Does the Easter Bunny Need GPS?

Someone at HarperCollins must have read my post Put Books in Their Basket because a package of Easter themed books magically appeared at my front door—the Monday after Easter. Opps. Perhaps the Easter Bunny took a wrong turn somewhere between New York and Miami.

Even though the holiday is over, I think some of these books are still deserving of mention. Some of the titles transcend Easter (like the fabulous book How Big is God? by Lisa Tawn Bergren) and are worthy of full fledged reviews. Therefore, I will post individual reviews of those books in the near future.

Some of the other titles are representative of the creative methods used to engage young readers, and I will discuss them briefly here. Although, I will reference some specific titles, this posting is meant to bring awareness to learning styles rather than individual books. I’m sure you will be able to find a seasonal substitute for any of the examples mentioned below.

As learners, we all process information using a combination of three methods: visual, auditory, and tactile. Individual learners often favor one method over another; however, they are rarely aware of it. As an educator (and a mother) I am always looking for ways to try to engage all three of these methods simultaneously. Here as some books that help young children do that.

Biscuit’s Pet & Play Easter: This is one of those ‘touch and feel’ board books. Although my daughter is three, she still loves these books. The texture fully engages a child’s tactile response while the pictures stimulate the visual. By reading these ‘touch and feel’ books to your child, you can also engage audio learning as well, creating a three-fold learning experience. The textures are also great for stimulating conversation and, therefore, critical thinking skills.

Berenstain Bears’ Baby Easter Bunny: This is a ‘lift-the-flap’ or ‘peek-a-boo’ book. Again the movable flaps engage the tactile learner. It also encourages critical thinking as the flaps provoke a child’s curiosity and he considers what may lie underneath.

Bedtime Prayers/Everday Prayers: These two books are published by Harper Blessings. These two books use an image substitution method for young readers. Certain words repeated throughout the book are represented by illustrations–a key in the front of the book clarifies their meaning.

Here’s an example. The first prayer in Bedtime Prayers reads:

I see the moon,
And the moon sees me,
God bless the moon,
And God bless me.

In this prayer the word ‘moon’ has been replaced by the illustration of a little crescent moon, allowing young children to ‘read’ long before they have acquired letter recognition. Most parents can tell you that small children have a desire to read long before they have the skills. They will often memorize their favorite stories and ‘read them’ out loud to others. By utilizing image recognition, young children can ‘read’ much earlier, gaining a sense of accomplishment and encouraging a stronger relationship with books and reading.

As the example above illustrates, these prayers also utilize rhyme, which will help to fully engage audio learning. The rhyming makes the prayers easier to memorize and paves the way for future phonics skills.

Now that Easter is over, you may not be able to find all of these titles at your local bookstore, but as I mentioned, you should be able to find a seasonal substitute. You can also find holiday titles year round from online book retailers. I like to have a selection of holiday themed books that we rotate, since anticipation often creates greater interest.

If you have a favorite books that utilizes any of these learning methods feel free to share them in the comment section below.

Children’s Book Review: Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly

Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly. HarperCollins. 32 p. Ages 4-7. ISBN: 9780061235887 (ISBN10: 0061235881) $16.99

Do butterflies speak French? “Maybe” says Fancy Nancy, the endearing character created by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, the bestselling team behind the 2007 Quill Award nominated Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy. Bonjour, Butterfly is the latest in the Fancy Nancy franchise, and a picture book triumph!

Fancy Nancy and her friend Bree LOVE butterflies. One might even call them exquisite (a fancy word for beautiful), especially if you’re a young girl with a penchant for glamour. With Bree’s birthday right around the corner, what better way to celebrate their love of butterflies than with a Butterfly Birthday Bash, complete with a butterfly birthday cake! But when her mom tells her she can’t go because of her grandparent’s very dull wedding anniversary, Fancy Nancy isn’t mad—she’s furious! Fear not, life sparkles with more surprises than an iridescent butterfly wing, and soon Fancy Nancy is having a fabulous time.

I absolutely adore this picture book. The artwork is lavish and the use of language is divine, making it a feast for the eyes and the ears.

Glasser’s technical ability is stunning as her detailed illustrations enrich the stories theme and adds depth to an already charming story. In one scene Fancy Nancy models her fancy butterfly costume for her younger sister. In the background three pictures (evidently drawn by Fancy Nancy herself) hang on the wall. The descriptive caption in the first picture reads “PLAIN Caterpillar,” the second reads “EVEN PLAINER cocoon,” and finally, the third reads “FANCY Butterfly.” In the foreground, Fancy Nancy stretches up on her tippy toes, a blanket puddled around her feet. Her little sister sits on the floor completely wrapped in another blanket, watching Fancy Nancy with an expression of obvious admiration. This adorable image suggests that Fancy Nancy is just starting to emerge from the cocoon that still swaddles her younger sister, adding a subtext to O’Connor’s narration.

O’Connor clearly understands the relationship children have with language. The author makes no attempt to talk down to her young readers. The story is liberally sprinkled with a plethora of fancy words, often defined by Fancy Nancy herself. Children love elaborate words and enjoy using them correctly. (I recall my kindergarten fascination with the word ‘obstinate’; a word that expressed so much more than just being ‘stubborn.’)

Along with the challenging vocabulary, O’Connor’s writing captures the ups and downs of pre-school emotion in all of its delightful detail and drama. Fancy Nancy is a character parents will recognize and small children can relate to. The theme of finding joy despite disappointment is one that will resonate with both reader and listener, and provides a platform for further discussion.

I highly recommend Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly. It’s a delightful combination of rich art and literary expression.

Children’s Book Review: The Dog Princess Fairy Tails

The Dog Artist Collection. The Dog Princess Fairy Tales. HarperCollins. Ages 3-6. ISBN-0060783105 (ISBN 13-9780060783105) $16.99

Move over Paris Hilton, there’s a new pampered princess in town—a pampered puppy princess that is. This pampered puppy princess is far from petty though, she has her . . .  um . . . priorities straight (sorry—the alliteration is positively contagious).

The Dog Princess Fairy Tails is the latest book by The Dog Artist Collection. This modern fairytale is both empowering and endearing. The story of the pampered princess (with a pink limousine) is told through precious puppy photos. When the pampered princess begs her Fairy Dogmother to send a handsome prince to the grand ball, she gets “EXACTLY” what she wished for. Oops. What will a ballroom full of pampered princesses do with just one Prince? Well tell him to “go fetch,” of course. The pampered princess pals decide to play nice and have a slumber party instead.

Using unique angles and special lenses, The Dog Artist Collection captures the quirky humor of our favorite four legged friends. These dogs are featured on postcards, in calendars, and as plush animals world wide. They also appear in the picture book, board book, and paperback versions of The Dog From Arf! Arf! To Zzzzzz.

My three-year-old daughter loves this book. The photos keep her giggling from cover to cover, while the positive story reinforces the value of friendship, independence, and appreciating what you already have. The puppy photos are enhanced with illustrative effects that transform these adorable doggies into fair tale princesses. Although these puppies are bejeweled, they’re not afraid to break a nail. When they lay down for their beauty rest, they dream of things like soccer.

This simple story will really resonate with parents who want to foster female femininity and strength. The princess puppies are bedecked with boas and jewels, while demonstrating that style can have substance.

The world play and alliteration throughout the book makes the story fun to read out loud and enjoyable for young ears. The large print makes it easy to read while holding the book at arms length and the pink photo captions that accompany each photo are short enough for pre-school children to memorize, allowing them to read along before they actually master reading skills.

This picture book will be a fabulous addition to any child’s library, especially puppy loving princesses.

For more information on The Dog Artist Collection, visit their website at www.thedog-club.com.

Put Books in Their Basket

I have a three-year-old daughter, and like any three-year-old, she loves the holidays. We decorate, watch holiday themed videos, and participate in holiday themed parties at her daycare and her favorite local attractions. However, as a mother who is concerned about creating healthy eating habits, the holidays can pose a problem. Many of them encourage the consumption of dubious amounts of candy.

Oh, I’m not one of those moms that completely bans sugar from the house, but I do restrict it quite a bit. I also look for ways to limit the amount of candy received during these highly commercialized holidays. We all remember that bag of Halloween candy that lasted until Christmas. By over indulging during the holidays, that stocking full of Christmas candy might last until Valentine’s Day, and that Valentine’s Day candy could last until Easter. It’s no wonder our country struggles with obesity, diabetes, and hyperactive children. We might as well give them a sugar IV and send them out into the world.

The public schools are finally catching on to the detrimental effects of sugar and systematically eradicating it from the lunchroom and vending machines. As an educator myself, I can tell you we have enough challenges without the sugar induced buzz distracting our students (not to mention the post sugar comatose).

As another holiday draws upon us, look for some alternatives for that Easter basket. Perhaps forgoing the candy all together is a bit drastic. Who wants to receive a fruit basket when everyone else is getting Cadbury eggs? We can cut back the amount of candy they receive, however, by adding small, inexpensive gifts that encourage learning and physical activity.

Here’s a suggestion I’m partial to . . . BOOKS! If you encourage your child to read while they’ re young, you will help them develop a life-long habit. In an effort to encourage children’s literacy, I will feature a number of children’s book reviews this week. With the plethora of options out there this spring, I will be posting more than once a day, so check back often, or subscribe to the Modern Matriarch feed to catch them all.

Happy Holidays and good reading!

Oh Shut Up Already!

Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone but found it impossible because they just wouldn’t listen? Every time you opened your mouth to say something, they just had to interrupt. It’s impossible to talk and listen at the same time.

You may have noticed that this blog has been conspicuously silent lately. That’s because I am listening. I believe in the vastness of universal potential and the depth of life’s lessons and sometimes you just need to shut up to hear them.

I am adding links to three programs I am currently participating in—all courtesy of Oprah.com. I will refrain from commenting on them for now because I feel as though I would be interrupting the lesson I need to learn. I simply want to share the blessing of inspiration and fellowship they have provided.

A New Earth Oprah’s current Book Club selection addresses humanity’s ego-based thinking. Oprah and author Eckhart Tolle are committed to discussing the book chapter by chapter in a 90 minute live web event every Monday night starting March 3rd. (Discussions archived)

A Course in Miracles Marianne Williamson takes you through the complete Course in Miracles. Everyday in 2008, Williamson covers one of the 365 lessons. Although this program began in January, the complete program is archived and you can go at your own pace.

Oprah and Bob’s Million Viewer Challenge The body is the temple of the spirit. Learn how to make better health and fitness choices, because you deserve to live your best life.