Chapter Book Pick: Your Hooligans Will Love Roxie!

Full of adventure and suspense, Roxie and the Hooligans, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, is one of our family favorites.

It seems to me that this book is a tribute to every kind of girl -- girls who are self-conscious (Roxie has ears that stick out), girls who are teased (she is pestered by a group of bullies -- the Hooligans), girls who long for adventure (Roxie's uncle is a famous explorer), girls who are independent, and girls who are heroes.

Easy enough for an early independent reader (3rd grade), the story begins with a playground battle that ends with Roxie and the Hooligans trapped in a dumpster and stranded on a deserted island via a garbage barge. Roxie must use the knowledge she's acquired from Lord Thistlebottom's Book of Pitfalls and How to Survive Them, a favorite book which Roxie has all but memorized.

Perhaps the most important tip in the book, is Don't Panic, a concept that is put to the test when the desert island ends up being inhabited not only by Roxie and the Hooligans, but by two bumbling thieves as well.

Although this is a book that can be enjoyed independently, we've had so much fun reading it aloud! I highly recommend sitting down with the kiddos and giving it a try -- the most fun is when the kids begin to recognize the cues and step in with the "Don't Panic" warning that is prevalent throughout the book.

This sweet story of courage, triumph and friendship is filled with humor and captivating illustrations by Alexandra Boiger. Enjoy this book by prolific author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, it's great family time reading -- and let me know what you think when you are done!

Enjoy your Tuesday,

Christina

Picture Book Pick: On Meadowview Street

Think Green. It's a motto our daughters know by heart. But as a parent I can't help wondering -- by the time they reach adulthood, what will be the state of our environment?

For now, as our children are prompted to reduce, reuse, and recycle, I recommend reading On Meadowview Street, a lovely picture book by author/illustrator Henry Cole.

The premise of this story may be difficult for some adults to handle -- young Caroline and her family move into a new house on a suburban street where everyone's house and yard look identical. But when Caroline decides to protect a flower she's found in her new yard, she suddenly has a miniature wildflower preserve on her hands. When she finds another beautiful flower nearby, what does she do?

Why, she expands the boundaries of her preserve, of course.

Parents may have a hard time finding this story believable -- my own family lives in a subdivision loaded down with restrictions. But when Caroline's father gives in to her plan -- and puts the lawn mower up for sale -- what beleagured homeowner won't take a moment to proclaim an internal "Hip, hip, hooray!?"

This picture book is precious -- my girls loved it and immediately wanted Daddy to start digging them a frog pond. Alas, that was the heartbreaking moment when I had to explain to them that we aren't allowed to put a pond in our front yard. Their big eyes stared at me, forlorn.

"Would we if we could, Mom?" my little one asked.

"You bet," I said, kissing the top of her head. I think tomorrow we'll head to the nearest nature preserve and see what we've been missing.

Our children are amazing -- who doesn't believe that they don't have what it takes to change the world? Allow them to imagine the possibilities -- read On Meadowview Street.

Have a great day!

Christina

Activity Books: Banish the B-word!

Sometimes the most creative children (there's a pretty creative one sitting next to me at this very moment) are the first to utter those words that every adult loathes: "Mommy, I'm bored!"

In many cases, my daughter is able to come up with an activity on her own -- for example, "I'm going to build a cow!" -- which she did, last weekend -- don't ask.

But sometimes, when the weather doesn't cooperate, or she can't think of anything to do, or I can't think of anything for her to do -- and I can't take one more minute of Webkinz or Nintendo or Spongebob -- we rememember Doodles: A Really Giant Coloring and Doodling Book.

This thick activity book, by Taro Gomi [of Everyone Poops (My Body Science Series)fame] is a wonderful find whether your child is an enthusiastic artist, or just likes to dabble in drawing. My daughter, who is only moderately interested in drawing, will always willingly pick up this book.

Consisting mostly of partially drawn doodles (for example two elephants face each other under the title "Make them the saddest possible colors" or two sketched restaurants with the assignment "Decorate two restaurants -- one nicer than the other"), a child will not want for doodling ideas -- EVER!

This art book gets the creative juices flowing -- which is what everyone wants for the children they love. Doodles is well worth the investment for a guaranteed return of hours of fun and creativity. It makes a great gift as well!

Perfect for early readers through 6th graders -- but even doodling grownups may want to join in the fun!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Christina

Celeste's Harlem Renaissance: A Trip to Remember

I love historical fiction and couldn't wait to crack the spine of Celeste's Harlem Renaissance by Eleanora E. Tate.

This book paints a vivid picture of African-American life in the 1920's, both in segregated Raleigh, North Carolina and in New York City's Harlem, but it's real strength is in its wonderful characters, especially 13-year old Celeste.

When her father leaves for an extended stay at a tuberculosis sanitarium (where victims of this highly contagious disease were sent to convalesce), Celeste begins a memorable journey from Raleigh to stay with her Aunti Val in Harlem. Armed with Dede (her precious violin) and her schoolbag, she heads north.

Tate does a brilliant job of getting us inside Celeste's head, where childhood fears are battling her desire to grow up and experience the world outside of Raleigh.

Once she arrives in Harlem, Celeste is full of hope for an eventual family reunion back home. As the months wear on, however, she realizes the improbability of this plan as her beloved Aunti turns out to be a less than perfect guardian.

A whole cast of fascinating, well-developed supporting characters surround Celeste as she embarks on this journey from girlhood to womanhood. You'll learn to love Aunt Society, laugh with Miss D., and enjoy Celeste's ever-growing circle of friends.

As her character evolves, we see Celeste learn to take care of others with kindness and empathy and still find the power within to follow her dreams. In her world, where characters fall into the category of either "butterfly" or "rock", she is determined to be both -- to spread her wings as a butterfly and be a rock to those she loves.

Celeste is the kind of girl I want my own girls to be -- a smart, compassionate dreamer -- who is also a wee bit sassy. You'll love her and her story!

*This book is recommended for 5-8th graders. One scene involves Celeste getting her period, so adults might want to be on hand to answer questions for younger readers.

Mo Willems: For New Readers and Wannabe Actresses

My Easy Reader pick of the day was found by my 7 year old in our local library. She's a huge fan of the wonderful author/illustrator Mo Willems (of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! fame), so I wasn't surprised when she selected two books from his Elephant and Piggie series.

In Today I Will Fly!, Piggie is determined to take off into the wild blue yonder, but his elephant friend Gerald is a big party pooper who thinks Piggie is off his rocker.

Of course, Piggie is extremely determined and does indeed find a way to take off. The hilarious dialogue between the two friends is classic Willems, and is continued in My Friend is Sad (Elephant and Piggie) another book from the same series.

In this book, Piggie tries to help Gerald cheer up, but, despite Piggie's memorable attempts, Gerald is still sad. At the end of the book, kids are reminded how much nicer it is to share fun with a friend.

Aside from the sweet, funny text, this book offers a kind of "script" that kids will love to act out. The back and forth between Piggie and Elephant makes for great reading practice for early readers and you'll find that even older kids (like my 9 year old) are more than willing to get in on the action.

I think Mo's books are brilliant in this way -- for picky or reluctant readers they are a great way to have some fun and practice reading aloud at the same time.

You'll never laugh so hard as when the kiddos in your life imitate an elephant who is imitating a robot! Now that is entertainment.

Enjoy this series -- it gets two thumbs up from my own little early reader -- and two more from me!

One Dark Night: A Picture Book Tale of Friendship

I love One Dark Night, a picture book by rhyme and rhythm master author Lisa Wheeler. It's a fun book to read aloud and a great plot for girls who like a little suspense with their storytime.

Mouse and Mole live in a "wee little house, in a wee little hole," while a beastly bear lives nearby in a "BIG GIANT lair." When the two tiny friends happen to leave their home One Dark Night, they face their fear of the mysterious woods together.

Meanwhile, BIG bear is tromping around his lair, seemingly impatient and very, very hungry. The tension builds as Mole and Mouse realize they are lost in the woods. Mouse must climb a tree where he spies a cave with a light on inside. Bear emerges from the cave, hungry as ever, fed up and baring his big teeth.

Mouse and Mole tremble in fear as they listen to the strange "SNARL-SNUFF-A-SNUFF" coming their way.

Will Bear find the good friends and gobble them up whole?

Kids will love this tension and the meter of the rhymed text that leads to a very satisfying ending. (Don't worry, no rodents were harmed in the making of this entertaining, well-written picture book).

With sweet illustrations by Ivan Bates, girls will be cooing over the depictions of Mouse and Mole (oooh, they are so cute!).

If you can pull off a tiny woodland animal voice (consider sucking on a helium balloon), you'll be even better off.

Enjoy One Dark Night, this is a guaranteed "Read it again, Please!" book that is sure to become a favorite in your house.

Esperanza Rising: A Story of Hope

There's not a girl I know who doesn't love a story packed with adventure, tragedy, and of course, HOPE. That sums up the absorbing, beautifully written Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan.

Ryan, a prolific author who also penned Becoming Naomi Leon and Riding Freedomhas vividly recreated Esperanza's life of privilege on her father's beloved ranch in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

A tragedy on her 13th birthday alters Esperanza's life forever, and the lives of those she loves. She suddenly finds herself, her mother and three former servants en route to America fleeing from the evil hearted-uncles trying to steal her father's land.

Once in the new country, Esperanza realizes that her pampered lifestyle is gone forever, and that she will now be forced to work very hard. The difficult lives of migrant farmers in Depression-era California are described in great detail through the eyes of Esperanza.

Mix in the tension of a blossoming romance, the illness of her mother, and Esperanza's determination to see her Grandmother again, and you've got an unforgettable story. There's no putting this novel down once you start, it is an engaging tale from the very first lines to the uplifting ending.

As Esperanza's name (meaning "hope" in Spanish) suggests, even in the bleakest of situations, there is still a chance for a better life. Even when all seems lost, there is still family, independence, strength and hope.

Give Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan a chance, you won't regret it.

Read Aloud? Parent's are encouraged to read this book aloud to 3rd graders and up.
Recommended Age Level: 5th through 9th grade.