I Took the Moon for a Walk gets 4 Stars {picture book}

It's been a big week for the moon here in America.  A Solar Eclipse is basically the moon in all of it's glory blocking out the big show-off aka the sun.  Here in Arizona we got a whopping 63% solar eclipse coverage, but a few of my siblings were in 100% coverage for the solar eclipse took some great pictures and had a spectacular experience they say.  

With the moon being the cool kid as of late, I figured it was only appropriate to share this fun picture book. 

I Took the Moon for a Walk by Carolyn Curtis and Alison Jay is a sweet picture book with flowery language about a boy that takes the moon for a walk aka how the moon moves across the sky.

I Took the Moon for a Walk gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review.  I thought the pictures were great, and I loved the extra information about the moon and the plants and animals that are nocturnal.  It wasn't until I read the back of this book that there are plants that are nocturnal.  The rhyming words give this book a good rhythm, and the descriptive language would make this book an excellent choice for a 3rd grade class (b/c they learn about the moon, space, sun, planets,etc.) Six Traits Word Choice writing lesson.  

To be honest, there isn't anything that I didn't like about this book.  I felt it was a nice book; but it wasn't as spectacular as the eclipse was for some.  I'm not sure 1st grade and under would appreciate the descriptive language and therefore struggle to get into the story.  They may even find it difficult to understand.  Though, older than 3rd grade would think this book is a bit childish.  Therefore, the small target audience makes this book a bit difficult to rave about. 

Overall, it's a sweet story that could be a good addition to your collection if you study the moon.  However, it isn't something I'd rush out to buy. 

Happy Sweet and Almost Lyrical reading! 

I Took the Moon for a Walk by Carolyn Curtis
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 7 - 8 year olds, 2nd and 3rd grade.
Worth a Check Out: Yes, check it out.
Buy It or Not: Not.
Read Aloud: If learning about moons and space this could be a fun one, along with How to Catch a Star 
Lesson Ideas: Moon, Rhyming, Personification


I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my review and honest opinion.  All of my thoughts, opinions, and words are my own.

Franky gets 4 Stars {Picture Book}

I love the vibrant colors and illustration style of Franky by Leo Timmers.  This book was originally published in Amsterdam, but this year it came to America.  

I give Franky 4 out of 5 Stars in my book review. This book has a lot of really great things going for it, and it is a fun story toddlers to 2nd or 3rd grade, boys and girls alike, will enjoy. 

I love the modern and vibrant illustrations that seem to pop; the style of Timmers illustrations really is high quality and perfect for kids.  

I love that Franky builds a robot; I love seeing creativity, STEM, and ingenuity in characters; I want kids to read books like this and be inspired to build and create. 

I like the fun robots that come.  I think the storyline is just fun, and that Franky is able to convince his parents that  robots are on other planets.  I love that Franky and his parents bond well at the end of the story.  

All in all there is a lot to enjoy with Franky.  Leo Timmers did a really great job with the story and pictures, and I love that he didn't let the details fall to the wayside.  Check out the endpapers.  I love awesome endpapers; they add to the story and set the vibrant fun theme for the story.    

The only aspect of the story I didn't love, and it is a bigger deal, is the fact that there is no real deeper lesson or moral to the story.  It's a fun story, but it's not a wow or impactful story.  

Amazon has the follow book review from School Library Journal:  

"Sam, a boy infatuated with robots, is driven by his desire to prove that robots live on another planet and are just waiting to visit Earth. The cartoon artwork draws readers into the story with vivid graphic design in retro hues, creating an atmosphere of toys from the past. The simple text is enhanced by illustrations that extend the story, filling the space with the strong passions of Sam and his collection of robots and all things space and science fiction. Dialogue is conveyed in colorful text bubbles, exposing both the story line and the emotions of the characters. Once Sam and his robot realize it is time for the robot to go "home," the blue background spread conveys their friendship in both speech bubbles with Sam mirroring the robot's dialogue (done in lines and circles), balanced on the adjacent page by a tear-filled hug between the two friends as they say goodbye. Smart use of white space, along with well-balanced placement of text and illustrations, offers a fun, robot-filled friendship tale. VERDICT This well-crafted picture book will appeal to all young inventors who just want to believe in the impossible."

My son is a builder; he loves this story and the colors in this book. Do you have a little builder in your life?  This could be a great gift for your little builder. 
  
Happy Robot Building Alien Visiting Picture Book Reading!

I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my honest review.  All words, thoughts, and opinions are my own. 

Cola Fountains and Spattering Paint Bombs get 3.5 Stars {Non-Fiction} {Hands-On Science}

If you are anything like my husband you do not allow kids to have sparklers for the 4th of July or any other holidays, and you look for other ways to get a fun "Wow!" factor from them so you turn to science.  If you are anything like me you think science is so fun and any "project" (as my kids call it) is fun to do on a daily basis.

I was lucky enough to have Myrick Marketing send me Cola Fountains and Spattering Paint Bombs by Jesse Goossens and Linde Faas, a fun hands-on science experiment book to review.  My thoughts and review are my own, and as you can see from the above picture I was all about tabbing aka post-it note marking the fun experiments I wanted to do and had the supplies for already.  

More than a few times a week I would pull out this book and select another fun learning activity to do with my kids. We even did at least one experiment, if not more, during play dates my preschoolers had.  My kids and their friends loved seeing grapes spark like firecrackers, M&Ms lose their M's, and soda pop erupt like a volcano.  Even my husband and I enjoyed the fun science activities and found actually doing these activities to be easy and painless which is not always the case with "learning activities."

I give Cola Fountains and Spattering Paint Bombs 3.5 out of 5 Stars in my book review.  You may think it is weird that I was praising and commenting how much fun we've had with this book, but yet I took one and a half stars away.  However, those that truly know me know that I am tough critic/reviewer; I really pick things apart.  I feel this makes you more knowledgeable in what you check-out and/or purchase for a personal library or a library collection. 

Overall, I think the experiments are fun and easy to do b/c the supplies are common.  I liked the pictures and thought they were fun; however, they didn't add to the explanations as much as I would've liked.  Though that is a personal preference and what I am used to; it doesn't mean that is how it always needs to be done.  I really like the Why It Works section with each experiment.  Being able to explain to kids why something did what it did is great and really brings in the "learning" aspect.  I also really liked that these experiments are fun for a wide range of ages.  My toddlers and preschoolers enjoyed this as much as middle school kids would. The only difference with ages is the young kids need parent or teacher help and the older kids could do all of the fun activities themselves.  

      

There were a few reasons why this book lost some star points.  I felt the experiment instructions were unclear at times.  This may because it was originally published in Dutch.  I felt the format was unique as far as science experiments go, but it was more difficult than if they had used the more common recipe like format or had numbered instructions.  I also wish every experiment would describe what is supposed to happen, otherwise you feel a little lost.  Some experiments tell you, or the title of the experiment lets you know what is supposed to happen, but not all of them.  This was frustrating at times.  For example, the experiment Elephant Toothpaste sounds cool, but I have no idea what the end result is supposed to be.  My last change for the book would be to include a short paragraph about the author and illustrator.  It is always nice to feel a connection with who wrote and illustrated the book. 

All in all, if you are looking for a STEM or science activitiy book for your classroom or home this is a good choice.  It's good, but it isn't great. Though more than a few of the 47 experiments are my favorite among the many "Science Experiment Books" I've checked out. The Grape Firecracker was really awesome!  

Amazon had the following book description: 

"Bring STEM home with this colorful collection of science experiments that use everyday household objects. Turn your home or garden into a laboratory and create paint bombs and elephant toothpaste, let crystals grow, volcanoes erupt and CDs fly, build your own lava lamp, and discover how you can bounce an egg. Jesse Goossens has collected 47 spectacular, exciting, and sensational experiments with clear instructions and helpful information presented in a graphic way. Illustrator Linde Faas has exploded her palette to introduce even more giggles. The result is a festive book for budding inventors and other sorcerers' apprentices. Parental supervision recommended."

Do you have a favorite science experiment?  I'd love to hear what fun learning activities you do with your kids.  

Happy Doing Science Experiments and Fun Learning Activities!

Smiles to Go gets 4 Stars

Jerry Spinelli's book Stargirl was one of my first children literature books that I absolutely feel in love with.  It was also my go to class read aloud book for the beginning of the year.  The boys and the girls in the class all ended up loving it even though the boys were not excited about reading a book with girl in the title.  It's a great book on being yourself and treating others with kindness; seriously so so good. 

Ever since that day I read and fell in love with Stargirl I have anxiously read every Spinelli book I've come across.  I own A LOT of them.  

Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli earned 4 out of 5 stars in my book review of this realistic children's/juvenile literature novel.  I really liked Smiles to Go.  I felt the writing was good and the typical classic quality Spinelli storytelling with excellent character development.  He's an excellent author.  

This realistic fiction chapter book would be perfect for 4th-8th grade boys or girls alike.  However, I think avid readers independently or a class read aloud or literature circle would benefit and enjoy this more than a reluctant reader.  There is some science in this chapter book, and there are a lot of inferring needed to really capture the depth of this novel. 

I think a lot of kids could relate to Will, the main character/narrator.  He has a little sister who likes to bug him, school teachers always asking questions and giving assignments, friends to have fun with, parents who love him, and even a girl he likes but doesn't know how to behave or act around her.  

Will has a little sister who he loves and she loves him, but just like a typical kid his age he doesn't recognize that love until she's hurt.  Will at the beginning of the novel just thinks his sister likes to drive him bonkers and annoy him, but by the end of the novel he learns that that her actions were ways to express her love for him.  Many readers may be able to see Will's relationship with his sister and make connections with his or her own sibling and family relationships.

All in all, I really liked Smiles to Go and think it is a great story.  I think the writing, story, and characters are great.  The main reasons the story lost a star in my book review is b/c there were a few slow parts and the story didn't wow me. 

This may not be a book I'd recommend to a reluctant reader, but I would fully recommend Smiles to Go as a class read aloud, literature circle discussion book, or independent read for an avid reader especially with those that love science. 

Amazon had the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"Will Tuppence is a sensible kid, good at science, with an average social life and a loud-mouthed little sister, Tabby, whom he does his very best to avoid. But when he learns that scientists have recorded the first instance of proton decay, his logical mind goes into free fall contemplating the implications. When, soon after, he catches his friends Mi-Su and BT kissing, his confusion skyrockets. Does he like Mi-Su himself? Would Mi-Su kiss him? Does it even matter now that all protons in the universe are impermanent? But the point of the story is not proton decay; nor is it the uncertainty that the phenomenon represents—as manifested in Will's life via the love triangle. The story ultimately hinges on Tabby, and Will's relationship with her. Events transpire to remind him of its centrality, around which his daily life and his very identity orbit. With narrative that is fast moving and often laugh-out-loud funny, this book would make an excellent addition to any collection. Short sentences and brief chapters make it a good pick for even reluctant readers. Spinelli lives up to his well-established precedent of stories full of warmth, humor, and memorable characters. Tabby, though at times slightly unbelievable in her precociousness, is a comical and endearing creation. Will's teenage insecurities, overanalyzing, and mood swings are entirely believable, and readers empathize fully with him while willing him to step outside himself and look around at what he has."

Happy Realistic Fiction with a Fun Science Aspect in Juvenile/Kid/Children's Literature or chapter book reading!


What are you reading?



One random note, in the book Smiles to Go, the character name the night before Halloween, October 30th, to be Mischief Night where pranks are pulled.  I'd never heard that before; am I in the dark or is that fictional just like the book? 

That day, October 30th, is the birthday of my youngest daughter who is plenty feisty and fun: i can see her really loving knowing that in a few years if she's anything like her feisty prank loving mom.  

Kinda fun and random, right?! :)

Disgusting Books Kids Love

Kids can be gross.  I'm sure I'm not the only mom that has seen their kids pick their noses let alone attempt to eat those nasty boogers.  I have friends who has had their kids complete masterful artwork pieces on the walls with their own poop.  I have heard of kids peeing in the corner of their room on the carpet.  All very gross and disgusting things.    

Kids are gross; gross and disgusting are perfect ways to get reluctant readers aka kids who don't like to read reading.

If your kid doesn't like to read they haven't found the right book.  Don't give up.  Keep trying. 

Today, I'm embracing the gross and bringing you five awesome books, all non-fiction aka true facts, your kids, boys and girls alike, will love.  Kids, and big kids (adults), will love reading these books.  They will learn awesome disgusting and revolting things about vomit, poop, our own bodies, bugs, animals, and much more, and they will want to share all of those gross and nasty things they learned with you.  It'll be fun!

Since school has not quite started, you might as well finish the summer, or start the school year off with a bang with some great books kids will happily dive into.  It's all about getting a little gross.   

Disgusting Science Books Kids Will Love

The Worm by Elise Gravel

This book is a series, Disgusting Creatures series, with creatures such as the slug, fly, spider, rat, head lice, and more.  I love the simple and fun pictures/illustrations, and the text that goes along with it is super as well.  

These books are great and enjoyed by the toddlers up through 5th grade at least.  

Get the Scoop on Animal Puke by Dawn Cusick

This may be a gross thought, but it is incredibly informative with a good text to picture layout.  The real pictures are great.  It's all around great, but disgusting book.

Kids in grades 3rd through 6th, or higher even, will enjoy this best. 

Get the Scoop on Animal Poop by Dawn Cusick

Just like the previously listed book, but this one is all about poop.  Fascinating and gross and all around well done informational/non-fiction book. 

Kids in 3rd though 6th will love this best. 

Blood and Guts by Linda Allison

Human bodies are fun, interesting, and very applicable to read about such as noisy tummies are healthy tummies.  This is an older book, so the color pictures are not present, but it is still a fun and engaging book kids love. 

Best for kids in 3rd through 6th grade.

Disgusting Science: A Revolting Look at WhatMakes Things Gross by Glenn Murphy 

This series is gross and engaging and exactly what kids love to read about like snot and human bodies.  

Kids in grade 2nd through 5th grade will love this non-fiction book series. 

Get your kiddos involved and engaged and reading something disgusting. 

Happy Disgustingly Gross Book reading! 

Batman Science Series gets 3 Stars

Batman and the real world science behind all of the cool gadgets and tools he has sounds like a pretty fantastic book concept.  To be honest, I think it is an awesome concept for a book.  However, this particular book series just missed the mark a bit.

Batman Science received 3 out of 5 stars in my book review.  It's a cool series and attracts both boys and girls to want to read it.  The concept is awesome; I just wish the writing would've been a bit better, or at least different for the right audience.

The cover and the size of the book is very similar to those Early?Beginning Reader type of books.  However, this series is far from that reading level.  I personally think text wise the book is for fourth through sixth grade, but the appearance of the book looks great for a Kindergarten through second grade boy.

My kids still enjoy the book to request it, but they are not nearly as excited about the book as they were when we first checked them out.

I actually felt the book was a bit wordy, and not necessarily deep but kind of boring.  Don't get me wrong; I love science.  I'm a librarian, and I'm a total nerd.  Documentaries are fun. Science is really fun, but this science is just not portrayed nearly as awesome as it could've been.    

The layout of informational text aka non-fiction books is huge.  The DK books are so popular b/c there is a lot of pictures with small captions every where.  Kids love that layout.  Now, I am not saying the DK non-fiction book layout is the end all be all.  I personally think it is not great b/c it's a bit chaotic and hard to gather info at times, but it is popular among readers.  

If you look at the Batman Science layout above you will see there are pictures with text that clearly accompanies it.  The layout is good, but the text size is too small.  There is too much text, that isn't written nearly as engaging and interesting as it could've been.  I personally think an editor missed the mark on who their audience was.  

Though, to be fair and honest.  I like the books, but I could've and even should've liked them so much more.  This series had potential for greatness especially among Kindergarten to 3rd graders, but instead the reading level is too high for that age.  However, if you have a superhero loving fourth grader that likes science and reading give them this book.  They'll love it.  Though, I personally think a superhero loving reluctant reader (aka a kid who doesn't like to read) will struggle to get through reading the book.  

Amazon had the following book description: 

"When it comes to fighting crime, technology is Batmans greatest weapon. From his gadget-packed Utility Belt to his high-tech Batmobile, the Dark Knight tackles Gothams criminal underworld. But does any of his gear have a basis in reality? Or is it merely the stuff of fiction? Batman Science uncovers the real-world connections to Batmans tech and much of it will surprise you!"

Batman Science is a good non-fiction book series, but it isn't a great one.  I think that is what disappoints me the most.  

Happy Batman Science Reading!

Best Hands-On Science/STEM Experiments Books- Fun Activities for the Whole Family

I had a friend who did a science themed birthday party for one of her kids. They did all sorts of fun science experiments like the Mentos and exploding Coke experiment.  That one is a fun one no matter your age. 

Science experiments are fun for everyone.  The young preschoolers and toddlers enjoy science just as much as the high schoolers or adults do.  All you have to do is the right experiment, and explain the science topic learned at their level.  

I know the summer time can be long for everyone.   You start off the summer all about going places and getting your summer reading in.  However, those intentions start to dwindle when it is hot outside and you forget about that book you were reading.  

Usually the time when you are getting "bored" with summer is the time to pull out a science experiment book.  Your kids will read the books (and reading is reading no matter what is being read and it is still beneficial), you'll do some fun science activity, and as a parent you've done something educational therefore allowing you to give yourself a pat on the back and feel okay about the never ending TV shows they have been watching.  

Basically, now is the time to have some science fun with your kids.  You will all be glad you did.  

Since there are a million to a billion science hands-on experiment books on the market these days, I am giving you the 7 best science books with hands-on experiments to do, robots and contraptions to build, and other fun STEM activities.

These books are all great, and I'm sure one of these books will be perfect for your family.  I bet your local library has them, but after a few experiments you may want a copy for your own.      

Science is fun for everyone; go have some fun!  Though, first check-out these books so you don't burn the house down attempting something you probably shouldn't.  These books have warnings and safety as well as fun activities.   

Best Hands-On Science Books to Get Kids 
Experimenting, Building, and Having Fun w/ STEM Activities

Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Experiments from Around the House by Liz Lee Heinecke

This is a fantastic book.  The experiments are usually simple enough for toddlers to do, but cool enough for teenagers to enjoy. The colored pictures and short explanations are great.  You may be tempted to purchase this book. 

The Big Book of Science Things to Make and Do by Rebecca Gilpin and Leonie Pratt

This book has great colored pictures with easy experiments many ages will enjoy.  There doesn't seem to be as much explanation for the experiments, but there is a little and that little can get your bigger kids researching the Why.    

Science Experiments You Can Eat by Vicki Cobb

This book is all about the food, and who doesn't love food?!  These food experiments are fun and explained well.  However, the pictures are not great, and by that I mean black and white, but this book and the experiments are geared for older kids.  Kids in 5th grade and up will find this book to be most enjoyable to them even if the pictures are less than stellar.  

The Flying Machine Book by Bobby Mercer

Mercer has written loads of fun hands on science activity books.  From The Robot Book, Junk Drawer Physics, The Racecar Book, and more.  These books are great for 3rd grade through 7th grade with experiments kids can do on their own.  My only complaint is I wish the pictures were in color.  However, that alone shouldn't deter you from checking one of these books out.  

Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments by Mike Adamick
This book is more for parents (mom's and dad's alike) to read and lead the experiments, but an upper elementary student or higher could comprehend and read this and do the experiments themselves.  Great experiments, mostly with equipment on hand, that kids of all ages will enjoy. 

 

101 Great Science Experiments by Neil Ardley
Great pictures with the DK layout kids love that is clean and simple.  The experiments will be enjoyed by many ages ( mostly between grades 2nd through 8th), and they are easy enough for kids to do by themselves.  My only qualm with the book is that there are a lot of experiments to do, but there is little explanation given for why the experiments do what they do. 

The Curious Kid’s Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8 
by Asia Citro
This book has not been published yet; it's not available until September.  However, it looks pretty awesome for a mom of toddlers like me.  I'm excited to check it out, and I just wanted you to have a heads up on it too.

Happy Reading and Science Fun DOING... b/c doing is what should be happening in the summer!