2 comments about Humpty Dumpty.

1. I am reading this story to all K-2 students in the library at my school. The teachers and the kids love it. The story in rhyme is a hoot. It's got plenty of action and yet is thoughtful and has similarities to the original rhyme. The kids liked comparing this to the original and provoked us into reciting the original as well. The illustrations are also bold, bright and really cute. Humpty has the look of a child rather than a wierd egg person. Daniel Kirk has created an exceptional retelling. I highly recommend this book!



2. I've recently been researching children's books to purchase for my K-3 classrooms. Daniel Kirk's books are gorgeous to look at. They must be picked up and read. The colorful illustrations are irresistable. Kirk's story has elements and wording of the original tale, but he puts his own updated unique twist on the classic. The rhyming text rolls off the tongue. This is a good picture book for the K-3 crowd.

No comments about Handy Manny: Sinko de Mayo (Disney Handy Manny).

2 comments about Felipa and the Day of the Dead.

1. I loved this book, it really captures the spirit of the holiday as celebrated in Latin America through the eyes of a child. The paintings are gorgeous and it has a great ending.



2. This children's book tells the story of Felipa, who lives high up in the Andes Mountains. After her grandmother dies, she looks for her soul everywhere. She wanders so far away, her father has to come find her in a field. Her father assures her that her grandmother's soul will come to her on Día de los Muertos. Felipa waits eagerly for November to arrive, and celebrates the holiday, and says goodbye to her grandmother until next year. This book has a simple explanation of the holiday for younger readers for them to understand and be able to read on their own. It's illustrations are expressive, interesting, and provide much visual stimulation. This book doesn't get into too many details of the customs associated with Día de los Muertos, but is a good introduction.

No comments about Mardi Gras in the Country.

1 comments about Kids Outdoor Parties (Children's Party Planning Books).

1. The book has lots of great ideas for 35 themed parties. Each party includes ideas for invitations, costumes, decorations, food, games and other activities, favors and a theme-related cake. The games, and activities (mostly crafts) have easy to follow directions and are fun and creative. Costume ideas range from a suggestion they come in casual clothes to an actual costume wear to the party or one you provide.

   For most parties there are a range of options that fit a variety of price ranges. You could splurge on a high cost favor idea and save on a less expensive invitation idea. Each party suggests an age range for which it is appropriate and most are for the upper end, say 7-12.

1 comments about Birthday Mice!.

1. The littlest mouse is turning two, and he has a cowboy-themed party to celebrate. With all the fun and do-si-doing, balloons are popped and the cake is smashed. But the little mouse's siblings and friends save the party from disaster with quick thinking. All ends well, with the littlest mouse getting his birthday wish.
   The text is terrific to read aloud, and the illustrations are bright and fun. The tiny cowboy mice and huge cupcakes and balloons are adorable. A great gift for a birthday child.

No comments about Sam the Snowman.

5 comments about A Solstice Tree for Jenny (Young Readers).

1. I gave this book 3 stars only because I know that it does provide something for those people who are like Jenny's family in the book. I have friends for whom this book really meant something.
   But if I judged it on artistic merit or writing style I'd give it a 1.
   If I judged it on it's interpretation of "the rest of the world" (meaning those who believe in a god) I'd give it a zero.

   It's well intentioned, but the author really has no idea about what Christianity (or other religions) is *really* all about.

   Yes, the author is correct that there are some believers who do believe that there is "a father who...looks down on them to make sure they behave themselves" and that they do good deeds because "...they are afraid that their god will punish them if they don't do what he says." But if the author thinks that this is what the religions actually teach, she is mistaken.

   I just had to laugh while reading this book. THe misconceptions about believers are just hopeless.

   I think that the sequel to this book should be called "Therapy for Jenny" because she is so conflicted in this book and wants to believe in something so badly. I have known adults who were once children like Jenny. In the character of Jenny, I see a girl who is not envious of her friends because of their pretty lights and shiny wrapped presents. I see someone who is envious because her own life seems so superficial.
   Jenny does get a "solstice tree". Apparantly, it's ok to create a holiday based on belief in a god as long it's not a Judeo-Christian god. "...people living long ago who thought of the Sun as a god and made offerings to it to return and make the days longer so they could plant their crops. 'They really needed a festival of light,' Jenny thought to herself."

   Jenny gets a solstice tree and decorates it with little signs that say, "we believe in education" and "we believe in helping people".
   Hey, Jenny. Believers belive in that too.

   Merry Christmas




2. This book works nicely in serving those people, like Jenny's parents, who find themselves in the minority at Christmas and Hanukkah time. If one doesn't profess a belief in a god, I'm sure such holiday times can be difficult.

   But, I am a little confused. Jenny's teacher gives her a book called "Winter Solstice Stories". Jenny learns that people long ago worshiped the Sun as a god and made offerings to it to return after the long winter. So, I'm confused as to why Jenny's parents feel fine about basing a celebration on the religious activities of the sun worshipers but they don't feel ok about basing a celebration on the religious activities of the JudeoChristian god worshipers.
   The other beef I have with this book is that Jenny's parents explain to her that they do good works because they are the right thing to do, not because they are afraid of some god's punishment if they don't do good works. They choose to do good because it's their choice not because some god long ago said they had to. This bothers me because I know that the true message of the mainline religions is not based on fear or obligation. It is based on love. I think that's the same thing that motivates Jenny's parents. I have no problem with people embracing pagan religion. I have no problem with people professing no belief. I'm just sorry they have misrepresented my religion.




3. This book is some what hokey but it does accomplish what it sets out to do and in a very simple easy to understand fashion. The kids weren't much interested in it, but that was probably because we were trying to ween them off of x-mas and into solstice which was a lot for them to consume.

   It will come in handy in the future (every year for a while) to help them understand and feel better about their own families traditions while being surrounded by friends who do it a little different.




4. This book was not what I expected. There is absolutely NO religion in this house. The author tries too hard to make this point and it doesn't come out right. I am not sure why they have a Solstice tree if they are so anti religion. I don't like how the solstice was presented as a totally non religious holiday and I don't like how Jenny's parents describe other religions. This book would only be good for completely non relgious people who are trying to rationalize celebrating the winter holidays. Buck up and admit you just celebrate because it is fun.
   I do like that Jenny is a nice girl who is trying to find her own way without going against her parents. She tries very hard to find a middle ground to satisfy everyone. Definately could have been better but the author tries to hard to keep religion out of it.



5. This book is good for any family with slightly different beliefs and traditions. Great for children who wished their taditions could be more accepted.

2 comments about Hurry Up, Franklin! (Franklin).

1. Besides having wonderful illustrations, Hurry Up Franklin, wonderfully illustrates a great lesson for children and adults. I am a special education teacher and I use this book to teach children not to procrastinate. Hurry Up Franklin, teaches them to do what they are supposed to do and not stop and play along the way and it comes from one of the most trusted characters in books today...Franklin.



2. This is a good book for kids. I'm always telling my son to hurry up. Franklin is trying to get to a birthday party, but on the way he meets his friends which delays him. He found some nice things on the way though. He does make it on time to wish Bear a happy birthday.

3 comments about P.J. Funnybunny and His Very Cool Birthday Party (Pictureback(R)).

1. My three year old loves this book and talk about how she wants to have a cool birthday just like PJ. The book has PJ and his friends guessing what the big surprise is for his birthday.



2. Mrs. Funnybunny takes PJ and his friends off to a birthday party. Along the way, all the friends take turns discussing what would be the best party ever.

   After each of PJ's friends expresses his opinion, Mrs. Funnybunny agrees with him and tells them that that will, indeed, be at PJ's party, too.

   But, as they pass each mentioned activity, Mrs. Funnybunny drives right past.

   Where could Mrs. Funnybunny be going?

   There are no major surprises in this book - just a sweet children's book about a birthday party. I'd recommend it for a birthday present for a child in the 3-6 age group.




3. Classic kid book. One of the "musts" to have in your kids collection.