Whether you’re making precise cuts or just snipping away to see what pattern emerges, creating paper snowflakes is a fun wintertime activity for both adults and children. This craft that decorates homes, classroom, libraries, community centers, and shops worldwide actually stems from a variation on origami, called kirigami. While both art forms involve folded paper, in kirigami the paper is unfolded and cuts are made in desired places. Snowflake making is a bit of a combination of the two, where the cuts are made while the paper is still folded. Why do we want to make snowflakes when there may be so many outside? Well, maybe the intricate uniqueness of snowflakes inspires us to be our best unique selves, and for residents of Southern regions, as I was while growing up, the paper variety are the closest thing there is to the real ones.
If Snowflakes Tasted Like Fruitcake
By Stacey Previn
Snowflakes gently fluttering down from a gray winter sky seem to tease “catch me if you can!” Perhaps it’s their similarity to coconut shavings or confectioners’ sugar sifted over a delicious cake that inspires us to stick our tongues out to taste those little white flakes. But what do they really taste like? And what if they tasted like other yummy foods? Stacey Previn explores that idea, starting with a winter favorite—“If snowflakes tasted like sugar plums…they’d be dancing in my head.” Or perhaps they are better for breakfast—“If snowflakes tasted like oatmeal…they would get me out of bed.”
Image and text copyright Stacey Previn, 2016, courtesy of simonandschuster.com
Maybe snowflakes would be better in a mug—“If snowflakes tasted like cocoa…they would warm me to my toes” Or if they came in whipped cream dollops, “they would tickle me on my nose.” Imagine “if snowflakes tasted like apples…” you could “bake them in a pie.” And “if snowflakes tasted like peppermint…” we’d “wish more fell from the sky.”
Image and text copyright Stacey Previn, 2016, courtesy of simonandschuster.com
Sometimes snowflakes twinkle like diamonds, but what if they were as shiny as gumdrops? Or imagine if they were as warm and soothing as noodle soup. Still, there is that title question: what “if snowflakes tasted like fruitcake?” Well, then, I’m afraid we “would give them all away.” So what is that special flavor that makes us stick out our tongues? “Winter,” of course!
Image and text copyright Stacey Previn, 2016, courtesy of simonandschuster.com
Stacey Previn offers up a whimsical, culinary menu of various taste sensations that might entice readers to eat up winter’s delicate, white morsels, including those above as well as honey, figs, chestnuts, gingerbread, popcorn, and marshmallows. Accompanying each verse are richly colored and wood-grain-textured folk-art illustrations that enhance the homey nature of the book. From verse to verse, a red-snowsuited child, joyful to wake to falling snow, imagines shaking snowflakes from tree branches, building a snowman and a snow choir, roasting snowflakes in a pan, catching snowflakes in a spoon, a net, a ladle, and more.
Copyright Stacey Previn, 2016, courtesy of simonandschuster.com.
Kids who love playing in the snow—and for whom snowflakes are a delicacy—will delight in curling up with cup of hot chocolate and enjoying the sweet ideas and fanciful humor in this cozy wintertime book. Its sure to inspire kids to think up their own taste comparisons.
Ages 3 – 8
little bee books, 2016 | ISBN 978-1499801804
Discover more aboutStacey Previnand her books on her website!
Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day Activity
Fantastic Paper Snowflakes!
You can create beautiful snowflakes with these printable snowflake templates. With a little color or glitter, you can make each snowflake one-of-a-kind! Here are two to start you off. You can find more templates atfirstpalette.com.
Read a New Book Month is a fantastic time to scour your local bookstore and library for books that have recently been published or books that are new to you. Finding a book that you’ve never read before is exciting at any age, and discovering a new book about a favorite topic is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Today’s book shows that there’s always an intriguing way to present a subject—even if it’s millions of years old!
Dinoblock
Written by Christopher Franceschelli | Illustrated by Peskimo
Welcome to the dinosaur museum! Open the doors and let’s see what’s inside! “Who are the dinosaurs” and where are they? You can explore the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous period and find out! One of the best ways to learn about those creatures from so long ago is to compare them to animals and things you’re familiar with now. For example: What dinosaur has a “neck like a goose?” A coelophysis—and they even like to find food in the water too!
Image copyright Peskimo, 2015, courtesy of Harry N. Abrams Books for Young Readers.
Do you want to guess which dino is “quick like a fox?” The eoraptor is swift and enjoys nighttime hunts as well. Do you like sleeping in a tent? Did you know there’s a dinosaur that has “a back like tents on a hill?” It’s called a stegosaurus! The diplodocus is as long as a blue whale, and a brachiosaurus can reach the tops of tall trees just “like the ladder on a fire truck.” And if you think that is tall, the sauroposeidon stands as tall as a six-story building.
Image copyright Peskimo, 2015, courtesy of Harry N. Abrams Books for Young Readers.
You might say that the argentinosaurus was the cement truck of the dinosaur world. You know how bunnies like to burrow? So did the oryctodromeus, while spinosaurus floated in water as well as a crocodile. A couple of the smallest dinosaurs are the chicken-sized microraptor and the turkey-sized micropachycephalosaurus. Phew!
Image copyright Peskimo, 2015, courtesy of Harry N. Abrams Books for Young Readers.
In the museum, you’ll also discover a dinosaur that had excellent night vision, a dino built like an armored truck, one that boasted a fancy head crest, one that trumpeted like an elephant, a type that roamed in herd like zebras, and a few that were could be ferocious—like the fanged sinornithosaurus, the triceratops, and, of course, the tyrannosaurus.
Image copyright Peskimo, 2015, courtesy of Harry N. Abrams Books for Young Readers.
Christopher Franceschelli’s clever take on paleontology for those little ones that are enthralled with dinosaurs (and which ones aren’t?) welcomes readers to appreciate these fascinating creatures in a whole new way. From the double gate-fold first page that opens the door to this chunky mini-museum to the final double gate-fold spread that depicts a stunning exhibit of dinosaur skeletons, Franceschelli describes twenty-three dinosaurs in language that even the youngest readers will understand. His examples take in the size, personality, diet, and body features that draw kids to these creatures from the past.
Image copyright Peskimo, 2015, courtesy of Harry N. Abrams Books for Young Readers.
The charm of this little wonder extends to the illustrations by Peskimo, in which cute-but-realistically portrayed dinosaurs roam in what was their native habitat and Franceschelli’s smart comparisons are traced with smooth die-cuts. Turn the page, and the dinosaur in question fits neatly into the die-cut’s curves, providing young readers with learning on multiple levels. Peskimo’s eye-catching illustrations are rendered in a sophisticated palette that will keep little ones riveted to each page. Two young museum-goers lead the way from page to page in this stylish field trip in a book, and Peskimo’s final image of the hall of dinosaur skeletons is sure to raise an “Ooooh!” from children and adults alike.
Dinoblock is a beautifully crafted sturdy board book that will stand up to plenty of exploration. It would be a much-loved gift and a favorite on any young child’s bookshelf.
Ages 1 – 4
Harry N. Abrams, 2015 | ISBN 978-1419716744
View a portfolio of artwork by Peskimo on his website
Read a New Book Activity
Initial Book End
With so many new books to add to your shelf, you might need a bookend to keep them all neat and tidy! With this easy craft that uses your name’s first initial
, you make a bookend that is just as unique as you are!
Supplies
Wooden block initial
Chalk board paint
Chalk
Paint brush
Directions
Paint the wooden initial, let dry
Write words that describe you on the front, sides, and back of the initial with the chalk
Place on your bookshelf to keep your books straight and neat
Today’s holiday encourages people to commemorate the importance of the horse to the history, culture, and economy of the United States. The domesticated horse that we know today was first introduced by Spanish Explorers. As the country grew, horses became indispensable for transportation, farm and ranch work, and communications. The more than nine million horses that now reside in America depend on people for adequate food, water, shelter, and protection. On this holiday, consider donating to a horse rescue shelter near you.
Thelma the Unicorn
By Aaron Blabey
“Thelma felt a little sad. / In fact, she felt forlorn. / You see, she wished with all her heart / to be a unicorn.” Thelma was a little pony—brown and short and overlooked. Her best friend Otis told her, “‘You’re perfect as you are,’” but when Thelma compared herself to the sleek white mare on the farm, she said, “‘I’m not.’” Suddenly, she saw a carrot left over from dinner and had an idea.
Copyright Aaron Babey, 2017, courtesy of Scholastic Press.
She tied the carrot to her nose and told Otis, “‘I’ll say that I’m a unicorn! / It might just work… / who knows?’” At this very moment a truck driver passing by caught sight of this spectacle and careened off the side of the road. “As Thelma watched the swerving truck, / it very nearly hit her. / Would you believe that truck was filled / with nice pink paint and glitter?”
In the blink of an eye Thelma was doused in sparkles and had become what she always dreamed of. She was a unicorn and “special now!” Crowds lined up at the farm gate to see the pink unicorn. The media descended with their cameras and video recorders, and Thelma quickly became a world-wide phenomenon. Everywhere she went fans screamed her name, took pictures, waved signs, and wanted to be near her. She even got her hoofprint on the Walk of Fame.
Copyright Aaron Babey, 2017, courtesy of Scholastic Press.
Thelma sailed to foreign ports on a ship named The Fairy Princess, attended by stewards who fulfilled her every wish. “But soon she found that so much fame / was kind of tricky, too….” Her fans mobbed her with crushing zeal, chased after her wherever she went, screamed, cried, laughed, and pointed whenever they saw her, and hounded her day and night for her autograph. “It NEVER EVER stopped.”
When Thelma asked “the screaming crowd” not to chase her anymore, they said “‘We’ll chase you all we want….We’re fans, so it’s allowed.’” Then there were there were the people who “were not her fans at all. / No, some were really mean. / And some just did the meanest things / she’d really ever seen.” Some threw eggs while she roller skated for charity and others held up signs reading “I don’t like unicorns” where she was sure to see them.
Copyright Aaron Babey, 2017, courtesy of Scholastic Press.
Back in her fancy hotel room, all alone and bedraggled, soaked in egg, and with her “horn” losing its luster, Thelma looked at a photo of Otis. “…she felt quite sad, / this famous little pony. / She said, ‘I thought that I’d feel great… / but all I feel is lonely.’” She decided to make a change. She washed off all the pink paint and sparkles and “ditched her magic horn.”
She left and “walked right past the crowd. / They didn’t even notice / She thought how nice that it would be…to see her lovely Otis.” As Thelma stood underneath a tree with Otis, “he asked about her trip.” “‘Oh, it was fun,’” she answered him, “‘But I’d rather be just me.’”
Copyright Aaron Babey, 2017, courtesy of Scholastic Press.
Aaron Blabey’s cautionary tale of a pony who is granted her wish to be “more” than she is, deftly reveals the pitfalls of abandoning your true nature for what appears to be the perks of celebrity with a splash of humor and some no-nonsense honesty. Through Blabey’s smoothly flowing rhymes, readers see that being special is not based on a sparkly appearance that pleases false friends. Instead, each person is remarkable for their unique personalities and talents that true friends will appreciate.
Today’s social media-savvy children will recognize Blabey’s screaming crowds and overzealous fans and will come to understand, with Thelma, that being “in the pink” can be short-lived and glitter soon fades.
Copyright Aaron Babey, 2017, courtesy of Scholastic Press.
Blabey’s distinctive illustrations portray Thelma’s transformation from “regular pony” to celebrity unicorn and back again with flair and all the bling that goes along with superstardom. The crowds are giddy, awed, obsessive, and adoring until the backlash starts, which Blabey portrays with candid examples. His final spreads in which Thelma goes unrecognized by her fans and is then lovingly welcomed back by Otis beautifully sum up the theme of the story.
Thelma the Unicorn provides readers and adults a wonderful opportunity to discuss the allure of changing oneself in order to fit in as well as the social media atmosphere that can be so influential in a child’s life. Blabey’s light touch coupled with his honesty makes Thelma the Unicorn a great choice for home and classroom libraries.
Ages 3 – 7
Scholastic Press, 2017 | ISBN 978-1338158427
Scholastic Press sent me a free copy of Thelma the Unicorn to check out. All opinions are my own.
Discover more about Aaron Blabey, his books, and his art on his website
National Day of the Horse Activity
Whoa! Candy Stick Cover
There’s no neigh-saying that this isn’t a cute way to give your favorite candy stick a bit of flair! With a bit of felt and a few other supplies you can make this horse craft. Alternately, this craft can be used with a cardboard tube or wooden dowel.
Supplies
Large or small candy stick, cardboard tube or wooden dowel
Felt in whatever color you’d like for your horse
Felt in a another color for the mane
Black felt for the nostrils
Thin ribbon or leather lacing
Small googly eyes
Fabric glue or hot glue gun
Scissors
Tweezers
Directions
Cut a piece of felt wide enough to wrap around the stick overlapping a little to glue together. It should be long enough to cover about 1 ½ inches of a small candy stick, about 2 ½ inches of a large candy stick, or about 3 to 4 inches of a cardboard tube or wooden dowel.
Wrap the felt around the stick overlapping the edge about ¼ inch and leaving about ½ inch above the top of the stick.
Glue the felt together along the overlapping edge to make a tube that fits the stick tightly
To make the ears
Push down on the center of the back side of the felt that rises above the top of the stick
Apply a drop of glue
Push the center of the front edge of the felt into the glue
The ears will stick up on the sides of the head
To make the horse’s nose and mouth
Remove the felt head from the stick
Pinch the end together
Starting about ½ inch from the bottom, round the corners of the felt tube with the scissors
To make the nostrils
Cut small circles from the black felt
Glue them to the bottom of the horse’s nose
Glue the googly eyes on the horse’s face
To make the mane
Cut a strip of felt as long as the face by 1 inch wide for a large candy stick; about ¾ inch wide for a small candy stick
Fold the felt in half lengthwise
Glue the edges of the felt together, leaving the top unglued
Snip fringe along the length of the felt
Cut a small curve in the bottom of one end of the length of felt so it will fit over the top of the horse’s head
Glue the rest of the length of felt down the back of the horse’s head
To add the reins
Cut a length of narrow ribbon or leather lacing about 6 inches long
Glue the center of the ribbon or lacing to the horse’s face above the nostrils at the level of the trimmed mouth around to the mane
During the month of December people like to reach out to friends near and far and share the events of the past year. Write a Friend Month commemorates such communication and encourages writers to pick up a pen and paper and send a “real letter” full of intriguing details that inspire a response. Finding a letter or card in the mailbox still makes people smile. So, why not take a little time this month to write a letter to your friends?
Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale
Written by Josh Funk | Illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo
In a bit of cross-curriculum creativity, the teachers in two distinct school districts have combined the annual poetry units and pen pal projects. Not only do the kids get to make new friends, they must write their letters in rhyme. George Slair has been matched up with Blaise Dragomir. What George doesn’t know—but readers do—is that Blaise is a dragon; and what Blaise doesn’t know—but readers do—is that George is a boy.
In his first missive, George begins boldly and honestly: “Dear Blaise Dragomir, / We haven’t met each other, and I don’t know what to say. / I really don’t like writing, but I’ll do it anyway. / Yesterday my dad and I designed a giant fort. / I like playing catch and soccer. What’s your favorite sport? / Sincerely, George Slair”
Image copyright Rodolfo Montalvo, 2016, text copyright Josh Funk, 2016. Courtesy of Viking Books for Young People.
As Blaise reads the letter he interprets George’s cardboard box, blanket, and umbrella fort as a medieval stone fortress with an iron gate and whittled-to-a-point log fencing. Blaise writes back: “Dear George Slair, / I also don’t like writing, but I’ll try it, I suppose. / A fort is like a castle, right? I love attacking those. / My favorite sport is skydiving. I jump near Falcor Peak. / Tomorrow is my birthday, but my party is next week. / Sincerely, Blaise Dragomir”
In his next letter, dated October 31, more earth-bound George tells Blaise that parachuting is awesome, that his dog destroyed his fort, and that he is trick-or-treating as a knight—a revelation to which Blaise has a visceral response. But what is scary to one pal is tame to the other. On November 14th Blaise relates: “Knights are super scary! I don’t like trick-or-treat. / Brushing teeth is such a pain, I rarely eat a sweet. / My pet’s a Bengal Kitten and tonight she needs a bath. / What’s your favorite class in school? I’m really into math!”
Image copyright Rodolfo Montalvo, 2016, text copyright Josh Funk, 2016. Courtesy of Viking Books for Young People.
Reading December’s letter Blaise learns that George likes art and imagines George’s table-top volcano science project as a roaring, lava-spewing mountain. In January George is impressed to learn that Blaise’s father is a fire-breather. He conjures up images of a dad in a fancy, caped costume creating fire out of nothing while the truth is a lot more explosive. February brings word that there is a pen pal picnic planned for June, and in March Blaise tells George about a special outing with his dad: “Soon he’s gonna take me flying, once it’s really spring. / It’s such a rush to ride the air that flows from wing to wing.”
Image copyright Rodolfo Montalvo, 2016, text copyright Josh Funk, 2016. Courtesy of Viking Books for Young People.
Springtime also sees the two becoming better friends. The formal “Sincerely, George” or “Sincerely, Blaise” sign-off of the first letters has evolved into “Your friend” as George expresses his wonder at Blaise’s parents: “Hi, Blaise! / Skydiving and flying? Wow, your parents rock! / I’m lucky if my father lets me bike around the block.” Then it appears that this project has been a success in all areas as George asks, “Once the school year’s over and this project is complete, / should we continue writing? ‘Cause it could be kind of neat….”
Blaise is all in. In his May letter, he writes, “Hey, George! / I’m psyched about the picnic and I can’t wait to attend. / Who’d have thought this pen pal thing would make me a new friend? / Writing more sounds awesome. I was gonna ask you, too! / I’ve never liked to write as much as when I write to you.”
Image copyright Rodolfo Montalvo, 2016, text copyright Josh Funk, 2016. Courtesy of Viking Books for Young People.
With a growing sense of anticipation, readers know that with a turn of the page June will come, and that June brings the long-awaited picnic. How will George and Blaise react when they see each other? As the kids approach the Pen Pal Picnic spot, their mouths hang open and their eyes grow wide. One even has his hands to his face. And as the dragons peek out from behind the trees, their mouths hang open and their eyes grow wide. One even has her hand to her face.
“‘Blaise?’” George ventures, as a slice of tomato drops from his hamburger. “‘George?’” Blaise presumes, although he wrings his tail. “‘My pen pal is a dragon?’”… “‘My pen pal is a human?’”
These two-page spreads say it all—or do they? Well, not quite…
Huge grins burst out as George and Blaise exchange high fives (and fours). The other kid- and-dragon pals are having a blast too! And the teachers? “‘Our plan was a success, my friend, or so it would appear!’ / ‘The Poetry and Pen Pal Project! Once again next year?’”
Image copyright Rodolfo Montalvo, 2016. Courtesy of Viking Books for Young People.
With his usual aplomb, Josh Funk charms with rhyme and reason in this clever tribute to friendship, diversity, and writing (on paper!). The letters between the two pen pals are endearingly kid-like, full of the subjects that are important in a child’s life, including pets, school, hobbies, and parents, which can be brilliantly open to interpretation—or misinterpretation. Blaise Dagomir and George Slair’s names are similarly inspired, and may introduce kids to the ancient legends of Saint George and the Dragon and the poem by Alfred Noyes, St George and the Dragon. Kids will enjoy seeing how George and Blaise’s friendship grows over the school year, evidenced in the openings and closings of their letters. The letters are a joy to read aloud as the rhymes swoop and flow as easily as Blaise soars through the air.
Following the alternating sequence of the letters, Rodolfo Montalvo depicts each pen pal’s perception of the message along with the reality in his illustrations that are—as George exclaims—“as awesome as it gets.” Both characters are sweet and earnest, and while surprised by what they think the other’s life is like, happily supportive. The full-bleed pages and vibrant colors dazzle with excitement and humor and ingenious details. Kids will love the juxtaposition of George’s idea of Blaise’s Bengal “kitten” and the reality of a nearly full-grown tiger. The two views of fire-breathing will also bring a laugh, and readers will enjoy picking out features of the two homes. The final spreads build suspense as to how George and Blaise will react to each other, and the resolution is a delight.
One striking aspect of both the text and the illustrations is the similarity between the two pen pals. While their activities and experiences may be on different scales, they are comparable and understandable to each child. Likewise, everywhere in the paintings, Montalvo uses complementary colors to unite George and Blaise. This cohesiveness beautifully represents the theme of inclusiveness.
The fun dual-meaning rhymes and endearing illustrations make Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale a must for kids’ (and dragon’s) bookshelves.
Ages 4 – 9
Viking Books for Young Readers, 2016 | ISBN 978-0451472304
From more books to activities for kids, there’s so much to see and do on Josh Funk’s website!
Discover the world ofRodolfo Montalvo’s books and artwork on his website!
Dear Reader, check out this blazing hot Dear Dragon book trailer!
Write a Friend Month Activity
Dependable Dragon Pencil Case
U-knight-ing all your pens, pencils, and other supplies in this Dependable Dragon Pencil Case will fire up your imagination! Have a blast making this fun craft!
Supplies
Printable Dragon Pencil Case Template –Wings | Face
Sheets of felt, 8 ½-inch by 11-inch
2 Dark green
1 Light green
1 white
1 black
1 yellow
1 purple
Fabric Glue
Glitter glue or Fabric paint (optional)
Scissors
Velcro
Green Thread (optional if you would like to sew instead of glue your case)
Needle (optional, needed if sewing)
Directions
Print the Dragon Templates
Cut out alternating rows of scales from the dark and light green felt (7 each). For one row, cut a rounded top (instead of straight across) to make the top of the head (see picture). (One row of scales is longer so you can tile them. You will trim them later: see the double row of scales on the template for how the scales should look)
Cut the eyes from the white felt, pupils and nostrils from the black felt, horns from the yellow felt, and wings from the purple felt. Set aside.
To make the head
Fold one dark piece of felt in half lengthwise
Cut a wavy line along the bottom of the felt to make lips (see picture)
Glue a ½-inch-wide strip along open side and along bottom (or you can sew it)
To add the scales
Starting at the bottom, lay on row of scales a little above the wavy bottom. Glue the top to the base.
Overlap an alternating green row of scales on the first row, glue the top
Continue alternating dark and light green scales until you reach 9 inches
Use the rounded row of scales for the top of the head (see how to insert horns before attaching top of head)
To insert the horns
On the rounded row of scales, mark where you want the horns to be
Cut two small slices in the felt where the horns will go
Insert the bottoms of the horns into the slits
To finish the head
Glue the top of the head to the base
Trim any longer rows of scales to meet the edges of the base
Add the eyes and nostrils to the face
To make the closure for the case
Cut the base following the line of the rounded row of scales
Glue or sew strips of Velcro along the inside edges
To attach the wings
Turn the dragon case to the back
Glue or sew the wings to the center of the back, attaching them at the center edge
In a rush? Just jumping in for a quick shower? Slow down, relax, and enjoy a good soak! Today’s holiday gives you permission to luxuriate a little with a nice, warm bath. So grab some bath salts or a fizzy bath bomb and start the water running. Kids will love a before-bed bath with bubbles and toys!
When Your Lion Needs a Bath
Written by Susanna Leonard Hill | Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman
What is up with the little boy’s pet lion? He’s dirty and disheveled and…smelly. He definitely needs a bath. But getting a lion into the tub can be a little tough. After all they are cats, “and have you ever met a cat who likes water?” But, if you’re determined, there’s a certain order to things when you’re trying to bathe your lion. First, you have to get everything ready because once the lion is in the tub, “you’ll have to work fast.”
Image copyright Daniel Wiseman, 2017, text copyright Susanna Leonard Hill, 2017. Courtesy of simonandschuster.com.
Getting the lion in the tub in the first place takes stealth and cunning. You don’t want your lion to realize what’s happening. You can try getting him to chase a toy mouse, but sometimes that just results in a dizzy lion. Perhaps he’d follow “a ball with a bell inside.” Or maybe he’ll just send all your toys flying! Cats love pouncing on yarn! There he goes…! But wait! How did he get so tangled up?
Image copyright Daniel Wiseman, 2017, text copyright Susanna Leonard Hill, 2017. Courtesy of simonandschuster.com.
Maybe a dog can chase him into the tub. Don’t cats run away from dogs? Hmmm…not lion cats, I guess. Well, who can resist an ice cream sundae? Build the biggest “brownie banana butterscotch berry marshmallow marmalade strawberry-smothered caramel-covered peanutty-buttered double-dip chocolate-chip triple-whipped jelly-bean sundae supreme. Too much?”
Image copyright Daniel Wiseman, 2017, text copyright Susanna Leonard Hill, 2017. Courtesy of simonandschuster.com.
Then why not try a simpler approach: go fishing! Just “tie a feather to your fishing line and cast!” (Over the tub, of course!) Got ‘em! Now “quick!” Squirt and scrub and rinse! Great! Now he’s “squeaky clean.” But watch out! There he goes! “You probably should have closed the door.” He just jumped right back into the mud puddle. You too? “Looks like your lion needs another bath. And so do you.”
Image copyright Daniel Wiseman,, 2017, text copyright Susanna Leonard Hill, 2017. Courtesy of simonandschuster.com.
Susanna Leonard Hill’s race to lure a lion into an unwanted, but much-needed, bath is madcap fun for young readers. The boy’s many attempts to chase his lion into the tub will set little ones giggling as they think of their own bath-time antics or the challenges of washing their own pets. The funny suggestions may lead kids to think of their own sneaky solutions, which would make this book a great prompt for classrooms or home reading time.
Image copyright Daniel Wiseman, 2017. Courtesy of simonandschuster.com.
Kids will be enchanted by Daniel Wiseman’s puff-maned lion who likes to play more than preen and the sweet boy determined to tempt his pet into the tub. Wiseman’s charming illustrations enhance the humor as the lion enthusiastically pounces on each enticement but without the intended results. As the lion finally goes from “smelly” to sparkling and then takes off for the mud puddle again, kids will find the boy’s choice funny and satisfying.
When Your Lion Needs a Bath will be an often-asked-for addition to toddlers’ and young readers’ home book shelves and in daycare, preschool, and kindergarten classrooms.
Ages 2 – 4
Simon and Schuster Little Simon Board Book, 2017 | ISBN 978-1481495028
View a gallery of art work by Daniel Wiseman on his website.
Jump into this jazzy When Your Lion Needs a Bath book trailer!
Bathtub Party Day Activity
Homemade Bath Clings
Instead of buying bathtub clings for your kids to play with, make some yourself! It’s easy with regular foam sheets, cookie cutters or stencils, and scissors! Make it a family activity and watch the shower of creativity that results!
Supplies
Foam sheets in various colors
Cookie cutters or stencils
Scissors
Directions
Trace cookie cutter shapes or stencils onto the foam
And/Or cut squares, triangles, rectangles, circles, and other shapes from the foam in a variety of sizes
Cut out the shapes
Wet the backs of the shapes with water and stick them to the tub or tiled or lined wall. Shapes will also stick with a little shaving gel or cream applied
Today we honor mutts—those sweet-natured, mixed-breed dogs that make wonderful pets and companions. Did you know that mixed-breed dogs tend to be healthier, are better behaved, and live longer than pure-bred dogs? Unfortunately, mutts make up the largest percentage of dogs found at shelters and are often passed over in favor of their pure-bred counterparts. Today’s holiday was established in 2005 and is also celebrated on July 31 to raise awareness of the wonderful characteristics of mixed-breed dogs and the benefits of adopting a mutt into your family. If you are considering adding a dog or puppy to your household, check out the mutts at your local shelter. You may just end up with a friend as adorable and unique as the sweetie in today’s book!
Shark Dog!
By Ged Adamson
When you have a dad who’s an explorer, life can be full of adventures. There are fabulous trips to far-flung places where you see “beautiful butterflies and strange plants, tortoises as big as cars, and colorful birds in huge trees.” Yes, the days can be magical, but they can be mysterious too. How? Well, listen to this amazing story…
Copyright Ged Adamson, 2017, courtesy of gedadamson.com.
Hi! You heard about the incredible trip with the butterflies and tortoises, right? Great! But what you didn’t hear is how on that same trip “I had a strange feeling I was being followed.” I even heard a strange noise toward the back of our boat, but I was so tired I didn’t investigate. In the middle of the night, though, “something woke me from a deep, peaceful sleep. Something slobbery!” You’ll never in a million years guess what it was. Next to my bunk was the oddest creature I ever saw—a little guy that was “half dog and half shark.”
Copyright Ged Adamson, 2017, courtesy of gedadamson.com.
Dad was as surprised as I was. But the best part was that he said I could keep him. As soon as we landed on shore, Shark Dog was off like a shot, checking out the surroundings…in his own special way. Let’s just say when Shark Dog dove into the fountain, all the other creatures dove out, and at the park, while other dogs retrieved sticks, Shark Dog retrieved a whole tree.
Sometimes Shark Dog seemed to get his sharkiness and his doginess a little mixed up, but at all times he “was a fun friend to have around.” As you might imagine, Shark Dog loved the beach even though there could be a lot of screaming and panicked paddling when his fin popped up among the waves. One day, the beach was extra exciting. Shark Dog spied another shark dog and was super happy—until he saw that it was just a rubber floaty.
Copyright Ged Adamson, 2017, courtesy of gedadamson.com.
“For the first time, my Shark Dog was sad,” and he stayed sad. When he saw a travel poster of a far-flung ocean paradise, he even shed a tear. Dad thought we should take him home. This time we traveled by plane, and it was like the other shark dogs knew he was coming because as soon as we landed he “got the most wonderful welcome.” We spent a fantastic day with Shark Dog and his friends. The next morning, I gave Shark Dog a hug goodbye, and Dad and I started home.
But before we got too far, we saw Shark Dog following our raft. Then when we transferred aboard ship, so did Shark Dog—with one flying leap. It seemed that Shark Dog made a choice. “And that was just fine with me.”
Copyright Ged Adamson, 2017, courtesy of gedadamson.com.
Ged Adamson’s unique and funny story will delight pet owners, pet dreamers, and dog and shark aficionados alike. The little shark-dog hybrid, with his long snout, sturdy body, and sweet expression, is everything a friend should be as he plays along no matter what the escapade. Infused with lots of heart, Adamson’s story is also a reassuring choice for kids facing a move, a new school, or other new experiences. Just like Shark Dog, young readers will see that old friends remain true, new friends can be pretty great too, and exploring outside one’s comfort zone can open up a whole world of adventure.
Copyright Ged Adamson, 2017, courtesy of gedadamson.com.
Adamson’s artwork is loaded with personality, humor, and emotion highlighted with the vibrant palette and chalked-in details that make his illustrations so distinctive. Those familiar with Adamson’s picture books may notice winks to his other characters among the pages. Kids will love Dad, all decked out in retro gear and sporting wavy, red hair and a handlebar mustache. Both boys and girls will identify with the child narrator, who is dressed in gender-neutral clothing and tells the story from the first-person point of view without gender-specific pronouns.
Shark Dog! is a jaunty exploration of friendship that kids will love to take again and again. The book would make a fun addition to any home library.
Ages 4 – 8
HarperCollins, 2017 | ISBN 978-0062457134
Discover more about Ged Adamson, his books, and his artwork on his website!
This beachy Shark Dog! book trailer is fin-tastic! Take a look!
National Mutt Day Activity
Adopt a New Friend Maze
This detective and her mutt are looking for another puppy to join the team! Can you help them find their way to a new friend in this Adopt a New Friend Maze?
There’s nothing that refreshes quite as much as a good night’s sleep. That’s why, during Sleep Comfort Month, people are encouraged to take stock of the amount of sleep they get each night. If you lie awake late into the night (or even early morning) and feel sluggish the next day, you may want to consider changing your nightly routine. Limiting light and screen time before bed, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature, and having a set pre-sleep activity like reading or journaling can help you fall asleep quickly and deeply. Children, especially, benefit from a nighttime routine.
The Way Home in the Night
By Akiko Miyakoshi
A mother rabbit carries her little bunny home down familiar lamp-lit streets. As they pass the bookshop and the restaurant, they see the workers closing up for the night. The streets are quiet and deserted, adorned with a golden patchwork of light from the windows along the way. Through the windows the bunny sees and hears the neighbors. A phone rings at Mr. Goat’s, the delicious aroma of a pie wafts from Ms. Sheep’s. “A light flickers” where perhaps “someone is watching TV,” and next door “it sounds like there is a big party.”
Copyright Akiko Miyakoshi, 2017, courtesy of Kids Can Press.
The bunny peers into one window just in time to see two mice saying goodbye. As they approach their own house, the little rabbit’s father joins them. Soon, the bunny knows, it will be time to be tucked into bed. At home Daddy Rabbit pulls up the blankets on his dozing child. Out the window, a crescent moon lights the sky. “Snug under my covers,” the bunny thinks “about the way home. Are the party guests saying goodnight? Is the person on the phone getting ready for bed?” The cook may be taking a long, hot bath, and the bookseller may be “reading on the couch.”
Copyright Akiko Miyakoshi, 2017, courtesy of Kids Can Press.
The bunny wonders if the pie is being shared and whether all the lighted windows are now dark. The last thing the bunny hears before drifting off to sleep are soft footsteps going by and imagines the mouse is walking to the station to take the train home. Throughout town the bright checkerboard windows keep watch as the long, illuminated trains speed past. “Some nights are ordinary, and other nights are special. But every night we all go home to bed.”
Copyright Akiko Miyakoshi, 2017, courtesy of Kids Can Press.
Akiko Miyakoshi sleepy, atmospheric bedtime story reflects all the comfort and mystery that nighttime inspires in little ones. The loving child/parent relationship is sweetly depicted in the beautiful, understated acts of the bunny’s being carried home through the softly lit streets and tucked into bed under warm covers. The glimpses into the neighbor’s windows provides a unifying sense of community as do the final pages that pan out to include the entire town and the idea of the wider world traversed by the bright trains coming and going from the station.
Copyright Akiko Miyakoshi, 2017, courtesy of Kids Can Press.
Miyakoshi’s black, gray, and sepia-toned pencil, charcoal, and gouache illustrations are set aglow with the welcoming light emanating from windows and streetlamps and accented with spots of color in clothing and homey touches. The windows frame cozy vignettes of family life, and young readers may like to imagine their own stories of what is happening in each. Gender neutral clothing and a lack of pronouns makes this a universal book.
Copyright Akiko Miyakoshi, 2017, courtesy of Kids Can Press.
The Way Home in the Night is a cozy, quiet book that is just right for soothing little ones to sleep while giving them the happy assurance of love, commitment, and connection to their world. An exquisite addition to bedtime books, The Way Home in the Night would make a wonderful gift and a favorite choice on any child’s home bookshelf.
Ages 4 – 6
Kids Can Press, 2017 | ISBN 978-1771386630
To learn more about Akiko Miyakoshi, her work, and her books, visit her website.
Sleep Comfort Month Activity
Snuggle Buddy Craft
It’s easy to make your own snuggle buddy with a few pieces of fleece, some fiber fill, and a needle and thread or fabric glue. The great thing about creating your own friend is you can personalize your pal anyway you want!
Supplies
1 8-inch by 11-inch piece of fleece in the color or your choice for the body (or scraps if you have some from an earlier project). A larger piece of fleece can be used to make a larger buddy
1 5-inch by 8-inch piece of fleece in the color or your choice for the hair (or scraps if you have some from an earlier project)
1 small piece of fleece or other material for a pocket, clothes, or blanket
Small scraps of fleece or other material for the face
Fiber Fill
Thread and sewing needle OR fabric glue
Scissors
Directions
To Make the Body
Fold the large piece of fleece in half lengthwise and sew along the open side and along the bottom. Alternatively, if using a larger size piece of fleece, fold upward and sew or glue the two sides closed.
Turn the form inside out
To Make the Hair
Cut a piece of fleece as wide as your buddy and about 7 – 8 inches long
Fold the fleece lengthwise
Insert both ends of the fleece into the opening at the top of the body
Sew or glue the opening shut, securing the hair
Cut strips about ¼-inch wide from the top of the hair to close to where the hair is sown into the body
To Make a Pocket or Clothes
Cut a piece of fleece in the shape of a pocket, shirt, pants, diaper, or blanket
Sew or glue the pocket or clothes to the buddy
To Make the Face
Cut eyes, a nose, and a mouth in whatever way you would like your buddy to look.
celebratepicturebooks.com 