A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

picturebook

Hedgehog’s Home for Winter

By 4 Comments

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Hedgehog’s Home for Winter) through Ascot Media Group.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so.

Oh my…. I like this book!  🙂   Hedgehog’s Home for Winter is a look into seasonal change and how animals live through the winter. So if you are looking for a way to help your littles (or even introduce some olders) understand how animals survive the winter… this book will help.  Hedgehog has much to learn, and so we can learn with him! 

hedgehog's home for winter

Learning about Hedgehog’s Home for Winter

Clever Publishing has put together this lovely book entitled Hedgehog’s Home for Winter.  This hardcover book was written by Elena Ulyeva.   And boy, it’s a cute book, while being educational!   You’ll find the animals are rather anthropomorphized but it suits the style of the book.  It provides talking points, at least it would for me, asking children if they really thought wild mice slept in bed like people.  🙂 

The Illustrations are provided by Daria Parkhaeva, she has illustrated both of the Hedgehog books.  You’ll find lots of colours, with about 1/2 the 32 pages done in full colour.  The other half make good use of white space, showing action as Hedgehog moves from friend to friend. Children up to grade two will enjoy the excellent depiction of the various animals and the natural use of colour. 

I love hedgehog’s heart desire.  He wants to help his friends!   Birds, fish, bear, squirrel and more.   He takes the time to check in on all them.  Itsn’t that thoughtfulness a wonderful thing to see? 

You’ll find the font a great size to read sitting down in a comfy couch with child at your side, or reading with a large group of children gathered round.  There are authomatic stopping points as you walk with hedgehog checking on his friends.  Who might he go to next, what might he find?   Do you think he’ll check on a toad or a bird next?   Why don’t we find out together? 

Should it be yours?

Learning about how animals make it through the winter is an important part of nature studies.  Hedgehog’s home for winter is a good introductory book into learning about their survival skills.   Since Hedgehog is the main character it makes me think this is European based (no wild hedgehogs in Canada at least!)  🙂  So it might also be a good introduction to learning a bit about European wildlife.   I never knew that hedgehogs hiberate! 

This is a wonderfully illustrated book with tons of talking points, and a hedgehog showing compassion to others. Well worth reading whether looking at animal survival skills or character development.  It’s must have been hard for a hibernating hedgehog to stay awake and then run all over the forest checking in on his friends.   But because he cared… we got to learn about how his friends manage the cold.  A good premise for a book yes? 

Mr. Sunnyside – Imagination!

By 2 Comments

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Mr. Sunnyside – Imagination!) through Ascot Media Group.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so.

Do your children complain about being bored? Would you like them to learn the power of imagination?  CK Gregory’s book Mr. Sunnyside – Imagination might be just what they need. 

Mr. Sunnyside Imagination

What I am Reviewing

CK Gregory’s family is Canadian hailing from Quebec and Ontario.   In Mr. Sunnyside, Imagination Mr. Gregory encourages children to explore their imagination.  Published by Gatekeeper press, this review copy was forwarded by Ascot Media Group. This picture book is geared toward young children up to 11 years of age (though I think it’s better suited to up to about 5).  34 pages long with illustrator Stephanie Richoll bringing CK Gregory’s imagination to life. 

Looking Deeper in the Mr. Sunnyside, Imagination

Stephanie Richoll does an excellent job of bringing Mr. Sunnyside – Imagination! to life.  She starts this 34 page book off in grey scale.  It fits because the day has a rather blah start to it.  A boy with nothing to do after recovering from illness.  Mom says No to outside play in the rain. 

As the story progresses you’ll see the greyscale turn to full colour.   It was rather neat to see the progression.

The text is large and easy to read, written conversationally. Easy to follow, at times a bit repetitive.  It didn’t always sound realistic, but more like an adult trying to sound like a child. 

Should it be on your shelves

  Mr. Sunnyside Imagination just doesn’t have enough to it to be a store purchase.  It would be one to happily pick up from the library or a yard sale. 

Why?  It just doesn’t have enough to it.   We get a lad who has plenty of toys to play with but doesn’t want to.  An ‘egg’ shows up that says “toys are meant to be played with” and “use your imagination” and that’s the summation of the story. 

We don’t see him really using his imagination beyond that he can see an egg that no one else can and pretends to go flying for just a moment.  The lack of depth had me wondering what the point of this book was.  I guess I just wanted more and there are books out there that give the more. 

Now What?

By 4 Comments

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Now What?) through Ascot Media Group.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so.

Oh, what a fun read!  A child who is bored and a question Now What?  and before you know it… the now what becomes so much with one event leading to another.  Come along for a day filled with surprises… that started with simple boredom.  Boredom isn’t a bad thing for a child especially with the question… What now? 

Now What?

What I am Reviewing

Ascot media group provided me with a hardcover review copy of Now What? 5-7 year olds, and possibly older, will find inspiration in the pages for when they are bored and need something more to do. 46 pages delightfully illustrated by Peter Trimarco, he brings the words of Brenda Faatz to life. Written in lyrical rhyme this is an easy to read aloud book. 

Digging Deeper into Now What?

Oh, this book made me smile.  I can just see Lizzy (of the Just So books) trying to figure out what to do with her day.  There’s nothing to do and yet…. just maybe, maybe something more can be found. 

Lizzy has such a day ahead of her only she doesn’t know it yet.  A day where one thing will lead to another with the helps of some friends along the way.   I love the use of colour and white space, making the progression in the story so clear.  Some of the pages are in full colour, and others have a good use of white. The farther you get into the story ,the more colour you see.  

Rhyming verse is used to tell the story, from the boring day start, to the life is better at the end.  The large font, the varies with the expressions and emotions of Lizzy, is clear and easy to read.  

The pup is cute.. oh m y word… those long ears and fuzzy tail!  He’s a good help to Lizzy as well, keeping at her side like a good pup should. The story is heart-warming and inspiring. 

Now What? To be on your shelves?

Now What?  Is such a sweet book.  Lizzy (not my cat) is such a nice little girl with a great imagination and a willingness to just do the next thing.  She does an excellent job of keeping herself busy and when meeting a new person instantly finds a way to connect.   It’s so fun to watch the progression in her day.  I would love to read this with a group of children and ask… what would YOU do next?  Just to see what they think might happen, or what potential things they might look for on a grey boring day.    Before you know it, she knows, together with a new friend (or two) the concept of living in the now. 

Bubbie’s Magical Hair

By 2 Comments

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Bubbie’s Magical Hair) through Ascot Media Group.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so.

Grandmothers and their relationships with their grandchildren.  There is nothing like it.   Watching Gramma and Oma with my son…. it’s something that makes my heart smile.  In this whimsical tale, Bubbie’s Magical Hair, we get to see the relationship between a Jewish grandmother and her grandchildren. In this sweet hard cover book Bubbie’s curls wind through the tales she has lived, stories to share with her grandchildren over cookies, seasonal activities and just life in general.  Those stories reminding us of the joy, comfort and inspiration grandparents bring.

Bubbie's Magical Hair

What I am Reviewing

A story about a Jewish Bubbie and her connection to her extended family in Bubbie’s Magical Hair. A 34 page hardcover book colourfully illustrated by Lynda Porter.  You’ll see Bubbie’s hair floating through all the activities she engages in with the youngsters. Sedro Publishing allowed this family relationship book to be brought to light.  I am reviewing on behalf of Ascot Media Group.   Good for children up to grade three. 

Looking Deeper Within

Bubbie’s Magical Hair is all about the relationship of a Jewish grandmother and her grandchildren.  As you stroll through the pages you’ll see Bubbie cleaning, telling stories, making cookies, playing outdoor activities during the different seasons, laughing and playing during bathtimes and other life activities.  Through it all… Bubbie is there, a constant source of kindness and care. Familial connection at its best. 

The text is large, a dark font that flows through the activities of grandma and grandkids.  You will find the pages chock full of colour. Due to the lack of white space around the words. I occasionally found it hard to read when I did my normal read-aloud to see how the words flow. 

Isn’t it fantastic to see all the ways that Bubbie is integrated into the entire life of her grandchildren?   And the whimsical way that Abbe Rolnick incorporated it into the story, well done. 

Young readers will also be introduced to differently named grandmothers around the world such as Abuela, Mormor, Obaa Chan, Oma and Halmoni.

Should it be on your shelves?

I don’t know to be honest.  There is much that I appreciate about Bubbie’s Magical Hair, but losing the words in the illustrations, and the use of the hair weaving through everything just put me off.    I really don’t know.   I guess I didn’t get the symbolism of the hair, and then she cuts it off.. and I do not understand why she made that decision. 

Are the illustrations worth it?  Perhaps.  They do provide tons of talking points, and maybe the point of the hair will make more sense to folks of Jewish origin?   I don’t know.

I love the inclusion of what grammas are called in various cultures.  🙂  She captured a nice variety of them from all over the place… included my very own of Oma! (Perhaps one day I might be one????)   BUT NOT YET!   🙂 

Can Sophie Change the World?

By 2 Comments

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Can Sophie Change the World?) through Raincoast Books.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so.

Mitzvahs are really powerful! But …. can Sophie Change the world?   A mitzvah is a word from Judaism meaning a good deed done from religious duty. Would it be possible to perform enough mitzvah that you change the world?   That’s the question asked in this picture book from Nancy E. Wallace.   I love the family connection and the neighbourly feel of this sweet book. 

Can Sophie Change the world?

Learning about Can Sophie Change the World?

Sophie is a young girl and her grandpa is about to have a birthday.  What can she give him?  Grandpa says “Sophie, change the world.  Give me a mitzvah!”.   And so Sophie worried.  What could she do?  And so the story unfolds over 32 pages, children 3-5 will follow Sophie efforts to please her Grandpa.   

I am reviewing this lovely read on behalf of Raincoast Books. 

I love how easy it would be to stop as you are reading this story and ask listeners how they might change the world.  What Mitzvah could they perform? What kindness could they do that might change the world for the better in some way?  Wouldn’t that make a great discussion? 

You will love the illustrations created by Aura Lewis that bring author Nancy Elizabeth Wallace’s words to life.   She liberally uses yellows, greens and pinks throughout, with the odd darker shaded page. 

None of the pages feels crowded, with a good use of white space provided.  A steady progression in a young lady learning to use kindness to change the world. 

I love how often family connections found their ways into the mitzvahs that Sophie did.  Helping her parents, aiding her grandpa, and those people close to her. All these connections provide conversation starters with young listeners, helping them to see how they can change the world. 

Add it to your shelves?

Yes, it’s a sweet book that teaches a good lesson.

Regardless of how big or small you are, small acts of kindness matter.  They all help to change the world that we live in.  Beautifying neighbourhoods, touching hearts, lending a hand, caring for wildlife and helping a baby.  All these things make the world a better place.   In Can Sophie Change the world, Sophie learned that all the little things she does matter… and can affect more than she thinks. 

Publisher Chronicle Books put together a lovely hardcover book that will delight the eyes and hopefully inspire the hearts of the youngsters in your life. 🙂 

Beaver and Otter Get Along… sort of

By 2 Comments

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Beaver and Otter Get Along… sort of) through Raincoast Books.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so. 

Looking for a cute picture book about how to work things out with your neighbours?  Look no further than Beaver and Otter Get Along… sort of.  Sneed B Collard  has done of wonderful job of showing how neighbours can choose to get along!! DIfferences do not need to make us enemies. The beauty of the illustrations will delight the eye and provide lots to talk about. 

Beaver and Otter get along ... sort of

The delights of Beaver and Otter

Beaver is happy, he’s created a lovely home. He’s found himself a lady friend and built himself a place that was just the way he liked.  Neighbours that were good, a ready supply of food, and lots of open space around him.  Life couldn’t be any better.  Then… came Otter….. 

Suddenly life for Beaver wasn’t so happy.  Whatever will Beaver do?  Will he need to move? I’m not going to tell you!  🙂

Over the course 40 pages, children 4-5 years old will follow the lives of Beaver and Otter as they go about building places for themselves.  These neighbours are often at odd with each other. In the telling of the tale illustrator Meg Sodano brings us into their worlds. 

The beauty of the images and the simplicity of the story bring to life the conflict between these two neighbours.  So different from each other.  Can they figure out how to get along? Publisher Sourcebooks has produced a wonderful book about the differences between beavers and otters.  Their colourful world, their unique behaviours, and the benefits they both bring.  It’s great to observe!

At the close of this fantastic picture book you’ll find information pages on beavers and otters.  Helps are also provided for teachers and parents.  You’ll discover 

  • read-aloud tips
  • social emotional learning
  • science connection
  • Steam activities

Should this picture book be on your shelves?

Oh, I enjoyed Beaver and Otter get Along … sort of.   It was fun to see beaver and otter going about their daily business.  And then seeing beaver learn how to get along with a neighbour so very different from himself.  It was great to see!   Sneed B Collard III did an excellent job of building the story enabling the reader to see the grit and patience needed.   

A lovely read out loud, read-along book, or even an introduction to wetlands, beavers, otters, or how ecosystems work together.  Even though it’s geared for 4-8 year olds, a good picture book can be enjoyed by all. Raincoast Books provided me with an ARC copy for review.  I hope you enjoy it!

what can you do with a rock?

By 2 Comments

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (what can you do with a rock) through Raincoast Books.  Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so

When my son was young he was fascinated by rocks. We had so many rock collections it was amazing.  Small rocks, shiny rocks, big rocks (for painting on) and everything in-between.  We still have a variety of rock collections. I’m sure in time I will either find a use for or I will return them to free roam in the wild from whence they came.  🙂 But if you have NO IDEA what to do with a rock “What Can you do with a rock?” will surely come in handy.   I’d love to tell you all about it!

what can you do with a rock

The Basics

Author Pat Zietlow Miller has produced a lovely story senstively illustrated by Katie Kath in what can you do with a rock?   40 pages of bright colours and a child having fun and the reader learning what you can do with the stones around your feet.   A Sourcebooks publication that is geared for young children.  I am reviewing this advanced reader’s copy picture book on behalf of Raincoast Books. 

What Did I find?

A story of connection.  I expected to find a book that talked about rocks and things you can build or do, but I found more than that! I found connection, and considering the lives of others.    There is a gradual procession from learning what to do with a rock to considering the more.

Consider this… if you can think about the story of a rock and where it comes from, can you take the time to think about the story of people in your life? 

But first the rocks!   I love the opening cover!  🙂  Don’t you just love the huge variety of rocks?  I’ve collected some of these with my lad.   What a fun look back in memory!

Of course, one must consider that many people miss out on the joy of a good rock! 

And then, for the enlightened, one must consider the many things you can do with a rock. From skipping stones, to making arts and crafts, to finding a rock to kick down a road, seeing where it will take you. 

You must then learn the story of your rock.  Be willing to share that rock’s story with others.  As you go through the pages you’ll discover some wonderful illustration work by Katie Kath which provide fun talking points with your young readers.   What stories might those fish tell as they see a rock skipping past their heads? 

What can you do with a rock

Which of course will lead you into discovering the stories of the people in your lives.  See… isn’t there so much to learn to from a rock?  So many discoveries you can make…not only of the rocks themselves, but of the people surrounding you!  So fascinating indeed!

So, should what can you do with a rock, be on your shelf?

Of course it should be!   What can you do with a rock is a delightful, full colour book that is beautifully illustrated.  Not only do you learn some facts about rocks, but you see what you can do with them.  I find the author clever in how she turns learning the story of a rock into learning the stories of the people around you. 

How can you use this lovely tome?

As an introduction of any age group into rock collecting, or into seeing something with a different perspective.  Who knows what imagination will fire once you help children to see something common, differently.  You might inspire the next rock painting artist!  Or help a child develop an interest in rock collecting and understanding the formation/geological make up on the eart better.   Northwest Treasures makes some excellent geological studies.