Lighthouses for Kids: History, Science, and Lore with 21 Activities

Lighthouses are the beacons of our past and they still attract us. Children run up the steps, into the round rooms, asking what was it like to grow up in a lighthouse. Some of the answers are in House's book. In many short biographies, House introduces lighthouse children and their lives. They lived where they could not find friends easily. They could not get to the library or to school easily. They had to pay close attention to the weather. And when writing about William Spear, Jr., who grew up in Delaware, excitement came just by opening a can of food—if the food was salvaged from a shipwreck. "Mother would open a can hoping that it would be beans or tomatoes, and we would be delighted to find out that it contained peaches or cherries." House melds the disciplines of history, science, and engineering in this book, explaining all aspects using terms and experiments that will attract both readers and doers. While lighthouses as a group are not part of most curricula, the book does address physics of water pressure, the physics of light, and the curvature of the Earth. It also looks at the history of seafaring in the United States and how changes in boats affected the need for lighthouses. But more to the point, the book is just fun, with wonderful photos, interesting biographical sketches, crafts and experiments. It will be enjoyed. Back matter includes lighthouse resources, a selected bibliography, and an index.This kids book is for kids reading levels ages 9-12. Leave us your comments. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Let us know what other kids books you would like to have reviewed. Share this post with your family and friends. Remember to always praise your child.

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Lighthouses for Kids

Mama Panya's Pancakes

Mama Panya and her son, Adika, are all ready for market day where Mama is planning on using her few coins to buy the ingredients to make pancakes for dinner. Adika is so excited that he can't help inviting all of their friends and neighbors. Mama Panya is worried that his generosity may be more than her few coins and their meager supplies can provide. Luckily all of the guests arrive with gifts, and a Kenyan cross between "Stone Soup" and the story of the loaves and the fishes is realized. A recipe, map, details about daily life, and facts about Kiswahili and Kenya are included. With their bold colors, vivid patterns, and lush scenery, the illustrations will transport readers into this country to walk alongside Mama Panya and Adika on their way to market. Details from animals to foliage are depicted clearly and provide more than just a backdrop to the story; they're a great introduction to the landscape and people of East Africa. A strong selection for a read-aloud or as a supplement to units on Africa, community, or generosity. This children's book is for kids reading levels ages 4-8. Leave us your comments. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Let us know what other children's books you would like to have reviewed. Share this post with your family and friends. Remember to always praise your child.

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Mama Panya's Pancakes

Manners at School

I recently bought this for my twin sons, who are just new to kindergarten last year. They did not go to preschool, so most of the rules of school were unfamiliar to them. It is a cute little book for introducing kids to good manners in school and I am pleased with the purchase. The children's book covers one idea for each 2-page spread: raising your hand, sharing, paying attention when the teacher is talking and so on. The interior illustrations are very much in line with the cover art. I will definitely buy the other kids books in the line. This children's book is for kids reading levels ages 4-8. Leave us your comments. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Let us know what other children's books you would like to have reviewed. Share this post with your friends. Remember to always praise your child.

Manners at School

A Not Scary Story About Big Scary Things

A boy lives near a regular, ordinary, standard kind of forest, except that along with the usual perils of cliffs, bears, snakes, and wolves, there is also an actual, awful monster with a habit for scaring children. That is what people said, anyway. But the boy isn't believing it and his belief proves to be a powerful defense when he finds himself standing toe to toe with the monster, who seems to live up to its horrible tale. I'm sorry, the boy says politely, but I can't believe in something that's not real. Confused by this precocious rationality, the monster slowly shrinks, until it becomes nothing more than a fluffy little kitty, suitable for adopting. It is hard to think of two artists better suited to one another. Sharing a surreal sense of logic and elegance, Williams and Swiatkowska convey a mood that is both dreamy and reassuringly matter of fact. Swiatkowska is in particularly fine form, with wry drawings that range from florid to schematic and clever collages that underscore the silliness of conventional wisdom. Ages 3–7.

A Not Scary Story About Big Scary Things

'Twas the Night Before Summer

This book is a lot of fun. The illustrations are great and colorful. It is very imaginative and adventurous. I highly recommend! The rhythm, borrowed from another favorite children's story is very soothing to a child. It always helps to send them to sleep. Such a beautiful book. I love the colors and illustrations and my kids loved it too. The story is nice, it isn't too long to read as part of the bedtime routine and we all enjoy it. Would make a lovely gift too. This children's book is for kids ages 4-8. Visit ChildrenBooks2U to see our great selection of other children's books.

'Twas the Night Before Summer

'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day

The zoo keepers are busy getting ready for the big Zoo Day. They are scrubbing cages, washing and feeding the animals. Some of the creatures, like recalcitrant children are ill behaved. The llamas are spitting, the giraffes are slurping. While out in the dirt, the naughty elephants rolled around not listening at all to what they have been told by the zookeepers. They frolicked in mud to cool down from the hot sun. Their trunks became sprinklers and soaked all the children. Finally, the sun goes down and the workers get to go home. The next morning, the animals and their babies get themselves ready for the crowds of children arriving on big yellow buses. This silly, slight story ends suddenly with the zookeepers standing at the entrance, while the children enter the zoo. Large color cartoon illustrations support the text. Back matter has a fill in matching activity, some fun animal facts, and a writing exercise about the zookeepers. This is a wonderful kids book for children who like animals and going to the zoo. The age range for this kids book is ages 4-8. Leave your comments and feedback.

'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day

Who Was That Masked Man, Anyway?

This children's story reads like a radio script in book format. Frankie, who is eleven is the unforgettable protagonist who would be a soap opera groupie today, but in the 1940's he is one of the many who were so enamored with radio programs like "The Shadow", "The Lone Ranger", "The Green Hornet" etc. That they lived their lives as though it were another show. Omitting he said and she said this presents the real conversation of kids. In the process we are not only entertained but learn about the social actions of the day, reactions to W.W.II and get insight into Frankie's soldier brother's response to war and heroism. A read aloud must!

Who Was That Masked Man, Anyway?

What's Up With Ella?

The books in the Superheroes on a Medical Mission series star a quintet of spandex wearing dynamos who specialize in a different part of the body. Pump knows all about the heart, Chi’s great with breathing and the lungs, Skinderella’s name says it all, Axon is the brains of the mission, and Gastro has “the lowdown on the tum, the bum, and all the parts in between.” Here they take young Ella on a tour of Mediland, a giant planet shaped like a person, to explain her type 1 diabetes. Information about the disease is told in a breezy, often jokingly manner and teaches the basics without getting too repetitive. The superhero angle makes for some exciting touches and visuals of glucose blobs and insulin tangles waltzing arm in arm into cells provide an easy to see picture of how the two work together. Most importantly, this book helps eliminate stress about how to deal with type 1 diabetes and it explains that while doctors will help you find a balance, it is up to you to control it.

What's Up With Ella?

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the Night Before Christmas is one of the most popular childrens books of the holiday season. Everyone has heard of these kids books from one time or another. So why is this book being reviewed now? It simply does not need to be reviewed because of the fact that it is so popular. I have decided to do this at this time out of respect to the talented people behind this book. Clement C. Moore originally wrote this poem in 1822 and today it is still one of the most famous poems of all time. It is definitely the most famous poem of the holiday season. The illustrations by Jessie Wilcox Smith are simply brilliant. Jessie first published this in 1912 and it is viewed by many as the greatest version of this story. The illustrations are beautifully constructed on cut paper. It has a unique glow in the dark feature that can be found on every other page. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is featured in full color.

Clifford Preschool Treasury

Who is everyone's favorite puppy? Clifford of course. This childrens book will provide hours of education and entertainment for your child. Clifford Preschool Treasury includes eight easy to read stories that teach learning concepts like counting, animal sounds and much more. When your child gets interested in kids books at an early age, their interest will only grow as they continue to mature into avid readers. This is a great book to get your child started in that direction.

Manners at School

With the new school year on the way, are your children using the manners that you have taught them in school. Once children are away from their parents they sometimes forget to use their manners. Manners at School is a fun childrens story book that helps to remind them that they need to use all the manners that they have learned at home in school also. Parents are proud of their kids when they see them doing the things that they learned at home outside of the home. If your child is struggling with their manners at school this book is a great resource to validate what you have taught them. It will also help the teachers as they will not have to stop class to remind a student that they need to use their manners.

When The Leaf Blew In

In this nice story of fall, just before Halloween is upon us. What will happen when a leaf blows into the barn. A cow will let out a giant sneeze. This will set off a domino effect inside of the barn. A spider will fall onto the head of an owl. When The Leaf Blew In is a super funny kids book that has the whole barn turned upside just from one leaf blowing into the barn. This is sure to keep your child's interest as they become curious as to what will happen next inside the barn. If you are looking for a quality childrens book for the development and enjoyment of your child, then this one should be on the top of your list.

Curious George Visits the Library

Everyone's favorite little monkey is back in this exciting childrens book. Curious George Visits the Library is sure to thrill the entire family. He arrives just in time at the library for story time. Even though it is difficult for a monkey to sit still in one place for a very long time. Curious George gets to pick out his own books and get his first very own library card. George's day at the library is a great childrens story book for kids of all ages. Curious George Visits the Library is a quality childrens book intended for children between the ages of 4 to 8.

The Ninespire Experiment

The Ninespire Experiment is full of entertainment. There are wierd things going on in the castle. Potions are floating around like dead fish is just one of many strange things that happen in this book. This book is full of excitement from beginning to end. The reading level of this popular childrens book is ages 9-12. Fictional childrens books have a way of captivating their audience. This is just one of the great childrens books that we have reviewed from this online book store. The importance of children continuing to read during the summer months can not be stressed enough. "One week without reading makes ones mind weak".

Superman Robo Monster

Most of us started to read with comic books. So why should our kids be any different. In the beginning stages of reading it is not important what they are reading, as long as they are reading. Popular comic books combine cartoons and literature. Superman is one of the most iconic superheros in history. He has been around for years. For many kids, superman is their childhood hero. In this edition, a giant robotic dinosaur is unveiled at a history museum. Created by who else but Lex himself. The dinosaur barrels out of the museum. Can Superman stop him before the ultimate destruction. To find out more about this comic book and many more. Come see all the popular comic books in our inventory.

"Stand Back," Said the Elephant, "I'm Going to Sneeze!

What a great childrens book this one is. What would you do if you saw an elephant about to sneeze. This is what the other animals of the jungle face on a daily basis. The last time the elephant sneezed he blew the monkeys right out of the trees. If you are looking for a highly delightful childrens book for your little one, this is a must have. Recommend for preschool age children, but it is also a great read if you have a beginning reader. Check out the other great childrens books that will delight your child as they continue to grow.

More More More Said The Baby

This is a very cute book for children of preschool age. We found this book expressed the importance of family in a child's life and not just the parents. Gouache paintings illustrate the love between three children, Little Guy, Little Pumpkin and Little Bird, and the adults in their lives. A celebration of family ties that should be expressed to every child. This is a Caldecott Honor Book

Childrens Book: Could Be Worse!

I came across this book the other day and wanted to share with everyone. This book is very cute for kids. It is intended for beginning readers. It is not a very long book, just a little over 30 pages. Gramps surprises everyone with a whopping tale. Every thing is always the same at Gramps house, until one unusual morning. You can find out more about this book and others at www.childrensbooks2u.com/could-be-worse

"B" is for Betsy

B is for Betsy is a tale of a little girl who is entering the first grade. Normally an exciting time for a child. However, in this story she is scared. She has a new school, new teachers and new classmates. This can be scary for anyone her age. As it turns out, she finds out that school is a great place. To find out more about this book and may others Click Here.