Pirate favorites for reading aloud

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It's talk like a pirate day. Silly day? Yes. Awesome day? Also yes.

Phee loves pirates- Never Land, Peter Pan, Jake & the Never Land Pirates. All of it. She loves her Jake figurines and plays with them all the time making up stories and games. We've spent many an afternoon with her as Jake and me as Captain Hook, stealing and rescuing treasure over and over again.

When we explore the library, we are often drawn to dinosaur and pirate books. Both are pretty much a sure bet as far as we're concerned. I love to read pirate books aloud and she loves to listen to them.

In honor of talk like a pirate day, here are our favorite pirate books. They've given us lots of laughs. Plus, who doesn't love to talk like a pirate?!

Pirate Mom
What would it be like if your mom turned into a pirate?

Phee calls me pirate mom from time to time and that's my cue to use pirate speak and be silly.

Dirty Joe the Pirate 

 This is probably the best pirate book I've ever read. I believe I laughed so hard I was in tears the first time I read it to Phee.

How I Became a Pirate

Phee likes to reference the pirate rules and customs from this book, especially the green teeth.

 

Papa is a Pirate

Cute little twists on a child's observations in this one. We had lots of fun conversations about this story.

 

Twenty-six Pirates

 A fun little ABC book that's more for fun than the actual teaching of letters. We really like the illustrations, though.

Now, it's your turn. What are your favorite pirate books? Have you read any of these?

Skip the Summer Slump!

When I was in grad school, I remember reading that kids could avoid a lot of the summer slump by reading three books. That's it- three books over the course of the summer can help kids retain what they've learned from one school year to the next. To some kids, that sounds like a lot, too much, impossible. For others, that's one trip to the library.

Here's the thing- every kid I know likes stories. Movies, magazines, graphic novels, comics, books, imagination and pretend play, drawing, writing letters, listening to older family members. There are stories everywhere.

So, how do you bring those stories out, spark imagination, keep kids reading, or even help them start reading, over the summer?

Turns out, there are lots of ways, some which you might not have even thought of!

Summer reading programs
Check your local library for their summer reading program. Seek out your local bookstores and see if they have programs, too. Barnes & Noble and Half Price books both have programs. Here in Texas, the grocery store chain HEB also has a summer reading program. Often the prize at the end of the summer is a free book which only encourages more reading! Plus, there are generally lots of fun events that accompany the summer programs.

Reading to younger siblings
Have your older kids read to younger siblings or relatives. This is a great way to keep everyone entertained for short periods of time throughout the week, or at a larger family event. Little ones often ask lots of questions about stories so this gives your older kids an opportunity to do some sneaky critical thinking about story, plot, word meanings, and many other features.

Reading on their own
If you have enthusiastic readers, let them read! If you have reluctant readers, work with them to find something that sparks their interest, but don't force the issue. Ask librarians for suggestions. Try nonfiction on a topic your child is interested in. Ask other parents what their kids are reading and enjoying. Try some graphic novels, comic books, or magazines, too. Reading isn't just for books!

Reading aloud
Do you read books aloud to your kids? Not just bedtime stories for younger kids, but bigger, longer books that you can share with older kids? Start this summer! Find a book that you're both interested in and set aside time each day to read a chapter. This could be bedtime, lunch time, an afternoon break. Take time to enjoy stories, words, and reading together and encourage each other to think about and discuss the story.

Audio books
Logging some hours in the car for vacation? Stock up on some fun audiobooks! Your kids might find a series, genre, or subject that they're interested in exploring further once they've listened to it. If you can find some short books, books with short chapters, or short story collections, those are great for day trips, days your running errands, or even to listen to during breakfast or lunch instead of watching TV.

Magazine subscriptions
Speaking of magazines, check some out! Libraries usually have lots of different subscriptions. The short articles, variety of topics, and variety of styles may appeal to a reluctant reader.

Book clubs
The library here has lots of tween and teen book clubs. If your library doesn't have one, maybe that's something your child could start with their friends for the summer. Everyone can suggest and vote on books to be read. This is great encouragement for critical and in-depth thinking about plot, storyline, themes, and lots of other features. It's also a good way to boost your child's confidence when it comes to sharing ideas and speaking in public.

Plays
Know some theatrical kids? Encourage them to choose a short play, read it, and then plan a performance for the neighborhood, the family, or a special picnic or BBQ. Understanding the story, planning the production, matching moods and actions to words on the page... it's all part of telling  the story. And the kids get there through reading.

Journals
Going on vacation? Have some fun day trips, staycations, or family visits planned? Have your kids decorate and keep a journal to document the fun. They could collect tickets, pictures, brochures, and other bits and pieces from a trip or event. Then, have them write about the event when they're home. Maybe they could write about their favorite part, or a funny mishap, or something they learned. Not only is it a fun memento of the summer, it's a great tool to use as story starters!

Library
You know me, I'm a big library advocate. Make trips to the library a regular habit. Exposure to books from an early age helps create readers. It's also important for kids to see you reading for fun, not just because you have to. Some kids only see reading as a chore, but if you model different behavior, they will pick up on it and it may pique their interest.

How do you keep your kids engaged over the summer to prevent the summer slump?

Linked up at Just Us Four, P is for Preschooler, The Grant Life, Nancherrow, 123 Homeschool 4 Me, The Jenny Evolution, Texas Women Bloggers, Life with the Crust Off.

Book Reviews

A long, long time ago, I had time to keep up multiple blogs. I can't seem to manage that any more. And that's fine. I mean, I'm only one person and I can't do it all, despite what I attempt!

During the course of my master's coursework, I had to create a couple blogs as assignments. One blog was solely for book reviews during a semester on children's literature. I had other courses that required reviews and after graduation, I put my resources together in one blog.

I added a few more reviews before I lost momentum with a new baby, working full time, and trying to find a librarian position. This blog is something I'd like to go back to, especially when I find myself as a librarian.

If you'd like some reviews of fun, interesting books for children and YA readers, please check out HKN Reads. Maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to start this up again soon. I do love to do these reviews and Phee and I read so many different books.

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Check out some other book reviews! You're always looking for something new to read, right? I know my to-read pile is always far too big.

Get me to the library on time!

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I love to read. I love the library. I am, after all, a librarian at heart (and that's what my degree says). I am also notoriously bad at returning books on time. Especially Phee's books. More than once I've had another library patron comment on my very (very!) lengthy check out receipt after I've paid fines.

No more! I'm all for supporting the library, but I need to stop racking up the overdue fines. The last round almost kept me from picking up a hold I had on Takedown Twenty and I do not like to be kept from Stephanie Plum and her exploding cars! Plus, it's kind of embarrassing to walk in, knowing you owe more than $10.

In an effort to keep my money, I've devised a plan of action. Some of these things we usually do, some are new, and some we're just out of the habit of doing. But, it's time to get it together and get back on track.

Tips for using the library

1. Designate a special library bag. We have a specific bag that we always use for the library. It's big and bright and you can't miss it. Phee can go dig it out of the closet herself. When we're finished with a particular book, sometimes it goes right back into the bag for the next trip. If you always use the same bag, then any family member going to the library will know what to take. No more books left behind!


2. Pick a spot to keep the books. Let's face it: if you have kids, you have stuff. It's hard to always keep track of that stuff. Pick a spot where library books are kept: a basket by the bed, a particular part of a bookshelf set off with bookends, in a special reading nook. Do the same for yourself, even if it just means keeping the books on the nightstand. It's a lot easier to scoop up the books from their designated spots than to rush around searching for them at the last minute.


3. Set a due date reminder on your phone/calendar. I'm terrible at this. I even get emails reminders that books will be due in a couple days and I still can't get them returned on time. I make it a point to enter the due date and set a reminder in my phone as soon as we get to the car. You could also make a big note on your paper calendar. Whatever it takes so that you see, and heed, the reminder!

4. Limit the number of books you check out. I'm not very good at this. I have unrealistic expectations of my free time. I let Phee choose books, and then I choose some for us to read, too. Our pile of checkouts gets out of hand pretty quickly. But, if we're making these tips a habit, then we'll be going more often and we don't need to get 15 books at one time. Find a manageable number that works for you and your kids and then really try to stick to it. Fewer fines and lost books!

5. Make visiting the library a habit. If you're at the library every couple weeks, you're reading more, discovering lots of fun books, and showing your kids how to use the library. Better still, you're there. And if you're in the habit of using the library, you're much more likely to remember to return your books.

How do you remember to get your books back on time? What other tips do you have for successful library trips?

Define Yourself in an Uncommon Way

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I'm The Little Engine That Could, chugging along day after day, managing to get (almost) everything done, even when I don't see how I possibly can.

I'm If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, distracted so easily, and wanting to do it all.

I'm Guess How Much I Love You, to the end of outer space and back.

I'm The Very Hungry Caterpillar. No explanation needed.

I'm Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Give me my coffee, follow the directions, and don't make me move to Australia.

I'm Blueberries for Sal, picking berries with my mom, my grandma, my aunt, my cousins. Eating fresh, delicious, sun-filled berries and still managing to put some in my bucket for a pie right now, and for freezing for later.

I'm The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, but I don't know which one I'm wearing, or if I can change them fast enough.

I'm Goodnight Moon, quietly, sweetly snuggling my Phee.

I'm Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed , because it's no fun to be serious all the time. Silly, crazy, playing with Phee is much better than anything else.

I'm The Giving Tree, wanting to help, to do a favor, to be a friend.

I'm Madeline, doing my own thing and making it work.

I'm For Laughing Out Loud; I so thoroughly crack myself up.

I'm A Christmas Tree for Pyn, using what I find, reusing, repurposing, building with love.

I'm The Poky Little Puppy, with a list that never ends and not enough hours in the day.

I'm Anne of Green Gables, with so many fresh tomorrows.

I'm The Velveteen Rabbit, believing in magic, wanting to be real.

I'm The Secret Garden, full of these books and so many more, hiding, growing, changing.

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I was so stumped on this one, until Evin suggested books. Ah, yea, duh. It clicked then, and was so easy to write. I'm so lucky to have such inspirational, and smart!, friends.

Link up or visit some other blogs see how other bloggers are defining themselves in uncommon ways.

Read-Along Books & CDs

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Phee loves to tell stories.  Phee loves me to tell stories.  In the car.  Every time we get into the car.  I'm happy to oblige, but when the request is for me to yet again tell the story of a particular episode of Arthur or Curious George I get tired of it.  Sometimes I'm allowed to make up stories, but the catch there is that I have to remember exactly how I told the story so that I can tell it again later.  She will absolutely correct me if I forget or change a detail.

I was thrilled when I walked into the library one day and discovered a cart of books with read-along CDs.  Curious George, Arthur, and some other old friends were all included and I saw the light at the end of the repetitive storytelling tunnel. 

Phee was excited to discover these books.  She loves being able to follow along by herself and turn the pages.  The novelty has worn off a bit, but she still enjoys listening to the stories and we make sure to pick up at least two or three new ones every time we go to the library. I'm still telling, stories, too, but I'm happy to have a backup plan.

I have found, though, that all read-alongs are not created equally.  Some have great narrators.  Some have a consistent format and "turn the page" sound.  Others... not so much.  Arthur and Curious George are done very well and have the same format for nearly every book.  An Olivia book that I grabbed was narrated by Dame Edna, which was absolutely fitting and perfect, but it didn't have page turn sounds so Phee couldn't really follow along.  Cat in the Hat was narrated far too quickly by Kelsey Grammar.  He did a great job as the Cat, but the page turn sounds blended right into the story and happened so fast, Phee never even noticed them.

These books are perfect for vacation travel, or even just an afternoon of running errands.  For us, it's a great way to entertain Phee for a few minutes so Doug and I can catch up.  So, to help you plan for summer vacation, here are a few of our favorites, with a note about each.

Curious George Makes Pancakes

This is a cute, typical George story.  The narration is at a very smooth, steady pace and the narrator uses some different voices to vary the story.  The page turns are clear and easy to follow.  There is also a second track without the page turn signals.


Arthur Goes to Camp
 
There is an odd, but catchy (by catchy I mean watch out for this earworm) little song before all of the Arthur stories we've checked out.  Phee loves it, though, and sings along.  This is a classic Arthur story with all of the usual characters.  Again, it has two tracks, which is great for when Phee wants a story, but doesn't want to mess with the book.


Ella the Elegant Elephant

We loved this story!  Ella is a cute mix of Curious George, Babar and Olivia.  The narration is wonderful.


Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck


Peter Rabbit is one of Phee's favorite characters and stories.  She can recite it nearly word for word and never tires of hearing or watching it.  This was a very lucky find and we've thoroughly enjoyed it.  The narration is by Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor who were in a movie about Beatrix Potter.


Magic School Bus in the Time of Dinosaurs


This was Phee's first introduction to Magic School Bus.  It's a fun read, but if you've ever looked at one of these books, you'll instantly spot the challenge in making it a read-along.  There are lots of speech bubbles and extra facts spread throughout the pages, in addition to the text.  Also, I didn't look at it before Phee started to listen to it (it's Magic School Bus, what could possibly be wrong) and a few pages in I'm hearing about the dinosaur that has "red in his mouth" because he's eating another dino for dinner.  So, we had to explain carnivores, or "meat-eaters" in Land Before Time language.

One more tip on storage.  The seat pocket in front of Phee is empty so we keep all of the read-alongs we check out in that pocket.  And after she listens to one, I try to remember to hand the CD back to her so it goes right back into its book.  It doesn't always happen, but we haven't lost any yet, either, so it's working!

What are some good read-alongs you've discovered?  Have you tried them for long car trips?

Primary Colors

A few months ago, Phee discovered a fantastic Sesame Street clip on YouTube.  It's a catchy little song about primary colors featuring the always entertaining OK, Go.  We sing it all the time.


Not long before we found this song, Phee got a new book, Curious George's First Day of School.  This cute story has George going to school as a helper and mixing up paint colors into a huge mess in the classroom.  There is a color wheel on the back page to explore colors and how they mix together.  It's a simple, fun exploration of the primary colors.

Between this book and the Sesame Street video, Phee quickly picked up on which colors are primary.  She's still getting the hang of mixing them correctly to make other colors.  But, she knows that mixing will yield different results and constantly asks us about combining whatever colors she happens to be using or playing with at the time.

Somewhere in the middle of this color discovery, her class did a color experiment.  This is a simple project you can do at home with paint and paper.  Basically, you need a big piece of thick paper, or finger paint paper, and red, yellow and blue paints.  You squirt a bit of all three colors into separate areas of the paper and let the kids experiment with mixing them together.

We haven't recreated the paint experiment ourselves at home, but we have tried overlaying different colors in crayon and colored pencil to get different results.  Discovering all of these things together has made it fun to learn about the primary colors.  It's not something we set out to learn about at this age, but when you happen upon great tools it's a good idea to use them!  

Have you come across other activities or books that teach primary colors? 

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