Sea Creatures, “Books to Sea”

Posted on July 15, 2014 by hendersonintraining
AngelaSea2

See Some Shark Facts From The Sea: “A shark’s skeleton is made of cartilage. A shark swims like no other fish. It glides. Sharks are cold-blooded, which means their blood changes temperatures as the water changes. The jaws of a shark are the most powerful on Earth.” http://www.kidsbooks.com

This week’s Kidsbook Friends theme is “Books to Sea”. When I think of summer, I think of the ocean. There’s no other place I’d rather be than at the sea, and based on all the fun Face book pictures I’ve been seeing, I think most of my friends feel the same way. Since an ocean vacation is not doable for us right now, we did the next best thing: a trip to an  aquarium. After exploring all the cool creatures there, we came across this book and are learning amazing facts. Sea Creatures published by Kidsbook is worth diving into!

Introducing Our Featured Friend: Sea Creatures

The Table of Contents contains four main categories: Fish, Sharks, Penguins, and Whales & Dolphins. Two of our favorite creatures featured are the sting rays and the zebra shark. Knowing that the famous Australian crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin, died from a stingray accident in 2006, makes me want to know more about these sea creatures. This book describes details about many Rays such as the spotted skate, the manta ray, the guitarfish, the torpedo ray and the sting ray. Here’s what we learned about the stingray:

A stingray, like most rays and skates, lies in shallow water covered with sand and minds its own business…unless someone steps on it. Then…Whap!…It swings its long tail and strikes with its spine. The single spine on the tail of a stingray is poisonous and dangerous. The wound can be just painful or paralyzing, depending on the size of the ray.”

One sea creature that grabbed our attention at the aquarium is the zebra shark, also known as the leopard shark. I think it’s one of the few pretty sharks. They are gentle, so they can be kept in the aquarium and are spotted like a leopard. This shark’s tail is half of it’s length. Very cool!

Dive into this great book to learn more about what you can see in the sea!

AngelaSea5

 Inviting You To Become FRIENDS With Sea Creatures:
Feel, Relate, Imagine, Explore, Navigate, Develop, Share

F- After reading facts about so many sea creatures, which ones make you feel frightened? Which ones make you feel amazed? Interested? Surprised? Hesitant?

R- Which sea creature do you think people most relate to (have a special connection)?

I- Imagine you can scuba dive today. Make a list of sea creatures and plants that you would want to encounter and a list you do NOT want to encounter based on their features.

E- Explore the ocean in an egg carton next time you see the sea:
Posted on: Egg Carton Ocean Craft; Original Idea by The Imagination Tree

Details: http://theimaginationtree.com/2014/06/egg-carton-ocean-craft.html

N- Navigate your way through the ocean by pretending that you are one of the sea creatures described in this book. Make a list of the habitat that “you” need to survive including the food, plants, depth of ocean, along with the predators to avoid. Then draw and color a picture!

D- Develop a small salt-water aquarium for your home. Research what you need to put in the tank (chemicals and plants) and what small sea creatures can cohabitate (live together).

S- Share your memories from your trip(s) to the sea. What was your favorite activity? What was your greatest adventure? What sea creatures did you see?

*Fact to Make You Feel Better: Worldwide, fewer than 100 people are attacked in an average year by sharks. Some of these cases are provoked attacks, where the shark is caught, trapped, speared, or somehow bothered by people. (page 46)

AngelaSea3 AngelaSea1

Follow Kidsbook Friends 2 Ways:

Subscribe to receive the blog posts directly to your e-mail by signing up on http://www.kidsbookfriends.com

Like Kidsbook Friends on Facebook to receive kids’ book titles with correlating crafts, questions, contests, activities, and reading tips to help your kids love reading this summer.

 

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Kidsbook Clip: “25 More Sites to See this Summer”

Posted on July 10, 2014 by hendersonintraining

As I mentioned before, one of my favorite parts of writing a blog is connecting with other bloggers and Facebook Friends. Here are 24 Facebook Pages  that you may find fun and insightful. You will get so many creative ideas to keep your summer cool! Enjoy!

The 25th Site to See on Facebook is Kidsbook Friends! Please take a minute and “Like” Kidsbook Friends today! I always appreciate seeing who likes my page and connecting with you.

Sincerely, Angela Henderson

Posted in Facebook Sites, Guest Bloggers | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Kidsbook Clip: “Sites to See this Summer”

Posted on July 8, 2014 by hendersonintraining

 2014-06-15 19.02.16  2014-06-08 09.04.45
Kids’ Books to Sweep You Off Your Feet and Keep Your Summer Swinging:

One of my favorite parts of doing a blog and professional Facebook page is discovering other blogs and Facebook pages that are SO helpful, creative, and cool and then connecting with the “authors”. I have “met” some amazingly, talented and insightful people since I started Kidsbook Friends in March. Two sites that I found recently to follow are Reach Out and Read and Good Books.

I decided to reblog their recent post as these two sites came together to give us great insights into kids’ books from the past 25 years. I’d love to know (via comment section) which books from the 50 listed are among your favorites and which books you decide to put on your library list after reading this post:

Fifty Great Books to Read With Kids
Posted by jade on April 28, 2014 225

“Again! Again!” If you’ve ever read a book to a child, you’ve heard that demand. It turns out that the little ones know what’s good for them. Children whose families read together enter kindergarten with measurably stronger language skills, which makes them more likely to succeed throughout their school years. One of our favorite nonprofits, Reach Out and Read, delivers early literacy intervention to 4 million children and their families annually via pediatricians in exam rooms nationwide. During checkups, doctors hand out free books for children to take home and keep, in effect prescribing reading aloud.

In honor of Reach Out and Read‘s 25th anniversary, we’ve asked them to share a recommended book for each year that they’ve been in existence. And we’re supplementing their already stellar picks with our own list of Goodreads members’ top-rated books for each year! You can also vote for your own favorites on Goodreads Listopia!

25 Years of Children’s Books
Reach Out and Read Goodreads
1989
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
by Paul Galdone
4.10 stars
 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
4.15 stars
Caldecott award-winning illustrator Paul Galdone‘s fairytales are a treasure. The rich language and repetitive phrases help develop language skills, while the story encourages children to face their fears, even if you’re the littlest billy goat of all. Goodreads member Krista says, “This was the first book I heard my children ‘read’ to themselves. The easy rhythm of the words following through the alphabet is very memorable and just plain fun to say.”
1990
What Do You Do with a Kangaroo?
by Mercer Mayer
4.07 stars
 Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
by Dr. Seuss
4.32 stars
Mercer Mayer‘s tale is a perfect chance for adults to engage a child in the story by asking: “What would you do if you came across an ever-growing crowd of rambunctious critters?” This technique, called “dialogic reading,” is a great way to encourage children to solve problems and use their imaginations. Goodreads member Tatiana says, “While subbing this afternoon, I had the privilege of reading [this] to the smart 2nd grade class. They’ve read it before; it’s one of their favorites. The narrative offers inspiring rhymes on graduating into real life and the struggles and triumphs that await you there.”
1991
Brave Irene
by William Steig
4.15 stars
 If You Give a Moose a Muffin
by Laura Joffe Numeroff
4.15 stars
Can Irene save the day during a storm? This is a wonderful tale of resilience with a delightful character—a great book to share with a child in need of a boost of courage. Goodreads member Austin G says, “Children will love reading about the entertaining adventures of the young boy and his new moose friend….the story teaches children the importance of friendship, creativity, and responsibility.”
1992
Good-Night, Owl!
by Pat Hutchins
4.07 stars
 The Rainbow Fish
by Marcus Pfister
4.11 stars
Owl just wants to sleep, but new animals keep arriving at his tree. Will Owl ever get to sleep? This is a cumulative tale, where naming the animals is a fun game as you get your child ready to go to bed, just like Owl. Goodreads member Hannah Edwards says, “The Rainbow Fish is about a fish that is different from the others; he has shiny scales and no one else does. After refusing and being ‘selfish,’ the rainbow fish eventually ends up sharing his scales with the other fish and makes friends with them, which creates happiness within.”
1993
Chrysanthemum
by Kevin Henkes
4.29 stars
 Stellaluna
by Janell Cannon
4.21 stars
This is the story of a little girl with an extraordinary name she loves, until others start to tease her. The kind words and actions of a teacher give Chrysanthemum and her classmates a new perspective. This book teaches children about the power of words to hurt and heal, and how one person can make things right. Goodreads member Linda says, “Sweet story about a young bat who loses her mother after they are attacked by an owl and is subsequently adopted by a family of birds. It delightfully demonstrates how diverse creatures can coexist. The illustrations are lovely and luminescent.”
1994
Noisy Nora
by Rosemary Wells
4.00 stars
 Guess How Much I Love You
by Sam McBratney & Anita Jeram
4.34 stars
How noisy can one child be?! Nora can be quite noisy, but it’s when she is quiet that her absence is noticed. This is a terrific book to reassure every child that, noisy or quiet, he is loved. Goodreads member Megan Carr says, “Two hares discuss how much they love each other using the world around them to measure….The art is simple, the words are simple yet meaningful, and it is just the sweetest story to read to a little one at bedtime (or anytime)!”
1995
Time for Bed
by Mem Fox
4.13 stars
 Officer Buckle & Gloria
by Peggy Rathmann
4.13 stars
Gentle watercolors and repetitive rhymes make this collection of animal babies and their parents settling down for the night a perfect way to ease children into sleep at the end of a busy day. Goodreads member Kym Machovina says, “The way Officer Buckle’s dog, Gloria, steals the show is funny and captivating….I highly recommend this book for its message of resolving hurt feelings and misunderstandings, the importance of teamwork, forgiveness and safety, safety, safety.”
1996
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge
by Mem Fox
4.41 stars
 Falling Up
by Shel Silverstein
4.31 stars
One little boy with a great big name, one elderly lady with a long name, and one wonderful friendship until Miss Nancy starts to forget. It is Wilfrid who helps bring back Miss Nancy’s memories in this loving story about friendship and a kindness that has no boundaries. Goodreads member Ashlyn says, “I chose this book because I love reading riddle, joke, and poem books and making it funny puts the cherry on top….This book is not all fun and games. Sometimes you have to ‘read the pictures’ to understand the poem.”
1997
Mouse Paint
by Ellen Stoll Walsh
4.12 stars
 The Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
by Simms Taback
4.16 stars
Learning about colors and how to create new colors is fun in this adventure of smart mice using paint to evade the cat. Goodreads member Typhani says, “This cleverly illustrated version of an old folk favorite will delight children. Each page is full of details and humorous asides, from the names of different types of birds, to a recipe for spider soup, to the rhyming asides from the spectating animals.”
1998
I Went Walking
by Sue Williams
3.90 stars
 A Bad Case of Stripes
by David Shannon
4.21 stars
As a child goes walking in this vibrantly illustrated book, he is joined by a succession of animals. Each animal is only partially shown, offering readers the chance to guess which creature might next be following the little boy. Goodreads member Typhani says, “[This] lighthearted fantasy…explores the impact of peer pressure and social conformity on the young protagonist Camilla Cream, a lima bean enthusiast who doesn’t want to be teased for her passion.”
1999
Babyfaces: Smile!
by Roberta Grobel Intrater
4.00 stars
 Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type
by Doreen Cronin
4.20 stars
Babies love to look at other babies, and this collection of full-page photos of cheerful tots is a perfect first board book to share with your baby. Goodreads member Laima says, “The drawings are funny and the story is outrageous. What young child doesn’t like funny animal stories?! I’m not surprised that this book earned a Caldecott Honor.”
2000
Clip-Clop!
by Nicola Smee
3.94 stars
 Olivia
by Ian Falconer
4.14 stars
Come along for the ride in this happy board book of a growing list of riders on a patient horse. Goodreads member Gregory Beard says, “As picture books go, you can’t do much better than the thoroughly charming Olivia. The young pig is sure to endear herself to you with her winning personality and excess of sass.”
2001
Over in the Meadow
by Ezra Jack Keats
4.13 stars
 The Three Pigs
by David Wiesner
4.13 stars
This classic rhyme by Olive Wadsworth is matched by Keats‘ timeless artwork. The rich vocabulary, rhyming, and repetition help children develop their language skills as they enjoy what goes on over in the meadow. Goodreads member Jean says, “Wiesner‘s retelling of the story with a very creative twist, coupled with the beautiful artwork, make this book a must-have for a good children’s collection.”
2002
Hush! A Thai Lullaby
by Minfong Ho
3.87 stars
 Bear Snores On
by Karma Wilson
4.22 stars
Rich illustrations fill this simple story of a mother trying to shush the creatures—from lizards to elephants—so that her baby can sleep. Amid the growing number of animals in need of shushing, it turns out that it is the mother who needs to sleep. Goodreads member Jean says, “During the harsh moments of winter, several small creatures discover the warm cave of a hibernating bear….This is a fun look at winter’s cooped-up days, at cooperative survival, and diverse friendships.”
2003
Hug
by Jez Alborough
4.07 stars
 Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
by Mo Willems
4.29 stars
Bobo just wants a hug but no one seems to understand him. It’s not until he reaches his mother that Bobo get what he needs. Children can follow the story by looking at the expression on Bobo’s face. Hug provides a great opportunity for you and your child to talk about what he would do to help Bobo. Goodreads member Lacey Ellison says, “A picture storybook about a persistent pigeon who constantly begs, pleads, whines, and yells in an attempt to get the reader to allow him to drive the bus while the bus driver is out.”
2004
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes…
by Annie Kubler
3.61 stars
 Kitten’s First Full Moon
by Kevin Henkes
4.05 stars
Roly-poly toddlers play this familiar game of naming body parts in this playful board book that will have young readers mimicking the actions on the pages. It’s fun from head to toe! Goodreads member Sunhi says, “This is an adorably illustrated and sweet story of a kitten that just wants the bowl of milk sitting in the sky…if your child is also obsessed with the moon, it might be a nice break from Goodnight Moon.”
2005
Owl Babies
by Martin Waddell
4.17 stars
 Llama Llama Red Pajama
by Anna Dewdney
4.25 stars
Where’s mommy? When’s mommy coming back? Children (and parents) undergoing separation anxiety can empathize with the three little owl babies fretting over their mother’s whereabouts. Mommy, of course, returns to her relieved and delighted babies. Goodreads member Ale says, “One of the best bedtime stories to read to a little one. It lets us know that being afraid of going to bed and not having your mommy there with you is OK. It’s how we handle the situation—that’s what counts.”
2006
How I Became a Pirate
by Melinda Long
4.04 stars
 Pinkalicious
by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann
4.01 stars
Jeremy Jacob joins Braid Beard’s merry band of pirates and cheerfully embraces a life with no bedtimes, table manners, or tiresome rules, but then he realizes that pirates don’t get tucked into bed or have bedtime stories read. Goodreads member Alli says, “This book is not only pink, it is hilarious and filled with amazing pictures inside. [It] is obviously [geared] toward girls because of all the pink, but the little catch with her little brother is a very creative and interesting way to intertwine boys into the pink book.”
2007
Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too?
by Eric Carle
3.88 stars
 Henry’s Freedom Box
by Ellen Levine
4.41 stars
Of course a kangaroo has a mother, too—just like you! Animal babies and their mothers are featured for you and your baby to name and match together. And the other thing about the kangaroo’s mother? She loves him just like your mother loves you! Goodreads member Alli says, “I loved how Ellen Levine made this story extremely dramatic and breathtaking…I was really moved by Henry’s loss of his family…and I was so amazed at how Henry escaped slavery by mailing himself in a box to freedom because that idea sounded so ingenious and risky.”
2008
Lola at the Library
by Anna McQuinn
3.90 stars
 Splat the Cat
by Rob Scotton
4.08 stars
What is Lola’s favorite day? It’s the day each week when Lola and her mother visit the library. There are story hours and books galore to choose and take home to read. Share this cozy story about the joys of sharing books with the preschooler in your life. Goodreads member Jean Brodahl says, “Amazing illustrations that just pop off the page, the cat’s hair is amazing, and the story is excellent! Such a great book for kids starting school…we will read it at the beginning of school every year now, I’m sure! “
2009
Bunny My Honey
by Anita Jeram
4.01 stars
 The Lion and the Mouse
by Jerry Pinkney
4.24 stars
A tender story of a lost little bunny being sought (and found) by his mother. Look for the delightful details in the illustrations, such as the mother’s ears sticking up in the grass or the bunny’s face peeking out from among the ferns. This is a great book to read to a child in need of a little reassurance. Goodreads member Jackie “the Librarian” says, “This is a really wonderful wordless telling of the Aesop’s fable, with the lion and the mouse both depicted with real character and humor. I love Jerry Pinkney‘s watercolors, and the way he populates his pictures not just with the title characters, but a delightful assortment of animals from the African Serengeti of Tanzania and Kenya.”
2010
Book!
by Kristine O’Connell George
3.57 stars
 Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
by Eric Litwin
4.42 stars
This charmingly illustrated board book celebrates books! See what a book can mean to a young child as he takes his favorite book with him everywhere. You’ll recognize scenes from your own home in this joyous story of a boy and his book. Goodreads member Ellary says, “It’s hard to tell if it’s Pete’s glass-is-half-full outlook on life or Mama’s rendition of “I Love My White Shoes” to the tune of “La Cucaracha,” but Pete’s amusingly messy journey with his once-white shoes is a heartwarming story not to be missed.”
2011
Eating the Rainbow: A Colorful Food Book
by Rena D. Grossman
4.21 stars
 I Want My Hat Back
by Jon Klassen
4.37 stars
Good eating habits start early. In this board book filled with colorful photos of children enjoying a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, readers will find a great introduction to healthy eating. Goodreads member Maciek says, “I am happy to report that I Want My Hat Back is a total hoot and I had a blast reading, especially because it had a delicious twist ending which I did not expect and which is likely to amuse (and surprise) both the big and the small.”
2012
Lullaby Moon
by Rosie Reeve
4.12 stars
 Extra Yarn
by Mac Barnett
4.04 stars
Follow mother mouse and her baby through their day until it is time to say good night. The illustrations in this book are filled with cozy moments perfect for you and your baby to end your busy day together. This is a good story for teaching children the sequence of events and that we all must rest. Goodreads member Kevin J. Doyle says, “A young girl finds a box of yarn that just never seems to run out. She knits lovely sweaters for herself, her friends, her dog, her friend’s dog, the buildings in her town, the cars in her town, the trees in her town, and more and more.”
2013
Little Owl’s Night
by Divya Srinivasan
3.82 stars
 The Day the Crayons Quit
by Drew Daywalt
4.41 stars
Do you live with a night owl who struggles with the idea of having to go to bed? Little Owl enjoys his life in the woods at night alongside his friends, as insects hum and frogs croak, but he wonders what happens during the daytime while he sleeps. Through this book, children will enjoy learning about what happens after dark when they are tucked into bed. Goodreads member Dani says, “The creative premise, the charming illustrations, the hilarious individual letters from the crayons-on-strike all served to make this gamble from the library a book we’re now buying for our favorites shelf.”

What’s your child’s favorite bedtime book? Tell us in the comments or add it to this list!

Follow Kidsbook Friends 2 Ways:

Subscribe to receive the blog posts directly to your e-mail by signing up on http://www.kidsbookfriends.com

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Kidsbook Clip: “Fourth of July Favorites”

Posted on July 4, 2014 by hendersonintraining

All this week leading up to today, I have been enjoying July 4th Facebook Posts of creative crafts, activities, foods and of course books for the Fourth. I compiled all the links I love into one blog so you can find YOUR favorites! Happy Independence Day!

Five Featured Friends for the Fourth:

Photo: Happy July 4th!

Blog: http://www.kidsbookfriends.com, Facebook: Kidsbook Friends

“For the Fourth”, Happy Birthday America http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-fQ

“Family Reunion, Fireworks, Fourth of July”, Happy Birthday, America! http://wp.me/p4m4Tu-gm

Favorite Crafts for the Fourth:

  

If you have an old dish brush in the kitchen, let your kids use it to make pretty fireworks!Link:http://www.sassydealz.com/2014/06/kids-fireworks-craft-using-dish-brush.html
Pin it! ~ http://www.pinterest.com/pin/85216617924225304/

 

30 FANTASTIC FIREWORK ACTIVITIES http://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/fireworks-activities-kids.html
Got little ones who adore fireworks? Try some of these!

  
STAR SPANGLED SLIME

http://www.icanteachmychild.com/star-spangled-slime/
This looks like so much fun to play with! What a neat activity from I Can Teach My Child!
Pin it for later: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/28640147605326310/

The Artful Parent 
11 PATRIOTIC ART PROJECTS FOR KIDS

http://artfulparent.com/2014/07/11-fun-patriotic-art-projects-for-kids.html
These fun art projects are perfect for the July 4th weekend and are easy to set up and do!

GOLF BALL ART FIREWORKS

 

 

Details: http://www.therealisticmama.com/golf-ball-art-fireworks/
How cool is this? Such a simple but adorable fireworks craft from The Realistic Mama.
Pin it for later:http://www.pinterest.com/pin/28640147605349104/


SALT FIREWORKS CRAFT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.sassydealz.com/2014/06/salt-fireworks-craft-kids.html
These are so cool! Totally trying this idea from Sassy Dealz.
Pin it for later:http://www.pinterest.com/pin/28640147605333247/

 

Favorite Foods for the Fourth:

          

Click to get all the details on these projects here:
http://www.livinglocurto.com/2014/07/red-white-blue-recipes-party-printables/

Kids Stuff World


I know what we’ll be having for breakfast July4th! This fun & festive fruit & jelly on toast flag.

Big on wow factor, but simple too!

http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2014/07/4th-of-july-breakfast.html

 

 

Make and Takes 

 

 
Here is a last minute 4th of July centerpiece idea that is simple and only takes minutes to do!
http://www.makeandtakes.com/simple-4th-of-july-centerpieces

These patriotic recipes and crafts that were featured on M&T are perfect last minute ideas for the 4th of July!
http://www.makeandtakes.com/saturday-spotlight-red-white-and-blue

Favorite Activities for the Fourth:


4 Super FUN ways to Celebrate Canada Day and the 4th of July on the blog today — swing by for some awesome Patriotic outdoor fun ideas!


Favorite Books Beyond Our 5 Featured Friends for the Fourth:

 

The Artful Parent

The
10 BOOKS TO CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY

http://www.bonbonbreak.com/4th-of-july-booklist/

Follow Kidsbook Friends 2 Ways:

Subscribe to receive the blog posts directly to your e-mail by signing up on http://www.kidsbookfriends.com

Like Kidsbook Friends on Facebook to receive kids’ book titles with correlating crafts, questions, contests, activities, and reading tips to help your kids love reading this summer.

 

 

 

 

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Happy Birthday, America! “Family Reunion, Fireworks, Fourth of July”

Posted on July 3, 2014 by hendersonintraining
2014-07-02 22.30.21

” . . . a happy, hometown Independence Day celebration with all the trimmings.”

I’ve always wanted to watch the fireworks with family and friends while floating in a boat on a lake. I think that’s one reason why this book appeals to me since that’s how it ends. I also grew up away from all my extended family, so summer provided a “family reunion” of sorts when we drove from Virginia to Ohio to visit my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Many of us can relate to those summer reunions and “happy, hometown Independence Day celebrations” that this book captures, leaving us with a nostalgic feeling.

Introducing Our Featured Friend: Happy Birthday, America!
By Marsha Wilson Chall, Illustrated by Guy Portfirio

Cousin Jean calls first thing in the morning. “Guess what?” she says.
“The corn’s knee high, it’s the Fourth of July!” As if we didn’t know what day it is!  . . .
For a whole week now I’ve been practicing names. I even sent my school picture to Great-aunt Lucille; last year she thought I was a guest.”

Thus begins this family’s reunion with all the relatives enjoying the the horseshoe pit, parades, bike rides, patriotic songs, red, white and blue Jell-O shaped like the United States, lemonade, swimming races, watermelon seed spitting contest, fireworks, and sparklers.

Marsha Wilson Chall captures the fun of family and the spirit of July 4th with her vivid language, painting pictures in our minds. While stepping into this families’ traditions, we can get ideas to include in our own celebration. My favorite part is the ending with the family watching the fireworks from their boat on the lake:

“Oooooh,” we sigh together.
“It’s a spider,” Todd yells.
“An octopus,” says Janie.
“A chrysanthemum,” Great-grandma whispers.

Ba-BANG! The sky thunders. The sound pours into the lake and laps at our boat. . . . Pinwheels, feathers, volcanoes and rockets, dragons, and fire flakes.  . . .
“What did you think?” Grandpa asks, then answers himself, like always.
“Best I’ve ever seen.”

We hold our sparklers up like candles, count one, two, three, then yell,
“Happy Birthday, America!” across the water.”

Inviting You to Become FRIENDS with Happy Birthday, America!
Feel, Relate, Imagine, Explore, Navigate, Develop, Share

F- Here’s something fun to feel for the Fourth of July: STAR SPANGLED SLIME
http://www.icanteachmychild.com/star-spangled-slime/ Reposted on Toddler Approved.
This looks like so much fun to play with! What a neat activity from I Can Teach My Child!!10401968_674911479223844_7983502945301628746_n[1]

R- After reading about this family’s reunion, think about the times you get together with your extended family and share what parts you can relate to.

I- While you watch fireworks this year, imagine different animals, plants, and other cool things that the shapes and colors make.

E- Explore July 4th facts like: how and where fireworks were first invented, recipes often made for picnics and parties, and so forth.

N- Navigate (lay the course) areas for different games for family and friends to play with you: horse-shoes, watermelon seed spitting contest, races, and other ideas from the story.

D- Develop a drawing or poem of what you saw in the fireworks display, such as “a spider, octopus, rocket, and dragon”. This keeps the fun going following the fourth.

S- Share your favorite part of the story and tell why you like it.

2014-07-03 15.44.26

“The corn’s knee high, it’s the Fourth of July!”

 

2014-07-02 22.33.13

“We hold our sparklers up like candles, count one, two, three, then yell, ‘Happy Birthday, America!’ across the water.”

Follow Kidsbook Friends 2 Ways:

Subscribe to receive the blog posts directly to your e-mail by signing up on http://www.kidsbookfriends.com

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