A Favorite Spring Picture Book Review: Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!

by on May 21, 2010
in books and music · 9 Comments

It may be spring, but it’s still cool where I live. Yesterday, I found myself wearing my brightest yellow shirt in an attempt to bring a little sunshine in. Today, I’m still pining for warmer days full of gardening, quiet reading in the afternoons, and relishing in the beauty and freshness of the season, so I’m going to share a review of our favorite spring picture book.

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming and illustrated by G. Brian Karas, is a garden-licious story about a man who is trying desperately to protect his ”Lettuce! Carrots! Peas! Tomatoes!” from some mischievous, yet rather charming, ”twitch-whiskers.”

When Mr. McGreely is done planting his garden he dreams of the “crisp, fresh veggies” that are growing.  He can’t wait to fill his tummy with them. However, during the night three hungry bunnies come, “Tippy, Tippy, Tippy, Pat! Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!”

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What We’re Reading: Kisses for Daddy and Fanny

by on November 11, 2009
in books and music · 5 Comments

Two reviews of charming books for What We’re Reading Wednesday from our SK review team:

Baby and Toddler

from Catherine (Adventures with Kids)

Kisses for Daddy, by Frances Watts and David Legge

kissesBaby Bear is grumbly, so when Daddy Bear asks him to give mum and dad a big bear kiss and get ready for bed, he says ‘No, no kisses for Daddy’.  But Daddy Bear is not deterred, maybe he can have a koala kiss, or a crocodile kiss, or a bat kiss?  But no, no kisses for daddy.  Will Daddy Bear get a kiss?  You’ll have to read the book to find out!

This book is adorable.  A reminder for parents that a bit of humour can help when there’s a conflict with your child.  A chance for your toddler to read along and practise saying ‘”no” without confrontation.  And an opportunity for a few hugs and kisses as you role play how different animals might kiss their baby.  This book is perfect to read for bedtime on those nights when you’ve had a long day and you’re not sure you want to read stories, because it is sure to put a smile on your face.

Preschool

from Emily (Homespun Light)

fannyFanny by Holly Hobbie is about a crafty little girl who desperately wants a Connie doll. After all, everyone has them. Fanny’s mom, however, is not such a big fan of the dolls. Fanny is upset that she can’t have a Connie, but then she takes matters into her own hands and sews her own doll. When it’s done, Fanny decides it doesn’t look like a Connie after all. Thus, Annabell is created.

Fanny’s friends aren’t so keen on her little creation, and for a bit, Fanny isn’t sure she loves her funny-looking doll, either. At night, Fanny starts to wonder if Annabell is lonely or afraid. She pulls her out of the drawer and snuggles her, feeling how soft and cuddly she is. From then on, they are inseparable.

Readers of the book will enjoy playing with their own paper doll Annabells included with this book!