MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY 2021!

As a Global co-Host for Greece for the 3^rd year, for #MCBD, https://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/about/co-hosts/

I am excited to present my reviews on truly exceptional Multicultural books, written from a unique perspective. “10 Gulab Jamuns” is an enjoyable children’s book written by Sandhya Acharya and illustrated by Vanessa Alexandra.

The world ‘Gulab’ was derived from the Persian word ‘gol’ and ‘ab’ which respectively meant flower and water which referred to rose water scented syrup. The other word ‘Jamun’ is the Hindi-Urdu word for the popular Indian fruit Black Plum which is almost of same shape and size. So, this is how your loving dessert got its name. Gulab Jamun came to India from Persia or modern day Iran with our Muslim sultans and badshahs. The Indian gulab jamun dish originated from an Arabic dessert called Luqmat Al-Qadi and became popular during the Mughal era. The later name, gulab, actually comes from the two Persian words gul (flower) and ab (water). Gulab Jamun, as the history goes was first prepared in medieval India derived from Persian invaders. A great concept introducing to a traditional Asian sweet with two adorable kids that get to know the traditional mouthwatering sweet, while utilizing Math conceptions, Counting and Subtraction.

 After mum prepares the 10 Gulab Jamuns for the guests, her boys Idu  (Ee-doo) and Adu (Aa-doo) can’t resist eating secretly the sweets, while becoming acquainted with numbers. A funny story helping kids to use numbers and be involved in the sweet making, as it follows in the story after they eat most of the sweets! With delightful illustrations the little readers will surely enjoy the making of Gulab Jamuns with their mum. Once the guests arrive, the family members enjoy the fantastic gathering enjoying the sweets with the sugar syrup.

 The book provides also  the recipe by the famous pastry maker Hetal Vasavada. Don’t miss the chance to check her phenomenal blog and her books!  https://milkandcardamom.com/about/

Once I read the book, I couldn’t resist rereading it many times! One reason was for sure the Gulab Jamuns, they reminded me of the Greek traditional mouth watering sweet “Loukoumades” here you can check the recipe for all moms to try it with your kids. Trust me you will be over the moon! https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/loukoumades/

The second reason was the two boys and how the writer used their temptation for sweets to teach readers Maths! What a clever way to incorporate a subject and tradition in one book.

I plan to use your book Sandhya, my friend, in class so as to teach verbs we use when teaching Maths! Check the following links to have verbs and worksheets to facilitate your student’s learning! https://www.newsummerfieldisd.org/cms/lib5/TX01917270/Centricity/Domain/35/Math%20-%20verbs.pdf

https://www.education.com/worksheets/math/

The following description of how Gulab Jamuns is made, is the best way to bring the aromas and spices in your mind! https://www.thebetterindia.com/159662/gulab-jamun-india-food-history-news/

Made with chenna (or khoya) and kneaded with maida, balls of dough are fried till they turn that elusive rosy shade between gold and brown. After the heated oil works its magic, the crystallised sugar in the batter creates a slightly grainy crust while the jamun‘s white heart remains silky smooth.

Infused with rose-scented (or cardamom-flavoured) chashni, the ball yields to the slightest pressure, literally melting away as one bites into it. As such, the fluffy pillows of warm, syrup-laden dough are as deeply comforting as they are delicious.

Author’s Bio

Sandhya Acharya grew up in Mumbai, India, and now lives in Santa Clara, California. She has always loved eating Gulab Jamuns, though she must confess she may not be great at cooking them. She does love cooking stories though. When she is not writing, she is busy training for marathons, learning a form of Indian classical dance, and enjoying the childhood of her young sons. She won third prize in the 2017 Katha Fiction Contest, which was co-hosted by India Currents and the Wellstone Center, and she blogs regularly at http://www.sandhyaacharya.com.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 (1/29/21) is in its 8^th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators. Eight years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE.

MCBD 2021 is honored to be Supported by these Medallion Sponsors!

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Prgamaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)

Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages, Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media

Gold Sponsors: Barefoot Books, Candlewick Press, Capstone,  Hoopoe Books,  KidLitTV, Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.

Silver Sponsors: Charlotte Riggle, Connecticut Association of School Librarians, Author Kimberly Gordon Biddle, Pack-N-Go Girls

Bronze Sponsors: Agatha Rodi and AMELIE is IMPRESSED!, Barnes Brothers Books, Create and Educate Solutions, LLC, Dreambuilt Books, Dyesha and Triesha McCants/McCants Squared, Redfin Real Estate, Snowflake Stories, Star Bright Books, TimTimTom Bilingual Personalized Books, Author Vivian Kirkfield, Wisdom Tales Press,

MCBD 2021 is honored to be Supported by these Author Sponsors!

Poster Artist: Nat Iwata

Authors: Author Afsaneh Moradian, Author Alva Sachs & Three Wishes Publishing Company, Author Angeliki Stamatopoulou-Pedersen, Author Anna Olswanger, Author Casey Bell , Author Claudine Norden, Author Debbie Dadey, Author Diana Huang & Intrepids,  Author Eugenia Chu & Brandon goes to Beijing, Green Kids Club,  Author Gwen Jackson, Author Janet Balletta, Author Josh Funk, Author Julia Inserro, Karter Johnson & Popcorn and Books, Author Kathleen Burkinshaw & The Last Cherry Blossom, Author Keila Dawson, Maya/Neel Adventures with Culture Groove, Author Mia Wenjen, Michael Genhart, Nancy Tupper Ling, Author Natalie Murray, Natalie McDonald-Perkins, Author Natasha Yim, Author Phe Lang and Me On The Page Publishing, Sandra Elaine Scott, Author Shoumi Sen & From The Toddler Diaries, SISSY GOES TINY by Rebecca Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard, Susan Schaefer Bernardo & Illustrator Courtenay Fletcher,  Tales of the Five Enchanted Mermaids, Author Theresa Mackiewicz, Tonya Duncan and the Sophie Washington Book Series, Author Toshia Stelivan, Valerie Williams-Sanchez & The Cocoa Kids Collection Books©, Author Vanessa Womack, MBA, Author Veronica Appleton & the Journey to Appleville book series

MCBD 2021 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!

MCBD 2021 is Honored to be Supported by these Media Partners!

Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!

FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day

Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents

Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit

FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit

Gallery of Our Free Posters

FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program

TWITTER PARTY! Register here!

Join us on Friday, Jan 29, 2021, at 9 pm EST for the 8th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party!

This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.

We will be giving away an 8-Book Bundle every 5 minutes plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **

Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. See you all very soon on Twitter!

Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld

“The flower doesn’t dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes.” Mark Nepo.

I felt this new year’s coming, is a flower bud ready to blossom for many reasons for all of us around the world. What will surely differentiate this year from the previous one will be your desire to create and inspire more than ever before. I urge you to do so, believing in your instinct so as to become the budding “artist” you were always dreaming of. Winter months are not the flower months but do believe it, budding flowers open their heart once you show how much you love them, that’s how my garden roses keep blooming at my house garden in Patras and my village. After reading the above quote I am sure you think, you have to take the initiative and make it happen with your ideas and dreams! inspiration knocks the door in many ways and that’s what you need, to use the pencils and colors you have in order to leave your stigma in the world and be the moving force for others to move on in life. My wishes for 2021 have to do with Health, the number one prerequisite to hold on, Persistence and Patience to follow your dreams! Till next month’s Rock Post, take care of yourself and enjoy reading books to atrract as more bees as you can to your budding rose, your inner thought!

Inspired by Wassily Kandinsky’s 1940 painting, Sky Blue, this delightful children’s book delves into the kaleidoscopic mind of a sleeping giant. Author Ve ronique Massenot and illustrator Peggy Nille interpret Kandinsky’s abstract characters as the somnolent visions of a giant who stumbles into a village of microscopic townspeople. Though the villagers initially fear the enormous stranger, they soon discover a gentle soul through his beautiful dreams. With its brightly colored palette and playful drawings, this wonderfully imaginative book echoes Kandinsky’s lively style. As young readers explore the wonders of the miniature villagers’ world and the colossal giant’s imagination, they will be inspired to find their own way around Kandinsky’s enigmatic masterpiece.

There is no single masterpiece in art galleries or with people―we’re all works of art in our own special way!

Our skin tones might all vary;
we’re every shade and hue.
Some people think we look surreal,
and frankly, yes, we do!
But we can make you tilt your head,
and see the world anew.

Pairing bright and engaging illustrations with relatable rhymes, this beautiful hardbound book celebrates diversity while teaching kids about different styles of art: from prehistoric cave art to surrealism, cubism, pop art, and contemporary art.

Includes an appendix that provides brief descriptions of different art styles along with mentions of their most significant works and practitioners to encourage further exploration, including:

• Stonehenge
• the bust of Nefertiti
• Leonardo da Vinci
• Henri Matisse
• Joan Miró
• Rene Magritte
• Roy Lichtenstein
• Pauline Boty
• Rachel Whiteread
• Steve McQueen

Benny Andrews loved to draw. He drew his nine brothers and sisters, and his parents. He drew the red earth of the fields where they all worked, the hot sun that beat down, and the rows and rows of crops. As Benny hauled buckets of water, he made pictures in his head. And he dreamed of a better life—something beyond the segregation, the backbreaking labor, and the limited opportunities of his world.      Benny’s dreams took him far from the rural Georgia of his childhood. He became one of the most important African American painters of the twentieth century, and he opened doors for other artists of color. His story will inspire budding young artists to work hard and follow their dreams.

Growing up in the mountains of Japan, Yayoi Kusama (b. 1929) dreamed of becoming an artist. One day, she had a vision in which the world and everything in it—the plants, the people, the sky—were covered in polka dots. She began to cover her paintings, drawings, sculptures, and even her body with dots. As she grew up, she traveled all around the world, from Tokyo to Seattle, New York to Venice, and brought her dots with her. Different people saw these dots in different ways—some thought they were tiny, like cells, and others imagined them enormous, like planets. Every year, Kusama sees more of the world, covering it with dots and offering people a way to experience it the way she does.

Written by Sarah Suzuki, a curator at The Museum of Modern Art, and featuring reproductions of Kusama’s instantly recognizable artworks, this colorful book tells the story of an artist whose work will not be complete until her dots cover the world, from here to infinity.

A boy takes on a community art project in order to make his neighborhood more beautiful in this empowering and inspiring picture book by Susan Verde, stunningly illustrated by award-winning artist John Parra.

One creative boy.
One bare, abandoned wall.
One BIG idea.

There is a wall in Ángel’s neighborhood. Around it, the community bustles with life: music, dancing, laughing. Not the wall. It is bleak. One boy decides to change that. But he can’t do it alone.

Told in elegant verse by Susan Verde and vibrantly illustrated by John Parra, this inspiring picture book celebrates the power of art to tell a story and bring a community together.

One day, the French artist Henri Matisse cut a small bird out of a piece of paper. It looked lonely all by itself, so he cut out more shapes to join it. Before he knew it, Matisse had transformed his walls into larger-than-life gardens, filled with brightly colored plants, animals, and shapes of all sizes! Featuring cut-paper illustrations and interactive foldout pages, Matisse’s Garden is the inspiring story of how the artist’s never-ending curiosity helped turn a small experiment into a radical new form of art.

One late spring morning the American artist Jackson Pollock began work on the canvas that would ultimately come to be known as Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist).

Award-winning authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan use this moment as the departure point for a unique picture book about a great painter and the way in which he worked. Their lyrical text, drawn from Pollock’s own comments and those made by members of his immediate circle, is perfectly complemented by vibrant watercolors by Robert Andrew Parker that honor his spirit of the artist without imitating his paintings.

A photographic reproduction of the finished painting, a short biography, a bibliography, and a detailed list of notes and sources that are fascinating reading in their own right make this an authoritative as well as beautiful book for readers of all ages.

Action Jackson is a Sibert Honor Book, a New York Times Best Book of the Year, and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.

We all remember what it was like to be a child in a crowded art museum. It was hard to see, let alone appreciate the art. It got tiring. And there was so much else to look at! That’s the lesson of this ingeniously simple yet profound book about art. It is everywhere-from another visitor’s elaborate tattoos to the way the sun makes patterns of light on the floor. While other visitors are busy trying to find their way through the museum’s galleries, or fighting for room to view a masterpiece, our hero examines the gallery upside down from a bench, plays with his shadow, and makes friends with the custodian. With a wink and a nod to serious museum-goers everywhere, Joanne Liu’s whimsical illustrations remind us that sometimes the best kind of art is the kind you make yourself.

From Matthew Burgess, the much-acclaimed author of Enormous Smallness, comes Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring. Often seen drawing in white chalk on the matte black paper of unused advertising space in the subway, Haring’s iconic pop art and graffiti-like style transformed the New York City underground in the 1980s. A member of the LGBTQ community, Haring died tragically at the age of thirty-one from AIDS-related complications. Illustrated in paint by Josh Cochran, himself a specialist in bright, dense, conceptual drawings, this honest, celebratory book honors Haring’s life and art, along with his very special connection with kids.

“Burgess describes Haring discovering Robert Henri’s The Art Spirit in college (“He felt as if the book was speaking directly to him”), encountering the large paintings of Pierre Alechinsky (he was “blown away”), and recognizing a common impulse in dancers at the West Village’s Paradise Garage (“For Keith, drawing and painting were like dancing. He called it ‘mind-to-hand flow’”). Cochran uses a thick black line to suggest Haring’s creations, and renders figures in a Haring-esque style without seeming gimmicky. Of interest to young readers are Haring’s frequent efforts to involve children in mural-making projects. The story, including a respectful acknowledgement of Haring’s death from AIDS, makes the subject seem immediate and real—and presents a compelling vision of answering the call to create.” —Starred Review, Publishers Weekly.

As a boy, Edward Hopper knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up: on the cover of his pencil box, he wrote the words EDWARD HOPPER, WOULD-BE ARTIST. He traveled to New York and to Paris to hone his craft. And even though no one wanted to buy his paintings for a long time, he never stopped believing in his dream to be an artist. He was fascinated with painting light and shadow and his works explore this challenge.

Edward Hopper’s story is one of courage, resilience, and determination. In this striking picture book biography, Robert Burleigh and Wendell Minor invite young readers into the world of a truly special American painter (most celebrated for his paintings “Nighthawks” and “Gas”).

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown and illustrated by John Parra, is based on the life of one of the world’s most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life. 

The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form.

Brown’s story recounts Frida’s beloved pets—two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn—and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal. 

A beautiful, colourful and bold picture book that encourages children to notice the small things, think big, and express themselves! Matisse is a young snail who loves to create beautiful drawings with his trail. The trouble is most of the time people are far too busy to even notice them. It’s only when a child notices Matisse’s beautiful trails that his art is finally celebrated – and they inspire a whole class of children to get creative too!

Step into the colorful world of Henri Matisse and his magnificent paper cutouts in this biography by acclaimed picture book creator Jeanette Winter.

In a small weaving town in France, a young boy named Henri-Emile Matisse drew pictures everywhere, and when he grew up, he moved to Paris and became a famous artist who created paintings that were adored around the world. But late in life a serious illness confined him to a wheelchair, and amazingly, it was from there that he created among his most beloved works–enormous and breathtaking paper cutouts.

Based on the life of Henri Matisse, this moving and inspirational picture book biography includes a note from the author, dynamic quotes from Matisse himself, and an illuminating look at a little-known part of a great artist’s creative process.

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship; he who plants kindness gathers love.” St. Basil the Great.

World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was formed in 1998, to promote kindness throughout the world and is observed annually on November 13 as part of the World Kindness Movement. It is observed in many countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and the U.A.E. World Kindness Day presents us with the opportunity to reflect upon one of the most important and unifying human principles. On a day devoted to the positive potential of both large and small acts of kindness, try to promote and diffuse this crucial quality that brings people of every kind together. https://nationaltoday.com/world-kindness-day/

There are so many things to choose from and act in a kind way not only today but always so you get used to being kind and offer your kindness to everyone aroun you. Kids and teens of our era need to know the importance of kindness and how to apply it on a daily basis, thru small acts of kindness that will transform them in the future in thoughtful human beings.

Here are some beautifully written books on kindness, leaving wonderful messages, empowering little readers with the idea of kindness while portraying different stories. Enjoy the day with online activities while teaching your students online on the various platforms you use.

This vibrant picture book, beautifully illustrated by celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.

Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

From the beloved New York Times bestselling author of Dear Girl, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, a simple and timeless celebration of the power of love.
Little Miss planted a kiss…
One small act of love blooms into something bigger and more dazzling than Little Miss could have ever imagined in this epic journey about life, kindness, and giving.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Peter H. Reynolds team together to share a message of hope and to remind us all of the joys to be gained from being open and unselfish.
Plant a Kiss works to spark the imagination of the youngest readers, but it will also resonate with anyone, such as a new graduate, who responds to the power of planting a kiss.

Grandpa explains that the golden rule is a simple statement on how to live that can be practiced by people of all ages and faiths, then helps his grandson figure out how to apply the rule to his own life. 20,000 first printing!

One of four new book in a series that encourages children to develop social skills in a gentle fun way, from author Jen Porter and illustrator Katie Saunders.

I made Mommy her favorite tea.
I threw Teddy a party.
I loaned Lola my scarf.

I Am Kind!

From loaning someone a scarf to throwing a special friend a party, teach children what being kind looks like―and how great it can make them feel!

Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different. But inside, they are all alike. Stirring words and bold paintings weave their way around our earth, across cultures and generations. At a time when, unfortunately, the lessons of tolerance still need to be learned, Whoever You Are urges us to accept our differences, to recognize our similarities, and-most importantly-to rejoice in both.

When a kindergarten class gets rowdy, Mrs. Ruler knows just what to do.

She’s about to teach a new golden rule:
KINDNESS IS COOL!

Soon the entire class is doing so many good deeds that their kindness bulletin board barely fits their classroom!

From clearing the table after dinner, to helping the elderly, one kindergarten class is proving that kids really can make a difference.

Count along with Mrs. Ruler’s class. Can all their good deeds really add up to 100 acts of kindness?

Acclaimed picture book author Margery Cuyler will inspire children of all ages to have a heart and save the world!

Winner of Mom’s Choice Award, Teacher’s Choice and Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards

A colorful picture book that will warm the hearts of children and adults alike, each of its pages contain endearing examples and vibrant illustrations to inspire children to grow into grateful, caring, and giving people. It provides a wonderful way to calm children before sleep, ease their fears, and help them develop an appreciation for good work. Also included are activity pages to help children practice skills for creating gratitude, compassion, and beauty in daily life.

What Does It Mean to Be Kind? is a rare kindness book for children because it uses a proactive, not reactive, introduction to a conversation about kindness.
Part of the award-winning What Does It Mean to Be…? series, What Does It Mean to Be Kind? explains the idea of kindness in an accessible and understandable way.
Being kind means…
Smiling at the new student in class.
Giving someone a compliment.
Celebrating the differences in others.
When the girl in the red hat finds the courage to be kind to the new student in class, her kindness spreads. Kind act by kind act, her whole community experiences the magical shift that happens when everyone understands―and acts on―what it means to be kind. What Does it Mean to Be Kind? is a teacher must-have for the classroom, and for parents in search of kindness and feelings books for children.

Named a USA Today Best Bet for Educators, this is a book that encourages grace through the smallest gestures. The inspiration for the kindness movement, Random Acts of Kindness is an antidote for a weary world. Its true stories, thoughtful quotations, and suggestions for generosity inspire readers to live more compassionately in this beautiful new edition.

How silently they tumble down And come to rest upon the ground To lay a carpet, rich and rare, Beneath the trees without a care. “Elsie N. Brady”

I was wondering how to welcome this fall in 2020 when so much is going on around the world. I do know people wonder for so many issues coming unexpectedly without any notice and they think life is like a leaf flying here and there, disappearing and changing from gold to yellow and then to orange. There are people of any age and especially kids who travel a lot nowadays, pondering and wandering and searching for a corner to rest and feel the moment of time leaving us.

If you’re shaking like a leaf then you may need to reconsider your potential.

if you linger like a leaf then do take action to go further and don’t think of obstacles.

If you twirl like a leaf then take a breath and think of how life can be in serenity.

If you lie like a leaf on the stack of golden hues you do need to get up and find your life’s menaing.

In case you still wander about leaves and their energy then here are some good children’s books to choose and read aloud on a heap of leaves in the forest. Let the smell and the air fill your nostrils and get to know the magic power autumn leaves carry. Till next Rock Post enjoy the moments you have with your beloved persons and find tranquility in nature with amazing moments of joy! Here is the template for LeafSunCatchers that you will surely find unique! https://www.funathomewithkids.com/2014/08/fall-window-art-leaf-suncatchers-free.html

Handpicked by Amazon kids’ books editor, Seira Wilson, for Prime Book Box – a children’s subscription that inspires a love of reading.

As trees sway in the cool breeze, blue jays head south, and leaves change their colors, everyone knows–autumn is on its way!
Join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says good-bye to summer and welcomes autumn.

The acclaimed interactive picture book about the changing seasons. “Like Hervé Tullet’s Press Here, Matheson’s Tap the Magic Tree proves you don’t need apps for interactivity,” praised the New York Times.

Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it, or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons. Now that’s interactive—and magical!

It begins with a bare brown tree. But tap that tree, turn the page, and one bright green leaf has sprouted! Tap again—one, two, three, four—and four more leaves have grown on the next page. Pat, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and see blossoms bloom, apples grow, and the leaves swirl away with the autumn breeze. The collage-and-watercolor art evokes the bright simplicity of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle and the interactive concept will delight fans of Pat the Bunny. Combining a playful spirit and a sense of wonder about nature, Christie Matheson has created a new modern classic that is a winner in every season—and every story time!

Discover the magic—and the science—behind fall leaves with this companion to the celebrated Raindrops Roll and Best in Snow.

With gorgeous photo illustrations, award-winning author April Pulley Sayre explores the transformation trees undergo in fall. The book takes readers through the leaves’ initial change from green to red, yellow, and orange, the shedding of the leaves, and the leaves crumbling as winter approaches. Extensive back matter explains the science behind this process to the youngest of budding scientists.

Lauren Stringer celebrates the coming of autumn in this exuberant, joyful ode to that magical time when the leaves are changing color and the animals are preparing for winter.

Children and animals alike excitedly anticipate yellow time, when the trees release their colorful leaves to blanket the earth, crows raise their voices joyfully from the bare branches, and squirrels busy themselves preparing their nests for winter. This lyrical celebration of the beauty and fun of autumn is sure to become a perennial fall favorite.

From award-winning author Louise Greig and acclaimed illustrator Júlia Sardà comes an uplifting story about how to confront big emotions.

Ed’s bad mood begins as something really small, hardly a thing at all. But before long it grows, gathers pace, and spreads through the whole town.

Can Ed sweep his troubles away?

Explore AUTUMN in the forest with this lively, interactive Lift-a-Flap Surprise board book! Little ones will love learning all about fall fun in the forest while following an adorable little chipmunk busy collecting walnuts, acorns, and buckeyes prepping for winter. The pumpkins are growing and the trees are full of apples and pears ready for gathering. Nuts of all kinds have covered the forest floor. And one little chipmunk is snug in its burrow. What a wonderful day to be a chipmunk in the forest! A perfect way to celebrate the season with your toddler!

• Look for the Lift-a-Flap Surprise! It’s a Lift-a-Flap and pop-up all in one book!
• Interactive, beautifully illustrated board book with lots to explore ideal for keeping toddlers entertained and engaged.
• Perfectly sized for little hands and fingers to open and close the flaps. Sturdy flaps are extra strong so your little one can open and close again and again without any signs of wear.
• Lifting flaps encourage the use of fine motor skills and the content-rich text builds vocabulary.
• Collect all four books in the SEASONS Lift-a-Flap Surprise series!

“Make a wish, look inside your dish Inside your dish, there’s candy fish Candy fish in chocolatey goo inside the goo are marshmallows too.” (One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish!)

July is here and heat goes up! Nothing better to do than read a book with icecream theme or play games online on making tonnes of icecreams!! https://www.agame.com/games/ice-cream-games

Ice cream’s origins are known to reach back as far as the second century B.C., although no specific date of origin nor inventor has been undisputably credited with its discovery. We know that Alexander the Great enjoyed snow and ice flavored with honey and nectar. Biblical references also show that King Solomon was fond of iced drinks during harvesting. During the Roman Empire, Nero Claudius Caesar (A.D. 54-86) frequently sent runners into the mountains for snow, which was then flavored with fruits and juices.

Over a thousand years later, Marco Polo returned to Italy from the Far East with a recipe that closely resembled what is now called sherbet. Historians estimate that this recipe evolved into ice cream sometime in the 16th century. England seems to have discovered ice cream at the same time, or perhaps even earlier than the Italians. “Cream Ice,” as it was called, appeared regularly at the table of Charles I during the 17th century. France was introduced to similar frozen desserts in 1553 by the Italian Catherine de Medici when she became the wife of Henry II of France. It wasn’t until 1660 that ice cream was made available to the general public. The Sicilian Procopio introduced a recipe blending milk, cream, butter and eggs at Café Procope, the first café in Paris. https://www.idfa.org/the-history-of-ice-cream

Suggested books for our little friends to spend their summer mornings or afternoons.

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Isaac loves the sugar maple in his yard, and he can’t help but feel bad for it when its branches are winter-bare. He decides to give it a gift…and is surprised when the tree returns the favor in the new morning snow, presenting him with balls of…ice cream!

But how long can the magic last with spring on the horizon?

This magical exploration through the colors of the rainbow, the days of the week, and some of our favorite fruits is sure to delight readers of all ages!

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What’s the Scoop?

Americans eat more ice cream than people in any other country (on average 48 pints per person a year). Where did this cool treat come from? And how did its popularity spread? If you’re curious about all things ice cream, this fun, visual 8 x 8 developed with the food curators at the Smithsonian is now on the menu!

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It’s just another summer day until Teddy visits the new ice cream shop in town. Magically, he enters a kingdom of ice cream fountains, whipped cream lanes, and volcanoes that erupt with vanilla fudge! In this land of frosty treats, Teddy rules as the Ice Cream King. He can eat as much ice cream as he’d like, sail an ice cream sea, and even zoom to an ice cream moon. But something very important is missing. What could it be? Dig into this delicious adventure that serves up a gentle lesson in sharing!

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Join Splat and his class on a field trip to an ice cream factory in this delectable I Can Read book from New York Times bestselling author-artist Rob Scotton.

Splat can barely sit still during the bus ride. He’s imagining the mountain of ice cream he thinks he’ll get to eat! But when Splat gets there, that mountain becomes more of an avalanche. It’s up to Splat and his classmates to save the day! Beginning readers will practice the –eam sound in this easy-to-read addition to the Splat series. Splat the Cat: I Scream for Ice Cream is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

Check the following site for more bedtime stories icecream for kids.

https://www.storyberries.com/bedtime-stories-the-worlds-best-ice-cream-stories-for-kids/

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Try this incredible receipe https://www.anightowlblog.com/shark-frenzy-ice-cream/ and have as much icecream as possible.

“Embrace and kiss each other sweetly, lip on lip let friend and foe proclaim, ‘Christ is Risen!” Dionysios Solomos.

You may wish once in your life to come to Greece for the islands and the food but if you don’t experience the Greek Orhtodox Easter you aren’t going to discover the Divine Mystagogy of the Anastasis on Great Saturday and its deep meaning! The following article on the site : https://trigiro.com/traditional-easter-greece/ best describes the ambiance in and out of the church!

Holy Saturday The Eternal Flame arrives to Greece by military jet and priests carry it to their churches. The service starts at 23:00 and people start to gather at their local churches holding the “labatha” (a big candle) that is only used for that Easter midnight service. A few minutes before midnight people and priests gather outside the church and exactly on midnight priests call out “Christos Anesti” (Christ is risen) and pass the holy flame to those nearest him and one passes to another. Fireworks begin to light up the sky and people exchange traditional Easter wishes (“Christos Anesti – Christ is risen and in response, “Alithos Anesti” – truly, He is risen). It is custom to carry the Holy flame back home and smoke the doorframe to bless the house. Once home, family and friends gather to eat the traditional soup “maghiritsa” and crack red eggs that symbolize the opening of the tomb.

Except for my short story that is included in my future to be Anthology, written in Greek, and I post here on my blog, I have chosen some Children’s books on Greek Easter starting with Catherine’s Pascha!written by an exceptional friend, Charlie Riggle!

It’s Pascha, and Catherine is determined to stay awake all night. Can she do it? Will she remember how to say “Christ is risen!” in Russian? Will her best friend Elizabeth remember how to say it in Greek? Will their parents let them play with burning candles, smash hard-boiled eggs, and eat sweets until the sun rises on Pascha?

Check more on Charlie on her blog, an abundant source of info on activities for kids, Greek Orthodox customs plus info on books fro kids with disabilities!https://charlotteriggle.com/pascha-queen-lady-days/

Billy can’t wait for Easter! His family celebrates with special foods, but he looks forward to the most exciting part: cracking red eggs with his family. Billy hopes his egg will be the lucky one so he can have a year of good fortune. But Billy quickly remembers how fortunate he already is. Follow Billy and his family in another holiday adventure as he learns the story behind Easter and some beloved Greek traditions.

This gentle introduction to the biblical account of Jesus’s final days on earth, and Resurrection, is perfect for preschoolers. Lush, colorful illustrations of the Last Supper, Jesus carrying his cross, and the angel in the empty tomb are accessible to little readers who are just learning about Easter. At the end of the book, Easter traditions from around the world are introduced, from Ukrainian painted eggs (Pysanky) to the greeting of the Easter sunrise in the British Isles. It’s a perfect first book about an important holiday for many, and an ideal Easter gift.”

Jesus came to teach people how to love. He came to heal us from everything that hurts us, and to fill our lives with joy, hope, forgiveness, and peace. And the more you get to know Jesus, the more you’ll discover that this can be your life too.

Easter Love Letters from God, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Sophie Allsopp, guides children and families through Holy Week with seven beautifully illustrated Bible stories. Following each story the child will find his or her own letter from God. Children will love the excitement of opening the letters and parents will love how the letters elaborate on the Bible stories being told. Each message gives the child a sense of wonder as they discover what happened leading up to Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. A very special Bible verse, entitled God’s Wonderful Words to You will accompany each story and letter. Much more than a memory verse, each carefully chosen promise will be God’s very own personal words of love, encouragement, and hope.

A sweet and accessible book inspired by a key concept in The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren, that we are created by God to be loved by God. Little One, God Loves You, written by Amy Warren Hilliker and inspired by the New York Times #1 bestseller The Purpose Driven Life, is a cute and cuddly board book that lets children know God made them solely for the purpose of loving them.

Little One, God Loves You:

• Features sweet animal illustrations children will love
• Perfect board book for parent-child read-aloud
• Ideal for children ages 2-5

A New York Times bestseller!

Everyone knows who the Easter Bunny is. Each year, he comes with a basket of painted eggs and chocolates for children. But not everybody knows where he comes from. On a snow-cold day in a snug little house… So begins the true story of the Easter Bunny! With gorgeous and peaceful art, this fresh, innovative story describes how one little rabbit became a legend.

Απόσπασμα από συλλογή Διηγήματων μου για το πιο όμορφο Πάσχα μου! 

Δεν υπάρχει καλύτερος τόπος για τον καθένα μας από το χωριό του, την άνοιξη που οι μυρωδιές των λουλουδιών, του φρεσκοφυτρωμμένου γρασιδιού σε ζαλίζει μαζί με το βουητό της μέλισσας που βιάζεται να αδράξει χυμούς. Δεν υπάρχει καλύτερο χάδι από αυτό το αεράκι που σου ξεδιαλλέγει τα μαλλιά και σε νανουρίζει μαζί με τον μακρόσυρτο ήχο του θροίσματος των φύλλων από κάθε λογής δέντρο. Μέχρι και τα νεογέννητα φυλλαράκια στους κατσαρωτούς θάμνους, τα σκίντα όπως τα ξέρω εγώ, σε καλούν με ένα ρυθμικό καλοσώρισμα να πας κοντά τους και να τα χαιδέψεις.
Δεν υπάρχει καλύτερη ανάμνηση από το Πάσχα στην κορυφή του βουνού με τον παππού Γαβρίλη τον ερημίτη και την γιαγιά Αθανασία,(η οποία κοντεύει τα 97 τώρα αλλά είναι ή ίδια νόνα σε όλα της όπως τότε) σε ένα σπίτι χωρίς ρεύμα και με νερό από την πέτρινη βρύση μακριά από το σπίτι κρυμμένη μες στα εκατόχρονα πλατάνια. Κάθε φορά που γύριζες από την βρύση με το νερό στο μπότι κοίταγες τον κάμπο, σκαλωτά χωράφια,λιβάδια, κατσικούλες, πρόβατα, τα δέντρα με όλες τις αποχρώσεις του πράσινου που καμμιά παλλέτα δεν μπορεί να φτιάξει! Όσο όμως και να απολάμβανες τον ήλιο και το χωράφι του παππού πνιγμένο στις παπαρούνες και τα χαμομήλια να εναλλάσονται και να σε πηγαίνουν ως το λαγκάδι και πάλι πίσω στο μονοπάτι της ανάβασης για το σπίτι, το εκκλησάκι του Αι-Δημήτρη σε καθήλωνε! Ένα απλό εκκλησάκι μες το πουθενά μες την άγρια φύση με ένα μικρό νεκροταφείο αλλά τόσο θαυματουργό μέρος. Η βόλτα μας πρίν την Ανάσταση ήταν να κατέβουμε το μονοπάτι πνιγμένο μες τα αγριόχορτα τις πρασινογάλανες σαυρούλες και τα αγκονάρια , τις πέτρες που ήταν μεγαλύτερες από εμάς. Κατεβαίναμε σχεδόν μπουσουλώντας για να φτάσουμε στο κρυμμένο ξέφωτο και στην λαγκαδιά με το γάργαρο νερό για να πάρουμε μια μικρή ανηφορίτσα και να πάμε να ανάψουμε τα καντήλια μέσα στο εκκλησάκι και έξω στα μνήματα. Οι χωριανοί ξέρανε πως ο Παππούς Γαβρίλης φύλαγε τον Αι-Δημήτρη σαν τα μάτια του. Δεν υπάρχει καλύτερη θύμηση από το Πάσχα όταν ήμουν στο γυμνάσιο, το 1982 θατανε θαρρώ, 38 ολόκληρα χρόνια πρίν! Έπρεπε να πάμε περπατώντας από τον κεντρικό δρόμο που μας άφησε το λεωφορείο, φορτωμένοι με σακκούλες με ψώνια και τα ρούχα μας πάνω στην ανηφόρα, στον χωματόδρομο, μες τα αγκονάρια να γλυστράμε και να περνάμε τα υγρά μονοπάτια, τα μικρά ρυάκια και να βουλιάζουμε στις λάσπες να γινόμαστε χωτοί που λέει και η μάνα μου! Μιάμιση ώρα ανάβαση στην καλύτερη αγκομαχώντας πραγματικά με τα παράπονα στο στόμα,”είναι η τελευταία φορά δεν ξανάρχομαι, να βλέπω τον παππούλη να σβάζει τα αρνιά και να τα γδέρνει μπροστά μας, αντε τώρα να ξεπαγιάσουν τα χέρια μας για να καθαρίσουμετα πατσαλικά, να μαζέψουμε και να βοηθήσουμε να φουρνίσουμε τόσα ταψιά για τους ξένους που θα έρθουν περπατώντας μέσα από τις λαγκαδιές και να κοιμηθούμε χάμω 10 άνθρωποι,θείες,ξαδέλφια στα σαίσματα που δεν θα φτάνουν για όλους.” Κανένα όμως από εμάς τα παιδιά δεν σκεφτόταν αυτά μόλις πήγαινε στον Αι-Δημήτρη, ούτε όταν χάζευε τις ανθισμένες αμυγδαλιες που έκρυβαν το δύσβατο μονοπάτι για το εκκλησάκι. Ξεχνιέται η εικόνα από τα αγριοθύμαρα και τις ίριδες που μας άνοιγαν πέρασμα και δεν τολμούσαμε να τις αγγίξουμε για να μην χαλάσουμε την μαγεία της στιγμής! Δεν ξεχνιέται και το Πάσχα εκείνο που ο παππάς θα ερχόταν κατά τις 9 με 10 το βράδυ για να ψάλλει την Ανάσταση για εμάς πρώτα μιας και έτσι είχε συμφωνήσει με τον παππού, αλλά όσο και να βγαίναμε στο ύψωμα με το φακό δεν τον βλέπαμε να έρχεται μες το σκοτάδι. Κάπως έτσι πήραμε την απόφαση και φύγαμε όλοι μες το πετροσκόταδο, με τους ήχους της νυχτιάς για συντροφιά και ακολουθώντας ο ένας πίσω από τον άλλο πήγαμε και ψάλλαμε το Χριστός Ανέστη, προσκυνήσαμε τις εικόνες, ο αδελφός μου ο Δημήτρης χτυπούσε την μικρή ασημένια καμπάνα χωρίς σταματημό, κάτω από έναν ουρανό που μας έλουζε από το φως! Τι και αν είμαστε εμείς και ο Θεός μες την ερημιά με τον θείο Φίλιππα να ρίχνει σκάστρες ανελέητα στο μικρό προαύλιο για τα χρόνια πολλά! Γιορτάσαμε την Ανάσταση μέσα από την αγαλλίαση της ψυχής και το μύρο της φύσης που μέσα στην νυχτιά έγινε λάμψη φωτός και χαράς. Καλή Ανάσταση όπου και να είστε και με όποιες συνθήκες και να βιώνετε, μην χάσετε την χαρμόσυνη Ανάσταση και το κάλεσμα για Ζωή και Ανάσταση πραγματική!

“With every falling flake,a unique spark from interest falls from Heaven.” Percy Miller

Icy crystal droplets on ground and tree branches,

light’s shafts bringing life,

crystals in different shapes

freeze and thaw

with the wind’s subtle touch.

Fed by the cold air,

shadowed by the icy branches.

Copyright Agatha Rodi

Winter welcomes the New Year, 2020 with snow flurries and snow qualls or thundersnow. Wherever you live on this beautiful planet, remember to enjoy the new day coming with promises and hope. Frost on the grass and the edges of petals, the hoarfrost loosely attached to leaves and branches. Featherly crystals on birch trees and ferns. Snow carpets on sleepy Greek forests and slopes!

KALAVRYTA slopes, Achaia, Greece.

Enjoy nature and love the moment along with my last post for this year choosing children’s books you will adore reading.

“Of all the forms of water the tiny six-pointed crystals of ice called snow are incomparably the most beautiful and varied.” — Wilson Bentley (1865-1931)
From the time he was a small boy in Vermont, Wilson Bentley saw snowflakes as small miracles. And he determined that one day his camera would capture for others the wonder of the tiny crystal. Bentley’s enthusiasm for photographing snowflakes was often misunderstood in his time, but his patience and determination revealed two important truths: no two snowflakes are alike; and each one is startlingly beautiful. His story is gracefully told and brought to life in lovely woodcuts, giving children insight into a soul who had not only a scientist’s vision and perseverance but a clear passion for the wonders of nature. Snowflake Bentley won the 1999 Caldecott Medal.

Bear never asks for anything. So when a letter arrives for the little chipmunk Izzy, urgently requesting her presence, she can’t refuse–even if there is a blizzard on the way! This heartwarming tale of friendship from bestselling author Brian Lies will melt even the chilliest of hearts.

Bear never asks for anything. So when she sends a note to Izzy urgently requesting her presence, Izzy can’t refuse! But a blizzard begins and slows Izzy’s progress.  As the snow accumulates, so do her friends, helping her on her way to Bear’s place.  
This heartwarming tale from best-selling author and illustrator Brian Lies shows readers the rewards of counting on friends to get you through, snowstorm or not.

In this almost wordless picture book, a host of woodland creatures take a child’s sled for a nighttime joy ride. Their whimsical ride is gorgeously depicted in bold watercolor, complemented by humorous expressions and pitch-perfect sound effects. With a timeless tone and classic characters, RED SLED will become a wintertime favorite.

From Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes and acclaimed painter Laura Dronzek, the bestselling and award-winning creators of When Spring Comes and In the Middle of Fall, this picture book about winter celebrates the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Snow falls, animals burrow, and children prepare for the wonders winter brings. Caldecott Medalist and award-winning author Kevin Henkes’s striking text introduces basic concepts of language and the unique beauty of the winter season. Laura Dronzek’s expressive paintings beautifully capture the joyful wonders of winter.

This is an engaging companion to the best-selling When Spring Comes and In the Middle of Fall. Winter Is Here is an ideal choice for story time, seasonal curriculums, and bedtime reading.

From bestselling author-illustrator Keith Baker, explore the wondrous world of winter in this charming story now available as a Classic Board Book!

No two snowflakes are alike,
almost, almost . . .
but not quite.

Follow a pair of birds on a snowflake-filled journey though a gorgeous winter landscape to explore how everything everywhere is wonderfully unique—from branches and leaves to forests and trees to friends and loved ones.

One cold morning a lonely boy wishes for something to do. His animal friends are hibernating, and he has nobody to play with―even all the birds have flown south. When he meets Jack Frost, the last thing he expects is to make a new friend . . . or to discover how enchanting winter can be!

Look out. Now look up. From the sky one flake falls, then another. And just like that—it’s snowing.In this beautiful book from debut creator Bomi Park, a young girl wakes up to the year’s first snowy day. From her initial glimpse out the window to her poignant adventures—rolling a snowman, making snow angels—the girl’s quiet quests are ones all young readers will recognize. Simple, muted text and exquisite, evocative art conjure the excitement of a day spent exploring the wonder of snow—and the magic that, sometimes literally, such a day brings. As subtly joyful as a snow day itself, this book will find its home in the hearts of young adventurers everywhere.

Blizzard is based on John Rocco’s childhood experience during the now infamous Blizzard of 1978, which brought fifty-three inches of snow to his town in Rhode Island. Told with a brief text and dynamic illustrations, the bookopens with a boy’s excitement upon seeing the first snowflake fall outside his classroom window. It ends with the neighborhood’s immense relief upon seeing the first snowplow break through on their street. In between the boy watches his familiar landscape transform into something alien, and readers watch him transform into a hero who puts the needs of others first. John uses an increasing amount of white space in his playful images, which include a gatefold spread of the boy’s expedition to the store. This book about the wonder of a winter storm is as delicious as a mug of hot cocoa by the fire on a snowy day.

Best wishes for a prosperous 2020 with Health, Success and Gratitutde to others! Till next Rock Post:

Amelie Gets Busy! Thank you for the reviews!

	Sweet Rhyming Story Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2019, by LUZDELMES Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase Amelia seems impressed with all the wonders around her at the village’s farm with her Greek grandma, yiayia. Visiting Grandma is an opportunity to enjoy nature, flowers, plants, birds and farm animals. The lovely yiayia protects Amelia with affection and care. The children story ends with a fond display of yiayia’s favorite keepsake box where she keeps the reason to be impressed of farm’s life. The author Agatha Rodi uses elegant rhymes to make the story dances with poetic structure. Soft pastel illustrations depict the simple and beautiful gardening and farming’s life style. I highly recommend this book for children ages 5-8 years old.   Jonathan  after a long and full day of gardening and eating delicious foods – like pink crusted biscuit cake – Amelie takes some of … January 6, 2016 Young Amelie is very impressed! She announces this right up front, in case there was any doubt, but to discover by what exactly she is impressed, one must read on.   Amelie spends her days in the village farm with her yiayia – Greek for ‘grandma’ – and with all of the plants and birds and animals therein. She is a bit trepidatious at first, but yiayia is there to comfort her and to show her the wonders of life in this small, Greek village. The flowers, the hedgehogs, the birds feeding their young, they all contain wonder. Here I come, blooming garden! Oh, I am so impressed! Finally, after a long and full day of gardening and eating delicious foods – like pink crusted biscuit cake – Amelie takes some of the treasures she has collected and forms a keepsake box so that she can keep the wonderful – and impressive! – memories. A jay of yiayia’s favorite cherry jam Some pieces of spinach pie and feta cheese Full of spices and crispy dough. I always take my village with me, The blue light and the hues of the rainbow That make me say wow! That’s why I’m so impressed!

Kristi In this charming picture book, Amelie spends a day at the village farm and is impressed by all that she sees. The animals trees, the garden, and the food is impressive to her. The love between her and her grandmother is evident throughout this book. The illustrations are nicely done. Good read!

Lisa’s Book Reviews  Lovely Story Written In Poem June 24, 2015 A story set in rhyming poetry with a young girl named Amelie, who becomes impressed with all she sees in the village of her grandmother’s farm. Chickens and pigs greet her. At first she is afraid. Her grandmother is close by to protect her and reassure her the animals mean no harm, they merely wish to be fed. There are beautiful birds flying overhead while bees buzz to drink from a garden with roses. A hedgehog Amelie sees when watering the roses she believes is cute and adorable. She takes time to eat a piece of luscious cake. Amelie is so impressed with all she sees, hears, and now knows. To learn what else she becomes impressed about you’ll have to read the book. As this story is written in the form of poetry, it is a creative art whereby its words are an inspiration and beauty expressed in the most joyful collection of words having underlying meaning and a show of thought and feeling. The artwork is soft and kind, adding just the right feel to the storyline. As this story is written about a Grecian young girl, the words are of that culture and the reader can experience a touch of Grecian life through the eyes of Amelie, who enjoys her very first visit to her grandmother’s farm.

Evi rated it it was amazing

“Amelie gets Busy!” is a simple, yet powerful poem about Amelie and her “yiayia”. Living in a fast-paced world, Amelie’s story is a colorful reminder of the small, everyday joys of life. And every time Amelie is presented with a new surprise, she smiles with us “I’m impressed”! Garden trees, hedgehogs, roses, eggplants, rosemary and basil come together to give Amelie the perfect treat in this delightful poem that celebrates life!

Educating the Mind without educating the Heart is no Education at all.(Aristotle)

The First Day of  School seems to be the milestone in a student’s life. Every student develops a different approach about school, either becoming excited or really apprehensive of the surroundings and the teacher who invades his life. Reading picture books aloud with your child about starting school is a good way to prepare the student to be, for the challenge ahead. Through the stories about School, students start realizing what happens in a school day and what to expect.  So this means less stress and more self-esteem while being away from familiar surroundings.

• Once school starts students have to know before hand about that new transition in their life. Activities related to the new program they have to follow every day is a good way to make them feel secure about this new change.
• Organisation is another way to make students think of preparing their own bag, take the initiative in doing so, is a major step to become independent and take on responsibility. Organisation is a good example of being taught to deal with school demands in the future, even placing their lunch box is an easy and practical way to have a task to complete.

Thinking of those students with learning difficulties or special needs then both parents and teachers need to work together on an individual learning plan. Teaching charismatic students with Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, the last ten years, has taught me that the teacher has to comply with the student’s existing skills, set realistic goals to make progress happen, and modify the curriculum as many times as it is needed. Reading aloud, incorporating drawing and painting is a good strategy to help the student find his path in the learning process.There are no magic tricks, the teacher has to be aware of the student’s strengths and weaknesses and promote reading by choosing specific books that attract his interest.

I hope the new School year brings the best results and that teachers help students to trace their strong points, love books and show their creativity. Till next Rock Post, have a good start, enjoy the books below and have fun at school, all year round!

It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him?

The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he’s not the only one going through first-day jitters.

Rosie can’t wait to start kindergarten—she’s had her pencils sharpened and her backpack ready for weeks. But suddenly, on the night before the big day, her tummy hurts. Rosie’s mom reassures her that it’s just butterflies in her belly, and she’ll feel better soon. Much to Rosie’s surprise, when she says hello to a new friend on the bus, a butterfly flies out of her mouth! As the day goes on, Rosie frees all her butterflies, and even helps another shy student let go of hers, too.

A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten, by the Newbery Honor-winning author of Crown.

The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head–like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone–and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements–and then wake up to start another day.
     Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes’s empowering story will give new kindergarteners a reassuring confidence boost, and Vanessa Brantley-Newton’s illustrations exude joy.

Award-winning poet Alexander compares reading a book to peeling the gentle skin of a clementine, digging in to its juiciness, enjoying it “piece by piece, part by part,” until you can “watch a novel world unfurl right before your eyes.” And who better to illustrate this delicious poem than Caldecott Honoree Sweet. The artwork is done in watercolor, gouache, mixed media, handmade and vintage papers, found objects including old book covers, and a paint can lid. Not a splash of color, a piece of paper, or a line is out of place. Starting with the initial collage that incorporates the building blocks of reading (the letters A to Z) and the lines from a poem by Nikki Giovanni that careful readers will have to pay attention to see, the tone is set. “So get/real cozy/between/the covers/And let your/fingers wonder/as they wander…” for there is much to relish in this poem and its exuberant images. “Squeeze/every morsel/of each plump line/until the last/drop of magic/drips from the infinite sky.” The book includes a note from both the poet and the artist. VERDICT A beautiful book not to be rushed through, but to be enjoyed morsel by tasty morsel.

This humorous new book in the beloved HOW TO . . . series takes readers through a fun and busy school year. Written in tongue-in-cheek instructional style, a class of adorable students gives tips and tricks for getting a teacher ready—for the first day of school, and all the events and milestones that will follow (picture day, holiday concert, the 100th day of school, field day!). And along the way, children will see that getting their teacher ready is really getting themselvesready. Filled with charming role-reversal humor, this is a playful and heartwarming celebration of teachers and students, and the perfect gift for back-to-school readiness or graduation.

Spend the day at school and join the little girl in everything she does in a day—from breakfast to bedtime. Meet her classmates and try to spot what each friend is up to in every lesson throughout the book. Can you guess what they want to be when they grow up? This reassuring introduction to the school day for little ones has bright, friendly artwork and is perfect for children about to go off to school for the first time.

National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.

There will be times when you walk into a room
and no one there is quite like you.

There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. 

Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael López’s dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.

A delightfully funny story that will reassure every child anxious about starting a new school or nursery.

Bears are clumsy. They don’t sit still. They’re much, much bigger than teachers – and they eat SUCH a lot of lunch! Yes, taking a bear to school is a BAD idea. But will this little boy find the courage to face the first day of school alone?

With so much to do, like painting, dressing up, storytime, and making new friends, he just might! And Bear? He’ll always be waiting at the end of the day, with a great big hug!

In this exuberant companion to If I Built a Car, a boy fantasizes about his dream school–from classroom to cafeteria to library to playground.

My school will amaze you. My school will astound.
By far the most fabulous school to be found!
Perfectly planned and impeccably clean.
On a scale, 1 to 10, it’s more like 15!
And learning is fun in a place that’s fun, too.

If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court in the gym, a robo-chef to serve lunch in the cafeteria, field trips to Mars, and a whole lot more. The inventive boy who described his ideal car and house in previous books is dreaming even bigger this time.

A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids.

Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other’s traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.

Sweet Moon, I thank thee for thy sunny beams. Shakespeare (Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Last night Moon’s dazzling light from my balcony made it seem almost as radiant as the sun, and turned our night into a never-ending twilight. Archaeological sites throughout Greece stayed open well after midnight, the  entrance was free, for visitors to enjoy the beauty. Lucky those who saw the brilliant white marble of the Acropolis, glowing in the moonlight, or the moon, hanging low over the sea and spent the night on the Aegean beaches. A recent article on Smithsonianmag refers to the Greek Philosopher Anaxagoras and useful info on the Moon.

”Close to the north pole of the moon lies the crater Anaxagoras, named for a Greek philosopher who lived in the fifth century B.C. The eponym is fitting, as Anaxagoras the man was one of the first people in history to suggest the moon was a rocky body, not all too dissimilar from Earth. Streaks of material thrown out during the impact that formed the crater extend 560 miles southward to the rim of another crater, this one named for Plato.” https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/ancient-greek-philosopher-was-exiled-claiming-moon-was-rock-not-god-180972447/

If you ever happen to visit Greece in August, do take part in the festivities, including singing, dancing, musical performances and poetry reading, food abundant and wine flowing, under the light of the moon. Down below find and buy for your little children one of the amazing books I suggest and enjoy the beautiful illustrations as well as text! Best summer wishes till my next Rock Post!

From writer Stacy McAnulty and illustrator Stevie Lewis, Moon! Earth’s Best Friend is a light-hearted nonfiction picture book about the formation and history of the moon―told from the perspective of the moon itself.

Meet Moon! She’s more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she’s always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial “autobiography” in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

A richly illustrated guide to the myths, histories, and science of the celestial bodies of our solar system, with stories and information about constellations, planets, comets, the northern lights, and more. 

Combining art, mythology, and science, What We See in the Stars gives readers a tour of the night sky through more than 100 magical pieces of original art, all accompanied by text that weaves related legends and lore with scientific facts. This beautifully packaged book covers the night sky’s most brilliant features–such as the constellations, the moon, the bright stars, and the visible planets–as well as less familiar celestial phenomena like the outer planets, nebulae, and deep space. Adults seeking to recapture the magic of youthful stargazing, younger readers interested in learning about natural history and outer space, and those who appreciate beautiful, hand-painted art will all delight in this charming book.

When the day has ended and everyone else has fallen asleep, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure with his friend the Moon. Their unusual journey is described in lyrical verse, creating a enchanting story that celebrates the serene beauty of the world at night. Jay’s trademark oil paintings with their crackled finish reveal charming details not mentioned in the verse: the moon loses one of its red slippers on the church steeple, for instance, and the boy recovers it in the next spread. The artist successfully marries the cool royal blue of the evening sky with the warm orange-reds of the buildings, many of which seem alive (two arched windows and a clock on the church tower form a face), alongside trees that appear to dance on curvy trunks. Boy and moon eventually link arms and accompany each other to their respective realms: the moon descends to skip across a bridge with the boy; boy and moon sail over a playground, and readers are treated to a bird’s-eye–view of a fanciful landscape. Endnotes for this soothing lunar lullaby contain facts about the moon’s phases and nocturnal animals.

nnie is preparing for Career Day at school, and is trying to follow her teacher’s directive to keep her career choice a secret. Every evening she works on her costume while her family asks for hints. Grandpop gives her a camera in hopes she will aspire to be a journalist like him. Grandma tells her about her days winning awards for her desserts and lets Annie borrow her mixing bowl and oven mitts. Dad is convinced that she’ll wants to be a mountain climber like him; and when Mom asks for a hint, she gives Annie some high-top sneakers hoping Annie will be a basketball player like she is. Annie does not commit to any of her family members’ career choices, but in the end shows that she can blend something from everyone and make it her own. Readers will have no doubt that Annie is well equipped to follow her dream to travel into space. The illustration of her room shows planets hanging from the ceiling, stars and moons on her bedspread and tissue box, space posters on the walls, and a telescope for stargazing. Tadgell’s watercolor illustrations are kid-friendly and complementary to Slade’s concise storytelling. Back matter gives a short biography of four female astronauts, information about the phases of the moon, and a list of sources to learn more. 

On time for the fiftieth anniversary of the moon landing, this father-daughter story celebrates a small community’s big contribution to one of America’s greatest accomplishments.

Marthanne and her father sit side by side, looking out over their mill village as the moon glows in the sky. Marthanne hopes that one day, man will walk on the moon, and she knows her father is helping America accomplish this mission: The fabric he weaves forms one layer in the astronauts’ spacesuits. Papa insists he’s only making a living, but Marthanne knows his work is part of history, and she’s proud. She tries to be patient, but she can’t stop imagining the moon mission: the astronauts tumbling through space, the fabric her papa made traveling all the way up into the sky. When the astronauts blast off and Neil Armstrong finally takes his first steps on the moon, Marthanne watches in wonder. She knows her papa put a man on the moon.

A stunning picture book that addresses the question: do any of us “own” nature?

 When a curious cat asks the question, “Whose moon is that?”, a panoply of animals try to stake their claim. The wolf, the owl, and the starry sky all have their reasons, but the moon ultimately answers for herself — her light is meant to be shared by everyone.  Many stake a claim on the orb, from a bird, a bear, and a wolf to a tree, a mountain, and the starry sky. In the end, the moon says it shines “for one and all, and none, throughout eternity.” Told in the “Alouette” verse form, this is an original tale. Full spreads bring the nocturnal world alive, with the night sky backgrounds in watercolor with a palette that incorporates the magical colors and movement of the aurora borealis. Each spread focuses on one particular subject and its connection with the moon. Krans’s signature intricate pen-and-ink illustrations are larger-than-life, such as an image of a bear looking straight at readers, the moon dropping behind her as she says she found the moon first and doesn’t “like to share.”

Kim Krans’s stunning ink-and-watercolor illustrations beautifully illuminate this simple exploration of our relationship to the world around us and our place in it.

“In this playful book, the anthropomorphized moon watches humans from afar and eagerly notes as they invent the first airplane, build rockets and prepare to take the first tentative steps on her surface. Through text and informative back matter, young readers learn fascinating facts about the moon, astronauts and the space program.