Bedtime Math

ISBN: 978-1250035851
Pub Date: June 25, 2013

ISBN: 978-1250040961
Pub Date: March 11, 2014

ISBN: 978-1250047755
Pub Date: March 3, 2015

Bedtime Math
Laura Overdeck

My rating: ★★★★

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Age: Grades K - 4
Genre: Nonfiction

Themes: addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, division,

We all know it's wonderful to read bedtime stories to kids, but what about doing math? While many may be intimidated by the idea, Bedtime Math wants to encourage a love of simple math for both parent and child. The series is made up of fun, mischief-making math problems to tackle on topics from jalapeños and submarines to roller coasters and flamingos—something a bit more fun than your standard flash card. And with three different levels of challenge (wee ones, little kids, and big kids), there's something for everyone.

Overall, I'm just going to say this now: the idea behind these books is pure genius. Get your kids excited about math! Even if you don't like it! It will be an incredibly important asset for them for the rest of their life. And what's great is that these math problems really are far from miserable. They combine interesting facts and figures with some just plain silly ideas (e.g. "If you have 3 pairs of striped underwear with 5 pairs of purple elephant underwear..." or "There are about 200 bones in the human body, but when you're born you start with about 350..."). It really keeps kids engaged and helps them recognize why math would be used in day-to-day life.

For each topic (e.g. "Bones in the body" or "underwear") the author does provide three levels of questions, but does not outline the age range appropriate for each level. Basically, you can practice with whatever your child is comfortable with. The problems range from super easy to somewhat easy, so may not appeal as much to the older grades. Also, I did feel there were a couple times that the different levels were not, well, all that different. But that's just me; by all means, do all the challenges.

The different series address different topics, but it's the same idea in every book. The website also provides daily challenges, as well. Basically, you'll not run out of math problems any time soon. So give it a try! I wish I had kids to read this to at night. I'm definitely recommending it.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

If You Plant a Seed

If You Plant a Seed
Written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 978-0062298898
Publisher: Balzar + Bray
Date of publication: March 3, 2015
Age: 3 years and up

Themes: kindness, selfishness, hard work, gardening

Rabbit and mouse have been working hard in their garden, waiting for their vegetables to grow. But when harvest time comes, so do some bird friends, wanting to partake in the bounty. Will the two animals be able to share? Or will they keep their harvest to themselves?

This is a fantastic book. I love it. Love, love it. It's the epitome of what a picture book should be. See, first, it's got a simple text teaching a simple lesson: what happens when you're selfish and why you should instead choose kind. So it promotes good moral values. But second (and even more importantly), every page is a work of art. These illustrations are beautiful. And so packed with action, emotion, and story. Is it too early to be talking Caldecott? Because this will be one of my nominations, for sure. Really, you should go read/admire this book, whether or not you have children to share it with.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

National Women's History Month Library Display

Even though the month is nearly over, I thought I'd show you the quick and easy display I did for March, aka Women's History Month.

The ever classy and macho Rosie the Riveter was an easy choice. All I did was add an extra speech bubble!

Turns out, it was a perfect way to highlight the biographies of lots of amazing women.

I also included a small history of the National Women's History Project, from their website.

These books have been going fast! I think it was a very successful display for the month. It will soon be time to switch it out for April! (Poetry Month!)

Fish in a Tree

Fish in a Tree
Linda Mullaly Hunt

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-0399162596
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Date of publication: February 5, 2015
Age: Grades 4 and up
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: dyslexia, teacher/student relationship, intelligence, learning differences

After a lot of moving around—and a lot of different schools—Ally has gotten really good at hiding her inability to read. Sure, it usually involves some disruption or misbehavior, but she can't ask for help. As far as she's concerned, how can you cure dumb? But her newest teacher, Mr. Daniels, recognizes not only that she has dyslexia, but also sees her as the bright, creative student she truly is. Soon, Ally discovers that there's a lot more to herself and those around her than just a label.

It's heartwarming. It's beautiful. It's everything you want to read in a book. Yes, it even made me cry (in a very good way). I really could just leave it at that. But I won't, of course.

First, the structure of the novel: it involves quick chapters—glimpses into different experiences that make up Ally and how she begins to change. It made for quick reading (I seriously would have read it in one sitting, it was so good, if I hadn't been interrupted) but still allowed for amazing insight into Ally's character. Other characters each got their own chances to shine in these chapters as Ally interacts with them. So, while the others may not be as in depth (and some may have been a tad predictable), they still contribute significantly to the story as a whole.

While there is the sad, somewhat unbelievable aspect to the story that no one previous to Mr. Daniels realized Ally's learning difference, the point of the story is the struggle of the student dealing with dyslexia. And it is magnificently written, giving readers of all ages great insight and understanding. I highly recommend to young and old alike, especially to those who work to educate children.

Find it at your library or on Amazon