Book Review: The Big Blue Book of Beginner Books

*** Originally posted 1/13/09 at Stephanie's Mommy Brain.

My kids received TEN new books at Christmas this year. Picture books. Non-fiction books. And drawing books.

I can't wait to share them all with you! But I'll restrain myself and not review all ten of them in this one post. I'll spread them out a little.

(However, if you can't wait, click on the GoodReads link in the sidebar and search for my children's shelf.)

The one book we bought ourselves was The Big Blue Book of Beginner Books.

This book includes: Go Dogs Go!, It's Not Easy Being a Bunny, Are You My Mother?, Put Me in the Zoo, The Best Nest, and A Fly Went By.

Usually I don't like compilation books but this was about $5 more than we would have paid for ONE of those titles by itself. I LOVE me a bargain!

All of my kids are enjoying these stories. Ellie walks around with the book and calls it her "Bible." (We think God understands the mind of a 2 year old and won't strike her for her blasphemy.) She and Will (5 years) both like to sit and "read" the book.

Actually, William could read the book if he put some effort into it. It's a beginning reader book and he definitely qualifies for that. Ellie's version of reading the book is to say the parts she remembers us reading. It won't be long and she'll have the while thing memorized.

I have enjoyed reading some of the lesser known Dr. Seuss stories. There is the typical Seussian rhyme, silly antics by the characters and bright illustrations. Two of the stories (It's Not Easy Being a Bunny, The Best Nest) even have morals (be yourself and be content).

If you are looking for a beginning reader or a rhyming book other than Cat in the Hat, I highly recommend this book.

If you enjoy Dr. Seuss here are a few links you might be interested in:
*Seussville for games, catalog and events;
*Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden outside the Springfield Museums (Massachusetts)which also includes an exhibit on Dr. Seuss.

Finally, on March 2, 2009, (Seuss's birthday) the National Education Association's Read Across America program is calling for every child to be reading in the company of a caring adult.

(Let me be clear that I am NOT an advocate for or fan of the NEA!)

Thanksgiving Children's Book Recommendations and Reviews

In preparation for Thanksgiving lesson plans, I pulled out Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey and then searched the web for some appropriate children's books.

I bought five new books, which are listed below. When I began my search I wanted books in several categories. I wanted a child appropriate, historically accurate retelling of the Pilgrim story, a true-to-history (NOT politically correct) account of the Indian involvement with the Pilgrims, and books describing different types of family Thanksgiving celebrations.

The following books are what I ended up buying. If you click on the cover pictures you will be taken to bookstore websites. If you click on the title under the picture you will be taken to my review of the individual book.

Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas

The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern

The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh

Mary's First Thanksgiving by Kathy-jo Wargin

Give Thanks to the Lord by Karma Wilson

Book Review: Mary's First Thanksgiving

In Mary's First Thanksgiving by Katy-jo Wargin a young Irish immigrant girl in the late 19th century learns the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Mary begins the story sad over her family's lack of all the Thanksgiving trimmings and any friends to share them with. After listening to her father tell of the struggles of the Pilgrims she realizes just how blessed she is and even seeks out a new friend.

Though not precisely what I was looking for (books describing Thanksgiving traditions of the past and present) I have enjoyed this book. The lesson Mary learns about gratefulness is important for readers young and old today.

The illustrations by Robert Papp are incredible. They are very realistic - to the point that they look like photographs printed on canvas instead of paper.

I think any family would enjoy this book, but especially one with girls.