Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Trees

By: Jim Arnosky

Published by: Simon & Schuster

Jim Arnosky is quickly becoming my favorite nature writer. In pursuit of more of his stunning illustrations I found one of his Crinkleroot books. Beautifully illustrated, Arnosky takes young readers into the woods, explaining how to tell one tree from another, defining features to look for, and how each tree works in each ecosystem. Full of charts and useful tidbits, I found this book to be more comprehensive than most field guides. This book is perfect for homeschoolers, parents of nature lovers, or kids who are constantly asking questions about the world around them. Arnosky has several other Crinkleroot books, and I intend to pursue them.

Baby Critters: A Jim Arnosky Book Bundle

A Manatee Morning published by Simon and Schuster Young Readers

Babies in the Bayou published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons

I told my boys when I was younger I was determined to save the manatees. Since then, they’re quick to point out anything manatee related. This made A Manatee Morning a perfect family read. In this sweetly rhyming book readers follow a mother and baby manatee along Crystal River, learning more about these gentle critters including their favorite food and the constant dangers motorboats provide.

Babies in the Bayou is definitely a favorite of this year. If I could frame these adorable illustrations I absolutely would; they would be perfect in a nursery. In this sweet book readers will follow several different babies in the bayou including gators, raccoons, turtles, and ducklings. It’s a beautiful example of this ecosystem, and each of my boys found different aspects of this book they loved. My youngest claimed it was “cute” – he’s right, it is – and my oldest used it as a springboard to share details about each critter with his brothers. (This is the kid who reads his Zoobooks aloud to his brothers.)

These books have been a staple in our home this summer, and I’m truly enchanted by each of them. If you’re looking for a sweet critter read these are two wonderful choices.

Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great!

By: Sandra Boynton

Published by: Little, Brown, and Company

I’ve never read a Sandra Boynton book I didn’t love. Since my oldest son was born we’ve had a nice little collection of her books, half of which I could recite to you by memory. We do the Dinosaur Dance, we ask about the Hippopotamus and the Armadillo, and we can Moo, Baa, Lalala with the best of them, but this new Boynton book is probably my favorite.

Everyone needs encouragement, and who better than an enthusiastic chicken to do the job? In Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! parents and children alike will be delighted with this sweet chicken’s desire to encourage, and the gentle reminder supporting others is important. Perhaps the best message in this book, though, is the kindness we extend to ourselves, and how we should do so more frequently.

Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! is definitely in my top ten favorite books this year, and one I will consistently recommend. In fact, don’t be surprised if you see me handing it out like candy this Christmas season. There are too many mamas I know who could use this kind of boost.

What’s your favorite Sandra Boynton book?

Double Feature: The Yawns are Coming! & The Giggles are Coming!

By: Christopher Elipoulos

Double feature today! I grabbed these two on a recent library visit, and they have been a big hit in our house!

“The Yawns are Coming!” may be my new bedtime favorite. Two best friends are going to have the best sleepover EVER! There’s just one problem: the yawns. Because when the yawns start you have to fight off the doze, the snores, and the sleepies. Will the boys be successful in fighting off the dreaded yawns, or will they give in to the sleepies? (My boys LOVE the sleepies!)

“The Giggles are Coming!” follows suit when the boys head to their first day of school. They’ve already made a new friend, and are determined to have so much fun this year. There’s just one problem: the giggles. The giggles attack during teacher introduction, and while they fight bravely, the giggles are persistent.

Each of these books is super fun and cute, demonstrating the kid’s determination while remaining positive about each situation. “The Yawns are Coming!” is a great way of explaining bedtime to resistant sleepers (I have a few myself). “The Giggles are Coming!” demonstrates when to laugh, and, I think best of all, the way their teacher responds.

Have you read these two books? Do you have a favorite?

Author Spotlight: Marcus Pfister

Featuring “Ava’s Poppy”, “The Happy Hedgehog”, “How Leo Learned to Be King”.

Perhaps best known for his “Rainbow Fish” books, Marcus Pfister has a slew of other fable-like tales. Here are just a few the boys and I enjoyed.

“Ava’s Poppy”

A short, sweet book about a little girl and her best friend, a lone poppy. Focuses on friendship, nature, sacrifice, death, and rebirth. I deeply valued Ava’s selflessness to protect her dear friend.

“The Happy Hedgehog”

Mikko is perfectly content to live in his beautiful garden, but his grandfather casts doubt by criticizing Mikko’s choices. Mikko meets several friends along the way, and while their goals are not inherently wrong or bad, they are misguided. They believe their goals will lead to fame, respect, and happiness, but they are not happy pursuing them. This book focuses on doing what you love, being content, and recognizing not everyone will see worth in your passion.

“How Leo Learned to Be King”

Leo’s not a good king. In fact, the animals are quite tired of his nonsense, and they rightly cast him out. While wallowing in self-pity, he takes notice of a small mouse who is quite distressed he cannot cross the river. In a moment of selflessness, Leo sacrifices his time and helps the little mouse. Leo learns a real leader serves others with kindness and compassion.