Is it bigger than a breadbox? is it animal, mineral or vegetable...

Did everybody get one of these for Christmas? I first encountered it when shopping at Thanksgiving. If you ever played TWENTY QUESTIONSthis is an automated version!
When my kids were little we got in the habit of having cookouts in the summer, and eating on the back porch and somehow that became associated with playing "20 questions". Someone thinks of something, anything, and the object is for the other players to guess it in 20 questions or less. One traditional question is, "Is it bigger than a breadbox?" (eventually one of my children asked just how big IS a breadbox) This gadget asks a series of sometimes odd questions, and often comes up with the answer. It's a lot more rewarding if you've already played the game the old-fashioned way, but it's surprising how often it comes up with the right answer. One of ours it guessed was "lemur"!

JIM and the Beanstalk!

Your child knows about Jack and the Beanstalk, but what aboutJim and the Beanstalk? In this hilarious story, Jim discovers a beanstalk outside his window and climbs it, to find a very old giant who has no teeth or hair, and can't see very well. Unlike Jack, who stole the giant's most valuable possessions, Jim tries to help the giant. Ask children to compare and contrast the two stories.

"Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes..."

Have you seen Snowflake Bentley ? This book won the Caldecott Medal in 1999. It's an amazing picture book and an introduction for children to the concept of biography as well. It's the true story of Wilson Bentley, who was born on a Vermont farm in 1865 and became fascinated with snowflakes. After he found a camera that incorporated a microscope, he made it his life's work to photograph snowflakes. Kids are astounded to think of the hours, the days, the lifetime spent in freezing cold taking those photographs. Try to find Bentley's book Snow Crystals which has over 2,000 of his actual photos of snowflakes. You won't believe how much time kids will spend looking at these photos and marveling at how many different patterns there are within the basic 6-sided snowflake shape. Can you believe Snow Crystals first came out in 1931 and is still in print?!

Don't let the pigeon drive the bus!

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!The pigeon wants to drive the bus, and whines and pleads until the end of the book. Children seem to recognize themselves in his creative pestering. They love telling the pigeon "no" every time he asks to drive the bus, and they love the "Driven to Read" shirt available from Wonder Shirts which also has shirts for many other children's books. When I was a school librarian, I read this book to all the elementary grades. With the older kids, I used it to introduce a discussion of persuasive writing. I have heard of teachers making a reader's theater play from the book. And, if you want coloring sheets for the pigeon, or instructions on how to draw him just like Mo Willems does,just look at the Hyperion Books site.
Have you seen Knuffle Bunny? This book, also by Mo Willems, was a Caldecott Honor book. Kids think it's hilarious, and if they know "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" they will go nuts when they see the man wearing the pigeon shirt in Knuffle Bunny ! And for more essential information about the pigeon, read Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! and The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!

What your child needs to succeed in school

As I mentioned earlier, kindergarten teachers complain about children starting school not knowing the very basic stories and nursery rhymes that make up our cultural heritage, and that they must know to understand references that will be made in literature later on. E.D. Hirsch's series of books, from kindergarten through 5th grade, give an overview of the basics of cultural literacy. Unless your child's school uses the Core Knowledge curriculum, or every teacher happens to use these books as a supplement to the school's curriculum, he will not learn all these essentials. These books are useful as a "shopping list" when you go to the library or bookstore, or look for books on Amazon. Look for quality books, with good illustrations, that teach your child these concepts in an enjoyable way. What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know: Preparing Your Child for a Lifetime of Learning (Core Knowledge Series)begins the series.

A holiday movie for you

A beautiful little Christmas movie for the elementary-age child; it's old enough to be lost in all the newer holiday stuff out there. It features a child whose mother recently died, and who finds an injured reindeer she believes to be Prancer.Who knows, maybe a Christmas miracle happens, and she brings her bereaved father back to her. Pranceris warm and reassuring but bittersweet.

your child should know Paul Galdone's illustrations!

If you're still looking for a gift for a small child, Nursery Classics: A Galdone Treasury is a great idea! It contains several classic children's stories, "Three Little Pigs", "The Three Bears", and "The Little Red Hen", as well as "Cat Goes Fiddle-I-Fee". Many parents will recognize Galdone's illustrations from their own childhoods, as he started illustrating books for children in the 1950's. There are numerous other picture books illustrated by Galdone, such as The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Gingerbread Boy,Rumpelstiltskin, Jack and the Beanstalk, and many others. Kindergarten teachers have lamented to me that many children these days do not know these stories that are part of our cultural heritage. Make sure your children, and other children you love, are familiar with them.

Let's go to the beach!

It may have been a long time since hot weather, when your child was outside playing in the sand, in the backyard or at the beach. Here is something to do to recapture that feeling: Start with a 40 pound bag of white rice from the Chinese grocery, Sam's club, or wherever you can get a bargain. Mix a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and a few drops of food coloring in a large ziploc bag, then add a few cups of rice and shake it around to color it. Color as much rice as you like in different colors. Place the colored rice on an old plastic shower curtain to dry. When it is dry, mix it with any white rice that is left and put it into a large plastic underbed storage container. Put the container on top of a low table so it is easy to reach, and add sand toys. A sheet or shower curtain under the table will help with cleanup!

Nothing's too good for my baby...

Your child deserves to hear stories by a Nobel Prize-winning author. This wonderful book was written by Isaac Bashevis Singer, who won the Nobel Prize for literature. Even if you don't celebrate Hanukkah, these beautifully written stories truly shed light on a beautiful belief and tradition.The Power of Light: Eight Stories for Hanukkahis a holiday essential. The book Christmas Menorahs, also described on this site, is a memorable and thought-provoking holiday story for everyone.

Just one more!

This edition of The Night Before Christmas is actually illustrated by the great-grandson of Grandma Moses. The pop-up version I listed last week is so gorgeous, but I have to admit, this will be more durable. The quiet, traditional illustrations in this edition have their own beauty.

Charlotte's Web

The new movie of Charlotte's Web is out and receiving wonderful reviews but it is the book itself that's the star. The New York Times movie review today called it "not only one of the most beloved children's books, but as close to perfect as any book I can think of".

Of course every child should see this movie, but for the ultimate in experiencing this book they should hear the audio version, actually read by E.B. White. His voice and accent are beyond description, and make this my most memorable audiobook.

"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...

Wow, this pop-up book is beautiful! Only one of many editions available, though. Every child needs to know this poem. I still remember a boy at my elementary school who went from classroom to classroom during the holidays reciting it! Look for this beautiful book at Amazon.

On the first day of Christmas...

When my kids were little we sang this in the car---and not always just in December! It's a lot of fun, and kids take great pride in knowing all the verses.The Twelve Days of Christmas is available at Amazon. This edition is illustrated by Jan Brett; check out the many, many other books she has illustrated, all gorgeous.

Fun paper-and-pencil math activities

Can you imagine worksheets that kids love? This book has them! And,there are two more editions, for grades 4-6 and 7-12 (if you order, make sure you are getting the level you want). They are really meant for the classroom, but wherever you are, you can make copies from the book and thus use it over and over. I have used it with kids from grades 2 through 8, and it makes a wonderful supplement to the math curriculum, whether at home or in the classroom. Many students asked for more copies to take home, especially the dot diagrams for completing a pattern Critical Thinking Activities for Grades K-3 is a great resource for parents and teachers.

Set is the BEST math game for kids!

This is the best game I've used with students or my family. It does not require reading, or even speaking English; and can be played competitively by anyone age 5 or 6 and up. Age or education do not give players any advantage. I have known 6 year olds who can beat me at this game; my daughter played it with her beginning English students in Mongolia! It develops thinking skills and concentration, and kids love it. They recognize they are working hard and learning, but enjoy it anyway. Kids have told me over and over, "It's hard, but it's fun!" It can be purchased at most toy stores or, the best price I've found is at Amazon.
For teachers, if you go to setgame.com you can get transparencies for teaching the game, and even Set t-shirts.

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree

What a charming Christmas story! Mr. Willowby buys a Christmas tree and it is too big, so he cuts off the top and gives it away to someone who finds that even the top is too big for her, and she cuts the top off and gives it away, and so on until a mouse family is celebrating around their tiny tree.Mr. Willowby's Christmas Treeis a classic book that kids love.

Light the Lights!

My students loved this book which describes a family celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah. We talked about the similarities between the two holidays, and the children listed lights, gifts, family and food. They were so excited to talk about the relatives they would see during the holidays, clearly the highlight of the season for all of them. Light The Lights! is a holiday classic.

A new Christmas book by Tomie de Paola

A new Christmas book by Tomie de Paola! If you are not familiar with his books, there are many, and they are all wonderful. This one is for older children and adults. In it, there are a number of short stories telling his favorite holiday memories throughout his life.Christmas Rememberedis a beautiful book.

Let's make Rice Krispies treats!

Ingredients
3 tablespoons margarine
1 package (10 oz. about 40) regular marshmallows
or 4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies®
Directions
1. Melt margarine in large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add KELLOGG'S® RICE KRISPIES® cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cut into 2-inch squares when cool. Best if served the same day.
Yield: 24 squares
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS: In a large microwave safe bowl, heat margarine and marshmallows at HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.
Note
For best results, use fresh marshmallows.
1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme can be substituted for marshmallows.
Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.
Store no more than two days in airtight container.
To make chocolate rice krispies treats, melt 12 oz. chocolate chips with the margarine and marshmallows and complete the recipe as stated above.
The Family Kitchen: Easy and Delicious Recipes for Parents and Kids to Make and Enjoy Together has other recipes to make with kids, and is very user-friendly.

Truman Capote's Christmas memory

Here is the 50th anniversary edition of one of the best holiday books, Truman Capote's memoir of a long-ago Christmas in rural Alabama. It's most suitable for older children,3rd or 4th grade and up. It is memorable for Capote's evocative language, which makes the sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday come alive. It is a pleasure for adults as well as children, providing an interesting background to the Capote we have viewed in recent movies. It's available at Amazon. There is also a videoof the story. It's slow-paced and quiet but enjoyable if you liked the book.