CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK~ Celebrating Children's Literacy

Happy Children’s Book Week!
(May 12-18, 2014)

The countdown to Children’s Book Week is nearing its final hours. Excitement is building.

One of the longest running efforts to encourage and promote children’s literacy, Children’s Book Week is eagerly anticipated by children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles—you name it. Since it’s first week in 1919, Children’s Book Week has reminded us that a nation of readers is a nation that will continue to move forward.

Click this link to see if your area is holding any special events for this important week that shines a light on children's literacy.

In celebration of this event, I am adding a quick recap of some reviews posted over the past year of some fantastic examples of children’s literature. Each title will take you to a link of that post—a year in books, as it were.

It’s a Firefly Night by Dianne Ochiltree

My Father is Taller than a Tree by Joseph Bruchac

When a Dragon Moves In by Jodi Moore

Adventures at Walnut Grove by Dana Lehman

Pumpkin Circle by George Levenson

Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco

Quiet Bunny’s Many Colors by Lisa McCue

In addition to this, my ebooks that are currently available on Amazon are available as a free download on Monday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 13.

When Violet was Blue—for children ages 3 through 6

Sometimes Snow Falls in the Summer—for children ages 5 through 8

So, instead of reading a lengthy blog post, grab a good children’s book (or 2 or 3), find a comfy spot to sit with your children and—Read, Read. Read!

Fireworks and Hummingbirds~So Different Yet So Alike

Sometimes doing a little bit of nothing with the kiddos can easily add up to a lot of somethings.

On this Independence Day Eve, take a break from the hurry scurry picnic and firework preparation, relax, and watch the tiny bundles of energy--better known as hummingbirds, as they enjoy their evening meal. This video can easily be enjoyed for what it is—the amazing way that Mother Nature designs her masterpieces. Yet, the short clip can also provide a springboard for discussions. Similar to the activity that compared snowflakes and rainbows, hummingbirds and fireworks have many similarities and differences.

Discussion suggestions include their size, how they move, their colors, when we see them, nature or manmade, how close you must be to see them, etc.

 

After seeing how many of the tiny wonders flock to the feeder in my back yard, you might even want to add one to your yard.

***Please check back for a July-themed set of activities.***

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!