Children's Book Reviews

Let's Roar!

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Solar Eclipse 2024

 Let's get ready for the solar eclipse! 
(April 8, 2024)
 
Artwork: AI Generated
 Everyone is buzzing with excitement as we get ready for this very special celestial show. During the eclipse, the Moon moves in front of the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth and making it look like nighttime during the day! 
 Check out these great reads:




If you live in Texas, this keepsake book would make an interesting add to your collection


Don't forget to visit NASA.gov for their 3D visualization of the 2024 total eclipse and other fun stuff! 


Artwork: NASA/Genna Duberstein

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Happy Valentine's Day!


πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•πŸ’•
 
 

Monday, January 15, 2024

Let's Explore!

 Explore more...using live streaming cams & book recommendations! 
The intent of live streaming cams is to showcase natural, cultural, and historical areas through live streaming, enabling users to experience opportunities no longer limited by physical visitation constraints. 

Art Source: Generated with AI ∙ January 15, 2024 

Explore.org - Nature's Playground:

πŸ“š Book Recommendation: "The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynne Cherry

Join the rain forest adventure with this beautifully illustrated book that helps kids learn about the importance of taking care of nature.

Description: Explore.org offers live cams showcasing nature, wildlife, and cultural locations from around the world. Kids can virtually explore different environments and learn about animals and cultures in real-time.

Why I Think Kids Would Like It: I think children will enjoy observing animals in their natural habitats, learning about different ecosystems, and gaining a global perspective on nature and cultures.

Art Source: Generated with AI ∙ January 15, 2024 

NASA LIVE - Journey to the Stars:

πŸ“š Book Recommendation: "There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System" by Tish Rabe

Blast off on a space-filled journey with the Cat in the Hat as your guide to explore the wonders of our solar system.

Description: NASA LIVE provides scheduled live events, allowing kids to witness space exploration, rocket launches, and other cool celestial events. It's a great way to spark curiosity about space and science and fun to see the real thing.

Why I Think Kids Would Like It: Kids with an interest in space and astronomy can experience the thrill of live space events, inspiring a passion for exploration and learning.

Art Source: Generated with AI ∙ January 15, 2024 

RoyalAlbatross Nest Cam - Bird Watching in New Zealand:

πŸ“š Book Recommendation: "The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps" by Jeanette Winter

This is the inspiring story of Jane Goodall and her love for animals, describing the adventures of albatrosses.

Description: The Royal Albatross Nest Cam from New Zealand offers a live stream from a real albatross nest. Kids can observe these majestic birds, learn about their behavior, and gain insights into wildlife conservation.

Why Kids I Think Would Like It: Readers will be fascinated by the close-up view of albatrosses and their baby chicks, so cute, fostering an appreciation for wildlife and conservation efforts.

Art Source: Generated with AI ∙ January 15, 2024 

SmithsonianNatural Zoo - Zoo-rific Adventures:

πŸ“š Book Recommendation: "Giraffes Can't Dance" by Giles Andreae

Join Gerald the Giraffe as he learns to dance and celebrates being unique, just like the diverse animals at the zoo.

Description: The Smithsonian Natural Zoo provides live views of animals in the zoo. Kids can virtually visit and observe various animals, fostering an interest in wildlife and conservation.

Why I Think Kids Would Like It: Animal lovers will enjoy watching their favorite zoo animals live, providing not only an educational experience but an entertaining experience too.

Art Source: Generated with AI ∙ January 15, 2024 

VirtualRailfan - All Aboard for Train-tastic Fun:

πŸ“š Book Recommendation: "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper

Follow the classic tale of determination and optimism as a little blue engine tackles a challenging journey. "I think I can, I think I can." 

Description: Virtual Railfan offers live train cams from different locations. Kids who love trains can watch real trains in action, learn about different types of locomotives, and explore the world of rail transportation.

Why I Think Kids Would Like It: Train enthusiasts will be thrilled to watch trains from various places, learning about different train models and enjoying the excitement of train travel.

Art Source: Generated with AI ∙ January 15, 2024 

Yellowstone National Park - Geysers, Wildlife, and Wonders:

πŸ“š Book Recommendation: "Hello, Yellowstone!" by Martha Day Zschock

 Dive into a colorful children's book that introduces young readers to the beauty and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park.

Description: Yellowstone National Park's live cams showcase the park's natural wonders, including geysers, wildlife, and landscapes. Kids can virtually tour the park, learn about geology, and discover diverse ecosystems.

Why Kids Would Like It: Children will be captivated by the beauty of Yellowstone, watching geysers erupt and wildlife in their habitats, creating an educational adventure.

Art Source: Generated with AI ∙ January 15, 2024 

Atlanta,Georgia Aquarium - Dive into the Ocean's Beauty:

πŸ“š Book Recommendation: "Commotion in the Ocean" by Giles Andreae

 Explore the oceans with this cute rhyming book that introduces children to a variety of interesting sea creatures.

Description: The Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium live cam provides a glimpse into the underwater world. Kids can watch marine life, learn about different species of fish, and explore the wonders of the ocean.

Why I Think Kids Would Like It: Young marine biologists will enjoy the underwater spectacle, observing colorful fish and sea creatures in a captivating aquarium setting.

Art Source: Generated with AI ∙ January 15, 2024 

The AlamoPlaza, San Antonio, Texas - Time-Travel to History:

πŸ“š Book Recommendation: "If You Lived at the Time of the Alamo" by Barbara Brenner

Travel back in time with this informative book, allowing insights into the historical events surrounding The Alamo.

Description: The Alamo Plaza live cam allows kids to virtually visit a historic site in Texas. They can learn about the history of The Alamo and its significance. This is the outside area camera and passing people are part of the experience.

Why I Think Kids Would Like It: History enthusiasts can virtually explore an important historical site, inspiring kids to learn about the events that took place at The Alamo.

Art Source: Generated with AI ∙ January 15, 2024 

PleasurePier, Galveston, Texas - Thrills and Laughter:

πŸ“š Book Recommendation: "The Berenstain Bears and the Big Dipper" by Stan and Jan Berenstain

 Join the Berenstain Bears on a family adventure to an amusement park and the fun and excitement of rides.

Description: Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas, offers a live cam of the amusement park. Kids can enjoy the views, see amusement park rides, and get a sense of the excitement.

Why I Think Kids Would Like It: Children can virtually experience the amusement park rides, creating a fun and entertaining visual adventure. If you are planning a visit, it helps to see what they have for family fun.

Art Source: Generated with AI ∙ January 15, 2024 

HorseshoeFalls, Niagara Falls, Canada - Nature's Roar:

πŸ“š Book Recommendation: "Niagara Falls, or Does It?" (Hank Zipzer, #1) by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

 Join Hank Zipzer on his hilarious escapades, including a visit to Niagara Falls, in this engaging chapter book. The title of the book is such a fun play on words.

Description: The Horseshoe Falls live cam provides a breathtaking view of Niagara Falls. Although nothing on camera can really capture it beauty like the live experience, in my opinion. Kids can witness the power of nature and learn about this iconic waterfall.

Why I Think Kids Would Like It: Children will be amazed by the grandeur of Niagara Falls, watching the cascading water and understanding the natural forces behind it.

Please Be Advised, these are live streaming camera links, and we cannot be responsible for the content. The cameras available provide real-time live streaming content from various locations and sources. These streams capture a wide range of scenes, from scenic landscapes and bustling cityscapes to wildlife habitats and cultural events. It is important to note that the content is not curated or controlled by this blog, and it reflects the dynamic and unscripted nature of the locations being streamed. Given the unpredictable nature of live content, viewer discretion is advised.

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Book Review #99

 

Who Sang the First Song?
Author: Ellie Holcomb
Illustrator: Kayla Harren
Publisher: B&H Kids, 2018
ISBN:
978-1462794454
Reading Level: 1-4 years

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Literature, Non-Fiction, Exploration, Creativity, Origin of Music, Christian Values, and Board Book.

"Did the sun sing a song as it colored the sky?"
~~Who Sang the First Song?

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? Who Sang the First Song fascinates young readers with its exploration of 
inspiration and the origins of music. The poetic narrative and imaginative storytelling earn it five enthusiastic roars. 

It has a style that I really enjoyed, and kids are fascinated with the question the book is asking. Young readers might ask another hundred and one questions after you read it, be prepared!

Critical Analysis: This book is great for young readers that love music. The author's poetic prose and the illustrator’s vivid illustrations create a joyful mood, making it an engaging read for children. The narrative not only entertains but also subtly imparts valuable lessons about the beauty of creativity, self-expression, and answers the question for Christian readers, “Who sang the first song?”


Appeal: This book's appeal lies in its ability to easily blend storytelling with an exploration of music's origins. The language and beautiful illustrations really make it appropriate for a wide age range of ages, in my opinion. Parents, grandparents, and educators will appreciate its musical value and the positive messages it conveys. 

Connections:
Who Sang the First Song? Read Along