Childrens Days Books

This was quite useful in convincing my toddler to help clean-up because Clifford does it! I also loved introducing her to Earth Day.

In this book Clifford tries to clean up and help. There's only one thing left to do plant trees. can he help with that, read it?

"Climb up the tree with Zacchaeus" is another story from the life of Jesus in the exciting Action Rhyme Book Series from New Day Publishing. Chris Saunderson's illustrations stir the child's imagination. The suggested actions that accompany Leena Lane's story line produce emotions, of sadness, lessons on sharing, helping others, and pleasing Jesus.

The child shares the experiences of Zacchaeus, through counting coins, climbing a tree to see above the crowds, and celebrating with Jesus in his home. This is an excellent book, ideal for teaching young children about applying principles taught by Jesus to contemporary living.
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake, a Christian Education Consultant.

The story of Jesus befriending Zacchaeus, the tax collector, is hard for adults to understand! Why would this gentle man befriend a greedy administrator? Saunderson's illustrations do much of the storytelling in this title from New Day Publishing's Action Rhyme Book series of Bible stories. The suggested actions are fun and provide other teachable moments - like what does "mutter" mean?

Mary Geddy's Day easily explains the complexity of political decisions and the impact those decisions had on the lives of everyone -- even those too young or simply not allowed to choose.

The vote for independence in Williamsburg, Virginia on May 15, 1776 and the exciting story behind it is lavishly illustrated with colorful photographs of costumed historical interpreters. The sights and sounds of Mary Geddy's world are fascinatingly brought to life, making the story of that day's decision accessable to children on a personal level.

Opportunities for further enrichment include directions to make "sweet bags for linen" and the same apple pie that Mary made for her family.

Additional historical information about slavery, Native Americans, 18th century girlhood, and the prelude to independence bring this volume to life.

Most highly recommended!

With this book, the team of Kate Waters and Russ Kendall bring the reader into the living history of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, much as they did with their fascinating and delightful quartet of books set in Plimoth Plantation, Massachusetts. "Mary Geddy's Day" serves up the history of July 4, 1776 through the eyes of a child who actually lived it. With the formal yet engaging language of the past, and the vibrant photographs (costumed interpreters in Williamsburg) young readers are drawn into the history of Colonial America.

This is a great book to introduce the subject matter. I have already used this book extensively with third graders at the elementary school where I teach, and the students are delighted and full of questions when we are done. Bravo!

Shoemakers who pull teeth for customers with toothaches, and barbers who apply leaches to bruises and let blood drain to cure a fever. These are but two of the many interesting tidbits about occupations during the Colonial period that make this book an enjoyable read for children and adults alike. As the central premise of the book, young Ethan, a printer's errand boy, makes his way around a number of local businesses in Boston on that fateful day in December 1773 leading up to the Boston Tea Party. He is charged with delivering news about the tea tax, Governor Hutchinson's decisions, and the protest meeting that evening in the Old South Meeting House. At each of Ethan's stops, the reader hears about the political views and job responsibilities of the colonial merchants through their own voices.

The stunning watercolor-and-ink illustrations, the themed typeset and layout, and the map of Colonial Boston inside the book's covers reinforce the book's historical theme. A concerted effort to add vocabulary from the Colonial era and detailed occupational descriptions in the historical notes further contribute to the book's high marks on substantive content. Although Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak mostly covers the economics concept of jobs, its focus on the Boston Tea Party also make it a useful vehicle for teaching about monopolies and taxes. Most readers will finish the book more informed about this pivotal event in Colonial history, and relieved that we do not need to visit the shoemaker and barber for our healthcare needs.

This book was written by a friend of mine whose talent I much admire. It gives the young reader a different perspective of the events leading up to the American Revolution - through the eyes of an errand boy who, while delivering an important message to Boston Patriots, gives the reader an inside view into the lives of some of the colonists. It is an interesting and beautifully illustrated book.
I bought it for my granddaughter who is nine, and will be studying the American Revolition next year in 4th grade.

"Come to the party with Jesus" is an action rhyme story of the first recorded miracle of Jesus at the wedding feast at Cana. I have come to love Chris Saunderson's colorful illustrations. They depict the characters and settings of Bible times. In this story the faces reflect an air of festivity and celebration. The text by Leena Lane and the actions that accompany each illustration create an interest for the reader and make learning a fun experience for the child. Everyone will long remember the party atmosphere, the music, the miracle and celebrating in the presence of Jesus.

The Action Rhyme Book Series is ideal for use in day care centers, kindergarten classrooms, and in church school programs. It also provides an opportunity for those surprise and unexpected teachable moments that help bond child and parent.
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake, a Christian Education Consultant

Who doesn't love the story of Jesus helping out, even if reluctantly, by providing another round of wine at a wedding party? If you are a mom, or know one, you will appreciate the underlying message of this New Testament story of "listen to your mother ..."! Kids will love the actions suggested for the party scenes - "toot toot - yum yum - pour pour". This title from the Action Rhyme Book series can fit into any religious education curriculum.

It's the best Commander Toad book! I like them all. They all are great. The monster in this one was cool.

Commander Toad is a delight. He's "bold and bright", though not quite as bright as he thinks. His crew (an amalgam of loose takes on Star Wars and Star Trek characters) puts up with his prideful ways, because he is, after all, a good leader. Together with his mixed-gender crew he gets into and out of a wonderful series of scrapes. This book is the first in the series.

Jane Yolen writes for kids. For example, when Commander and crew are threatened by a sea monster who makes it clear that they're about to be lunch, I asked my 4-year old what he thought would happen.

"Shoot him with a ray gun," he answered.

"I don't know," I said. "I think that they'll find out that the monster's just lonely, and they'll make friends."

Turn the page, and BAM! Lt. Lily, Toad's female weapons master, is blasting away (to no effect). Thanks, Jane. Only you could make a story about a bunch of space-explorer frogs be true-to-life.

Jane Yolen also writes for the adults who read books to their kids. There's nearly a pun a page, and the Commander's ludicrous solutions to problems have a germ of genius unrestrained by the laws of physics that will have you shaking your head over his cleverness.

Buy this book, or regret the lost opportunity.

This is a combination of 3 stories surrounding Cranky and the engines. Cranky's first introduced and is tormenting the little engines. He does it even more when Gordon stands up for him. However, Cranky quickly changes his tune about Percy and Thomas when they come to set him back up again when a storm blows him over. Very, very cute book which also emphasizes the importance of working as a team. Love this one in our house, Recommend!

My whole family are big fans of Thomas the Tank Engine stories. They teach very good life lessons and are very entertaining. My 3 yr old loves to follow along in the book. It is a good tool for learning to read. Can't wait to buy more of these stories on CD.

This is a lovely book about the history and traditions of a New Orleans tradition. It will appeal to young and old, black and white, especially now after Katrina when New Orleans people are trying so hard to hang on to what is left of their former lives and traditions.

My daughter and I both enjoyed this book. It has an interesting storyline as well as a view into the "real" Mardi Gras experience.

My friend got this book from a book club and showed it to me. I absolutely love it!!! We have a son named Owen and the books reminds me a lot of him. We plan on getting an extra copy to give to him when he is older. The story is such a touching story for a father and son! Love it!

(This review first appeared in the "Ephrata (Pa.) Review").

In this endearing story, Owen, a young pig, inadvertently sets off a competition of sorts, with him and his father coming up with inventive ways to express their love for one another.

"Daddy," said Owen, "I love you more than chocolate milk!"

Well, Daddy loves Owen "more than TWO pancakes with bananas on top!"

And on it goes to bedtime.

Due to the illustrations' smooth, almost slick, texture, they appear to be airbrushed; perhaps they were painted with a computer program. In any case, they energetically showcase a loving, playful and happy father and son.

A Day at Sherri's Luz-N-Hugs Daycare book is WONDERFUL! My daughter received this book when she was 9 years old; she is now 11 years old and still loves reading it every night! She also has the Fire Drill Practice at Luv-N-Hugs Daycare that she has brought to her daycare at school and all the kids wanted a book of their own. Kids really like the creative pictures and the fun activities. It is great for the older kids as well as the younger ones. I highly recommend this book as well as the Fire Drill one.

This is a fabulous book for preschoolers and younger. It is a typical day in a daycare with a loving daycare provider named Sherri. She is a teacher, mother, housekeeper, artist, cook, caretaker and much more. If a child is new to daycare this is a good way to break them in before they start. It is a very nice sized book with colorful artistic pages. There are good lessons in the story also. If they are in daycare it is a good present to give to your provider to read to the children. They never get tired of listening to it. My kids are 7,3, and 1 and all still love it. Wonderful gift for anyone with children ( and that includes grandparents also). Thanks for taking my review. You wont be sorry for buying it.