"A Kiss Goodbye" ~ Children of All Ages Can Relate When Chester Raccoon Has to Move!

Published by:  Tanglewood Press

Pages:  32

Ages: Children of all ages

Grammie Bee Tells Why :

Dear Chester is having a difficult time because he is faced with the sad happening that children all over our United States (and the world) have to come to terms with these days:  he has to move away from the security of the home he knows and loves.  He also has to move away from his familiar friends and school.  Many today have to move away from daddys or mommys or grandparents, too.

While his mother does all she can to reassure Chester, he is still sad. Fortunately, he knows how to express his feelings.  He also finds ways to comfort himself. Ultimately, Chester does make the move with his mom and little brother, finds his new home comfortable and meets a new friend.

What makes this book so powerful and beautiful for children is the path that Chester shows them by expressing his feelings of sadness and loss, his fears about moving, and his finding ways to literally carry pieces of his home and room with him to his new house.  These and other ways of coping are invaluable for children in crisis, as well as children who simply have to move for reasons of their parent's work transfers and other purposes. 

Chester's readjustment to his new home shows a child the hope for new friends and a new adventure in a different home.  And, the original "kissing hand" is carried through to assure children and Chester that no matter where he is there's the security of love that's always with him.

The illustrations are, again, simply beautiful and telling of the story in this book.  It can be read from several different venues, but having the hard copy makes it available for a child to pick up whenever he or she needs the extra boost of support and security.

I love this book which I hope to get for my grandsons who've moved to CA.  I've already read the book to the eldest one for his cassette tape from Grammie.

Highly recommended for children of all ages, actually... Moms and Dads, too.

5 safe harbor stars

Grammie Bee

"Fall Pumpkins" ~ Children's Book with a Little Somethin' for Mom and Dad

Published by: Cloverleaf Books

Ages: 1-Grownups!

Grammie's Review:

Here's a wonderful little book for children of all ages, really. With colorful pages and little friends that carry a child through the story of a seedling to the yummy treats of roasted pumpkin seeds, a child will love and appreciate this book. And, parents will like the bubbled notes accompaning that give how tos from everything on planting to pie-making, as well.

The simple illustrations on planting and caring for pumpkins couldn't be easier for children to follow, which is a feature making this book a treasure. So many children love to garden and this is a way to simplify that process and to give them a BIG reward in the long run. My grands love to garden.

I like that the size is appropriate for little hands and young readers!

My only hesitation is the book may offer too many instructions and not enough of a funny story for children. But, when all is said and done, not every book needs to be fun and games, sometimes children want a serious book that's great in pictures and gives them a "how-to" just like adults do.

4 pumpkin bloosoms

Grams

Halloween Children's Books~What's New!

I'm interested in taking a look at what's new out there in Children's Books this Halloween for my little grands. All are under the age of 6, except my oldest who's just 9.  This past month, I've been keeping my eye out on the following:

Published by: HarperCollins



Pinkalicious scores again with her Harvest story. I sent this darling new book in the series to my little 5 year old granddaughter, "The Little Squirrel, who loves all things pink!

Grammie's gotten her the Pinkalicious series (including "Silverlicious" and the Lord only knows which others!) and now added this one to it, making her perfectly happy, I hope! Not every book for children passes the test with my grandgirls, but they all love this series. I think little girls enjoy the season and Halloween especially when they can relate in the quite pinkish way author Victoria Kann offers. Score another beautiful book for HarperCollins!  I've found adding plain pink nail polish and tiny beaded necklaces with charms makes grandgirl packages even better...  :]

The Little Squirrel's fav. song last I heard:  "If You Want It Put A Ring On It," by Beyonce!  OMG!

Note pink high heels...

The Little Squirrel making way for ducklings in Boston Commons



Published by: HarperCollins

Here's a review by a teacher:



"I bought this book after discovering Pete the Cat this summer. I have two boys that LOVE these books. I also teach first grade and my class is hooked on Pete. They have been singing and retelling the stories for days! Pete is so upbeat and fun that you can't help but have fun and smile with the kids. Plus Pete teaches the lesson that no matter what happens, don't give up and to keep going. He helps the kids understand that attitude is very important especially when things go wrong. This book is a must have for any teacher of young children."

Grammie's Take:   Not really Halloweenish, but a great book nevertheless--

I've been looking at this book for a couple of months and I'm dying to send it to my grandson who lives in Louisiana. He's a total shoe freak!  He's only 3 yrs. old, but he loves his shoes.  I'm also looking at Zappo's for those yellow, electric blue and black indoor soccer shoes to go with the "Pete..." book. Perfect pre-Thanksgiving gifts.

He has a couple pair of the Dr. Seuss high top Chuck Taylors: "Horton Hears a Who," and "Green Eggs and Ham"...or some such; and he has every other kind of  colorful tennis shoe, cowboy boots in black and brown; Batman, Spiderman that lights up when you walk (to his mother's dispare) skateboard Vans, and white dress sneakers.  That "Little Man" lines up his shoes and he's serious!  This could be in part because his grammie always sends him new shoes and books... 

 He also loves to sing along with Justin Beiber, Rhianna and, recently with Keith Urban's "Put You In A Song" or as the Little Man calls it--"Put You in the Car and Drive."

The Little Man in his cowboy boots and Boston Red Socks cap kickin' back in the pumpkin patch

Above also is a Halloween coloring book I sent him for the holiday.   It has awesome projects and exceptional pages to color. Best I've seen for a long time!

This is my favorite collectible hard copy book this Halloween. It's gorgeous!  You sing along to the verses by "On the First Day of Christmas."   The book is a hoot..no pun...

For my "Moon and Stars" Boy:

My grandchildren live in 5 different States. One way I've found to stay close to them is to read to them over cassette tapes. I've sent each of them a recorder, and I read books to them each a couple of times a year. I chose this book in my recent batch for my soon-to-be 4 yr. old granson.

This darling book takes place by the ocean...so special! And with a gentle moral about entertaining visitors who may make us see what we're doing in a new way, it is beautifully told and beautifully illustrated. All ends well when the smart and wiley fox leaves the three friends alone again...and realize they've learned some valuable lessons from his visit. My grandsons love an adventure story and a funny one, too. This great little book meets both those criteria!
Grammie read it for my "Moon and Stars" boy...that's how much I tell him I love him. He lives in the San Francisco area.

"Moon and Stars" boy in a snooze after Sea World visit--big brother to "DJ"

Published by: Simon & Schuster

Two of my youngest little grands are just a little over a year each!  What to get for these guys to read for Halloween?  They both already love books.  "The Big Boss" takes after his sister "The Little Squirrel," talks a lot and likes the colors in a book.  My other darling grandson "DJ" whose big brother is "Moon & Stars Boy," is a serious kinda guy who enjoys the pictues and holding his own book with a frowny face.

Here's my review for Barnes and Noble:  My pen name is "Humbee"

This little board book is perfect for younger children. They're probably familiar with Diego and he's like a little friend coming for a visit! It's easy for them to hold, so colorful and not too scary. They get the idea of a Halloween party without being overwhelmed by the sometimes frightening costumes. I like the book for small hands to hold. There are just the right number of pages for them, too!

"The Big Boss" and his dad in MA

"DJ" with his big brother shoppin' with mom--he's a bit older and wiser now! :]

Published by:  Random House

My "Perfect Pearl" should be reading and making art from this beautiful book this year, only Grammie didn't get a chance to send it!  I sent other books instead.  But, never fear little Pearl, Gram's got it covered for next year...it's safe in my hidden room for you! 

I love the colors and the idea of this darling book.  My sweet "Pearl" loves her art projects and she loves dressing up in fancy outfits.  She's the perfect little princess.  Guess what she's being for Halloween...  :]

Dressed up for ballet last year

Who could resist the "Perfect Pearl"

I saved the best for last, right!?  This is "Smushie" Grammie's first grandgirl who was just 9 this September.  In my mind I call her "Meliedotes" because it's a combo of her name and that I dote on her in my heart. Since she has CP, she can only enjoy books that are read to her, and she likes picture books and others that are age-appropriate. I've sent her books from The Magic Treehouse series and about Princesses.

This birthday Grandpop and I sent her jewelry and nail polishes (sparkle pink and yellow) among other things.  She loves girlie, dress-up stuff and tells everyone she's happy and strong!  "Smushie" smiles and laughs a lot!  She's "The Pearl's" big sister.  :]

"Melie" said she wants to be a fashion model for Halloween.  She's always a Princess to me.

Other Halloween Book Suggestions:

These are some I've sent already over the past couple of years or suggest--



Perfect for a little grand's grasp

A Happy Ending:

For grammie book recommendations or those young mothers and young adults may like, please visit my other blogs at--

http://bookishdameyafancifulfiction.blogspot.com/   and  http://abookishlibraria.blogspot.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for stopping by!   Grammie Bee/Deborah

"Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully"~ Mom to the Rescue

Published by: Tanglewood

Pages: 32

Genre:  Children's Fiction, Ages 4-8

Gram's Buzz :

Chester and his friends are terrified of the playground bully. Thankfully, they have Chester's mom to go to for wisdom and practical advice on how to take charge of the situation and tame the bully in question. This is another beautiful book in the Chester series. When children have anxieties, it's always great to have a Chester Raccoon book on hand.

The book seems well targeted for children in the preK-3rd grade categories. Though I'm not sure every younger child will relate as well. I did read it to my 4 yr. old grandson who seemed to understand and love it. However, that may have been due to the relationship between Chester and his mom shining through, along with the cooperation of his friends, more than the details of the bullying situation.

My other concern is the book's length. For children of this age group, it may be too long. Having 32 pages looses a child's attention when he or she's this young.

However, it's a given that children will love Chester and friends. The spectacular illustrations are sure to please them.  Perhaps taken in a two-session reading experience it will be perfect. The beauty of this book makes it another collectible one for a child's library.

4 taming a bully stars

Grammie Bee

"Franklin Goes To School" ~ Darling Illustrations, Darling Book for Baby to 1st Gr.

Published by:  Scholastics

Pages: 32

Genre:  Children's Books

Ages: Baby to Pre-School

Overview:

Franklin learns to overcome his fears on the first day of school.

About the Author and Illustrator:

Paulette Bourgeois is the author of more than 40 books for children, including the In My Neighborhood series and Oma's Quilt. She lives in Toronto, Ontario. 

Brenda Clark is best known as the illustrator of the original Franklin the Turtle series written by Paulette Bourgeois. Other popular titles she has illustrated include Sadie and the Snowman, Big Sarah's Little Boots, and the award winning, Little Fingerling. Brenda lives in Port Hope, Ontario. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.



Grammie's Review:

Your children may already know Franklin from his television shows, and, if not, they will love this darling book just the same.  Franklin is a young turtle who has the same fears and feelings children experience in new circumstances.  And, Franklin shows the way to working those feelings out!

In this new book about going to school for the first time, children will find a friend who understands those butterfly feelings in the tummy, the fear and unease about leaving the safe-places of home and parents, and the strangeness of a school bus and new surroundings of a classroom. 

Children will see Franklin's insecurity as he notices other friends may know more than he does about certain things.  They'll learn that he; and they, will have their own special "knowing."  And, they'll see that a new teacher may become a kind grown-up who cares and can help them.

I like the secondary story of family support for Franklin. His friends are there with him, too.  He's never alone in his new school experience.  His parents are lovingly by his side before and after school. 

This is a darling book, an easy read for parents and grandparents, and one that any child will treasure in their bookcase.  The illustrations are clear and colorful--also telling the tale as it's read.

There are several "Franklin" books in the series, all of which are perfectly delightful for children.

Grammie Bee thinks this is a wonderful book for your special child or children.

5  buzzy bees!

Grammie Bee

1000 Books for Children ~ Help Put A Book In A Child's Life This Christmas

Genre:  Children's Book

Early Bullying and Lessons of Kindness

What's So Special About Sarah?
 This little book is helping to lay a foundation for kindness and caring about others' feelings in schools.  Bullying is a serious problem in our school systems across the Country starting as early as Elementary School.  This one small book with its one clear meaning can help children see the special gifts kindness can bring in building good friends.

‘Sarah O’Hara ~ Gift of the Fairy Wings’ is an AMAZING book with AMAZING results!!!!! . . . I can see how this book really can begin to change the world, one child/family at a time. The content is interesting to children and easy to understand. It helps them to see that being kind in the real world is very important to making our world a better place to live. Thank you so much for this beautiful book!
~ Susan Basler, Director, Akron Head Start, Akron CO



What the Bookish Dame Asks:

I don't like the word "disadvantaged" when speaking of children.  Somehow it lessens them in the ears, and diminishes them automatically in the eyes of others.  I like to think of some children more as those who haven't had access to some of the things they need to achieve their personal best in life.  Those who haven't experienced the special feelings of owning a book of their own, for instance. All children have the ability and spirit in them for great things.  What all of them don't always have is a means to encourage that journey...a book for a lighthouse. Light in the darkness.

The very  kind author of "Sarah O'Hara..." and her children's health organization, whose focus is on giving them joy for the journey, asked me and I'm asking you, to lend a hand in making it possible to put books in the hands of promising children...those children who need the gift of a book to give them hope in their journey to greatness; to all they can be.

Most of us can vividly recall the day and moment that a book sparked magic for us; starting us on a voyage leading us through a life of joy, knowledge, clear direction and education.  Starting us on a life with the promise of having something that couldn't be taken from us or our memories.

Please take a couple of minutes and a minimal amount of money to invest in the lives of children who need you.

YOUR AVENUE OF KINDNESS :

By purchasing a copy of “Sarah O’Hara Gift of the Fairy Wings” you can put another copy into the hands of a homeless child or a kid who’s never had a brand new book.


From now through the Christmas season, for every hardcover or eBook sold, through Amazon.com*, a brand new Sarah O’Hara book will be donated to a local organization that will make sure a child has their very own signed copy to treasure.

The book is particularly relevant for parents, grandparents, educators, and caregivers who struggle with teaching their kids to be kind in an age where bullying begins in preschool.

“Sarah O’Hara ~ Gift of the Fairy Wings” has won three national awards. It’s brilliant colors and engaging illustrations make it a favorite of children preschool to eight or nine years old. Each book purchased from this site will be autographed, by the author, to your child, children or YOU if you write their first name in the note/comment section of your PayPal transaction.

Here's What Others Are Saying :


“Sarah O’Hara ~ Gift of the Fairy Wings” is adored by educators and children alike!

‘Sarah O’Hara ~ Gift of the Fairy Wings’ is an AMAZING book with AMAZING results!!!!! . . . I can see how this book really can begin to change the world, one child/family at a time. The content is interesting to children and easy to understand. It helps them to see that being kind in the real world is very important to making our world a better place to live. Thank you so much for this beautiful book!
~ Susan Basler, Director, Akron Head Start, Akron CO


“I had to email and tell you what a great response I had to your book. The kids were enthralled by the pictures and the story! Today when they came back to school, they couldn’t wait to look through the pictures. Several children wanted to hear the book again and some said they wanted it for Christmas!”
~ Betsy Mc H., Preschool Teacher and Author


Wow! The story is great, but as a former art teacher I must say I LOVE the illustrations! Ms. Crouthamel has to be one of the freshest new talents in book illustration to come along in years. The attention to detail, the color and the creation of these wonderful characters is extraordinary. This is truly a case of both words and illustrations coming together perfectly to teach a fine lesson. I hope to find more books written and illustrated by this pair of talented women!
~ Donna Wesley, former Art Teacher



BUY ONE GIFT ONE FREE:    

Note:  When "this site" is referred to in the text it refers to http://www.sarahohara.com/   or  http://sarahohara.com/blog/anti-bullying-blog/


From now, until year end, put a book into the hands of a homeless or disadvantaged child.

As stated above, for every hardcover or eBook sold, through Amazon.com*, a brand new Sarah O’Hara book will be donated to a local organization that will make sure a child has their very own signed copy to treasure. You will save 30% off the cover price (taken at checkout) get free shipping from a purchases on this site http://www.saraohara.com/ , and a child who may never have had a book of their own, will get a wonderfully illustrated, heartwarming story about how being kind rocks!


Just click on any one of the links to purchase your copy now!


Use coupon code ‘KIND’ Discount will be applied at check out.


Purchase EBOOK on Amazon.com


*purchases on Amazon must be made directly to Amazon.com, not an Amazon vendor.

Save 30% Plus get FREE SHIPPING*

(*30% discount/free shipping offer applies only to purchases checked out through this website:  http://sarahohara.com/blog/anti-bullying-blog )



Thanking you in advance for your joining us in this Christmastime gift of books for children!  I wish everyone in America a book for Christmas, especially our precious children.

Grammie Bee