Teacher Appreciation Friday

Sibling Rivalry

Oh, the trials and joys of having a sibling.  I’m happy to say my sibling brings me joy.  Hope yours does too.  This week I’m sharing some books that take a look at brothers and sisters.

Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary

If you don’t know this series, this book is a great way to start.  Beezus puts up with her rascally little sister as she embarrasses her in the library and ruins an art class but when she wrecks Beezus’ birthday party, it’s another matter.  How do two such different sisters get along?  Find out in this hilarious book.  I would read this book to kids 5-8 years old.

I’m a Big Sister by Joanna Cole

This is a sweet little book that explains a baby’s behavior and the role of the older sister.  It’s explained clearly and there’s also a companion book, I’m A Big Brother.  I would read this book to kids 2-4 years old.

D.W. All Wet by Marc Brown

Arthur and his sister, D.W. have always demonstrated too me the ups and downs of sibling relationships.  In this story, D.W. doesn’t want to go in the water at the beach.  See how Arthur tricks her and how D.W. ends up loving it.  This one’s in simple text and has Brown’s great drawings.

I would read this book to kids 2-5 years old, after that they can read it on their own.

Big Little Brother by Kevin Kling

What do you do when your little brother grows bigger than you? This is the problem for the boy in this story and the answer is there too.  It’s done in the cutest way.  I think kids could really relate to the story.  See how Little Bother, helps Big brother out of a jam.  I would read this book to kids 3-6 years old.

There are lots of dynamics between siblings, I hope your dynamic is wonderful!  Until next week, keep on reading!

Appreciate Your Local Teacher

Teacher Appreciation Again

Teacher Appreciation Week

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

RATED 5 STARS

Cinder has a secret that she doesn’t want anyone know.  Her adoptive family knows and they treat her like dirt.  She keeps busy in her shop repairing electronics and making money for her step mother.  She has no close relationships except for a robot droid named Iko  and her younger step sister, Pearl.

When Prince Kai shows up at her mechanic’s shop she is surprised and smitten all at once.  He is the talk of the realm with his good looks and great future as their leader.  They have a mutual attraction but Cinder keeps the Prince at arm’s length so he won’t discover her secret.

There is a ball, a mean step mother, two stepsisters, and a sort of carriage so the old fairy tale is in there if you look for it.  Sometimes obvious, sometimes not.

Cinder and Kai join forces to fight the terrible disease that threatens their families and everyone in their realm.  They are both willing to make sacrifices for the safety of the people.

Everything comes to a terrible head at the ball, much is revealed and Cinder is left with some serious decisions to make.

I really liked this dystopian view of Cinderella.  I thought Cinder was fresh and unusual for a heroine.  I liked that she wanted to control her own destiny.

Even though Kai was the typical handsome prince, he had a depth of character that charmed and delighted me.

Pearl was an innocent little thing and she loved Cinder in spite of her differences.  She is the only person in the household who treats Cinder like a beloved family member.

The meanies abound and they are all wicked and deceitful and even a little creepy.  I loved them all.

This is not your usual romantic fairy tale.  It is rough and tumble but all the elements that make the story of Cinderella a classic are there.  So read it!

Mother, May I?

KIDZ KORNER

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I wanted to share some good books about mothers with you.  I’ve been blessed with many happy Mother’s Days so I hope yours is wonderful.

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

A baby bird searches for his mother who is out getting him a worm.  He just hatched so he doesn’t recognize her and walks right by.  He asks animals and even machines if they area his mother but the answer is always the same. I am not your mother. Finally he gets back to the nest and is reunited with his mother.  If you have an early reader, this is a book that your child can read to you.  Now that’s a gift!  I would read this book to kids 3-6 years old.

Mother’s Day by Anne and Lizzie Rockwell

Once again the Rockwells present a lovely holiday story.  The kids in Mrs. Madoff’s class share what they are going to do for their moms on Mother’s Day.  The class is diverse and many kinds of families are introduced.  Mrs. Madoff has a surprise for them too; her mother comes to school to help make the Mother’s Day gifts.

I would read this book to kids from 3-7.

A Present for Mom by Vivian French

Stanley can’t think of what to give mom for her special day so he checks in with his siblings who gladly share their advice.  But every idea they share doesn’t work out for Stanley for various reasons.  After a fretful night, Stanley still has no gift until his sister says something special.  He presents his mom with an empty box…or is it?

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

If you want to cry your eyes out on Mother’s Day this is the book for you.  This very touching story follows the mom who takes care of the son through his life until it is the son’s turn to take care of the mother.  It is the circle of life in a lovely little book that I think every child should be exposed to.  I would read this to any kid over 3.

That's all for this week and until next week, keep on reading!