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Friday, June 21, 2013

Savannah's Summer Reading List -- Week 1 (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.




Are your children out of school yet?  Our town wraps up school tomorrow.  And, once school is out, you know what that means -- summer reading begins.  We were at the library last Saturday, and noticed they were having their "Summer Reading Program" kickoff party.  While my girls are not in school yet, and don't have to read these required grade-appropriate books, I still make a point to pick up new books to read to them, especially during the summer months.  There is just something about getting lost in a good book during the warm summer months that makes summer vacation that much more enjoyable.

While I was an avid book reader growing up, I loved reading the books on the summer reading lists, and then being able to discuss them with classmates once school resumed in the fall.  While some kids dreaded summer reading, like my middle brother, who opted out of the advanced English classes, as he didn't want to read the 3 required book each summer, others took this opportunity to be introduced to author and genres they otherwise wouldn't consider.  So, I am hoping by instilling a love for books into my girls at an early age, that they, too, will grow up, enjoying reading, especially during the summer.

With that being said, I wanted to kick out off my first week of "Savannah's Summer Reading List" feature with three recent releases from one of my favorite children's book publishers, Candlewick Press.  Each week during the summer months, I will share more books by other author and publishers, with you all. Hopefully, you will find some great books that you didn't know about, to pick up and share with your children and grandchildren.

Happy Reading!

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Candlewick Press



Peppa Pig and the Busy Day at School 
  • Age Range: 2 - 5 years
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Candlewick (June 11, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0763665258
  • ISBN-13: 978-0763665258
  • Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 0.4 x 9.6 inches

Synopsis:

"Peppa is having a busy day at school -- learning numbers and letters, painting, making music, and playing outside. Peppa can’t wait for Special Talent time, but her excitement turns to worry when all three of her special talents are chosen by others! Luckily, Peppa can revert to her true specialty: jumping in muddy puddles! 

Peppa Pig is back! Get ready to join in on two new adventures starring the beloved, award-winning U.K. sensation."
 
My Thoughts:
 
Both my daughters are huge Peppa Pig fans, and have a growing collection of books and CDs from this popular series, that is gaining a following here in the US.  I recently shared a review of "Peppa Pig and the Muddy Puddles" with you, which you can read here ---http://www.inspiredbysavannah.com/2013/05/candlewick-press-releases-peppa-pig-and.html, also from Candlewick Press.  When I heard that the folks at Candlewick Press were coming out with another Peppa Pig book so soon after their "Muddy Puddles" release, I had to have my name added to the review list.  I knew two girls who would be upset with me, if I didn't get a copy of this book, to share with them. :-)

You should have seen the big smiles my daughters had on their faces when I showed them the book.  And, before I could take the other two books out of the box to look at, they were pulling me to the couch, so that I could read "Peppa Pig and the Busy Day at School" to them.  :-)  Even if your children are not familiar with the Peppa Pig series, they will enjoy this book about Peppa, a spunky pig, who loves adventures and jumping in muddy puddles.  

My girls not only enjoyed the story, but the illustrations really pulled the story together.  I found myself having to flip back a few pages, just so the girls could point out things to me. :-)  This book has become a must read bedtime book in our house, and one book I can see being in Savannah's "Top 10" of all her planned summer reading books.  Will it be your child's as well?  Pick up a copy today to find out. 
 
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Squirrel's Fun Day
 

  • Age Range: 5 - 8 years
  • Hardcover: 48 pages
  • Publisher: Candlewick (June 11, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0763657263
  • ISBN-13: 978-0763657260
  • Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.5 x 9.3 inches
Synopsis:
 
"Squirrel is busy, busy, busy -- and determined to have a fun day! Mouse has cleaning to do, but it’s nothing that Squirrel’s frenetically helpful sweeping won’t take care of. Turtle may be too slow to run, run, run around the pond, but Squirrel has a rocky plan to help Turtle get across. And when Rabbit is reluctant to alter his grasseating routine, Squirrel’s comedic assistance makes for an unexpected adventure. Welcome back the funny, exhausting Squirrel and his ever-patient friends in a medley of stories perfectly suited for reading alone or reading aloud. 
Got to go, got to go, got to go, go, go! The energetic Squirrel is eager to make sure his friends have fun in four charming new (mis)adventures."
 
My Thoughts:
 
While this book, which is made up of of four stories, was too advanced for Arabella to enjoy, Savannah did find the stories to be entertaining.  She loved watching Squirrel, Mouse and Turtle interact together, and especially loved the simple, yet breathtaking illustrations of these animals in nature to be mesmerizing.  I ended up reading this book to my 6 and 8 year old nephew and nieces when they came to visit, and loved hearing their reactions to each story.  Each story was about 10-15 pages in length, making them just the right length for young readers/listeners to enjoy and sit for.  Unlike Savannah, who would only sit through one story at a time, my niece and nephew kept asking for more.  They loved the misadventures of Squirrel, Mouse and Turtle. 

I can see this book being a great beginner reading book for young readers.  This book is a follow up to "Squirrel's World," which I hadn't read prior.  But, after reading this book, ended up picking up to share with my family.  This first book was just as good at "Squirrel's Fun Day."  We can't wait for more Squirrel books from Lisa Moser.

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Maisy's Fairground 

  • Age Range: 2 - 5 years
  • Hardcover: 16 pages
  • Publisher: Candlewick; Pop edition (June 11, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 076366491X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0763664916
  • Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 0.9 x 9.6 inches 
Synopsis:

 WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts - Not for children under 3 years of age.

"Come one, come all, and take in the bright colors and excitement of a day at the fair with Maisy and her pals. Just pull a tab or spin a wheel to make the bumper cars bump (bash! crash! ), see the friends having fun on the bouncy castle (up! down! ), or set the roller coaster in motion (screeeeaaammm! ). But nothing compares to the giant, interactive 3D Ferris wheel just waiting to spring to life on the final spread!
It’s carnival time for Maisy and her friends! Join the group for rides and games in a novelty adventure boasting a spinning pop-up Ferris wheel."
 
My Thoughts:
 
I have lost count on the number of Maisy books we own.  From sticker books to pop up and lift the flap books, each and every Maisy book from Candlewick Press has become a treasured book with my girls.  I love seeing Savannah share some of her favorite Maisy books with Arabella, who has begun pulling book off the bookcase to flip through. And, when Savannah is napping or out, and Arabella is home alone with me, she usually hands me a Maisy book to read to her.  "Maisy's Fairground" is one of Arabella's favorite books, as she loves the interactive aspect of the book -- where she pulls the tabs to bring the pages in this cute story to life. 

Maisy and her friends sure do get you excited about a day at the carnival.  And, with our country fairs starting in July, I can't wait to read this book to them prior to us going to the fair.  From roller coasters to bounce houses, to the always popular Ferris wheel ride, Maisy and her friends take full advantage of the attractions at the carnival in this pull the tab/pop up scene book.  

 


Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

1 comment:

  1. we do the summer reading also it helps to keep my sons mind from forgetting alot of what hes learned the past year....they can easily be distracted by games and tv or playing outside...thanks for sharing my son loves the maisy books...and so many more....

    ReplyDelete