No comments about Gabby Growing Up.

No comments about Totally Cool Nail Party: Storybook and Nail Mini Craft Kit (Barbie).

3 comments about The Last Dragon.

1. The illustrations brought the book to life. My favorite part was when the boy got the dragon. My favorite picture was when the dragon was used in the parade. I give this book five



2. The Last Dragon was a very good book. It has very good illustrations also, and the story is very good itself. It describes the pictures very well, and the pictures are very realistic. I think that this would be a good book for children 6 and up. It also tells people the history of the Chinese New Year. Also what they do at this time of the year. This was a great book!!



3. I like the book The Last Dragon because it has good illustrations and I like the reality in the drawing. Also I like how the story is written and I love the dragon. Also I like the emotions in the boy. In the illustrations he put in a lot of detail and shadows. I like the food because it makes me hungry. I like the Chinese names. Also I like all the stuff he put in one picture.

No comments about The Declaration of Independence (Lilly, Melinda. Reading American History.).

3 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.



3. This book is beautiful and peaceful. My children have read it over and over - the words are fun to read as an adult and the children love the way Felipa thinks and tries to solve her concerns. Felipa as a child character is smart, thoughtful, proactive and sentimental. After being a regular storytime book, we used this book when a family member died a few months ago as a way to make our children see that those we love are always with us. Peruvian culture that is represented in this book is subtle and respectful. I recommend this book.

2 comments about Gretchen Groundhog, It's Your Day!.

1. This book is absolutley wonderful! I used it in my classroom on Grondhog's day, and we had the greatest activity with it. It is an up-dated and fun way to view this holiday. Students loved it, especially when Gretchen recieved support letters on her e-mail account. The illustrations are also beautiful, and the groundhogs look very believeable. The best thing about this book is the letters Gretchen recieved from past groundhogs who also looked for their shadows. Goody Groundhog, the early colonist, talks about her fears. Gloria Groundhog, the movie star also provides insight for Gretchen. It is my opinion that there is no other book to use but this one for Groundhog's Day



2. This year will be Gretchen Groundhog's first time to Go Out on February 2, but she feels too shy. When the people of Piccadilly hear that she doesn't want to Go Out, they panic. How will they know whether they should plan for winter or spring? Fortunately, the night before Groundhog Day, Gretchen gets a visit from Hester, the town historian's daughter. Her records show that, through the years, EVERY groundhog has been afraid to Go Out: from Pilgrim Goody Groundhog to Gretchen's Great-Uncle Gus. Gus's advice to Gretchen all along has been that the first time is the hardest. The book ends with Gretchen stepping out her door with a smile on her face, ready to make her prediction and greet the media.
   
   My one complaint here concerns the historical portrayal. It's useful to show Gretchen that others before her experienced the same fears. But the way it's presented is not historically accurate, and it conflicts with the information contained on the explanatory page that opens the book. That first page explains that "German pioneers in Pennsylvania" are responsible for bringing to America the northern European of watching hibernators emerge on February 2nd, and that the first celebration of its kind was held in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Well, so much for Goody Groundhog from the Mayflower, George Groundhog at Valley Forge, and General Grant Groundhog in the Civil War. They were fun images to project, but the story portion of the book doesn't jive with the historical background provided.
   
   Still, the empowerment message is well done here and may inspire both boys and girls to have confidence in tasks they are called upon to perform. The lively and colorful illustrations are filled with lots to discover. See my Listmania list for other Groundhog Day recommendations.

No comments about Winter Carnivals: Festivals in White (Festivals! USA).

No comments about One Final Firecracker (The Hamlet Chronicles).

No comments about Harvest Celebrations (Festivals).

1 comments about The Big Bug Ball (Picture Books).

1. My son is 19 months old and can not get enough of this book. We literally read it 15-20 times a day. The story line is adorable and opens up several opportunities to talk to your child about feelings and social graces, but the thing that really grabs you are the beautiful illustrations. Talk about a visual treat and an instant vocabulary builder! Hope you love the book as much as we do.