What My Child Is Reading :: September 18, 2010 :: Giraffes, Paris, Zero, and Planting Apple Trees!

I came across this wonderful meme, "What My Child Is Reading," over at the sensational, Mouse Grows, Mouse Learns! Take a minute to peek inside this wonderful blog ... I know that I am super-thrilled to have found it!

Here are our latest picks:

Johnny Appleseed

Written by Jodie Shepherd

Illustrated by Masumi Furukawa

Publisher's Summary:  This is a story about a real boy who loved eating apples, planting apple seeds, and growing apple trees.  This is a story about Johnny Appleseed!

Zero Is the Leaves on the Tree

Written by Betsy Franco
Illustrated by Shino Arihara

Summary from the School Library Journal:  "Zero is...the sound of snowflakes landing on your mitten. 0 sounds." "Zero is...the kites in the sky once the wind stops blowing. 0 kites." Using these and other evocative examples from children's everyday experiences throughout the seasons, Franco explores the concept of zero.  The gouache illustrations are done in soft, muted tones and have a naive charm that will have substantial child appeal. Most of the scenes are set outdoors, clearly depicting and emphasizing the book's link to the passing seasons. While the idea is a simple one, the presentation is such that it could easily be used to encourage youngsters to think of ways they could use any of their five senses to experience having zero of something.

A Giraffe Goes to Paris

Written by Mary Tavener Holmes and John Harris

Illustrated by Jon Cannell

Publisher's Summary:  Imagine a giraffe who can sail from Alexandria, Egypt, to Marseille, France, in a boat with a special hole cut for her neck.  Imagine a giraffe who can walk 500 miles from Marseille to Paris in forty-one days, wearing stylish boots and a cape.  ... Imagine Belle, a gift from the pasha of Egypt to the king of France in 1827, a giraffe who made history.

What have your children been reading lately??? I would love to know!!!

Book Review #13 :: The Secret Circus by Johanna Wright ::

The Secret Circus

Written and Illustrated by Johanna Wright

Published by Roaring Book Press

Copyright 2009

"Somewhere, deep in the city of Paris, there is a circus that is so small, and so secret ... only the mice know how to find it."

Publisher's Summary:  Somewhere, deep in the city of Paris, is a circus so small and so secret that only the mice know how to find it.  Do you want to know what happens there? Get under the covers with this book and a flashlight and find out.  But sssshhhh! Don't tell anybody.  It's a secret.

Mary Elizabeth's Musings:  Where has this little book been hiding?? It is absolutely glorious and endlessly delightful!! Before going any further, I must disclose that I love all things Paris ... so I am a bit partial to the setting.  However, the setting is an integral part of this lovely piece of literature.  Written in soothing, repetitive prose, this book begs to be read aloud again and again to eager toddlers.  Ms. Wright beckons the reader into the mice's secret world within Paris through her exceptional use of repetitive language.  The illustrations are beautifully reminiscent of the Babar book series, and gracefully reveal the beauty of Paris in luminous echoes of light within Ms. Wright's artwork.  This is a perfect bedtime book to lull your sleepy little ones to sleep.

This book is recommended for ages 1 - 4 years.


If you love the beautiful city of Paris as I do, here are some other book recommendations:






Clue #1 for Mystery Friend Friday :: Violet ::

.: This post is a part of "Tot Tuesdays" held at Delicious Ambiguity :.