Just in case you have a youngster who is a little timid when it comes to splashing around and getting their face wet, here are three books that feature lovable characters who all work at overcoming their fear of swimming.
Author: TCBR Contributor
TCBR Contributor
The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by one of TCBR's regular contributors.
The Children’s Book Review | June 25, 2009 With July 4th approaching very quickly, a lot of people are thinking about fireworks, parades, barbecues and baseball. I have selected a variation of books that commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the essence of this patriotic federal holiday. So before heading out with your kids to eat those yummy barbequed baked beans and watch those razzle-dazzle fireworks at your 4th of July celebration, do a little reading of one of these books and capture the true spirit of the day. The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence…
By Toni Buzzeo Published: June 24, 2009 Blog Tour, Day 3: Toni Buzzeo explores historical fiction and its influence on her writing. As a writer for children, I love to explore historical fiction topics. But when I was a child, history was not the playground that it is for me now. Little wonder. The single fact I remember from my high school World History class is Fyodor Dostoevsky’s middle name: Mikhailovich. Had I but known the answer to that bonus question on the first quarter exam, I’d have passed the test—as my dear friend Mary Benson did. But tell me,…
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: June 23, 2009 This is a great video from the Just one More Book! team’s Rock Stars of Reading tour. The following authors and illustrators offer advice for aspiring readers: Jeanne Birdsall, Diane de Groat, Tony DiTerlizzi, Jane Dyer, Paul Jacobs, Norton Juster, Jarrett Krosoczka, Jeff Mack, David Mazor, David Milgrim, Barry Moser, Lesléa Newman, Shelley Rotner, Ruth Sanderson, Heidi Stemple, Mo Willems and Jane Yolen. You can find out more about the Rock Stars of Reading tour here: http://www.justonemorebook.com
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: June 22, 2009 Are You A Horse? by Andy Rash Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books (March 1, 2009) What to expect: Animals, Horse, Comedy, Birthday party Andy Rash’s Are You A Horse? is a very witty original, yet, perfectly reminiscent of the classic book by Dr. Suess’ protegé P.D. Eastman, Are You My Mother?. Roy receives a saddle for his birthday and we discover that he does not know what it is for. In fact, he doesn’t even know what a horse is! So the…
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: June 21, 2009 When Papa Comes Home Tonight by Eileen Spinelli (Author) and David McPhail (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 1- 5 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (April 28, 2009) What to expect: Father and child, Rhyme, Bedtime The smooth rhyming narration which tells the story of a papa’s promises to his child, make this the perfect gift for any dad. So, no surprises that this review falls on Father’s Day! When Papa Comes Home Tonight is Eileen Spinelli’s beautiful sequel to When Mama Comes Home Tonight. Having a…
“Boo Hoo Bird” shares many different ideas on making boo boos feel better. Tankards wording is precise, and his illustrations have perfect comedic timing.
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: June 16, 2009 What does a teenager (Young Adult) need from a book? An engaging story A topic of interest A strong Voice A “cool” cover NOTE: Please remember that all children develop at a different pace and learn in different ways. If you have a teenager whom you deem a “reluctant reader”, consider an electronic reader. It just may have the right amount of edginess to make reading seem more contemporary and interesting. Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor Reading level: Ages 10+ Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books; 1…
By Susan Stephenson, The Book Chook Published: June 15, 2009 Two Bloggers travel across the world (via e-mail) to share some of their favourite children’s books, and encourage children’s literacy. The Book Chook (Australia) visits The Children’s Book Review (USA). Q. What’s a chook? A. Here in Australia, it’s what lots of us call a hen. It rhymes with book. As a Kindergarten teacher, I was a real mother hen, who loved reading aloud to my chicks. My Book Chook blog shares snippets from the wonderful world and words of kids’ literacy and literature. I’m passionate about helping kids read,…
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: June 12, 2009 The Moose with Loose Poops by Charlotte Cowan, M.D. (Author), Penelope Neal (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Hippocratic Press (January 25, 2009) What to expect: Moose, Gastroenteritis, Doctor, Camping, Eduction I’m not going to lie, I was a little hesitant to read a book with the title The Moose with Loose Poops (this actually surprised me, after all, I have no problem discussing bodily functions). Being hesitant quickly changed to being very curious. This is a book with a special purpose, to offer a child-friendly…