October Finds!

Image:AI Generated

 Opportunities for young readers to connect with the season of Autumn.

October, October by Katya Balen

Summary: This story follows October, a girl who lives a wild and free life in the woods with her father. She has to navigate big changes, including her father's injury and the unexpected return of her estranged mother, all while trying to stay connected to the wilderness she loves. It's a coming-of-age tale with themes of family. 

Vampenguin by Lucy Ruth Cummins

Summary: This humorous picture book tells the story of a baby vampire who swaps places with a baby penguin during a family trip to the zoo. With fun illustrations and a lighthearted story, Vampenguin delivers a cute tale of mistaken identity, perfect for young readers during the Halloween season. 

Book Review #104

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not 

Afraid of Anything.

Author: Linda Williams
Illustrator: Megan Lloyd
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0064431835
Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Main Character: The Little Old Lady (who was not afraid of anything). She shows bravery on a spooky evening walk.

Plot: The story follows a little old lady who ventures into the forest. Along the way, she encounters various objects—two shoes, a pair of pants, a shirt, and more—that begin to follow her. She refuses to be afraid. She comes up with a smart way to use these strange objects. 

Setting: A quiet forest during autumn, creating a slightly spooky atmosphere.

Genre/Theme/Style: Picture book, bravery, repetitive text, and interactive read-aloud.

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 4 Roars? This book balances a spooky feeling with a comforting ending. Kids love the buildup of suspense. The repetitive text and possible sound effects make it perfect for an interactive read-aloud. It’s ideal for October. 

Critical Analysis: The repetition and sound effects (Clomp clomp, Wiggle wiggle) invite participation, making it a fun read-aloud book. The illustrations are lively, bringing just a touch of spookiness to set the tone. The story cleverly teaches children how to face fears with creativity and clever thinking.

Connections: This book is great for Fall activities, such as making scarecrows or acting out the story’s sounds and motions. It can also spark discussions about bravery and dealing with unexpected situations. Making scarecrows with kids. 

Book Review #103

The Busy Little Squirrel

Book Review Video

The Sugar Shack - Bastrop

 Looking for an outing with the family? 

 If you are ever near or around the 

Bastrop area, this might be something sweet for the whole family.

It's a small place, but kids will remember it! 

Yep! 

You can't miss the giant flag on the roof!

 The kids can explore new and unusual flavors, and maybe even find a new favorite. 

The Sugar Shack also has a decent selection of ice cream, that caters to kid's taste. Just remember to bring your wallet! 

So, if you're looking for an adventure with the family, the Sugar Shack works well for a little excursion. It's fun and good spot for creating some family memories together. 

You can find them online:

Bulk Candy in Austin, Premier Confectionery, Ice Cream & Gift Shop | Sugar Shack Bastrop

September Finds - Last glorious days of summer!

 These books are great picks for capturing the beauty and emotions of the transition from summer to fall, making them ideal for children's Storytime during September. 

Find a great place outside to sit, read, and enjoy the last glorious days of summer! 

Great Reads!

It's that time again, let's go back to school!

Don't forget to read a few of your favorites 

to start the new school year off right.

Book Review #102

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
ISBN: 978-1368046459 

Reading Level: 3-6 years old & up
 
Main Character: The Pigeon

Plot: The Pigeon is nervous about going to school and tries to convince the reader that he doesn’t need to go. He presents various excuses and displays his apprehension through humorous and exaggerated arguments        

Settings: The story primarily takes place in a variety of settings including the Pigeon's home and the imagined school environment.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Picture Book / Humor / Real-Life Situations/ Back to School/Anxiety

I Gave This Book 4 Roars!  🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? Mo Willems' book is engaging and funny, capturing the anxieties and excitement of starting school. The humor and relatable situation make it enjoyable for both children and adults. I love the illustrations. They are part of the humor. It's hard not to laugh at Pigeon! (But seriously, don't let the Pigeon drive the school bus!)

Critical Analysis: Mo Willems' creative illustrations and engaging dialogue provide a relatable and much needed entertaining experience for young readers headed back to school. A great opportunity to talk about the fear of the upcoming school year with kids. 

The Pigeon’s humorous objections and eventual acceptance offer a gentle introduction to the concept of school, helping to ease the dread of children about starting school.

Willems’ ability to personify the Pigeon with a childlike range of emotions and exaggerated reactions makes the book both fun and educational.

Connections: This book connects well with children who are facing starting school or any new experience. 

It can be used as a tool for parents and educators to discuss the feelings and anxieties associated with new situations. Additionally, it ties into broader themes of change and adaptation, making it a useful resource for addressing transitions in a child's life.

Be Safe! 

Happy Learning!