A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Elementary

Tomorrow Most Likely

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Imagination is a huge part of childhood, Tomorrow Most Likely taps into that.  Wondering through several tomorrows with the thoughts of  how Tomorrow Most likely something will happen.  Making it a lovely bedtime story, helping children to look forward to the morning.

Tomorrow Most Likely

From the Cover

Rather than focusing on going to bed-and what kid wants to think about going to bed?- This book explores all of the dreamy, wonderful, strange things the next day might bring. Whimsical, witty, and hopeful, this revolutionary rewriting of a classic goodnight book from bestselling author Dave Eggers and award-winning illustrator Lane Smith is a bedtime story for tomorrow ever after.

Tomorrow Most Likely

What You Get:

Full Colour images cover almost every page as a little boy wonders about what might happen tomorrow.  

He might meet a squirrel or a bug, or maybe a cousin.

Tomorrow Most Likely

There maybe blue skies or grey, good meals, and places to explore.   There will be music and people and things to be said. 

Who knows where a child’s imagination will take them, for tomorrows are endless and full of surprise. 

Most alternating lines rhyme, but not always.  Reading it out loud I found myself stumbling as I kept expecting a rhyme meter that just wasn’t there.  I found the rhyme came later than my expectation. 

My Thoughts

Initially I didn’t like this book.  I really couldn’t see the point of it.  As I continue to review it and look over it, I grasped this important concept.  Sometimes, the thought of going to sleep and missing out on something keeps children awake.  The bedtime story book is there to help them see the possibilities of tomorrow. Reading and wondering, gives them something to look forward to when they wake up the next day. 

Who knows.. they might meet a squirrel named Stu or perhaps a lonely bug will wander into their path. They might hear a fun song or meet an interesting character.   Who knows what might happen but maybe just maybe…you’ll find something interesting.  The sooner you fall asleep, the sooner you’ll discover it. 

Tomorrow Most Likely

Tomorrow Most Likely
Dave Eggers
Lane Smith (illustrator)
Chronicle Books
40 pages, 4-8 years, picture book
Imagination, Bedtime Story, Future
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.

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P is for Pterodactyl

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You know how sometimes you run across a book that just makes you smile?  Well today’s alphabet book is one of them.  Seriously, I really like this book and I don’t have anyone in my life that I need to teach the alphabet too!  🙂   P is for Pterdactyl *The worst alphabet book ever!

From the Cover

Let’s get real – the English language is bizarre. A might be for apple, but it’s also for aisle and aeons. Why does the word “gnat” start with a G but the word “knot” doesn’t start with an N? It doesn’t always make sense, but don’t let these rule-breaking silent letters defeat you!
This whimsical, funky book from Raj Haldar turns the traditional idea of an alphabet book on its head, poking fun at the most mischievous words in the English language and demonstrating how to pronounce them. Fun and informative for word nerds of all ages!

P is for Pterodactyl

What you get:

LOADS of illustrations light up the pages of hardcover book on the alphabet.  This is not your ordinary alphabet book, but rather introduces the reader to bunch of unexpected words where the letter may not even been pronounced!

P is for Pterodactyl

Not just one word, but many words will the pages of each letter.  Take for instance N gives us not, naughty, nice.  O gives us ouija, oui, Oaxaca, E for ewe, euphoric, eaten, even and eulogy.   It is a fun ride through the vagaries that is the English language. 

P is for Pterodactyl

At the close of the book we are introduced to how we are to pronounce these odd words, some even surprised me!   Phonemes are just so much fun aren’t they?  (perhaps not).  🙂

My Thoughts

Ms. Beddia does an excellent job of illustrating this fun read.   So many words that you just don’t expect to find in an alphabet book.  This is simply a fun book, not only read but also to enjoy for the illustrations. 

Now.. As I pointed out earlier O is for Ouija.. which you might not want for your kids.  But they do exist in the world and it’s a great way (if you are a believer) to talk about how there are things that God doesn’t like and forbids us from using in the world.  It doesn’t have to be a big deal. 

Most of the words have several words listed with them, the odd one does not.  It does introduce the reader to the different sounds the letters of the alphabet make.  This is how some people suggest we teach the alphabet, not just the long noise a letter makes but for the short and irregular sounds as well. 

P is for Pterodactyl
P is for Pterodactyl: The worst alphabet book ever.
Raj Haldar & Chris Carpenter
Maria Tina Beddia (illustrator)
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Hardcover, 40 pages, 3-7 years
Picture book, alphabet, learn to read, Vocabulary, Spelling
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.
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101 Small Ways to Change the World

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Kids today want to be involved in the world around them, they want to know that they can make a difference. Often times though, they don’t know just what they can do.   It’s hard to come up with ideas when you don’t know where to start.  Enter in 101 Small Ways to Change the World.    Just the help a child, teenager or adult needs, to stoke the fires of imagination to change the world. 

From the Cover:

It’s hard to believe that you could change the world, but it’s true! We’ll show you loads of awesome ways to help out family, friends, yourself and the planet – and show how you’re never too young to make a big difference. Includes random acts of kindness, craft projects, energy-saving ideas, and much more.

101 Small Ways to Change the World is a practical, fun and creative book to inspire you at home, school and in your local community and beyond! Remember, all big ideas start with just one person who decides to do things differently. You could be that person.

What You Get

The hardcover tome starts with the encouragement to think big, but to do the small.   For if you want to plant a forest, you need to start with one tree.  One small act combined with another small act changes the world.

This is followed by three sections:

  • 1. Caring for Others
  • 2. Caring for the Planet
  • 3. Caring for Yourself

Section one on Caring for others covers topics such as spreading kindness at school, cheering up a friend, doing your chores, helping wildlife thrive, donating things to charity, being a volunteer and starting a neighbourhood library.

The next section is Caring for the Planet which included ideas such as turning off the lights, walk instead of drive, picking up litter, recreating out of old, make a game, using less plastic, buying local, planting a tree, taking a short shower, and planting a garden. 

Caring for yourself encourages the reader to stand up for yourself, be positive, eat healthy, find a hobby, be involved with your family, challenge yourself, and to share your abilities.

My Thoughts

There is so much in this book that I like.  Practical ideas for kids, teens and adults to engage with, to make small changes in the world and their communities.  A great book for that, and the learning how to care for yourself too!  Excellent stuff.

I did struggle with the “don’t eat meat” mantra.  It wasn’t balanced with the good that animals do, only the negatives were addressed.  This section could easily have addressed “try alternative proteins like crickets etc”. 

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The Secrets of Tutankhamun

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King Tut, boy king of Ancient Egypt.  Who was he?   Where was he buried?  Why did it take so long to discover his tomb?  What secrets did it hide and what did we learn from it?   These questions and more, answered in The Secrets of Tutankhamun by Patricia Cleveland-Peck. 

From the Cover

When a series of family deaths led to the nine-year-old Tutankhamun’s unlikely ascension to the throne of Egypt, the young Pharoah inherited a land in the midst of conflict and change.   His rule was short and tumultuous, and at around age nineteen, Tut died.    Three thousand years later, Howard Carter, a British archaeologist …. made a discovery that shocked the world. …. Featuring the story of Tut’s life, the archaeological advances made through the discovery of his tomb, and guides to hieroglyphics and the mummification process. …..

What you Get

The life of Tutankhamun is brought to us in this oversized paperback tome.  A meaty book filled with his life and the life of the men searching for answers, and then discovering them!   

Divided into three parts, this 64 page book talks about how Tut lived and died, the discovery by Howard Carter and how the mysteries were solved around the discoveries made at his burial site. 

Now, what I received was the advanced readers’ copy, so most of the book I received was done in grayscale images.   There were numerous images scattered throughout the entire book that really brought the well-written text to life.

A few pages were included so we could see what the final book will look like. All seven pages of colour were filled with shades of blacks, blues, yellows and whites.  

Highly informative history spills out of the pages.  There is so much to be learned as well as life lessons.  For instance, the persistence of Howard Carter in his quest to find the tomb.  Questions to be asked at the time of discovery that weren’t answered until much later.  The excitement the discovery brought.  The uniqueness of his tomb, and all the questions it raised, along with the discovery of two infant tombs.  Just a treasure trove of information.

My Thoughts:

People have long been fascinated with Tutankhamun and this book delves deep into the mystery of who he was and how he lived.  There is much speculation of course, based on archaeological finds.  Overall though, it’s a great look into the lives of two men….one young, living with health problems and dying young.  The other older, determined to solve a mystery, persisting even when it seemed he’d never do it.

I found it a well-written book that gave a great amount of information, I learned so much.  Meaty picture books are just the best, you know?

I thoroughly enjoyed all the add-ons… learning the hieroglyphic alphabet, how they read the paintings in the tomb, the mummification process and more.  It would be a great addition to studies on Ancient Egypt. 

Links to other books on Egypt to help round out your studies.

Egyptomania. 

Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt. 

 

click image for amazon link
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World War II Night Before Christmas

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Study the World Wars this year has opened my eyes to the tremendous hardship the soldiers faced in the first World War. The Great War was hard, but the Second World War brought it’s own difficulties.   Those are pointed out in World War II Night Before Christmas. 

From The Cover

Santa visits the Allied troops in Normandy on Christmas Eve, 1944.  He brings them blankets, rations, coffee, and warm winter clothes…items that the Allied troops lacked in the frigid temperatures of Normandy.

What you Get:

Full Colour images and a poem reminiscent of The Night Before Christmas.  The lines bring out the dangers the soldiers faced, as well as their fears and dreams.  And who should appear at the end?   Santa of course (you’ll need to read of his gear). 

I appreciated that he listed names of soldiers in the war, and carefully wrote in a way to educate without alarming children listening to the familiar lyrics of Night Before Christmas. 

My Thoughts

I have to admit I did struggle with the Nazis are evil and we are good.   Do not misunderstand me, I do not believe that Nazism is a good mindset to follow.  But I do struggle with the notion of Santa saying Americans are good and those they fight are evil.  It is very much a “yay, America” book.  That aspect came across stronger than I would have preferred.

What I do like is that in the midst of worry and fear hope happens.  Santa comes and brings the soldiers exactly what they where in need of, just when they most needed it. That message is one that children need to hear.  Perhaps not that Santa is the answer, but that hope always exists for those who wait for it. 

  • World War II Night Before Christmas
  • Mike Guardia
  • Melanie Stephens (illustrator)
  • Magnum books
  • 36 pages, softcover, picture book
  • Christmas, WW2, Santa

Reviewed for the author.

Other books by Miake Guardia

It’s Snowing in Hawaii.

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Pup 681

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Don’t you just love picture books?  I do!!!!  I especially love picture books that tell a true to life story.  Pup 681 is a great book to introduce children to rescue work and lovely world that is sea otters.  Reviewing this picture book taught me a few things about sea otters and is definitely worth reading. 

Pup 681 a sea otter rescue story

From the Cover:

Washed ashore alone, a tiny sea otter pup needs help! Soon, a rescuer is there, to take her in and keep her warm and fed. The pup faces challenges in her new life without her sea otter family. But with the love and care of her rescuer, she flourishes in her new home. Inspired by a true story, this is a heartwarming and hopeful tale about family and love.

What you get:

You get a heart warming, sweet story. Pup 681 is such a little fellow. Needing help and then finding it.   Can’t you just hear him call “Meeeh Meeeh”.  The cry of a baby wanting family members to come and help.  

Pup 681Stunning pictures dot the pages, sometimes as a full  two-page spread and other times as single illustrations.  The colours are so reflective on the environment this wee otter would have found himself in.

Pup 681Don’t the illustrations just bring the story to life?   You can just see little otter getting better can’t you?

“and there she was warmed … and fluffed….and fed“

pup 681The care and concern given this wee pup was evident on every page.  The hearts of the rescuers could be seen shining through as they worked to save the life of one wee pup washed up without his momma.  Words so gentle, helpful and instruction… the way this tale was written suits the nature of the story. 

My Thoughts:

I think this is a fantastic book which gives a good introduction to otters and some of their unique features. It is a fun, well written story with great illustrations. I would be an excellent introduction to a course of study on sea others or other oceanic life.  Knowing that there is a real Pup 681 (though this work is ficitional)  gives a personal touch to your study. 

If you are looking for other resources to help you in your study of Sea Otters you may want to consider:

Marine Mammals.    Saving Sea Otters.    National Park Service.

My only concern was the “bambi syndrome” where human emotions were applied to this little otter.  One doesn’t know if a rescued otter baby would be feeling an emptiness inside.  We shouldn’t apply human emotions to animals like that.  It might make for an easier story to write but doesn’t really respect the otter as a wild animal. 

Pup 681: A sea otter rescue story 
Pup 681: a sea otter rescue story.
Jean Reidy
Illustrator: Ashley Crowley
Godwin Books
Henry Holt and Company
40 pages, trade paperback,
Picture book, age 4-8
Biology, Rescue, Sea Otter, Science

Reviewed for Raincoast Books.

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The Selfish Giant

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Do you remember the story of The Selfish Giant?  I don’t recall when I first read this story, but as I looked through all the new illustrations, I was brought back in time and I smiled.  Come along, I want YOU to smile too!  🙂

The Selfish Giant, book review

From the Back Cover

A beloved tale that has lasted for generations, The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde, one of the world’s greatest writers, tells the tale of a very selfish giant, his wonderful garden, the curious and playful village children, and, of course, the little child who changes the giant’s heart. A beloved classic in English literature, The Selfish Giant may be Oscar Wilde’s greatest story of redemption and forgiveness.

Newly illustrated by renowned artist Jeanne Bowman, this fantastic edition of this famous tale showcases Wilde’s story in a pallet and composition that will delight and inspire both young and old and will become a family treasure to be read again and again.

What you get

This is a beautifully illustrated.   Jeanne Bowman has done an excellent job of showing the before and after in The Selfish Giant.

Before

The Selfish Giant

The after

The Selfish Giant

Don’t you just love the detail and colour in the pictures?   The cold of the snow and the anger of the giant, and then follow that up with the colour and life in the garden?   It’s just so lovely.   There is so much vibrancy in the illustrations, it draws you in. Really it does.   You just want to know in the cold of winter…why is there now a spot of colour in the garden?  What happened?

My Thoughts

I can just totally see sitting down with a child in my lap and reading the story, but also stopping to point out the angry giant, or ask how many animals can they see, or can you count the different flowers?  Learning about kindness and sharing, and what selfishness and angry hearts can bring.  A book filled with learning but also delight!  And the question: would you be the child who dared?

The Selfish Giant

 

The Selfish Giant
Oscar Wilde
New illustrations by Jeanne Bowman
Familius
32 pages, 5-8 years, trade paperback
character, selfish, picture book
giving, good choices

Reviewed for: Raincoast Books.

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