Kids and Books...Read Read Read!

We recently went out with some very dear friends, and the discussion turned to their 1st grader. They told us he is doing good in school, and got really happy when they told us he is one of the top readers in his class. They said he didn't used to be, but recently there was a reading challenge given to his class. As with most classrooms, there is a boy in his class who is somewhat of a nemesis on certain things. During one of the classroom reading minute updates, our friends' son saw this other boy had a lot more minutes read. That's all it took...he went home, told his parents about it, and told his parents he was going to get more reading minutes than the other boy. That night he began reading more than ever before!

Not only did he win the reading challenge, he greatly improved his reading skills, and was recently given the only speaking part from his class at a recent school event! I could just feel the pride as his parents told us this story :-)

For anyone who knows us, books have always been a large part of our lives. Our kids have always had books to read. The only downside is we have a hard time getting rid of them...still need to get some book shelves *sigh*

Some of our favorite places to get books:

• Barnes and Noble: we purchase the annual membership, and easily save more than that with the books and items we purchase both in store and online. I really, really love using the online site, especially at Christmas when our DD puts together her book wish list.


• Garage Sales: Another fantastic idea is to look for books at garage sales...summer is coming and there are sure to be many sales with books for all ages! I found many books this way for my kids when they were younger. And it was even more fun when the kids found them themselves...it was like they had found a secret treasure LOL


• Libraries: Many school libraries do a turnover once every 2-3 years and will have a book sale. The prices here are super on these books, and there is normally a large variety to chose from.

Don't forget that books make wonderful gifts as well. No child is too young to have a book -- I even give them for Baby Shower Gifts. Hey, Dr Seuss will never be out of style ;-)

'Let's Get Ready For...' Book Series

Here is another great series of books we received thru our Toys 4 Tots Drive. We were so impressed we wanted to share our review with you!

Let's Get Ready For Kindergarten/Let's Get Ready for First Grade

By: Linda Desimowich and Stacy Kannenberg

Published by: Cedar Valley Publishing

These books are designed to please both the young child and the parents. The pages are full of colors and pictures that are sure to entice a young mind, and are laminated to resist tearing, and staining.

In the back of each book is a tips page for Parents and Caregivers.

Included in the Kindergarten book the child will (with some adult help):

*Learn to share & take turns

*Recognize and learn their full name

*Learn basic shapes, colors, numbers & letters

*Learn their address & phone number

*& much more!

Included in the First Grade book the child will (with some adult help):

*Write full name and phone number

*Learn upper and lower case letters

*Count to 100

*Recognize patterns

*Know money and value

*Read basic sentences

*Learn to read the calendar

*and more!

We are a family that is HUGE on educational items, and especially quality books. If our children were in this age range I would certainly purchase these books for them!

Dr. Hippo Book Series

As you know, we recently had a Toys for Tots Drive, both online and in person. We received some impressive children's books, and wanted to let you know about them.

Dr. Hippo Story Series - The Hippocratic Press

Sadie's Sore Throat

Katie Caught a Cold

Peeper Has a Fever

The Little Elephant with the Big Earache

By...Charlotte Cowan, M.D.

I am very impressed with this series of books, and wish they had been around when my children were little. The stories are set in real scenarios of what the children may be feeling and showing symptoms of common illnesses, and how they and a parent may react. The story takes the reader to the Dr's visit, and the questions and possible tests the Dr may do. The writing is an easy read, for older children to read on their own, or as a oral story. The illustrators use animals as the characters -- they are drawn well, with vibrant colors.

In the back of the book is a pull-out Parent Guide. It is well laminated, with more detailed information to help inform the Parent or Care Giver of symptoms, home remedies, and when to call the Dr's office for a visit.

Dr. Cowan is a pediatrician & Mother, so her approach to these stories is both professional and personal :-)

Dr. Hippo Books