Picture Book Month: Sleepy Pendoodle

Sleepy Pendoodle

Written by Malarchy Doyle

Illustrated by Julie Vivas

Published by Candlewick, 2001

Another great read aloud, Sleepy Pendoodle is a sweet book about a young girl and her new puppy. Julie Vivas' illustrations are an absolute favorite of mine and the silly-sweet stumbles as the little girl does her best to wake her puppy with the magic words will have your kiddos smiling, smiling, smiling.

November is Picture Book Month! Check out the official blog here

Picture Book Month: The Red Lemon

The Red Lemon

By Bob Staake

Published by Golden Books, 2006

Oh how I adore The Red Lemon. The rhyme, the story, the illustrations...it's all delightful! Click on the author link for more information on the book. For fun, click here for official Red Lemon games and if you have any lemons on hand, whip up a batch of red lemonade (six times as sweet)! Save one of your lemons for some red lemon printing and enjoy your day!

Materials:

*lemons

*red paint

*white paper

Set out a shallow tray or plate with red paint on it. You can use liquid watercolor or acrylic or tempera. I used three different shades of red.

Slice lemons in half and have your kiddo dip their lemon half in the paint and then stamp it onto their paper. 

Use different paints and/or shades for variety. I think this would make an awesome giftwrap, don't you?

 November is Picture Book Month! Check out the official blog here

Picture Book Month: Elizabeth and Larry

Elizabeth and Larry

Written by Marilyn Sadler

Illustrated by Roger Bollen

Published by Aladdin Paperbacks, 1992

No longer in print,  I am sorry to say, Elizabeth and Larry is well worth the hunt. check your local thrift stores and library sales. People often donate their old paperback picture books. Boo for them but yay for you! This is a simple story of two friends enjoying their time together with the added element of kookiness by having one of the characters portrayed as an alligator. Elizabeth, Larry and Ed is also fun. If you find that one instead, pick it up!

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: Moosetache

Moosetache

Written by Margie Palatini

Illustrated by Henry Cole

Published by Hyperion, 1999

Published more than ten years ago, Moostache was way ahead  of the current mustache trend. It is utterly ridiculous and completely amusing to young children. If you can, try for the other two books in the series; Mooskitos and Mooseltoe.

For a fun project, have your kiddos create their own silly mustaches from construction paper. Affix to face with a dab of flour and water or a store bought glue dot and make sure to take oodles of pictures. Or, pull out the felt, popsicle sticks, or pencils and whip up a 'stache or two a la scrumdilly-do!

Picture Book Month: Our Friendship Rules

 Our Friendship Rules

Written by Peggy Moss and Deedee Tardif

Illustrated by Alissa Imre Geis

Published by Tilbury House, 2007

Our Friendship Rules is a lovely read for school aged children, both boys and girls, though the feminine content might influence your young ladies a wee bit more. We've all experienced that moment when suddenly our best friend has discovered someone new and Our Friendship Rules does a wonderful job of illustrating the emotions and after-effects. The illustrations are perfectly sweet (and I may be a tad bit biased here) and the story itself, matter-of-fact, whimsical and heart breaking. I would recommend this read especially to second and third grade classrooms. To accompany, why not whip up a milkshake with bananas, chocolate and cinnamon mixed in like Alexandra and Jenny enjoy or you can make a hand puppet (and NOT from anyone's favorite shirt!) check out Julie Voigt's puppet project on her blog Art for Small Hands.

Ingredients:

*1 cup milk

*2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream

*1 large frozen banana

*2 tablespoons cocoa powder

*1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon

Toss all the ingredients into a blender, place lid on top and give it a mix until thick and milkshakey. Add more milk or less ice cream as needed. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. Check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: The Genie in the Jar

The Genie in the Jar

Written by Nikki Giovanni

Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Published by Henry Holt and Co., 1998

This title for me is full of freedom and movement, whimsy and song. The title may be a little misleading but don't let that keep you from reading this aloud to your child. A lyrical poem that can be interpreted in a number of ways especially with Raschka's sweet illustrations, The Genie in the Jar is a celebration of family, love and community. To accompany a reading, I would ask the children to draw a picture of themselves as if they were a part of the story, using crayon and watercolor on a brown paper bag.

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: The Old Man and His Door

The Old Man and His Door

Written by Gary Soto

Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Published by Puffin, 1998

The Old Man and his Door spins a delightful story of misunderstanding. Too busy to listen to his wife remind him to bring el puerco (the pig) to the party, the old man in the story misunderstands and instead brings la puerta (the door). With colorful illustrations and loads of subtle humor, I have found this to be a wonderful read aloud for both group and individual settings. Please check it out if you can!

November is Picture Book Month! Check out the official blog here

Picture Book Month: The Little French Whistle

The Little French Whistle

Written by Carole Lexa Schaefer

Illustrated by Emilie Chollat

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2002

This is a story of a boy and his french whistle. Louie plays too loud and without a care for others and will not share with his cousin. What will the fate of the whistle be?

You can make your own candy box whistle to play just as loud as Louie does. All you really need is a small, flattish candy or gum box. This chiclet box is perfect...oh and small raisin boxes work perfectly.

All you have to do is enjoy your sweets. Once empty, flip top flaps open and over outside edges of box. Place mouth over opening and....B L O W ! ! !

What do you hear? Is it loud? Is it funny? You can try painting your box and letting it dry thoroughly before playing, or draw on a small piece of paper trimmed to fit around your box, wrap and attach with glue stick or double stick tape. Have fun!

Picture book Month: Moosey Moose

 Moosey Moose

Written and Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Published by Hyperion, 2000

Moosey Moose is but one awesome title in a series called Thingy Things. I'm sad to say I believe they are no longer in print but you can still find them used through Amazon and other sellers. I picked Moosey Moose to share with you because every single time I read it to kids, young and old, I am delighted by the giggles and shouts that float about as I help Moosey Moose sort out his anger over his missing long pants.

After you read  Moosey Moose, you can have your kiddo write out their own story about a favorite animal and what makes them angry. Do you have a Catty Cat, Fishy Fish or a Ducky Duck? Oh, the possibilities!

Picture Book Month: new socks

New Socks

Written and Illustrated by Bob Shea

Published by Little Brown, 2007

If I had a nickel for every time I was interrupted during storytime so a kiddo could tell me that he or she got something new (I got new shoes!) I could be a slightly not-so-broke blogger.  new socks not only embraces the new appeal, it celebrates it! The illustrations are bold and simple and the read aloud effect has kiddo appeal. I adore new socks.

To go along with the book, have your kiddo create their own happy, chickie with new socks!

Materials

*white paper

*white crayon

*watercolor

*paintbrush and water

*construction paper

*glue stick

*scissors

Prep white paper by having your kiddo draw a series of squiggles lines or loops in white crayon over the bottom half. See cover of book as a guide.

Paint over white lines with chosen color of watercolor paint and set aside to dry.

Cut out chickie shape from construction paper. Any color would be great. Glue to the painted paper once that paper is dry and have kiddo draw features of their choice with a black marker onto their chickie (aka jelly-bean) shape.

Cut out sock shapes from white paper and have your kiddo paint, color, collage however they choose to make the most fantastic pair of socks ever! 

Once dry, use a glue stick to assemble and stick all the pieces onto their "cover page" and viola! They too now have new socks!

Picture book Month: a bear and his boy

 A Bear and His Boy

Written by Sean Bryan

Illustrated by Tom Murphy

Published by Arcade, 2007

a bear and his boy is the story of a bear on the go, busy, busy, busy but for the boy on his back. The story is told smoothly and sweetly through rhyme. The illustrations have a vintage appeal. If you enjoyed this title, make sure to check out this duo's other two; a girl and her gator, and a boy and his bunny.

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: Bing Make Music

Bing: Make Music

Written & Illustrated by Ted Dewan

Published by David Fickling books

I discovered the Bing books back when I was teaching a toddler art class. Myself, I was fond of the colors and illustrations of the single Bing book I had. Once I read it to my toddler group I recognized that Bing was a bunny totally worth reckoning with. I picked up all but one Bing title from new and used sellers on Amazon and haven't looked back. Kiddos LOVE Bing and I do as well. My favorite thing about Make Music is that Bing and Flop make music much like our kiddos do, using everyday objects such as keys and such. To accompany this book, why not have your tots make their very own rice shaker?

Materials

*uncooked lentils

*small beads and bobbs

*empty plastic water bottle

*glue or packing tape

This goes without saying that you know your kiddo better than anyone else. If your child is in danger of choking on any of the above materials, please take precautions and adapt as you will. We recently did this activity with our toddler class without a hitch. Instead of rice, we used popcorn kernels and pumpkin seeds. The beads added a pop of color. I have also done this with Plastic Easter eggs or sturdy paper plates.

Set out empty bottle, sans lid and have your kiddo fill (about one-quarter is good) with beads, buttons, bobbs, and rice.

Screw lid back on and affix with glue and/or tape. Once dry, hand over to kiddo and make some music! Don't have beads and bits? Hand your kiddo a wooden spoon and an empty box and enjoy!

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. check out the blog here. 

Publishers Weekly: Top 11 Picture books of 2011

 Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans 

Written and Illustrated by Kadir Nelson 

Published by Harper Collins, 2011 

 Click here for the Publishers Weekly picture book list.

Picture Book Month: Guess Again

  Guess Again

Written by Mac Barnett

Illustrated by Adam Rex

Published by Simon & Schuster

Guess Again is a fantastic read aloud for school aged kids. Absolutely, rip-roaring fantastic! Full of humor and quirk, this may become your kiddos favorite. I would tell you more but this is a spoiler free post.

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: The Lion and the Little Red Bird

The Lion and the Little Red Bird

Written and Illustrated by Elisa Kleven

Published by Puffin, 1996

Painting with homemade paints would be a fun project to go along with this book. Check out Elisa Kleven's website for project ideas and questions.

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. Check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: Bling Blang

Bling Blang

Written by Woody Guthrie

Illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

Published by Candlewick, 2000

I love Woody Guthrie and I love Vladimnir Radunsky. The two paired together make a perfect cup of tea. If you can, make sure to have your kiddo give a listen to one of Woody's recordings of Bling Blang. It is folk music at its best. If you find you like this one, please check out Howdi Do as well!

Materials

*popsicle/craft sticks

*cardboard

*glue

*paint and/or markers

There are numerous ways for kiddos to create houses. If I had a group of kiddos with me after i read this book, I would let them choose their own materials. But, since I don't, here is my wee suggestion and project.

Set out cardboard and paint. Paper is fine if that is all you have. Ask your kiddos if their house is going to be in the city or the country or perhaps outer space? Once they decide, have them paint up their background and set aside to dry.

Once dry, bring out the craft sticks and have your kiddos "build" their house using the glue to stitck their sticks to their background.

They can use paint and or markers to color their house. Play Bling Blang while they work. once they have finished, ask them about their house and write down or record what they say, it will make a wonderful story!

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: the art of shapes

The Art of Shapes

by Cindy Estes and Margaret Steele

Published by Fotofolio Inc, 1997

Not really a picture book in the classic sense but I do really like the art of shapes. The board book format makes for a unique display and kiddos of all ages will be intrigued by the colors discovered within. Adults will enjoy the array of artists and if they are anything like me, they will hit the net to research the artists they have never heard of. Other titles in this series include the art of the body and the art of colors.

Shape projects:

*take a walk and go on a shape hunt 

*draw shapes on sandpaper with crayon and have kiddos trace with their fingers

*roll a dice (die?) and ask your kiddo to draw a shape with corresponding sides

*make cookie shapes

*pick up a pack of foam shapes, toss in an empty tissue box and see how many tries is takes to draw a match

*have kiddos paint on paper cut into shapes

 

Picture Book Month: The Adventures of a Nose

 

The Adventures of a Nose

Written by Viviane Schwarz

Illustrated by Joel Stewart

Published by Candlewick Press

The Adventures of a Nose is a picture book about a Nose looking for a place to fit in. The illustrations are BRILLIANT! I adore this title.

To go along with the fun and quirkiness of The Adventures of a Nose, I have a fun collage project you and your kiddos might enjoy.

Materials

*Magazines

*Scissors

*Paper or posterboard

*Glue Stick

*Markers, Paint or Crayons

Have your kiddo go through some kid friendly magazines in search of their very own nose. They may cut out their nose with a pair of scissors.

Taking a cue from the book, have your kiddo collage, draw or paint a background for their nose. Keep in mind the goal is to create a face from an everyday scene. 

Once they have their background ready, paste the nose into place and add legs. Ta-da! Or, as an alternative, they can create a paper doll of their nose and take it on its very own adventure via a walk outside or through another magazine. If you do this, I would LOVE to see your Nose! Enjoy! 

I didn't have time to create my own collage for you but I do hope you'll keep reading, more fun to come! 

November is Picture Book Month, check out the blog!

Picture Book Month: 1000 Times No

1000 Times No

Written & Illustrated by Tom Warburton

Published by Harper Collins, 2009

When it comes to kiddos, NO is a universal language, is it not? 1000 Times No makes for a great read aloud. Mr. Warburton has delightfully illustrated a child in the throes of No!  From your average obstinate negative declaration to your fancy-pants multi-lingual Nu-uh, this book will be sure to delight.

Oooh and lookie, there is video on vimeo as well!

November is Picture Book Month, check out the blog!

Picture Book Month: Cloud Boy

 Cloud Boy 

Written and Illustrated by Rhode Montijo 

Published by Simon & Schuster, 2006 

I love Cloud Boy! The illustrations are quirky and more than adorable and the story is simple and sweet. The story begins with a sad and lonely cloud boy who soon creates all sorts of companions with the cloud fluffs around him. I do not believe it is in general print any longer but you can find it on Amazon used. Keep an eye out at your local library and or thrift shops. I think I picked up my copy from bookcloseouts.com. If you haven't checked out Book Closeouts, I highly recommend it though it can be dangerous.

I also whipped up a lickety split art project you can do with your kiddos. Please be advised that I whipped this up as an example. If I were doing this with kiddos, I would have them create their own versions of cloud boy and would expect something more magical than my sad interpretation of the boy in the book.

This project is more about technique and imagination than copying cloud boy himself.

Materials: 

*white paper 

*white crayon or oil pastel 

*watercolors in blue 

*paintbrush 

*water 

*scissors 

*pencil 

*glue stick 

*pens 

 Gather up your materials and have your kiddos draw a handful of clouds on their white paper with a white crayon or oil pastel. They can do bits of fluff or happy shapes, it is up to them.

 Use a wet paintbrush to wash the paper. Make sure to cover the entire surface with a thin coat of water.

 Dab brush in a small bit of watercolor and touch it to the damp paper. Have your kiddos watch the paint travel about and resist the areas with crayon. Add more than one shade if you wish or add one at a time, allowing for dry time before adding the next shade.

 While paint is drying, have kiddos cut out and create their own cloud person. Glue to paper with glue stick and enjoy!

November is Picture Book Month, check out the blog! 

November is Picture Book Month!

 And I just, just, JUST found this out! If nothing else this month, I promise to bring you a favorite picture book a day...stay tuned! And while you are at it, you can keep an eye on the picture book month blog. What's your favorite picture book?

thinking in pink

 Halloween may be over but that doesn't mean we still can't enjoy our pumpkins. Taking a cue from the lurve and adoration my preschool kiddos have for this book, I brought in a garden-grown pumpkin for them to paint.

I set out a trio of paint cups. Two with white paint and one with red. The kiddos were delighted to create their very own Pinkalicious pumpkin. Even better was the tub of soapy water for them to wash up with. For two days they painted and painted and painted some more. From two year olds to four year olds, that jumbo sized pumpkin was painted pinker than pink.

We're gonna paint it some more tomorrow with a different color duet. It will be easy peasy. The sponge I set out was also enjoyed as kiddo after kiddo happily scrubbed that pumpkin clean. Check out the book stats down below and happy November!

Pinkalicious and the Pink Pumpkin

Written and Illustrated by Victoria Kann

Published by Harper Festival, 2011

Sesame Street: Batty Bat

silly symphony - the skeleton dance 1929 disney short

my misadvantures in Halloween crafting

Hello lovely readers! I have had the most ridiculous sad luck for this year's Halloween projects. You know how you feel as if you have oodles of time so you put aside the not-so-important projects for "later" but then suddenly you have NO time and so you rush about glueing here and painting there and hope, hope, hoping for good light so you can take a picture? Yup, in a pumkinshell that is my recent experience this month. Not to mention the projects that DID get started early simply wouldn't behave. Ooof!

 

 It all started with the yarn wreath I really wanted to make and spookify. I couldn't get the yarn to toughen up. I used glue, I used mod-podge, I added more glue and more mod-podge but nothing. Next, came my two jobs and more hours, which is a GOOD thing but left barely a smidge of time for crafting. In between we had to wait for an oven and my allergies attacked and sucked up all my energy (cue violin music).

So, even though, I did manage to glue a little here and paint a little there, all I was able to post was a cookie recipe which is super tasty, I promise! So, here's to next year where you get to see the finished projects that involved pom-poms and cupcake liners. Until then, I put together a Pinterest board full of previous Halloween projects. Have fun and Happy Halloween!