Pancake Dreams: Written by Ingmarie Ahvander, Pictures by Mati Lepp

Mmmm....I was having pancake dreams yesterday morning and was treated to a yummy stack at a fabulous breakfast joint in Sacramento by my hubby! Alas, there's nothing like the memories I have of my grandma's pancakes. Isn't there just something about breakfast...or any meal for that matter...at grandma's house? Well, read Pancake Dreams to remind you of how special a grandma's cooking can be and just how imaginative we can be to get it again. I know if I could, I'd personally find a way to bring my own grandma down from Heaven to make me some pancakes again. Check out Pancake Dreams to find a lovely story about food, family, and imagination!

Nighty Night, Sleepy Sleeps: By Brian Anderson

This is an adorably funny, wonderfully illustrated little story. As you read along you'll see the main character and his cute little dog try to dodge going to sleep in every way they can think of until at last it's time for nighty night and sleepy sleeps. Children will love this book and the vivid use of color in the illustrations. I'm sure they'll also enjoy following along to see what ideas these two come up with to get out of going to bed. And I'm sure parents out there will be able to relate to the saga of trying to get your little ones to go to sleep at night. This book is sure to make both parents and children smile!

Nothing: By Jon Agee

* I thought this book title was appropriate for my return to The Children's Book Bin blog. For those of you who had been keeping up with me before, I apologize for the hiatus. That's just life, I guess. I fully intend to keep up with regular blog postings now, though. Wish me luck! *

Nothing by Jon Agee is a wonderful book about how silly people can be about their "things" and thus their accumulation of "things". I happen to think this is a great story about greed and how silly it can be. Read this book with your children to see how when someone has too many things they'll go so far as to buy something that's a nonsense item just because they feel that they need to have more things. Then others will follow them, just because it seems like the trendy thing to do. You'll have to read the story to find out what results, though. This is a very cute story for children with a bit of wittiness thrown in for the adults!

Ramona the Pest: By Beverly Cleary

I just finished reading this beloved story about one of my favorite characters from childhood, Ramona. With the new movie coming out, Ramona and Beezus, I thought I'd brush up on my Ramona facts and antics. My she is a funny child! I'm sure many of you out there would get a kick out of reading this book again or maybe even for the first time. And, I'm sure that children out there would love this book as well. Kindergartners and first graders could definitely relate to this story, as much of the plot takes place in Ramona's kindergarten class.
Read along to see how Ramona handles her first year in school. It's sure to bring a smile to your face!
P.S. A few tidbits about this book:Ramona the Pest is the first of Beverly Cleary's books to focus on Ramona Quimby as the protagonist. The book's title is derived from characterization of Ramona as a "pest" by many, including her older sister Beatrice, known as "Beezus." Ramona the Pest features illustrations by Louis Darling and was first published in 1968. The current edition was illustrated by Tracy Dockray.

Some Dogs Do: By Jez Alborough

Author-illustrator Jez Alborough has done a great job with this tale for your children. If your children love dogs, are fascinated with flying, or are dreamers, then they will love this book! What a great story with a great message! Read along to find out that no matter what anyone tells you, if you believe in something and yourself enough, you can truly do anything you set your mind to! Brilliant!!

Happy Reading!!

xxxTiffany

Day Out With Daddy: By Stephen Cook

When Mom has to leave for the day, Father and son will play! Check out Day Out With Daddy to see what mishaps occur and what adventures a daddy and his son can find together. And remember, it doesn't matter what you do...when you're with someone you love, anything can be fun!

The Little Rabbit Who Liked to Say Moo: By Jonathan Allen

If your little ones like farm animals, then this is the book for you! Read along to see the different personas the animals take on. Your little ones will love this book!

Michael Recycle: Written by Ellie Bethel, Illustrated by Alexandra Colombo

This is a wonderful, vibrantly illustrated story with a great message for kids....Recycle!! As you read, you will follow the adventure of Michael Recycle in the town of Abberdoo-Rimey where garbage was left to grow rotten and slimy. Kids and adults will both enjoy this fun rhyming story about acting soon...in order to stop trash from reaching up to the moon!
Oh! And don't forget to read the last pages so that you can find tips about how to help the environment.
Happy reading....

Puffling: Written by Margaret Wild, Illustrated by Julie Vivas

With this being graduation time and thus a time when we think about children growing up and venturing out on their own, I dedicate this book review to everyone out there who is celebrating a milestone or knows someone who is celebrating a milestone in their life.

This beautifully illustrated, well written book is a story about growing up and learning how to spread your wings. You'll love the story, especially if you're a parent or if you are someone who has gained the wisdom that life can bring you about growing up. The story is so sweet and lines like this will warm your heart: "You'll be our dear Puffling - even when you're grown up and have a chick of your own." How sweet.

Let me know if you've read this and what you think about it....

Hattie the Bad: Written by Jane Devlin, Pictures by Joe Berger

What can I say? I'm a bit "bad' at heart, so this book appealed to me!! Read along to find what unfolds in this story for Hattie the Bad. And, don't let the book title scare you away...after all, I think that even the best of us have a little bad inside! Besides that, this story has a good moral to it. We all need to remember what makes us us. We are all unique in our own way...even if that means that we are a bit mischievous or don't always follow the rules. Rules are meant to be broken anyway, right? And, sometimes being too good is overrated! I think the bottom line to remember when reading this book is that we shouldn't take things or ourselves too seriously. Life is meant to be enjoyed. You can't worry about what others think of you or change who you are to fit their mold. You have to remain true to yourself and be who you really are.
Happy reading....
Tiffany

Oh yeah...I forgot to add, that the illustrations in this book are very vivid, bright, and appealing to the eye. I love the work that Joe Berger did with the pictures in the book!

Book Fair

Looking for something fun to do with your kiddos this summer? Check out the Scholastic Book Fair at the Martha Riley Library in Roseville taking place from June 14th - 19th. The book fair will be held during regular library hours. Martha Riley Library is located at: 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, California 95747

Poor Puppy: By Nick Bruel

So, if you've read my blog before, you know that I loved the book Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel. Now, I have stumbled across Poor Puppy...also written by Nick Bruel. This is another great story for kids. The pages are brilliantly colorful, so they are sure to stand out, appeal to your children, and keep their attention. The story is also quite humorous and educational at the same time. As you and your child read, you will review the letters of the alphabet and also do some counting. The author is very witty and has managed to keep the book educational just like the Bad Kitty story, without your children even realizing that this is a story for both enjoyment and for learning!
Happy reading!!

Hello all....

Sorry it's been so long. I have lots of good excuses as to why I haven't posted any book reviews for a while...but I'll keep those to myself. That's not important. What is important is that I'm up and running again, so get ready for some posts!!!

Bluebird's Nest

Written by Dorothea DePrisco, Illustrations by Jo Parry

A nice little story where we see an adorable bluebird that builds it's nest. As the nest is being built, we see the collection of "twigs" that help make the nest. Check out the book for yourself to see what the "twigs" look like....you'll like it! =)

What Makes a Rainbow

By Betty Ann Schwartz, Illustrated by Dona Turner

I love this story! It is a very fun read where a ribbon of rainbow colors continues to build as you turn the pages so that at the end of the story you are left with a nice little ribbon rainbow. And, at the very end of the story, on the last page you are left with a pop up rainbow. Very cute!

Great Day for Up

Great Day for Up: By Dr. Seuss, Pictures by Quentin Blake I think this is my signature book! Read this story to find that it's a great day for up, being up, and getting up, however not necessarily a great day for the character at the end of the story to be getting up and out of bed! LOL!! I love it. You probably will too. This is a very cute, energetic story.
Happy reading.....

As promised....

Some book reviews.....

YAY BOOKS!!!

I'm headed out for a walk with Jenna and my doggies. When I return, I shall post a few book reviews. I'm looking forward to it....hope you are too!!
P.S. Feel free to share any comments regarding books you have recently read or any trips to the bookstore or library. I love reading and I love hearing about others and the books they read or the stores and libraries they like to visit. (Holy run-on sentence!!)
Oh, side note....who's looking forward to the Academy Awards Show, aka the Oscars tonight????

Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel

I came across this book while browsing through the children's section at a local bookstore the other night. The story is hilarious and is a great way to reinforce teaching your children the alphabet. I suggest this book to teachers, parents looking for a book to help supplement alphabet learning at home, and all kids, especially Pre-K and Kindergartners.

* Another tidbit: If you like this book, check out the author's website for more books including Bad Kitty in other adventures! Website: www.nickbruel.com

The Napping House by Audrey Wood...

Illustrated by Don Wood. This is a very cute book. The illustrations are nicely done as well. The story is similar to "The House That Jack Built", in which each part of the story builds from the last thing that happened. And in the end, it all comes tumbling down. Check it out for your kiddos. They'll love the flea and how it all goes down in the end!
Happy reading....