PAPER MICE

Quiet and unpretentious, this is a simple story of charmed mice that offers a sweet depiction of companionship and creature comforts.  For some families it may wind up being a favorite. *********************************** Two newly-made paper mice explore a house at night and find what they didn’t know they were looking for . . . each other!… Read More

13 WAYS TO EAT A FLY

The title of this book is just too irresistible!  Thirteen flies become tasty snacks in this clever reverse counting book about subtraction, predators, and prey.   A swarm of thirteen flies buzzes along, losing one member to each predator along the way. Whether the unfortunate insects are zapped or wrapped, liquefied or zombified, the science is real–and… Read More

MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SOLVE

Today’s activities are all about addition, counting and place value.  They are designed to engage our young children in deep mathematical thinking as they explore possible solutions. ************************** A TRIP TO THE AQUARIUM Gina went to the aquarium yesterday. She learned that some sea animals have arms. One of the tanks had sea stars and squid… Read More

Little Wise Wolf

In this big story, disguised as a small one, the author explores the value of relationships and the interconnectedness of us all. It highlights for our children an important life lesson – everyone has unique skills and knowledge, so everyone in a community matters — and we all need the help of others sometimes. ******************************* A… Read More

BEING FROG

This book is a stunning photographic look at the fascinating lives of frogs.  Our youngest readers will love the photographs and rhymes; slightly older children will also appreciate the author’s note about the difference between scientific and anecdotal research—and the value in both.  ********************** BEING FROG April Pulley Sayre – Author and Photographer Frogs are amazing… Read More

THINKING CREATIVELY

Our young children are learning to think creatively when they have opportunities to solve problems.  Good thinkers are resourceful and reflective.  They look back on what they have accomplished in order to learn from both successes and failures.   NUMBER DETECTIVE Age 5 to 11 Challenge Level Calling all detectives! You will need to think creatively,… Read More

WHERE IS THE DRAGON?

Our young readers will love the humor, details and visual games in this warm book.  It celebrates the absurdity of kings, knights and dragons and invites  our children into the game. **************************************** A fun, goofy bedtime—or anytime—story. WHERE IS THE DRAGON? Leo Timmers – Author and Illustrator The king is having dreadful dragon nightmares.  He orders… Read More

THE GIRL AND THE WOLF

This beautiful book offers families a story of a young character who is in charge of her own destiny.  The Girl and the Wolf  is about a little girl, who when caught in a stressful situation, takes stock, listens to sound advice and thinks her way out of her predicament. ******************************** A tale about knowledge, power,… Read More

USING COUNTERS TO MODEL THINKING

Counters are a great resource that can be used in mathematics.  There are number of ways to utilize them including showing patterns,  modeling thinking or keeping track of moves.   Support your children’s use of counters with the activities. *************************** COOKIE DECORATIONS Age 5 to 7 Challenge Level Andrew decorated 20 cookies to take to a party. He… Read More

SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH

Mr. Hatch is a drab, predictable gentleman who leads a painfully ordered and uninteresting life. One Valentine’s Day a giant candy-filled heart is delivered to Mr. Hatch with a note that reads, “Somebody loves you.” ********************************* SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH Eileen Spinelli – Author Paul Yalowitz – Illustrator Mr. Hatch is a lonely, introverted character…. Read More