide, Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking is a valuable resource for child-care facilitators. Vivian lives in the quaint New England village of Amherst, New Hampshire, where the old stone library is her favorite hangout and her ten-year-old grandson is her favorite Monopoly partner. Visit Vivian’s website.
About Alleanna Harris (Illustrator)
Alleanna Harris has been drawing for as long as she can remember. As a little kid, she would draw on every page of her mom’s legal pads, her notebooks at school, and on the programs at church. She graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in animation with honors, and it was during this time she realized her love for illustration. Alleanna finds inspiration in the beauty of everyday things. She seeks to create images that are immersive, rich in color, and have a sense of warmth. She lives in New Jersey. Find out more about her at alleannaharris.com.
I hope you’ll find a copy of Making Their Voices Heard and enjoy it yourself.
Yellow Jacket, An Imprint of Little Bee Books; 2020
Thank you, Yellow Jacket Books, for this review Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Boy Who Grew Dragons. I’m happy to announce that I totally enjoyed reading this middle grade novel.
Honestly, I can’t say enough about this fun read. Dragons with explosive poop, an unsuspecting boy and his friends, an interesting gardening experience, trouble with neighbors, and adventures galore provided a very entertaining read of The Boy Who Grew Dragons.
Why I Love This Book:
~ Dragons! Tiny dragons who bond with humans, drop explosive poop, and get into trouble. Books with imagination always catch my attention.
~ A mysterious tree in the garden grows funny (weird) fruit. Dragon fruit tree? Is there not a real life fruit called dragon fruit? Does that fruit also grow dragons? I digress.
~ Tomas is a believable, interesting main character. I enjoyed all of the characters, even the not-so-nice neighbor.
~ The cover and internal illustrations are fantastic and perfectly compliment the story. Yes, this middle grade novel is illustrated with funny, clever, and enticing artwork.
~ Great writing and engaging story
I think young readers will devour The Boy Who Grew Dragons.
Yellow Jacket Blurb:
This hilarious middle-grade novel with illustrations throughout sees Tomas discover that he can grow dragons in his own garden!
When Tomas discovers a strange old tree at the bottom of his grandfather’s garden, he doesn’t think much of it. But he takes the funny fruit from the tree back into the house and gets the shock of his life when a tiny dragon hatches! The tree is a dragon fruit tree, and Tomas now has his very own dragon, Flicker!
While Tomas finds out that life with Flicker is fun, he also finds that it is very…unpredictable. Yes, dragons are wonderful, but they also set fire to your toothbrush and leave your underwear hanging from the TV antenna. Tomas has to learn how to look after Flicker—and quickly! And then something extraordinary happens: More dragon fruits appear on the tree! Now it’s official, Tomas is growing dragons.
Ribbon’s Traveling Castle was gifted to me for review for Multicultural Children’s Book Day. Thank you, Elizabeth Godley, for sharing your book with me!
Ribbon’s Traveling Castle is an imaginative picture book about a young girl who faces the changes that come with moving (and life). Through creative situations, Ribbon explores what is going on in her life. Each imaginary person Ribbon encounters joins her in this tale as they play together.
Why I Like This Book:
~ imagination is KEY to enjoying this story
~ the story explores change, which is pretty scary to most people
~ clever illustrations, gradually transforming from mostly monochromatic to color
~ the fun story
~ the focus on play, which is pretty important to young readers
~ Ribbon’s trust in her dad to take care of her
Amazon Blurb:
This heartwarming, silly story with a dash of magic, illustrates that a big heart grants you tolerance. And it’s okay if things change, they’re supposed to shift. Change happens to everyone and the solution to the struggle is love, love for yourself and others.
Ribbon, traveling with her father, encounters a group of bizarre individuals in need of simple guidance. Ribbon rises above the worries of the day to day with the joy of play and love as her compass. Her example is an inspiration to everyone.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 (1/31/20) is in its 7th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators.
Seven years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues.
MCBD 2020 is honored to have the following Medallion Sponsors on board
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.
Butterfly and Five Little Children at the Zoo are two books I was gifted to review for Multicultural Children’s Book Day (#MCBD). Thank you, Elvy P. Rolle, for sharing your books with me!
Butterfly
Written by Elvy P. Rolle
Illustrated by Maksym Stasiuk
Nature’s Pages, 2nd Edition, 2016
Butterfly is a beautifully illustrated picture book about butterflies. Geared towards young readers, the simple text shares the movement and exploration of butterflies and the enjoyment of boys and girls as they interact with these flowers of nature.
What I Like About This Book:
~ the simple text and poetic form
~ the wonder of butterflies enjoyed by children of many cultures
~ the nature focus
~ the “Find the Butterflies” page
~ the butterfly glossary
~ the hidden butterfly found on each page
~ the peaceful, quiet, beautiful book
Five Little Children at the Zoo
Written by Elvy P. Rolle
Illustrated by Max Stasuyk
Aspect Books, 2016
Five Little Children at the Zoo is the tale of an adult taking five young children for a walk through the zoo. One by one, counting down from five, each child stays with a specific animal. And then, one by one, counting back up to five, each child is gathered into the group. A happy day at the zoo is enjoyed by all.
What I Like About This Book:
~ any trip to the zoo is an adventure
~ fun rhyming words
~ counting down and counting up
~ animal sounds
~ colorful illustrations
~ lots of parent/guardian support and suggestions in the backmatter
Amazon Blurb:
It’s always a great day to visit the zoo! In this delightful counting book, your child will meet playful kangaroos, colorful peacocks, gentle doves, and inquisitive cows while learning number concepts. The book was inspired by author Elvy Rolle’s field trips to the zoo while she worked with preschool children as a speech-language pathologist. “As I observed the children, it occurred to me that an interactive book on this theme would be a fun way for them to revisit the zoo,” she says. “I hope that Five Little Children at the Zoo will inspire the imagination and creativity of young children, as well as enhance their oral language and early literacy connections, as they listen to and interact with the story.”
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 (1/31/20) is in its 7th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators.
Seven years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues.
MCBD 2020 is honored to have the following Medallion Sponsors on board
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.
Love, Laughter, and Life 