Book Review: Flap! by Alison Hertz

FLAP! by Alison Hertz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twins Katie and Max decide to teach their little sister how to fly. Only, it is a lot harder than they expected.

This is such a cute story. I laughed at how creative and enthusiastic the kids were while trying to get their little sister, Lily, airborne. I was just tickled watching Lily be such a good sport. Crash after crash, Lily stays optimistic about her siblings approach to teaching her how to fly.I love the end. Kids will learn that when you try and put lots of effort in what you want, succeed or fail, you will have lots of fun!

Flap! will have you laughing with each crash, bump and thud all the while anticipating their next move. Flap! makes a fun read-aloud book.

View all my reviews

Hashtag Alert: Picture Book #bedtimepicks

Hey everyone, here is a fantastic resource for parents out there who are looking for great bedtime books to read with their children and to also share their great picks with others. This fabtabulous idea comes from Tara Lazar who has been using the hashtag #bedtimepicks to share the books she reads with her children at night.

So, what great #bedtimepicks are YOU reading tonight?

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Hind's Hands A Story About Autism

Title: Hind’s Hands A Story About Autism

Author: Umm Juwayriyah and Juwayriyah Ayed

Illustrator: Emma Apple

Publisher: Muslim Writers Publishing; April 3, 2012

Suitable for: 4 and up

Themes/Topics: Autism, Siblings,  Coping Skills, Disabilities: Autism

Opening: 

As salamu alykum! My name is Juwayriyah and I am nine years old. I have a little sister named Hind! She's almost five and boy, is she something else.

Book Summary:

Hind’s Hands is a story told by a big sister who learns coping skills to befriend and lead her autistic younger sister. "You see, my sister Hind has Autism. And I know that sounds like a really big word, but it's not. Autism just means that Allah made her to learn and act and think differently than other kids her age." In the story Hind's Hands, big sister Juwayriyah learns just how special her younger sister is, despite the challenging behaviors that she often has to deal with. Author Umm Juwayriyah collaborates with her oldest daughter, Juwayriyah Ayed on this book to help spread awareness about Autism.

Links to resources:

I could not find any resources from the author’s site but here are some links for more information about autism. What is Autism? Here are ten facts about autism. KidsHealth is a wonderful site that explains Autism to children using simple language and facts. Autism Speaks is another site with great resources for people with autism including apps. About.com Home-schooling has many activities including a word search, coloring pages one & two, vocabulary, crossword puzzle, fill in the blank Q&A, bookmarks and more.  

Why I like this book:

What I really like about this book is that while it gives some general information about autism it does not generalize autism. You can't generalize autism. How one child or person with autism behaves is different than how another may. Yes, there are some characteristics that they all share, but they are just as much individuals as the rest of us. My oldest brother has autism and while he also has many characteristics as Hind, he is also very much different and his technique of calming himself is different. This is a VERY sweet tale about a sibling and how she learns to deal with her younger sibling with a disability. I commend the authors for sharing their story of love, patience, family and autism.

Perfect Picture Book Friday: The Color of Us

Title: The Color of Us

Author: Karen Katz

Illustrator: Karen Katz

Publisher: Owlet Paperbacks; October 1, 2002

Suitable for: 4 and up

Themes/Topics: Multiculturalism, Diversity awareness, Acceptance

Opening: My name is Lena, and I am the seven I am the color of cinnamon. Mom says she can eat me up.

Book Summary: Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.

Links to resources: 

Author Activity
Extended activities
Before and After activities from Teach Peace Now
Lesson on Diversity: Similarities and Differences

Why I like this book: 

This book is a “magically delicious” tale that celebrates diversity in our homes and communities. I love how the author uses tasty and yummy comparisons to showcase the variety of tones and hues of our skin like 'creamy peanut butter' 'cinnamon' and 'chocolate'. This book is great not just for biracial or children of color but every child will love the bold illustrations as they follow Lena as she moves about her community.

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

Title: Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale

Author: John Steptol

Illustrator: John Steptol

Publisher: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books; March 31, 1987

Suitable for: 3 and up

Themes/Topics: Folktale, Places & Culture: Africa, Honesty, Kindness, Good Character

Opening:

A Long Time Ago, in a certain place in Africa, a small village lay across a fiver and half a day’s journey from a city where a great king lived. A man named Mufaro lived in this village with his two daughters, who were called Manyara and Nyasha. Everyone agreed that Manyara and Nyasha were very beautiful.

Book Summary:

Both of Mufaro's daughters are beautiful but one is bad tempered and one is kind. When the king of the land asks the daughters to appear before him so he can choose a queen, the prideful, bad tempered daughter decides to set out in the night so she can get there first. Along the path are many opportunities to show one's true character. The kind daughter who follows the same path the next day makes different decisions - with different results and a surprising ending!

Links to resources:

Create a story map 

Scholastic Lesson Plan 

Lesson Plan with before and after activities 

Discussion points at Learning to Give 

  

Why I like this book:

This is another book from my childhood. What stood out the most for me were the illustrations and how they captured the imagination and transported me to Mufaro’s village somewhere in Africa. Naturally, Nyasha was my favorite character; she was sweet and so pretty AND she got the king in the end! Who does not like happy endings!?!  :D

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Too Young for Yiddish

Title: Too Young for Yiddish

Author: Richard Michelson

Illustrator: Neil Waldman

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing; February 1, 2002

Suitable for:  6 and up

Themes/Topics: People & Cultures: Jews, Language: Yiddish, Grandfather & Grandsons, Preserving heritage and language,

Opening:

All afternoon, Aaron helped carry-or shlep, as his grandpa, Zayde, called it-boxes of books up the apartment-house staris.

Book Summary:

When Aaron is a small boy, his Grandpa, or Zayde, does not teach him Yiddish, but when Aaron becomes an adult he longs to learn the language and history of the Old Country from Zayde and his many books.

Links to resources:

The author provides a brief history of the Yiddish language and a glossary of words at the end of the book. These words can be turned into word searches, flash cards and more.

Yiddish history and alphabet 

Flash Cards 

Why I like this book:

This is a great book that teaches the importance of preserving languages and cultures. I find many young people these days (myself included) do not speak their mother or father tongue (my dad’s language being Amharic). For whatever reason many parents and grandparents have for not passing on their history and language, I think in the end it does the youth a dis-service not knowing their past and the rich heritage, history, traditions and respect that comes with knowing the language of the “Old Country” whether that country is in Africa, Asia or Europe. Language is a part of knowing who you are and where you come from. I am happy that in the end, Aaron sees the importance and chooses to teach his son Yiddish while he is still young. While this book is in English, it is unique in its representation of the Yiddish language. It is bounded back to front the same way Yiddish books are printed. While it was not an uncommon experience for me, as the Qur’an, the Muslim’s holy book, is printed the same way, it was fun to read an English book printed in that format. 

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Kitchen Dance

Title: Kitchen Dance

Author: Maurie J. Manning

Illustrator: Maurie J. Manning

Publisher: Clarion Books; October 6, 2008

Suitable for: 3 and up

Themes/Topics: Family life, Culture & Peoples: Afro-Latino Americans, Bedtime, Dance & Movement

Opening:

 Scrape! Splash! Clunk! Clang!

I wake up and listen.

Through the walls and floor,

I hear kitchen sounds.

Book Summary: 

Two sleepy children wake up to mysterious and inviting noises from the kitchen. They sneak out to watch as their parents break into a dance while washing the dishes. Soon, the whole family is swept up into a magical and unexpected family gathering of singing, dancing, swaying and love.

 

Links to resources:

Put on some samba music and encourage children to dance. Learn about sound words, onomatopoeia. 

Examples of onomatopoeia words. Find all of the onomatopoeia in Kitchen Dance and try to create those sounds with objects in your home or classroom.

  

Why I like this book:

Who knew the kitchen was NOT just for COOKING? I love this book! The joy and love it shows between parents and children are just so heartwarming. It’s upbeat feel and fun illustrations make you want to dance right along with them. 

Find a comprehensive list of picture books with resources at Susanna Hill's blog. 

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Hope

Title: Hope

Author: Isabell Monk

Illustrator: Janice Lee Porter

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books, Inc, October 2004

Suitable for:  4 and up

Themes/Topics: Acceptance, Tolerance, Bi-racial identity, Bi-racial culture and heritage

Opening: 

Every summer I spend at least one weekend in the country with my mama’s aunt Poogee. The instant I step out of our car, Aunt Poogee scoops me up in her arms and says, “Mmmm, I could just eat you up.” I think aunt Poogee holds all the love in the world inside her and lets it out bit by bit through the twinkle in her eyes.

Book Summary:

During a visit to her great-aunt’s in the country, Hope learns the story behind her name and learns to feel proud of her biracial heritage.

Resources:

Lesson plan for Cultural Identity. Suggested activities:

Create a family tree

Research family member

Interview the eldest member of your family

Research the meaning and origin of your name and other family members names

Why I like this book:

Identity is a big issue for children of bi-racial heritage and Isabell Monk does a wonderful job showing through Hope’s story that every child is special and should be proud of their mixed heritage. I was a child of mixed heritage, African American and Ethiopian and both are rich and beautiful. Growing up my mom made sure I loved and respected both. I believe every child of mixed cultures can relate to Hope and probably have gone through some of the problems that society creates for people of mixed cultures and heritage. This is the perfect book for children to learn they are wonderful, they are beautiful and they have every right to be proud of who they are! And in a way, children of non-mixed races learn a great deal of understanding, tolerance and an appreciation of children of mixed races.

Find a comprehensive list of picture books with resources at Susanna L Hill's blog.

Perfect Picture Book: Kele's Secret by Tololwa M. Mollel

Title: Kele's Secret

Author: Tololwa M. Mollel

Illustrator: Catherine Stock

Publisher: Lodestar Books; June 1, 1997

Ages: 3-7

Topic/theme: Overcoming fear, Places & Cultures: Tanzania, Chickens

Opening:

Grandmother Koko's hens laid their eggs in the strangest places.

Book Summary:

A young Tanzanian boy named Yoanes must overcome his fear of a spooky shed, the scariest place on his grandparents' farm, to follow Kele to find out where she lays her egg. Of all his grandmother Koko’s chickens, Kele is the cleverest hider of her eggs. The reward for Yoanes if he can find Kele’s hidden eggs to fill the egg bowl is to accompany Koko to the market. There Koko will sell the eggs and give him a precious ten cent coin, with which Yoanes can buy any snack he wishes.


Resources:


The author includes a glossary at the end of the book. Some discussion points can include: how they help their family. What they do to overcome their fears? Differences between life on a farm and life in the city. Then have children learn more about Tanzania. For some fun in the kitchen, try out this simple Mandasi recipe. Mandasi is a deep-fried bun that is a treat when eaten fresh and lightly powdered with sugar.  :) The book covers a lot of Tanzanian agriculture, have your children make a list of the different plants, shrubs, trees and vegetation mentioned in the book.


Why I like this book:


This was a really cute story. From the beginning I am drawn into the mystery of the strange and secretive Kele. I also want to know where she keeps her eggs hidden. I love how we are taken on a tour through Yoanes's homeland as he trails the clucky hen. We learn about Tanzanian folklore along the way and watch him face his fears in the process. The illustrations are simply wonderful and engaging. 

Perfect PIcture Book: Silly Chicken by Rukhsana Khan

Title: Silly Chicken

Author: Ruhksana Khan

Illustrator: Yunmee Kyong

Publisher: Viking; 2005

Ages: 4 and up

Theme/Topics: Sibling rivilry, Jealousy, Pets, Chickens, Mother & Daughter relationships, Places: Pakistan

Opening:

Ami loves her hen better than me.  She calls her Bibi. I call her silly.

Summary: It is no fun when your brother or sister gets all the attention! Anyone with a sibling knows that. But what happens when the center of attention is a pet chicken?
Rani thinks her mother loves Bibi the hen more than her. Rani doesn't understand how her mother could love the hen so much until one Bibi goes missing and Rani and her mother gets a bit surprise!

Resources:

Silly Chicken Teachers Guide for 1-3 grade.

Why I like this book:

Author Rukhsana Khan does a wonderful job of getting to the heart of a child's emotional distress when it comes to vying for a parent's attention and love. Rani is such a cute character and I totally understand her feelings toward that chicken. LOL! But children also learn that things are not always as bad as they seem :) The illustrations are fun, whimsical and cute.

A-Z Challenge: P is for A Party in Ramadan

Title: A Party in Ramadan


Author: Asma Mobin-Uddin


Illustrator: Laura Jacobsen


Publisher: Boyds Mills Press; April 1, 2009


Ages: 7 - 9


Topics/Themes: Ramadan, birthday party, religious holidays, Muslim culture, choices, tolerance, friendship


Opening: 
Leena twirled around in front of the kitchen table, breathless and excited as her mother pulled out an invitation from the large envelope. "Mom, Julia is going to have a pony at the party, and we get to ride it!" 


Book Summary:
Ramadan is coming and Leena is excited. Although she is too young to fast each day during the Muslim holy month, she decides to fast on a Friday that her aunt will be visiting. Now Leena has a dilemma. She receives an invitation to a party which happens to fall on that same Friday. Leena doesn’t want to miss the party, but she doesn’t want to miss fasting either.


Resources: 
Lots of activities and lessons about Ramadan. DLTK has an arts and craft section. See if you can complete the Ramadan Scavenger Hunt.


What I like about the book:


This is another wonderful introduction to Muslim practices and holidays. Leena, like most Muslim children, wants to fast but is conflicted when the day she chooses to fast falls on the same day as a long awaited birthday party. Leena is given the option to fast if she wants or just pick another day. For children who are not required it is so important for parents to be understanding and to allow them to make some choices on their own and respect their choices. Children often learn by example and experience. Her mother could have told her no, that it would be impolite to go to the party and not eat especially since the neighbors did not know anything about fasting or Ramadan. She could have told her that she would be much too hungry and thirsty due to all the running and playing she'd do at the party. But she allowed Leena the chance to experience it all for herself. Leena was even rewarded with a very thoughtful gesture on her friend's part. I loved how Leena's friend offers to stay back with her when it is time to eat cake. Sometimes, children show more kindness and tolerance  than we actually give them credit for. At the end of the book there is an explanation about Ramadan and it's importance to Muslims and the Muslim women's headdress, the Hijab. 

A-Z Challenge: O is for One Hen

Title: One Hen

Author: Katie Smith Milway

Illustrator: Eugenie Fernandes

Publisher: Kids Can Press: February 1, 2008

Suitable for: 8 and up

Themes/Topics: africa, microfinancing, community building,

Opening:

Kojo tugs the knot tight and hoists a bundle of firewood onto his head. Since his father died, he has had to quit school and help his mother collect wood to sell at the market.

Book Summary:

Inspired by true events, One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many. After his father died, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother collect firewood to sell at the market. When his mother receives a loan from some village families, she gives a little money to her son. With this tiny loan, Kojo buys a hen. A year later, Kojo has built up a flock of 25 hens. With his earnings Kojo is able to return to school. Soon Kojo's farm grows to become the largest in the region.

Links to resources:

EconEdlink is an excellent site with lots of activities. 

Visit One Hen Microfinance for Kids for more information about the organization, the book and lots of activities and lesson plans (click on the Teachers and Librarians tab).

Why I like this book:

Books based on true stories, lives and events always touch my heart. This one is no different. There is so much we can learn from the lives of others. From the beginning I just fell in love with the character Kojo. One Hen shows what happens when a little help makes a big difference. Children are introduced to the concept of microloans and finances, a lending system for people in developing countries who have no collateral and no access to conventional banking. Microloans have begun to receive more media attention in recent years. In 2006 Muhammad Yunus, a Bangledeshi economist who pioneered microloan banking, won the Nobel Peace Prize.The final pages of One Hen explain the microloan system and include a list of relevant organizations for children to explore.

A-Z Challenge: N is for.... No Mirrors in My Nana's House

Title: No Mirrors in My Nana’s House

Author: Ysaye M. Barnwell

Illustrator: Synthia Saint James

Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt April 1^, 2005

Suitable for: 4 - 7

Themes/Topics: Self-perception, Grandmothers, African-Americans, Cultural and Socio-Economical heritage

Opening: 

There were no mirrors in my Nana’s house

No mirrors in my Nana’s house.

So the beauty that I saw in everything was in her eyes……

Book Summary:

A little girl discovers the beauty in herself—and the beauty of the world around her—not by looking in the mirror but by looking in her Nana's eyes.

Links to resources: 

Most of the resource I found were actually documents and powerpoint presentations that downloaded directly to my computer but I did find a few really good ones that encourage lots of discussion on cultural diversity and identity. Art and Discussion topics. Lesson on cultural differences.

Listen to the story online with Tia and Tamara and find more activities.

Why I like this book:

What a wonderfully written book! I love the story of a child who lives and learns about the beauty of life and the appreciation of the life she has through the love and compassion of her Nana. Despite growing up in an unprivileged environment, she learns that there is beauty in everything around her, all through the eyes of her Nana. She did not grow up to judge her self based on what others looked like or had. The illustrations are done in acrylic paints on canvas and they are amazing! I love the concept of no facial features in the illustrations. I was still able to feel the emotions of each word even though their faces did not show it. This book would be suitable for Muslim families who do not approve of illustrations of human or living beings.

Perfect Picture Book: Super Blake

Title: Super Blake and the Cavity Monster


Author: Tracy Bickhaus


Illustrator: Korey Scott


Publisher: Brickhouse Media LLC; March 1, 2011


Theme/Topics: Dental hygiene, Super Hero, Good Character


Ages: 3 and up


Opening: 
There once was a little boy named Blake. Every morning at 6 he would wake.


Book Summary: 
Super Blake Books are a series of children's picture books that follow Super Blake through a variety of adventures. He shows kids how they can be a hero in everyday life by making good choices and helping others. In this first book of the series, Super Blake battles tooth decay in the form of The Cavity Monster and his evil sidekicks: Ginger Vitis and Sir Plaque.


Resources: Find Super Blake, Cavity Monster, Ginger Vitis and Sir Plaque coloring pages, word search, printable bookmarks and more. Learn about healthy dental practices here. Online games and activities for ages ranging from 2-9.


Why I like the book: 
This is a nice book that focuses on making good choices. Blake teaches children what an everyday hero should be like. Healthy teeth is encouraged through fighting off the mean cavity monster by promoting brushing and flossing. It is a rhyming book so young children will like it and follow along with the beat and rhythm. the illustrations are really cute and bright. Blake is such a cute character. The author spent a little time in the beginning of the story introducing Blake then moved on to the story of fighting tooth decay. At first I did not care for all the long wait, but as this is a series about making good choices, I do see the need for the reader to really get to know Blake. I also love all the goodies on the author's website from bookmarks to certificates, stickers, coloring pages and lots more. 


For a complete list of Perfect Picture Books visit Susanna L Hill's blog. 

A-Z Challenge: M is for My Mother's Garden

Title: My Mother’s Garden

Author: Emila Yusof

Illustrator: Emila Yusof

Publisher: One Red Flower Press; March 30, 2010

Suitable for: 3 and up

Themes/Topics: Tropical Flowers, Insects, Gardens, 

Culture/Malaysia

Opening: I love playing in my mother’s garden.

Book Summary:

Follow a young girl as she explores her mother's garden with her furry friend. My Mother's Garden, is a wonderful book filled with flowers, bees, dragonflies and butterflies. Children are introduced to the names of some Malaysian tropical flowers and plants which are listed in their scientific and English common names at the back of the book. An ideal book for reading aloud and for playing 'I spy' in the outdoors as the child learns to recognize plants featured in the book!

Links to resources:

Check out the world fact book for information about Malaysia here. This link has information about ginger plants. Find more native flowers of Malaysia here. Here are some coloring pages for a fun quiet activity. Hibiscus coloring page here and here. Have a try at these fun trivia questions here.

Why I like this book:

I loved playing in my grandmother’s garden as a little, little girl and later in my mom’s when I got a bit older. My grandmother loved to plant flowers especially roses while my mom had a vegetable garden. In “My Mother’s Garden” we follow a young Malaysian girl as she explores her mother’s exotic garden with her pet cat. You wont find your average garden variety in this garden! Much more exotic plants await to delight young children like hibiscus, ginger, frangipani and ixora. Also at the end of the book children get to learn more about the plants that are featured in the story that includes their scientific, common and Malay names.

A-Z Challenge: L is for The Librarian of Basra

Title: The Librarian of Basra

Author: Jeanette Winter

Illustrator: Jeanette Winter

Publisher: Harcourt Children’s Books; January 1, 2005

Suitable for: 4 and up

Themes/Topics: Middle East/ Iraq, Library, Bravery, Non-fiction,

Opening:

“In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was ‘Read.’”

Book Summary:

Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in Basra, Iraq. For fourteen years, her library has been a meeting place for those who love books. Until now. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library--along with the thirty thousand books within it--will be destroyed forever.

In a war-stricken country where civilians--especially women--have little power, this true story about a librarian's struggle to save her community's priceless collection of books reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge know no boundaries.

Links to resources:

Find a study guide at teachable moments. 4th grade lesson plan. Learning to Give has another great lesson plan with cross curricular activities. 

Why I like this book:

I love books that show true bravery and fore sight of present day women. This is a wonderful book for girls (and boys) to read and feel inspired to stand up and act for what they believe is right and for the good the community even if their action is something small. The fact that this is a true story makes it even more touching. The author does not use a bunch of words to describe what is going on. She does a great job relaying the facts about what is happening with out making it too scary or gory (as war can be very gory) We see the what and why the librarian is worried and why and how she rescues her books. The illustrations are simple but relay the message of the story perfectly. Anyone who loves and respects books will love reading this story about a brave woman who courageously protected 30,000 books, some irreplaceable, from a war’s destructive grip.

A-Z Challenge: K is for The Keeping Quilt

Title: The Keeping Quilt

Author: Patricia Polacco

Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Publisher: Aladdin; May 1, 2001

Suitable for: 4 - 8

Themes/Topics: Quilts, Jews, Emigration and Immigration, Family Heirlooms, Family Traditions.

Opening:

When my Great-Gramma Anna came to America, she wore the same thick overcoat and big boots she had worn for farm work. But her family weren’t dirt farmers anymore.

Book Summary:

"We will make a quilt to help us always remember home," Anna's mother said. "It will be like heaving the family in back home Russia dance around us at night."

And so it was. From a basket of old clothes, Anna's babushka, Uncle Vladimir's shirt, Aunt Havalah's nightdress and an apron of Aunt Natasha's become The Keeping Quilt, passed along from mother to daughter for almost a century. For four generations the quilt is a Sabbath tablecloth, a wedding canopy, and a blanket that welcomes babies warmly into the world.

Links to resources:

Carol Hurst has a wonderful list of activities and discussions points on her blog Find a wonderful online quiz here. Find more lesson ideas here. 

Why I like this book:

Patricia Polacco does an excellent job telling the tale of how her family heirloom, a quilt, was made and its history throughout the generations. It was a very touching story! I loved reading and watching the generations continue the tradition of passing on the quilt and how the marriage custom evolved keeping some of the same traditions but adding others to it. It was so beautiful! I think homemade heirlooms are a really neat way to pass along family traditions and history. Now I want to make a keeping quilt! 

A-Z Challenge: J is for Jambo means Hello

Title: Jambo Means Hello

Author: Muriel Feelings

Illustrator: Tom Feelings

Publisher: Puffin; July 15, 1992

Topic/Theme: Alphabet, Africa, African Culture, Swahili Language

Ages: 3 and up

Opening: A  arusi is a wedding.

Summary:

Jambo Means Hello is a fun alphabet that introduces basic Swahili vocabulary. The book gives a word in Swahili for each letter in the Swahili alphabet. The Swahili alphabet doesn't have the letters Q or X therefore only has 24 letters. Along with each word is a pronunciation key and a short paragraph telling a little bit about the word and its context in rural African society.

Resources:

Swahili is spoken widely in eastern Africa, can you find and name the countries on this map? Lesson plan that includes a word quilt activity Listen to a Swahili Folktale. Learn about Kenya. Kenyan flag and map coloring page.

Why I like this book:

This is a book I used to read as a kid. I loved it. I memorized every word and considered myself fluent in Swahili! Lol Then when the Lion King came out I was thrilled that I knew a lot of the words. The illustrations are beautiful and reflect the word of the alphabet. Just a note though, the book focuses mostly on African rural and village life and traditions.  Nonetheless, this book is a wonderful introduction to Kenyan culture and language.

A-Z Challenge: I is for I Love My Hair

Title: I Love My Hair

Author: Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; February 1, 1998

Topic/Theme: African American Heritage, Hair, Ethnic Identity, Cultural Identity, Heritage Pride

Ages: 4 - 8

Opening:

Every night before I go to bed, Mama combs my hair. I sit between her knees, resting my elbows on her thighs like pillows. 

Summary:

Every night before she goes to bed, Keyana sits down between her mother's knees to have her hair combed. But no matter how gently Mama pulls, it still hurts sometimes! Keyana doesn't feel lucky to have such a head of hair, but Mama says she is because she can wear it any way she chooses. "I can spin your hair into a fine, soft yarn, just like our grandmothers did at their spinning wheels," she tells her. "Or I can part your hair into strait lines and plant rows of braids along your scalp, the way we plant seeds in our garden." Soon Keyana, too, finds reasons to love her hair, and she wears it any way she chooses with pride.

Resources:

Discussion topics: Hair types. Have children describe their hair. Have them use descriptive words. Have children find something unique about their hair. Craft: Create self-portraits concentrating on hair types. Children can use different kinds of material that best matches their hair type, color, length, style and texture such as yarn, string, pipe cleaners, ribbon, cotton, and colored markers.

Lesson plans from Scholastics, http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/i-love-my-hair-lesson-plan  and Social Studies Resources, http://www.socialstudiesresources.org/books/122  

Why I like this book:

LOL! boy does this book bring back memories! I could see myself (especially my baby sister) in Keyana. Yes, I remember the days when I sat between my mama, grandma, auntie or cousin's knees and got my hair done. I was not as tender headed as my youngest sister who would cry, cry, cry and beg for my mom to use the brush first when she got her hair down but there were times when my hair was a bit nappier than usual and tears fell. But I loved to get my hair done. While I liked getting my hair pressed sometimes, I really liked getting it braided! I tried an afro once but had a heck of a time getting it back under control! :D But I loved my hair. Even today I prefer it natural than straightened (guess I got burned one to many times growing up :D) But this book really focuses on loving yourself. Loving your hair, loving your style and your heritage. We are all beautiful in our own way.

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book

Title: Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book 

Author: Celeste Shally 

Illustrator: David Harrington

Publisher: Awaken Specialty Press, September 1, 2007

Topic/Theme: Autism, Friendship, Acceptance, Special Needs

Ages: 3-8

Opening: It's finally summer vacation! It's going to be perfect because I'm going to hang out with my friend Matt who lives across the street.

Summary: Since We're Friends is about two boys. One has autism, the other does not. The story of their relationship provides practical examples of how to make such a friendship work. It will help children see that their peers with autism can make a fun, genuine contribution to friendship. 

Resources:

What is Autism? Here are ten facts about autism.

KidsHealth is a wonderful site that explains Autism to children using simple language and facts. Autism Speaks is another site with great resources for people with autism including apps. Check out Oliver's Guide to Autism, a very cute and informative way to learn about autism from a young boy name Oliver who has autism.

Why I like this book:

I love this book! I have a sibling with autism. Naeem, my oldest brother, was diagnosed with autism when he was three years of age. I love this book because it helps children and siblings with understanding and learning how to help their friends with autism. It is important however to know that not all children and adults with autism are the same. In the case of my brother Na'eem, he is different from Matt in this story in that he can not and does not like to engage in group activities, he does not engage in conversation with others not even me or my family. He is sometimes able to relay in very simple vocabulary what he needs or wants. This story is very particular to the relationship with Matt and his friend. But the book does give a general idea in how to help and engage a friend with autism.