California Academy of Sciences: Classroom Kits for Teachers

The Academy of Sciences in San Francisco has kits for teachers to be used in the classroom. The kits include materials for grades K-12 that include lesson plans, games, specimens, books, DVDs, etc. The activities in the kit meet California Science Content Standards. For more information and to find a kit specific to your teaching unit and/or grade level, visit their website.
http://www.calacademy.org

Book Club, March - May: For Adults, California Academy of Sciences

The Naturalist Center at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is hosting a book club for adults from March - May. The Academy actually hosts a monthly book group that focuses on science themed books. The book club is known as Bookworms.

The Ultimate Girly Book: Birdie's Big-Girl Shoes

Book: Birdie's Big-Girl Shoes
Author and Illustrator: Sujean Rim

This book is absolutely adorable! And, it is one of the girliest books for children I have seen. It is so wonderfully illustrated. I stumbled across the author's name a while back and was finally able to pick this book up yesterday evening at a local Borders bookstore. I am in LOVE! The story is good, the characters are fun, the pictures are wonderful, and the shoes are exquisite! To quote one of my favorite ladies..... "I die!" (Quote taken from Rachel Zoe.) I was literally reading this book and telling my husband, who, by the way, had to endure the story, because I read it aloud to him [ :-) ]....anyway, I was reading it to him and stopping at every page to sigh and tell him how I wanted the shoes in the book and to look at how cute they were and that I want to be like the mommy in the book. Well, anyway, sorry for rambling. I hope this all makes sense. Bottom line....I just love this book and I hope if any of you out there are as girly as me; or have a little girl or girls; or a niece; or even if you don't have kids, but just love to read; or love shoes; or fashion; or are just young at heart...well then, check this book out. It's one of my favorites. SO CUTE!!!
Happy Reading,
Tiffany

A Special Place In My Heart: Alice in Wonderland

Not only do I love the book, but in 3rd grade, I played the lead role in the play "Alice in Wonderland." =)
Since then, Alice has had a special place in my heart! And, although it's been ages since I've read the book, all of the recent previews for the new movie sparked the motivation for this post.
I don't have a review for the book, but thought these tidbits were interesting:

* Alice in Wonderland was originally entitled "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"
* The original book was written in 1865....Holy cow! That was SOOOO long ago!!!
* The author's name is really Charles Lutwidge Dodgson
* He used the surname Lewis Carroll
* The movie was released by Disney in 1951
* One of only six original copies from 1865 was sold at an auction for $1.54 million, making Alice in Wonderland the most expensive children's book ever traded

I think I need to purchase my own copy of Alice in Wonderland to add to my collection. Does anyone else own the book? I'm just curious. What do you think of the book? The upcoming movie? Leave me a comment......

Help me out!!

Sorry everyone. I have been seriously lagging here with this blog. I haven't had time to get into a bookstore or library to check out any new books. So, this is where maybe some of you can help me out. Let me know what books you have come across lately that are worth talking about. Tell me a story about going to the bookstore or the library. Tell me about a story time event you went to with your kids. Tell me something, anything related to reading or books. It can even be something that doesn't pertain to children's books. Just share with me. I need some motivation. (And some proof that someone is actually reading what I write!!)









Happy story telling......

A book of friendship: "Frog and Toad Are Friends" by Arnold Lobel

And last of all for today, I will suggest "Frog and Toad Are Friends" by Arnold Lobel. This is another Caldecott Honor Book. I remember reading this book when I was a kid. It's a very nice story about friendship. It has a great message and is a great read. I highly suggest this one for kids. The message about kindness and friendship will warm their hearts and probably yours too.

Happy Reading!

- Tiffany

Olivia: A Caldecott Honor Book, written and illustrated by Ian Falconer

This is a nice little book that I stumbled across. Again, this one reminds me of myself. Not the pig part, but the fact that Olivia has a little brother and that she likes to go to the museum, and...well, you're just going to have to check it out yourself to see the rest! You'll like it, though. It's cute. It made me laugh!

And, another Valentine's Day read...

What the heck, let's dedicate this post to my niece, Amelia, as well. It has her name in the title, afterall! Ok, Amelia, this one's for you little lady..."Amelia Bedelia's First Valentine" is the name of the book and it's very cute! I have loved Amelia Bedelia stories since I was a child myself. I just love Amelia Bedelia. She is such a precocious little girl. She kind of reminds me a bit of myself! Anyway, this is a fun read, is nicely illustrated, and is an easy read for Valentine's Day.

Written by: Herman Parish

Pictures by: Lynne Avril

This is dedicated to my niece, Amelia...

Who happens to love Fancy Nancy! I am still learning, Amelia, but I agree with you that Fancy Nancy is pretty cute! And, with Valentine's Day just around the corner, this is a fun read. As Fancy Nancy says, this one is "Magnifique!"

Some Groundhog's Day Education: "Groundhog Weather School" written by Joan Holub and illustrated by Kristin Sorra

This is another great book for Groundhog's Day. "Groundhog Weather School" is a very well written, nicely illustrated book that uses a bit of humor to provide information about groundhogs and to explain the history of Groundhog's Day.

If you or your children are interested in finding out the significance of Goundhog's Day, then I suggest you take a look at this book. Plus, it's a fun read!

Today is February 2nd: Groundhog's Day 2010!!!

Here's a book for your little ones especially for Groundhog's Day - "Geoffrey Groundhog Predicts the Weather" by Bruce Koscielniak. This is a very cute story with a special message for children and their mamas. The message: Never forget that your mom is always there to help you out when you need her! Considering the fact that I just called my own mama for some help this week, this book spoke to me. What a nice little story!

I'm back...and lost among all the books!

I just wandered into a local Barnes and Noble bookstore, where I am currently writing this blog...and I have found lots of fun things to write about!! I just love coming to the bookstore. I could get lost for hours among the shelves of books. Does anyone else feel the same? If so, leave me a comment, and share your stories. I'm curious to hear others' thoughts about reading, books, the library, their favorite bookstores, etc.

Anyway, happy reading. I hope you enjoy what I share with you today!

- Tiffany