Trashy Town by: Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemesha
Dinosaur Roar! by: Paul adn Henrietta Stickland
Puff Puff Chugga Chugga by: Christopher Wormell
Bruno Munari's Zoo
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Stone Soup
So this week was food week at our house. So we have been learning about healthy foods in hopes that it will inspire Spencer to eat healthy foods. I don't think it will work... Well today we are making Stone Soup. I don't know how many of you have heard of or read the book (it has been around for awhile and there are several different versions), but I like the one by Marcia Brown. This is the one with the three soldiers who wonder into a town full of stingy citizens. I don't really want to say "trick" 'cause they all share in the supper afterwards, anyway, through clever means the soldiers get the citizens to share their harvest.
It is a fun book and through surfing the web I found several recipies for Stone Soup. They are all very similar, but I chose the one off of the family fun website.
Here is the recipe for anyone interested in making this fun (hopefully delicious) soup with your kids or just by yourself.
1 stone, big enough that it won't get lost in the soup (clean it and boil it for extra clean...and to test to make sure the rock wont break down during cooking.)
1 tbsp. butter or veggie oil
1 med. onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, trimmed and chopped fine
1 large carrot, cut into coins
3 med. red skinned potatoes (unpeeled and cut into halves)
1/2 sweet red pepper, chopped
1 large garlic clove, pressed
6 cups chicken broth (or combo of broth and water)
1 med. zucchini, diced large
1 med. yellow squash, diced large
1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
2 cups cooked ditalini, or other soups pasta
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Grated parmesan cheese
croutons
In a large pot, melt the butter or heat the oil, then saute the onion on medium-high for 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in the celery, carrot, potatoes and red pepper, sauteing for 6 to 8 minutes. Add teh garlic and saute for about 30 seconds, then add the broth. Put the stone in and bring to a boil. Add the zucchini, squash, corn and pasta, cooking for another 8 minutes or until the zucchini is the desired softness. Season to taste with the salt and pepper. Before serving, sprinkly on the cheese and croutons, then ladle-minus the stone- into bowls. Serves 6 to 8.
It is a fun book and through surfing the web I found several recipies for Stone Soup. They are all very similar, but I chose the one off of the family fun website.
Here is the recipe for anyone interested in making this fun (hopefully delicious) soup with your kids or just by yourself.
1 stone, big enough that it won't get lost in the soup (clean it and boil it for extra clean...and to test to make sure the rock wont break down during cooking.)
1 tbsp. butter or veggie oil
1 med. onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, trimmed and chopped fine
1 large carrot, cut into coins
3 med. red skinned potatoes (unpeeled and cut into halves)
1/2 sweet red pepper, chopped
1 large garlic clove, pressed
6 cups chicken broth (or combo of broth and water)
1 med. zucchini, diced large
1 med. yellow squash, diced large
1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
2 cups cooked ditalini, or other soups pasta
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Grated parmesan cheese
croutons
In a large pot, melt the butter or heat the oil, then saute the onion on medium-high for 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in the celery, carrot, potatoes and red pepper, sauteing for 6 to 8 minutes. Add teh garlic and saute for about 30 seconds, then add the broth. Put the stone in and bring to a boil. Add the zucchini, squash, corn and pasta, cooking for another 8 minutes or until the zucchini is the desired softness. Season to taste with the salt and pepper. Before serving, sprinkly on the cheese and croutons, then ladle-minus the stone- into bowls. Serves 6 to 8.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Hurry! Hurry! by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Jeff Mack
This is a book of few words but my kids loved looking at the pictures. Spencer loved being able to "read" the book along with us as we read it. This is a great book that works for babies and preschoolers!
Follow the wonderfully illustrated animals as they make their way to the barn for Chicken's big suprise.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Lion and the Mouse
"The Lion and the Mouse" by Jerry Pinkney This book has only a few words in it. Most of the story is just illustrations. The pictures are beautiful! Spencer really enjoys looking at them, and it's fun to hear him tell the story.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Smash! Crash!
We love this book at our house! So far all of the Trucktown books we have read we love! Trucktown even has a cool website for kids and for parents! There are games, coloring pages and activity ideas. This book has become a favorite, we always have to get it when we go to the library. I am probably going to be buying this and other Trucktown books to add to our home library. There aren't a lot of words so reading doesn't take forever, and the color pictures are great! It is a must read for anyone who likes trucks and cars!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Multi-Cultural Bibliography: Holidays around the World
1. "The Trees of the Dancing Goats"
Written and
illustrated by: Patricia Polacco
Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 1996
This is a combination Christmas and Hanukkah story. The family in the story are Jewish and the author takes you through the preparations the family goes through to be ready for the Holiday. When sickness strikes their little town the difference of the two different holidays merge into one memorable celebration. You can see the spirit of giving is alive in both Hanukkah and Christmas. The love of people no matter what religion makes this story a very nice one to read.
2. "Chinese New Year's Dragon"
Written by: Rachel Sing
Illustrated by: Shao Wei Liu
Published by: Aladdin Paperbacks 1992
This book is good because it is in story form but it explains a lot of things about the Chinese New Year. It talks about what is eaten and the symbolism of them, the decorations and what they mean, and a lot of other important things having to do with this unique celebration.
3. "Irene Jennie and the Christmas Masquerade: The Johnkankus"
Written by: Irene Smalls
Illustrated by: Melodye Rosales
Published by: Little, Brown and Com
pany 1996
This is a unique book. Even though it takes place in America it is about a Christmas tradition that no longer exists. This story is set in the south during a time when slavery was still legal. Every Christmas a large group of slaves would go around the towns singing, dancing, and performing. They would be in spectacular colorful costumes and travel to the slave homes and the white plantation homes too. The illustrations are beautiful and bring the spirit of this amazing tradition out of the book.
4. "Inside-Out Grandma: A Hanukkah Story
Written and illustrated by: Joan Rothenberg
Published by: Hyperion Books for Children 1995
This is a cute story about the process of making Potato Latkes. The grandmother in this story has her own way of making them; a way that shows how faith, family and friends together make Hanukkah a very special holiday.
5. "Fireside Stories: Tales for a Winter
's Eve" The Lonely Boatman
Retold by: Caitlin Matthews
Illustrated by: Helen Cann
Published: Barefoot Books 2007
This story is a folk tale but it also includes some of the Scottish people's All Hallow's Eve celebrations. Hamish is a lonely quiet man who is not very happy with his life. On All Hallow's Eve people would gather together at someone's home, so not to be alone while the spirits were out. After such a gathering Hamish meets with a mysterious women who ends up changing his life. But by the end you're never sure if the change was for the better or not.
6. "The Long Christmas" Schnitzle, Schnotzle and Schnootzle
Written by: Ruth Sawyer
Published by: Viking Press 1941
This story is about a small Austrian family. They are very poor. One Christmas Eve the boys' father leaves to find work so that they can have food to eat. As the boys await their father a funny little man knocks at the door. After the boys let him in to warm himself, the little man plays a few tricks and leaves the boys with wonderful gifts. The visitor was King Laurin, who was the leader of the goblins. This story is a combination of the Christian holiday of Christmas and the European Midwinter Solstice festival.
7. "The Secret Weapon and Other Stories of Faith and Valor" The Cantor of the Trees
Written by: Azriel and Leah Ain Globe
Published by: Soncino Press 1966
Samuel was a young Jewish boy who lived in Russia. He went to school, read a lot of scripture, and prayed a lot as well. The last day of the Jewish New Year (Shevat) he learns that even trees are known by God. The trees, like Samuel, have a purpose in life. Some trees make firewood, some flourish, some die, it is part of life. Samuel decides that someone needs to speak up for the trees, someone needs to be their advocate. He feels he is the only one able to. When the Jews needed help they would gather in a prayer circle and pray, and God would hear them. Samuel becomes the voice or the cantor of the trees. He was outside singing for hours. The cold air made him sick. When he was well it was spring...all the trees had made it. His prayer was heard.
8. "Japanese Children's Day and the Obon Festival"
Written by: Dianne M. MacMillan
Published by: Enslow Publishers, Inc. 1997
This is a non-fiction book about two special summer holidays in Japan. Japanese Children's Day on May 5 and Obon or the Festival of the Dead takes place in July. Children's Day is a great day for the children to learn more about their Japanese culture.
9. "Festivals of the World: India"
Written by: Falaq Kagda
Published by: Gareth Stevens Publishing 1997
This is a non-fiction book about all the different festivals in India. This book as a lot of colorful photographs, the text is simple to read, and there are stories that go along with the explanation of the festivals.
10. "Christmas Makes Me Think"
Written b
y: Tony Medina
Illustrated by: Chandra Cox
Published by: Lee & Low Books Inc. 2001
This book is a sweet example of how those who celebrate Christmas in North America should celebrate it. As Christmas draws closer this little boy, like most boys, is very excited for the food, the decorations, and the presents. As the story moves along this boy begins to think more deeply about how he celebrates. He thinks about those who can't celebrate as he does, he even thinks about the welfare of the animals that are usually eaten on Christmas. As he thinks he comes up with some really great ideas on how to share the Christmas Spirit with everyone. I love this book because it shows that anyone (including children) can help other...and sometimes they are the ones to get the adults going.
1. "The Trees of the Dancing Goats"
Written and
illustrated by: Patricia PolaccoPublished by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 1996
This is a combination Christmas and Hanukkah story. The family in the story are Jewish and the author takes you through the preparations the family goes through to be ready for the Holiday. When sickness strikes their little town the difference of the two different holidays merge into one memorable celebration. You can see the spirit of giving is alive in both Hanukkah and Christmas. The love of people no matter what religion makes this story a very nice one to read.
2. "Chinese New Year's Dragon"
Written by: Rachel Sing
Illustrated by: Shao Wei Liu
Published by: Aladdin Paperbacks 1992
This book is good because it is in story form but it explains a lot of things about the Chinese New Year. It talks about what is eaten and the symbolism of them, the decorations and what they mean, and a lot of other important things having to do with this unique celebration.
3. "Irene Jennie and the Christmas Masquerade: The Johnkankus"
Written by: Irene Smalls
Illustrated by: Melodye Rosales
Published by: Little, Brown and Com
pany 1996This is a unique book. Even though it takes place in America it is about a Christmas tradition that no longer exists. This story is set in the south during a time when slavery was still legal. Every Christmas a large group of slaves would go around the towns singing, dancing, and performing. They would be in spectacular colorful costumes and travel to the slave homes and the white plantation homes too. The illustrations are beautiful and bring the spirit of this amazing tradition out of the book.
4. "Inside-Out Grandma: A Hanukkah Story
Written and illustrated by: Joan Rothenberg
Published by: Hyperion Books for Children 1995
This is a cute story about the process of making Potato Latkes. The grandmother in this story has her own way of making them; a way that shows how faith, family and friends together make Hanukkah a very special holiday.
5. "Fireside Stories: Tales for a Winter
's Eve" The Lonely BoatmanRetold by: Caitlin Matthews
Illustrated by: Helen Cann
Published: Barefoot Books 2007
This story is a folk tale but it also includes some of the Scottish people's All Hallow's Eve celebrations. Hamish is a lonely quiet man who is not very happy with his life. On All Hallow's Eve people would gather together at someone's home, so not to be alone while the spirits were out. After such a gathering Hamish meets with a mysterious women who ends up changing his life. But by the end you're never sure if the change was for the better or not.
6. "The Long Christmas" Schnitzle, Schnotzle and Schnootzle
Written by: Ruth Sawyer
Published by: Viking Press 1941
This story is about a small Austrian family. They are very poor. One Christmas Eve the boys' father leaves to find work so that they can have food to eat. As the boys await their father a funny little man knocks at the door. After the boys let him in to warm himself, the little man plays a few tricks and leaves the boys with wonderful gifts. The visitor was King Laurin, who was the leader of the goblins. This story is a combination of the Christian holiday of Christmas and the European Midwinter Solstice festival.
7. "The Secret Weapon and Other Stories of Faith and Valor" The Cantor of the Trees
Written by: Azriel and Leah Ain Globe
Published by: Soncino Press 1966
Samuel was a young Jewish boy who lived in Russia. He went to school, read a lot of scripture, and prayed a lot as well. The last day of the Jewish New Year (Shevat) he learns that even trees are known by God. The trees, like Samuel, have a purpose in life. Some trees make firewood, some flourish, some die, it is part of life. Samuel decides that someone needs to speak up for the trees, someone needs to be their advocate. He feels he is the only one able to. When the Jews needed help they would gather in a prayer circle and pray, and God would hear them. Samuel becomes the voice or the cantor of the trees. He was outside singing for hours. The cold air made him sick. When he was well it was spring...all the trees had made it. His prayer was heard.
8. "Japanese Children's Day and the Obon Festival"
Written by: Dianne M. MacMillan
Published by: Enslow Publishers, Inc. 1997
This is a non-fiction book about two special summer holidays in Japan. Japanese Children's Day on May 5 and Obon or the Festival of the Dead takes place in July. Children's Day is a great day for the children to learn more about their Japanese culture.
9. "Festivals of the World: India"
Written by: Falaq Kagda
Published by: Gareth Stevens Publishing 1997
This is a non-fiction book about all the different festivals in India. This book as a lot of colorful photographs, the text is simple to read, and there are stories that go along with the explanation of the festivals.
10. "Christmas Makes Me Think"
Written b
y: Tony MedinaIllustrated by: Chandra Cox
Published by: Lee & Low Books Inc. 2001
This book is a sweet example of how those who celebrate Christmas in North America should celebrate it. As Christmas draws closer this little boy, like most boys, is very excited for the food, the decorations, and the presents. As the story moves along this boy begins to think more deeply about how he celebrates. He thinks about those who can't celebrate as he does, he even thinks about the welfare of the animals that are usually eaten on Christmas. As he thinks he comes up with some really great ideas on how to share the Christmas Spirit with everyone. I love this book because it shows that anyone (including children) can help other...and sometimes they are the ones to get the adults going.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
