2 comments about Just Right Stew.

1. this book was a ok book but it didn't have much of a riding action or a falling action. i wouldn't really recommend it



2. As a teacher in an urban school, I loved this book! It was a great book for teaching sequence of events. It was also fun to have the children smell the spices/seasonings as they were mentioned in the book, and provided for a very multisensory lesson. The children loved making predictions about if they thought each spice would make the ox-tail stew just right. Illustrations were wonderful. This book is now one of my treasures!

5 comments about Sun Bread.

1. This is absolutely the best piece of children's writing I've ever read. The rhyme and meter are strong and playful. Kleven teases us with internal rhymes and alliterations. My three year old and I read this all the time.
   
   The basic story line is that, on a cloudy day, a canine baker whips up a magic sun bread recipe that brings out the sun and everyone's joy. The book does to the reader what the bread did to the characters.
   
   My three-year-old daughter and I made the recipe on the back cover, and I have to say it's a disappointment: dry and heavy. I'd halve the butter and maybe beat the egg whites for a lighter texture, but the idea is still great. The mold for the bread is cool too, and it looks happy in the oven.
   
   A definite must-read-to-your-kids.



2. This is another book we origanlly borrowed from the library and HAD TO HAVE for our private collection!!
   Elisa Kleven is wonderful!!



3. This is just a charming book. the art is amazing, there is so much to see, so much to discover on each page. And the recipe on the back makes a WONDERFUL loaf of bread (or circle of bread really! LOL)



4. Here's another book that I purchased because I loved the cover art. (I wish we had a poster with that illustration on it!) There is something very cheerful about the smiling Sun and a ring of happy animals celebrating it. This is a beautiful, "feel good" book inside and out, in both text and illustration, in message. I was surprised to discover that the back cover had a recipe for Sun Bread, which I am tempted to try--even with my limited cooking abilities! LOL I thought the recipe note was brilliant and ever so funny: "This bread, alas, won't make you fly. But it is heavenly--light and high!" Could happiness be as simple as a warm loaf of good bread? :D
   
   I like the book's message on how one really should take responsibility for one's own happiness as the little baker does in this tale. This book is worth sharing and reading aloud.
   
   I have become a huge fan of Elisa Kleven's work, and I recommend this book as a remedy for rain and / or wintry days, for family time, and for in-school story time. Another great story is "The Lion and the Little Red Bird."



5. Sun Bread is adorable beyond words. Every time I study each page's artwork I'm captivated by the world she creates for us, the lucky readers. The message within this book of spreading warmth and engaging a community are timeless. I can hardly wait to cook up a batch of Sun Bread with my three year old daughter - the author includes a recipe for this sunny, warm bread...a genius idea.

5 comments about Donald Duk.

1. Growing up, there was always that one person you wanted to be. That one person you were reminded of everyday in the media that seemed so much more glamorous than your average lifestyle. For Donald Duk, being Chinese wasn't quite satisfying enough. He dreamt about being Fred Astaire, his Americanized idol. The whole novel bases its message on being happy with what you got, something I feel important growing up in a self-centered America.
   Donald is a 12 year old boy living in the streets of Chinatown in San Francisco. His life experiences are similar to the stereotyped foreigner. He gets made fun of by the Chinatown bullies, leaving him with no self-respect and dignity for himself. He realizes the stereotypical aspects of American-Chinese and it drives him to unhealthily hate himself. I think the message of this book can reach out to so many people who are in similar situations with their social life.
   The novel puts Donald in a period of life where self image starts to become an important thing. I could really connect to this because around the same period of my life, this was also important. He wants to just be American so bad that he has negativity for all things Chinese. Hatred is found in several ways including food, culture, and way of life. He hates the weird foods; he hates the embarrassing, easy to baffle names including his. Donald is constantly being made fun of by his ridiculous link to the Walt Disney Donald Duck. Even his mother's name is Daisy. He even hates his uncle who performs Chinese opera seldom at him school; imagine that. Even his best friend appreciates the culture more than he does. Basically he would do anything to be anything but Chinese. I know I've been so ungrateful at times. After reading this novel, you feel much more self-assured. You don't get that much in literature.
   This book contains good balance to imply the message with the introduction of Donald's father, King Duk. He is the wise, old man carrying mentoring features for Donald. If it weren't for his father, Donald would be lost in American culture. He shows him how to adapt instead of completely transform. He makes it important that instead of being laughed at, laugh with. You don't gain much knowledge with out experience.
   If you're not familiar with Chinese culture, some parts of the book can be a little cloudy. There were some parts that I could get completely lost in, but the ultimate message shined through. The dreams that he endures about being an underground rail-road builder in the 1800's is what turns him around. The dream sequences were my favorite, switching the story up with eccentric details. He finds out that the Chinese are just as creditable as anyone else and have received no recognition for it. He starts to appreciate where he has come from, becoming a happier person. The adaptation process starts to come easy to him, making him proud of his individualism.
   Sometimes you just need the help of others to see more clearly. For Donald, his dreams opened up the passageway for him. Also, through the help of his family and friends, he could actually start to enjoy himself. Chinese culture is one that holds a lot of values. Back in China, death could even result from breaking this. Throughout the book, the main values presented were family, respect, and righteousness. Frank Chin did a very good job of combining freedom of choice by America with the traditional values of Chinese. This is a book we could all learn a little from.



2. First of all, I am surprised that not many people have read or even heard of this book. Why is it that America eats up all the stereotypical, sell-out Asian-American literature and denies something as real and tangible as Frank Chin's "Donald Duk"? Instead we are force-fed Amy Tan. And don't get me wrong, I enjoy reading Amy Tan, she is a very engaging writer, however, the average reader does not know where to draw the line between fiction and fact. They assume that because Amy Tan is Asian, every word that spills across the pages of her works is the solid truth. It is important for people to understand this distinction before reading any literature, lest they mistake fiction writing for truth and buy into the stereotypes presented by the author. Unfortunately, most people cannot make this distinction and their knowledge of Asian/Asian-American culture is limited to what they read in "The Joy Luck Club" and other such works.
   
   Whew! That was quite a rant :) Back to the review:
   
   Frank Chin is NOT Amy Tan. On the surface, "Donald Duk" presents itself as a light-hearted, comedic read. In fact, the entire premise of this novel seems silly, as do the characters. However, beneath the surface lie some serious questions about culture, identity, and racism. With its rich portrayal of history and culture, "Donald Duk" challenges the abundant stereotypes and misrepresented histories often present in American culture. Paired with Chin's vibrant and crisp writing style (It took me a few pages before I warmed-up to his style, but once I did I was hooked), the end result is a novel that manages to be eye-opening without being preachy. A feat that is seldom accomplished. I don't say this often, but I love this book. "Donald Duk" is an entertaining, albeit important, novel that should be introduced to more readers.



3. this book was good. it was interesting to read. it has 2 messages that i found.



4. Frank Chin uses 3rd person to go through the novel. What? Is he trying to question our competancy? It's and incredibly dull and boring book and is about a boy who dislikes being chinese. He wants to be a famous dancer-- so why doesn't he just do it. I mean it doesn't matter if you're chinese or not. Really, the book is about a kid who is so emo over his ethnicity, it just sickens me. Shut up and quit complaining. Only a few interesting dreams but that's it.



5. pretty interesting but a kind of bad ending. the book has an interesting beginning though.

1 comments about The Berenstain Bears and the Papa's Day Surprise (First Time Books(R)).

1. Love these books....they were my favourite when I was younger and they've become my kids' favourite!

5 comments about The Dancing Dragon.

1. This book is beautifully illustrated, informative, and entertaining as it unfolds.... literally unfolds.... into a giant dragon like the ones that dance in the festival. My students were amazed and enchanted!



2. My son is in love with Dragons and this story is a great book to help educate him about the role Dragon's play in the Chinese culture. The way the book is designed is a wonderful surprise.



3. I used this book for a Chinese New Year presentation in my daughter's class. The children really enjoyed the story about the Chinese New Year, and also the full picture of the dragon.



4. Perfect book for preschool-kindergarten. I love how the book pages unfold to reveal a long long parade dragon! Read it to my son's preschool and they really enjoyed it.



5. This remains one of the best books available for classroom reading for Chinese New Year. However, it is great for pre-K or K, but too easy for 1st and 2nd grade, since kids nowadays are more sophisticated and know all about dragon dance by then (at least they think they do).

5 comments about I Love My Mama.

1. My 2 year old and I read this every night. It is a wonderful book and we look forward to it every night.



2. We have been reading this story to our 2 year old daughter since she was 2 months old and it's still her favorite book. She now recites the words as I flip through the pages - this book has definitely left an impression. Additionally, the pictures are colorful and fun! It's such a sweet story about the fun a mother and child have together, and the special bond the two share. I'm sure your little one will love this story just as much as mine does!



3. My son -loves- elephants so it would be hard for this book to be a miss. The illustrations are beautiful.



4. My 3-year old daughter loves the story so much that she reads it over and over again until she is able to recite. This is an excellent book that helps mommy and child bond. Highly recommended!



5. The illustrations are truly fabulous. The kind of art you want to hang up on your child's walls. The gentle washes of color coupled with evocative actions and expressions are appealing to both the parent reading the book and the child hearing it.
   And the rhymes match the pictures perfectly: gentle, soothing, and captivating.
   The book is like a warm hug!

1 comments about Estrella's Quinceañera.

1. This is truly a page turner...my kids love'd it and read it in one day...'fur real! Now only if they can make school text books as a fun...humm, now there's a thought... Keep reading - readers are leaders!!
   
   "Big Dave" Burleigh.

3 comments about It's Earth Day! (Little Critter).

1. It's Earth Day! (Little Critter)I am using this book with young children to increase awareness of ways they can help take care of the earth. It is both entertaining and informative. I recommend it for the classroom or for reading and discussing at home.



2. This book is nicely illustrated and I like the concept but the author misses some wonderful opportunities to teach more about what we can do to take care of the earth. One of the illustrations shows the main character standing in front of the refrigerator with the door wide open for what appears to be an extended period of time as he contemplates climate control. (seems counter intuitive} Then the main character makes a bunch of ice and uses an electric fan all day and into the night to blow air over the ice to cool the planet. Hmmmm... more waste of electricity. Would have been nice to include things we can do in our every day lives in our homes to reduce our carbon footprint like turning off lights, driving less, carpooling, changing light bulbs, solar power, etc etc I should note that the author does do a nice job of going over reduce, reuse, recylce, so it's not entirely bad, just misses the mark.



3. This is a great books to teach kids and adults alike how easy it is to recycle without requiring a major overhaul to one's life. There are tips about conserving water, using your community's curb side recycling service, planting trees and more.

No comments about Paper Crafts for Day of the Dead (Paper Craft Fun for Holidays).

5 comments about The Winter Solstice.

1. This lovely picture book is a great over-view of Winter Solstice history, tradition, science and celebration. The illustrations are satisfyingly detailed and brightly colored, many of them double page spreads. The book covers an ancient Scottish family's Winter Solstice experience, shows us an ancient viewpoint featuring Stonehenge, explores anicent Roman, Scandinavian, Celtic, Peruvian, and Native American celebrations. It shares some of the features of modern day Winter Solstice celebrations. It ties in the celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah and traces where some of those holiday traditions originated. It includes a brief and easily understood scientific explanation for the Winter Solstice. The book is nicely rounded off with a solstice story from a Cherokee tale of creation. The illustrations feature yew and mistletoe, blazing bonfires, antlered ancients encouraging the return of the Sun, changing seasons, and children celebrating. It is a lively and entertaining book that will enrich anyone's understanding of this special night of the year and will be especially useful to Wiccan and other pagan parents.



2. I got this and "The Shortest Day" by Wendy Pfeffer to try to provide a non-denominational explanation of Christmas to my toddler. I think "The Winter Solstice" is a little too dark and scary for young kids. It emphasizes the fears ancient peoples felt at this time of year as the reason for the mid-winter holiday. Talks a lot about driving away evil spirits and even human sacrifice. I'm sure it's very historically accurate, but "The Shortest Day" glosses over some of the darkest information and provides very similar history but in a lighter way.



3. Though the book is written from a Judeo-Christian perspective, it is an excellent book for educating children about the many ways the winter solstice is celebrated throughout the world. Some Pagans have criticized the book for not representing modern Paganism; however, I feel it is unreasonable of Pagans to presume that Judeo-Christians even know of our faith, let alone to expect them to write about it as if it were the truth. I take it for what it is, a very well-written children's book that is exploring the multicultural aspect of the winter solstice festival. When I read it to my son and it said something like "ancient people once believed in ghosts, witches, and trolls . . . " I paused to explain to him that there are real ghosts (spirits) and real witches (people who perform witchcraft) and that I'd never seen a troll, but I wouldn't say they don't exist either! I'm teaching my child to be a critical reader. I personally feel that some of those who reviewed the book negatively don't know how to read critically! I hope any of you with children will consider picking up this book for them! It has very beautiful illustrations and a lovely Native American story at the end about why the evergreens stay green through winter! Definitely worth the purchase price!



4. I purchased this book thinking it would be a nice story for my son, who along with the rest of our extended family, celebrates the Winter Solstice. The book seemed to mock the traditions of this season. Especially of concern was how the book continues to refer to "Christmas" as a holiday "We" all celebrate.
   
   I dont recommend this book for any family that observes the tradition of Solstice, as it isn't a respectful view of our tradition.



5. We (my son is 8) love knowing where our traditions came from. This book covers all religions and beliefs equally and with history. The stories are always pared with great pictures and not too wordy for elementary ages.