Great Children's Books from Sterling Publishing to Share with Your Kids During the Upcoming Screen-Free Week (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent review copies from the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

The international celebration where children, families, schools, and communities spend seven days turning OFF entertainment screen media* and turning ON life! It’s a time to unplug and play, read, daydream, create, explore nature, and spend time with family and friends.
*work and school assignments not included

Will you be joining me during screen-free week, May 5th-11th, and turning off all devices and really spending time with family and friends?  Don't think you can do it all week long?  Then, how about 1-2 days of screen-free time?  You will be amazed at how much fun you will have with your family when you put down your mobile devices, videos games and shut off the television.  And, with the warmer months upon us, this is a great time to get outdoors and play with the kids, go on a hike and explore nature, etc.  Or, if it is too cold, or you just want to stay indoors, why not do arts and crafts with your children, put on play or have a family talent show, have an impromptu dance party, bake or cook together, or just snuggle up on the couch and read a few good books.

My family and I will be enjoying time outdoors throughout the week, and will be doing fun indoor activities including reading some of our favorite books, as well as new ones I have picked to share with them.  Today, I thought I would share a few posts introducing you to some great new releases from some of my favorite children's book publishers.  I am hoping that you will find a handful of new books to pick up and share with your children during screen-free week and beyond. :-)  I have been enjoying quality time with my girls these past couple of months while reading and sharing review of wonderful new children's books as part of my "Welcome in Spring with a Good Book" feature.  If you missed any of my posts, you can Google this along with my blog name and will see all the different posts I have shared this year, as well as in years past.

I can't wait to hear which books from the ones I will be sharing today have become your family's favorites or must-read books before bedtime.  And, please share the screen-free week movement with friends and family and ask them to try to turn OFF entertainment screen media* and turning ON life!  You will be amazed at much you can accomplish during this time, and how many wonderful memories you will make with your family.

Happy reading!

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And, here are some great new releases from the folks at Sterling Publishing worth checking out...

Publisher: Batsford
Published: April 2014
All
96 pages
ISBN: 1-84994-133-5
ISBN13: 9781849941334
$14.95 US
$15.95 Canadian
Hardcover with Jacket
50 color illus.

Synopsis:

"Celebrate children! Featuring work by some of the world's great poets, this beautifully illustrated anthology captures all the charms, beauty, and love of childhood. The selections include William Blake's gentle “A Cradle Song,” Walt Whitman's “There Was a Child Went Forth,” and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's “The Children's Hour,” as well as verses by Milton, Wordsworth, Christina Rossetti, and more."

My Thoughts:

I have always been a fan of poetry, and would even recite some to the girls in place of nursery rhymes and songs when trying to get them to go back to bed when they were babies.  And, now that they are getting older and showing an interest in reading and words, I can't help but want to share my love for poetry with them.  When I saw this book on the Sterling Publishing website, I just had to review a copy, and share with my girls.

If you are a poetry lover like I am, then you will be happy to find the assortment of notable poets that fill the pages of this hardcover book, which would make for a perfect baby shower gift or gift for a new mom.  All the poems have a central theme, children and their childhood.  I found myself getting lost in the pages as I read through the different poems that celebrate children.  And, having little ones of my own and being able to experience this brand new world through their eyes, I can't help but smile at their innocence and love for all.  It is truly beautiful to hear them talk about new things, try new things, or simply crack a smile or giggle.  They are contagious and worth celebrating, and this book does an amazing job at just that --- celebrating our children.

I highly recommend this new release for both poetry and non-poetry lovers.  Parents will enjoy reading this on their own, or cuddling up next to their children and sharing some of the poems.  Who knows, maybe you will spark an interest in your child for poetry, like I was when I was little, and haven't looked back since. :-)

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books

Published: February 2014

Age range: from 3 to 5

24 pages

ISBN: 1-4549-1029-1

ISBN13: 9781454910299

$4.95 US

$5.50 Canadian

Synopsis:

"hort, long
Weak or strong,
These dinosaurs are the BEST!
Opposites attract! Here come Paul Stickland's dinosaurs, this time in arranged pairs, all the better to teach children a new concept. They lumber slowly or zip by fast; behave nicely or are naughtily bad; act sweet or grumpy; and feel happy or sad. Each brightly colored prehistoric creature will entertain and captivate kids. "

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Published: February 2014
Age range: from 3 to 5
24 pages
ISBN: 1-4549-1027-5
ISBN13: 9781454910275
$4.95 US
$5.50 Canadian

Synopsis:

"Who is on the biggest square? How many circles are there? How many sides does a rectangle have? Toddlers will love learning about shapes with the cutest, friendliest dinosaur family ever! The colorful creatures put on a happy show as they play with everything from triangles to ovals, diamonds, and stars. Each spread features the labeled shape on the left side, and the dinos interacting with it on the right-along with a fun question about each one."

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Published: February 2014
Age range: from 3 to 5
24 pages
ISBN: 1-4027-9237-9
ISBN13: 9781402792373
$4.95 US
$5.50 Canadian

Synopsis:

"Dinosaur red, dinosaur blue, dinosaur yellow … and purple, too! As they chomp bones, munch leaves, jump in the air, and leave bright paw prints everywhere, Paul Stickland's delightful dinos offer a humorous and fun introduction to colors. And at the end, the creatures all come together in a gloriously vivid prehistoric panorama. What a colorful finish! With its very simple text, appealing art, and adorable characters, this will become a favorite with toddlers."

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Published: February 2014
Age range: from 3 to 5
24 pages
ISBN: 1-4549-1028-3
ISBN13: 9781454910282
$4.95 US
$5.50 Canadian
Paperback

Synopsis:

"ONE big dinosaur standing all alone …
TWO hungry dinosaurs biting on some bones.
 
Kids can really count on these delightful dinosaurs! The adorable characters from Paul Stickland's best-selling Dinosaur Roar!—Squeak, Fierce, Meek, Tiny, Slimy, Spiky, and Lumpy—are perennial favorites with the preschool set, and they're here to teach numbers from ONE to TEN. These irresistible creatures will skip, run, sing, and play their way into kids' hearts."

My Thoughts:

Both of my girls love dinosaurs, thanks in part to the animated shows on television about dinosaurs.  So, when I was sent this new set of books for toddlers/preschoolers that makes learning about numbers, colors, shapes and opposites fun, I knew the girls would love having me read them to them.  

I am always looking for books that teach early developmental skills like this, and was so happy to have found this set from Paul Stickland.  Not only did he write these cute books both boys and girls will enjoy, but he also illustrated them, too.  With over 25 years experience in writing and illustrating children's books, he know what he is doing and what kids want to read.  And, he has a winner with these fun dinosaur learning books.  

My youngest took to these books quickly and loved looking at the cute dinosaur families that filled the pages of the books.  And, after a few times of sharing the books with the girls, they are finally learning letter, number and word recognition.  So, instead of me having to count along with them to see how many dinosaurs are on a page, they know the number and can tell me. These have become favorites in our house, and are enjoyed together, and are also pulled from the shelf by my girls to enjoy by themselves, which I love.  

If you have a fan of dinosaurs in your house who is of preschool age, these books from Paul Strickland would be great to pick up and help them reinforce early development skills in a fun way.

Publisher: Boxer Books
Published: March 2014
Age range: from 3 to 5
32 pages
ISBN: 1-907967-74-5
ISBN13: 9781907967740
$16.95 US
$18.95 Canadian
Hardcover with Jacket
all in color
8 1/2 X 11

Synopsis:

“Is that my cat? It can't be. My cat is a slim, sleek pussy cat.” But something's up with this rather large kitty—the same one who used to fit through the cat door, climbed trees fearlessly, and always wanted to play. Now, it takes two hands to pick her up, and now this fussy eater finishes all her food! In true Jonathan Allen style, the story unfolds little by little, page by page—keeping us guessing right until the end, when we get a BIG, happy surprise."

My Thoughts:

My girls are no stranger to Jonathan Allen's work, as they just love his book, "The Little Rabbit Who Liked to Say Moo," along with his million-selling Baby Owl series.  So, when I heard that he had come out with another book, this time about cats, which Savannah is into nowadays, I just had to get my hands on a copy. 

The first thing out of Savannah's month was "Wow, that's a fat cat!.  He should stop snacking."  But, she was quick to follow up and say that she would love him anyway. :-)  This new release from Jonathan Allen is perfect for children ages 3 to 5 years of age.  

"Is that my cat?"  "It can't be." is repeated as you go through the pages of playfully illustrated book.  And in true Jonathan Allen style, the reader is left guessing right up until the end.  :-)

My girls giggled and smiled the first time we read this book together, and continue to show excitement each and every time I pull it out to read.  This is definitely one book that will be read time and again, as the girls get older, and may become one of their beginner reader books, with the large print and repetition of words.

You don't have to be a cat lover to enjoy this fun children's book by Jonathan Allen.  And, get ready to smile as you flip through the pages and admire the cute illustrations of this cat.

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Published: April 2013
Age range: from 4 to 7
24 pages
ISBN: 1-4027-6916-4
ISBN13: 9781402769160
$14.95 US
$15.95 Canadian
Hardcover & CD
all in color
9 3/4 X 9 3/4

Synopsis:

"This spectacularly fun songbook will get kids off the sofa—guaranteed!

Singer Lisa Loeb will have kids movin' and groovin' with her sparkling second collection of songs and activities—plus a CD with five all-time children's favorites and another five original tunes. It's sure to stir up some fun, as budding musicians discover the joys of playing in an air band (“Turn it Down”); see how to face down scary creatures (“Monster Stomp”); and practice relaxing yoga poses (“Hello, Today”). Ryan O'Rourke's whimsical illustrations light up Lisa's lyrics—and will delight young readers, movers, and shakers." 

Songs include: 
Turn it Down (The Air Band Song)* •  Father Abraham  •  Miss Mary Mack • Monster Stomp*  • Going Away* •  Do Your Ears Hang Low? •  Everybody Wake Up* • Hello, Today* •  Peanut Butter and Jelly  •  Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. 
(*original song)

My Thoughts:

This book is perfect for the upcoming "Screen-Free" Week, and will definitely get your children off the coach and away from the video games and iPads, as you have an impromptu dance and sing-along in your living room. :-)

I have been a fan of Lisa Loeb's since she arrived on the music scene years ago, and have continued to follow her journey as a musical artist, author, entrepreneur, etc.  I love when musicians and those in the lime light step up and add beneficial content for fans to enjoy. 

As part of a baby shower gift in 2011, I was given Lisa Loeb's Silly Sing-Along book, to enjoy with the girls.  This was the first time I found out that Lisa Loeb was writing children's books.  And, within a few days time, I had her catchy, playful songs memorized and found myself singing them to the girls, to put a smile on their faces, as well as relax them before bedtime.

Released in 2011

You know you sing a song too many times when you hear your little ones singing it on car rides, or when they hear it come on the radio.  For me, the sillier the song, the better, as they are great to sing when you find yourself stressed out, or need to let loose and have fun.  For me, I will find myself singing the new songs from Lisa's "Songs for Movin' and Shakin'" while waiting in line at the grocery store with the girls.  Just the other day, I was singing Monster Stomp of all songs while waiting at the checkout line, trying to entertain two fussy and hungry toddlers.  They were getting into the song so much that I instead of singing softly, I started to sing loud enough that the lady behind me could hear.  She found herself tapping her foot to my off-key rendition of Lisa Loeb's song, and had to ask if I had made it up or it was by a professional artist.  When I told her it was from Lisa Loeb's new children's book, which comes with a 10-song CD to play in the car or at home, we got to talking about our love of Lisa's songs.  She said she would have to check out this book for your grandchildren, and get them movin' and shakin', like she found herself. :-)

From the get-go, as soon as I put the CD which comes along with the book on for the girls and I to listen to, you could feel the energy in the room.  I had been dragging all morning from being up early with the girls.  But, all my stress and tiredness went away as we danced and sang along to these fun kid-friendly songs. My personal favorites were "Do Your Ears Hang Low," "Peanut Butter and Jelly" and the ever popular "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes."

And, when we were done listening to these fun songs, I had a blast sharing the activities and motions of the different songs with the girls, that fill the pages of this playful book.  So, if you find yourself needing motivation and activities to keep your children entertained the week of May 5th when you shut off all electronic devices, this new book from Lisa Loeb is filled with fun tunes and activities that will have every member of the family off the couch and movin' and groovin' around, as you laugh and enjoy quality time together. 

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Published: April 2014
Age range: 3 upwards
32 pages
ISBN: 1-4549-0436-4
ISBN13: 9781454904366
$14.95 US
$15.95 Canadian
Hardcover with Jacket
all in color
10 X 10

Synopsis:

"Percy the Pug loves puddles—big puddles, small puddles, swamp puddles, stomp puddles. But no puddle is perfect  . . .  until he finds one with three friendly piglets. But protective Mama Pig says NO PUGS and chases Percy away! Irresistibly illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi, Kim Norman's tale about a persistent pug and his pursuit of friendship in puddle paradise brims with warmth and charm."

My Thoughts:

This book has become one of Savannah's favorites, as I have lost count of how many times I have read it to her...sometimes a few times in one sitting.  She can't get enough of this cute pug puppy, who only wants to find the perfect puddle to play in.  As you flip through this book, with fun and very detailed illustrations by Keika Yamaguchi, you can't help but hope that Percy the pug finds the perfect puddle he has been searching.

Percy does finally come up on the perfect puddle, but it is being occupied by a Mama Pig and her three piglets. Mama Pig has no desire to share her muddy puddle, or have a dog lingering around her family's resting place.  It isn't until an incident that makes Percy rise to the occasion that Mama Pig sees that one more person to her muddy puddle is possible, and more fun.  And, so begins the friendship between Percy the Pug and Mama Pig and her three piglets, as they enjoy the perfect puddle together. :-)

This really is a cute story, and one little ones will enjoy.  Be warned, my girls keep asking for a dog just like Percy the Pug as he is just so darn cute. 

Publisher: Carlton Books
Published: March 2014
Age range: 8 upwards
32 pages
ISBN: 1-78097-113-3
ISBN13: 9781780971131
$9.95 US
$10.95 Canadian
Paperback
all in color
10 1/4 X 11 7/10

Synopsis:

"Take a trip around the world—no plane required! All that's needed is this Internet-linked, time-traveling, globetrotting puzzle book created in association with Google™ Earth. Go back in time to visit the sites of some of the most important events in history. Then see what these locations look like today on Google™ Earth. Along the way, find hidden clues to a secret destination!"

My Thoughts:

This puzzle book about the digital age is perfect for children ages 8+.  I ended up sharing this book with my 8 yr. old niece, who is so engrossed with the digital age like most children her age.  What I liked most about this unique book is how it takes kids back in time and introduces them to important sites and locations in history, and then fast forwards and shows them what these locations look like today on Google Earth. Pretty neat, if you ask me!  

This is fun fact-filled book that also has puzzle to be solved through hidden clues found throughout the book, which leads to a secret destination.  My niece loved this book, and even brought it to school for the teacher to share with the class.  And, I also made a point to pick up and donate to our local library for their children's collection, as I have never seen a book like this, and knew that other kids would have fun reading it, just like my family has.

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Published: April 2014
Age range: from 3 to 5
24 pages
ISBN: 1-4549-1193-X
ISBN13: 9781454911937
$12.95 US
$13.95 Canadian
Hardcover
all in color
8 3/4 X 10 1/4

Synopsis:

"An elephant in the sky? A peacock in the sea? Are creatures hiding where they shouldn't be? Lift the large flaps, follow the romping rhyme, and find each face that's out of place. Graphic artist Craig Shuttlewood whisks kids from desert to forest to ocean deep—and finally to the zoo, where the only one who doesn't fit is YOU! His outstanding debut introduces the idea of where animals (and humans) live-and will delight kids over and over again."

My Thoughts:

I have shared in the past how my girls are fans of lift-the-flap books.  Well, this is yet another book that is providing hours of fun, as they lift the large flaps and point out the animals they see and how they are out of place.  I love watching the girls interact with these books and say things like, "An elephant is not supposed to be in the sky" or "A giraffe in outer space, no way!."  

The colorful and playful illustration that make up this lift-the-flap book are eye appealing and will have kids turning the pages back to see if they missed something, or to linger longer at the different animals put in funny places.  Expect to find pig and penguins with snorkel gear on and walruses and lions shivering as they sit on ice next to penguins having fun.

This is truly a fun book to share with children, and see their reactions to the animals in the wrong places, as you ask them where they should be.  

Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Published: March 2014
Age range: from 3 to 6
28 pages
ISBN: 1-4549-0446-1
ISBN13: 9781454904465
$17.95 US
$19.95 Canadian
Hardcover with Jacket & CD
all in color10 X 10

Synopsis:

“Baby sail the seven seas
Safely in my arms
When the waves go up and down
You are safe from harm.”

"From Margaret Wise Brown, author of the beloved Goodnight Moon, comes a previously unpublished collection of charming lullabies, gorgeously illustrated by 12 award-winning artists. The roster of celebrated names includes Carin Berger, whose The Little Yellow Leaf was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book; Eric Puybaret, who brought the bestselling Puff, the Magic Dragon to life on the page; Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner Sean Qualls; and Caldecott Honor medalist Melissa Sweet. An accompanying CD, with lilting songs beautifully composed and sung by Emily Gary and Tom Proutt, makes this the perfect gift to wish children a sweet goodnight." 

My Thoughts:

Just knowing that this children's book was Illustrated by twelve Award-Winning picture book artists, I knew it would be a treat to flip through and read to the girls.  But, after learning the back story on how this book came about, it become more intriguing.  Watch this short YouTube video to see what I am talking about...

I have always been a fan of Margaret Wise Brown's classic "Goodnight Moon" book and have read it countless times to my girls at bedtime.  So, I was excited to pick up a copy of this new release, which also includes a 12-track CD.  Out of all the books I have reviewed recently, this one by far is my favorite in regards to content and the illustrations are simply stunning.

If you pick up one book from my list above, this is one worth getting, as it will not only delight your children at bedtime, but you will enjoy it, too. 

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You can learn more about any of the above books, as well as other recent releases from Sterling Publishing, by visiting their website today --- http://www.sterlingpublishing.com/.  They offer books for children of all ages, as well as a great selection for adults, too.

Disclosure:  I was sent review copies from the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.