4th of July

 Happy Independance Day!

Celebrating Fathers!

Father's Day Blessings!

  “My father didn’t do anything unusual. He only did what dads are supposed to do—be there.” ~Max Lucado 

“Sometimes I think my papa is an accordion. When he looks at me and smiles and breathes, I hear the notes.”

~ Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

Happy Father's Day!

Wishing You A Happy Father's Day!

Fun Facts:

1. Father's Day is celebrated on different dates around the world. In the United States and many other countries, it is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. However, some countries celebrate it on different dates, such as Australia and New Zealand, where it is celebrated in September.

2. The word "dad" dates back to the 16th century and is believed to be derived from the Welsh word "tad" or the German word "vater." In many languages, variations of "dad" or "father" are used to refer to one's male parent.

3. The most popular gift for Father's Day is a necktie. It has become a traditional and somewhat clichéd gift choice, but it remains a classic symbol of Father's Day.

However, if Dad is a book lover, check out these great finds:

Book Review #93

 I Will Be There

Author: Diana Aleksandrova
Editor: Robin Katz

Illustrator: Victoria Marble

Publisher:‎ Dedoni, 2022

ISBN: 978-1953118226

Reading Level: Kindergarten and up

Main Character: A new father 

Plot: A journey that explores fatherhood.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture Book, Fatherhood, Parents, Family, & New Baby.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? It is a simple but sweet book about new fathers. It is great for a new Dad with a son. It would make a cute Father's Day gift.

Critical Analysis: The illustrations capture emotions and subtle details. The book speaks not only to fathers but to anyone interested in celebrating parenthood. It reminds readers that fatherhood is an evolving, forever journey.

Connections: Crafts For Father's Day

Book Review #92

Silly Sally

Author: Audrey Wood
Illustrator: Audrey Wood
Publisher: Red Wagon Books, 1999
ISBN: 978-0152010765 

Reading Level: Preschool to Kindergarten

Main Character: Silly Sally

Plot: Silly Sally follows the adventures of Sally, as she encounters various animal friends along her way. Sally engages in activities such as skipping, dancing, and tumbling, spreading joy as she goes to town.

Settings: The settings in Silly Sally vary as Sally embarks on her journey to town.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Book, Board Book, Playfulness, Friendship, Fun, and Rhyming.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? The story is filled with playful antics, laughter, and delightful silliness. This is a book that children want to read over and over again. A classic that never goes out of style.

Critical Analysis: A rhythmic, rhyming text full of fun. The repetitive nature of the book allows children to anticipate and participate in the story, making it an interactive and engaging reading experience...over and over again!

"Exploding with whimsy, humor, and zest . . . Be prepared to read this one a

thousand times!"

~Booklist

Connections: Silly Sally Read-a-loud

Book Review #91

Coat Of Many Colors

Author: Dolly Parton
Illustrator: Brooke Boynton Hughes
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap, 2016
ISBN: 978-0451532374
Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Main Character: Dolly - (A young girl inspired by Dolly Parton's own childhood experiences.)

Plot: This is the story of Dolly, a girl growing up in a rural setting. The plot revolves around the special gift her mother creates for her—a coat made from rags of different colors. 

Settings: The story takes place in a small rural community where Dolly and her family reside. This includes the family's home, and Dolly's school.

 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Literature, Love, Family, Self-acceptance, Resilience, and Biblical Learning.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? Dolly Parton is such an inspiration! I first loved the song this book was based on and now the children's book. It is a beautiful book that relates to the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. 

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors."

~ Genesis 37:3 KJV

Critical Analysis:

Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors would be a great addition to any library, as it speaks to multiple generations. It conveys a meaningful message about love, acceptance, and the strength to be oneself.

"Country singer/songwriter Parton has,

 with illustrator Boynton-Hughes, turned her famous song "Coat of Many Colors" into a delightful and evocative picture book. Dolly grew up in rural Tennessee, where love was plentiful but money was scarce. Her mother was given a box of fabric scraps, but with winter coming, Dolly needed a coat. So as the song relates, Dolly's mother pieced together the scraps and made her daughter a "coat of many colors." As she sewed, she told Dolly the Bible story of Joseph's coat of many colors. Of course, Dolly's schoolmates didn't see her coat as special, and they laughed and made fun of her. Parton tells readers that the hurt did not go away until, as an adult, she sat down and wrote this song. This title reminds children that bullying hurts and doesn't help anyone. Boynton-Hughes presents Dolly as a blonde, curly-haired moppet, so happy to be wearing her multihued coat. The bright fall colors give the book vibrancy. The illustrations also depict the love that was abundant in the Parton family." 

 ~Elaine Lesh Morgan, 

School Library Journal

Connections: Dolly Parton's 

Imagination Library

Happy Mother's Day!

 Mother's Day 2023