Sir Cumference and All the King's Tens

Sir Cumference and All the King's Tens: A Math Adventure
is another book in Cindy Neuschwander's Sir Cumference Math Series.

In this book, Sir Cumference and Lady Di of Ameter are preparing for a visit from King Arthur. Lady Di is struggling to get a head count to determine the amount of food that needs to be prepared and to adequately provide housing and comfort for her guests. They struggle with a method of counting until of course they decide to divide and group people using ten's.

The author weaves a creative tale with a practical answer to the question when will we ever need to use this math.

If You Were a Homonym or a Homophone

If You Were a Homonym or a Homophone (Word Fun) is the best of the books I've reviewed in the Word Fun series so far.

I wish this book had been available for my classroom when I was teaching this topic. I used to try to find many creative ways to illustrate the definitions of the words and the differences between them, but this author does it simply and clearly. It is a resource book you use to review the topic at any time. I have never seen the topic explained this easily in any textbook I have used to teach Language Arts.

Nancy Loewen defines each term and then provides illustrated examples of homonyms and the often misused term homophone. When I saw her presentation, I wondered why this is not done more often to teach children how to distinguish between the two words.

This is a simple way to introduce, review, or reteach a topic that some kids do find challenging.

This is a book you could introduce to young children to get them familiar with the words and bring back to reinforce the idea as they continue to work with words. I am often skeptical of "cute" series titles, but Word Fun does fit this series.

If You Were a Contraction

If You Were a Contraction (Word Fun)is another book by Trisha Shaskan in the Word Fun series.

This is another wonderful fun low pressure way to introduce children to the basics of the English language. The pictures are fun and the language skills low pressure. The author introduces the apostrophe and then demonstrates how words are blended into contractions and provides an area that specifically shows these words as separate words and then the equivalent contractions.

This would be a engaging way to introduce young children to the concept of contractions. It is also a way to go back and work with children who might be struggling with a more textbook lesson version of teaching contractions. It is non-threatening and provides accurate information in a fun format.

Believe Me, Goldilocks Rocks!

Believe Me, Goldilocks Rocks!: The Story of the Three Bears as Told by Baby Bear (The Other Side of the Story)is a much stronger entry in the Other Side of the Stories series than the previous book I reviewed from the series,Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten!: The Story of Little Red Riding Hood as Told by the Wolf (The Other Side of the Story) a few weeks ago. In fairness it does have a different author so that does provide thus a different style.

In this story, Baby Bear or Sam as he prefers to be called narrates the story. Instead of being angry at Goldilocks for breaking and entering, he actually admires her and wants to be friends. It turns out Goldilocks has been challenged to a truth or dare activity by Red Riding Hood. Goldilocks is using her cell phone to provide proof that she has completed the dares and Sam clearly indicates her remorse by telling the readers she realizes her allowance is gone when the chair breaks.

While the story does not find a way to justify Goldilocks’ actions, it does indicate while thoughtless she did intend no actual physical harm to the family. She intends to provide restitution for her financial harm. The author is a bit murky about the ethics of breaking into someone’s home to perform a prank. It actually is a good book to discuss how these pranks have the potential to create damage and have consequences never considered prior to taking them on. It is never a bad idea to get kids to think about cause and effect.

One of my favorite lines in the book is when she calls Red Riding Hood, "Little Miss Hoodie." I have always envisioned a world where the nursery rhyme and fairytale characters know and interact with each other outside their "book" life. I could see where Red and Goldilocks’ teenage selves could get into quite a bit of trouble together.

I've joined Canadian Home Learning's Book Sharing Monday.

The Brass Family On Parade

There are lots of way to bring music into kid's lives. People introduce children to music at home, through concerts, lessons, and lots of imaginitative methods. Tisha Shaskan has created a book series that introduces children to the language of musical instruments.

In Brass Family on Parade! (Musical Families) Trish Shaskan introduces readers to a cartoon brass family. Fifi the French Horn is the mother and her husband Max, a tuba, the father of the clan. The two sons Tiny, a trumpet, and Slim, a trombone finish off the family.

Fifi is the narrorator of the story and introduces the sounds each instrument makes and the method by which they are made. She discusses a little about the music that can be played with brass instruments and the a little of the place in history of brass instruments.

I am a firm believer in presenting information early to children in a format that is age appropriate. They may not remember it all, but when they are at a concert in the park, they see a neighbor or a friend carrying an instrument, or they hear music being played, many children will surprise you with what they remember from simple books such as this one.

So far the library has had many of her books. I want to see if they have more in this musical series.

The Story of Jamestown

It's book sharing Monday at Canadian Home Learning.

We were asked for specific quotes for the Monday book sharing, but the format of this book did not lead to amazing quotes. The artwork and the word bubbles blended to create a surprisingly accurate account of the history of what would become Virginia. I tried to go back and update this with specific quotes, but it really is not any specific quote that makes the book. What makes this book worthy of mention is the format that brings history to life in a different way than most kids see it in traditional textbooks.


I am always on the lookout for accurate and interesting history books for children. I ran across a listing for The Story of Jamestown (Graphic History)and realized it was part of a series of graphic histories for children. I decided to start with Jamestown because I have not found lots of quality literature for children on the topic. The topic is generally tucked into a history book chapter that often lacks accuracy and interest leaving children uniformed about the topic.

I was pleased with this choice and have several others checked out to preview before making a purchase. The material was presented in graphic novel format focusing on content and storytelling so the reader is engaged in learning more about the material. The formatting makes the book appropriate for young readers or older readers who may need material at a more accessible reading level.

Some of the strengths of this book are that it presented the challenges the colonists faced, was honest about their relations with the Natives, and it foreshadows the challenges that are coming as the colonial population expands into Native territories regardless of treaties and promises that have been made. It explains why tobacco becomes a major product of Virginia and the introduction of slavery into the Virginia colony. It also talks about how government evolved in Virginia as the colonists struggled with adapting to life in an environment they were not prepared to handle. I was pleased to see these issues addressed in a manner children could understand and process.

It is nice to see a book for a child that focuses on the history of the colony. I have read far too many accounts of the love story of Pocahontas that teach children little about the formation of Virginia. I am looking forward to previewing more books in this series.

Punctuation the Write Stuff

I decided to pick up Basher Basics: Punctuation: The Write Stuff for a family member after purchasing Basher Science: Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction and enjoying the presentation and format of the material.

While this book is in the same series it had a different author, so I was interested to see if it would be as strong as the first book I picked up. While a different writer, the series continues to be one I am pleased with and I would like to find the additional English focused titles.

The book divides punctuation into categories and gives each of the marks a personality that will help children remember the identity and purpose of each type of punctuation. This is an interesting approach to teaching what can be a dry subject. The illustrations and humor is a creative approach to getting children engaged in learning and may actually lead to children remembering what they have learned.

I would suggest this as a great addition to a family or classroom library. It is a handy book to review those often forgotten punctuation rules.

No Place for Magic

No Place for Magic is the fourth book in the Tales of the Frog Princess Series.

After reading the third book I was concerned that the series had resolved most of the conflicts established in The Frog Princess. This story introduces Eadric's family and the conflicts that arise because Eadric's family has issues with magic. When trolls take Eadric's younger brother Emma has mixed feelings about how to manage her magical gifts. She does not want to offend his family, but she also does not want to put Eadric at risk by not using magic.

While Eadric's father comes to accept magic after his younger son is saved, his mother continues to resist Emma's charm. Emma is worried when the parents move up the wedding date and faires from both kingdoms are invited. She fears that an offended fairy could bring a curse to one or both families.

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary is the fourth book in the five book Fablehaven series. I already have the last book on loan from the library.

Seth and Kendra each have a journey and find different allies in this book. Seth fears the worst over news about Kendra. However, his sense that all was not right with Kendra helps his family to learn the truth.

While we learned about Kendra's fairy powers in previous Fablehaven adventures, in Dragon Sanctuary we learn Seth has a path, too. Both will need their powers to survive the Sphinx as they have a quest.

Once again Kendra is crushed when someone she trusted betrays her. Instead of being a friend the Sphinx has a trusted mole on the journey to Wyrmroost. When all seems lost Kendra finds that not all are unworthy of trust.

We learn more about the nature of the Sphinx and Kendra is suprised to discover the truth. One of Grandpa's promises to Kendra and Seth about the family is broken with the reader left waiting for the next novel to find out what happens.

One of my younger relatives is getting the Fablehaven Complete Set(Boxed Set) for her birthday. I always liked getting a complete set of books when I was a child. It was frustrating to start a series and have to wait to get the next book.

Rise of the Evening Star

Rise of the Evening Star is the second book in Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series.

Those who have challenging experiences with classmates will appreciate Kendra and Seth's experience at the end of the school year. Their challenge really is a monster that wants to do nothing but cause them harm. Since they cannot share their knowledge of creatures with their friends or reach their grandparents who understand, they must figure out how to deal with the situation on their own. The children come to realize this transfer student is part of a larger plot from the Evening Star to cause problems for Fablehaven.

The children manage to reach their grandparents who provide assistance in removing the children from the local dangers. The children's grandparents arrange for the children to spend the summer at Fablehaven where they deal with new challenges and challenges left over from the first Fablehaven book.

People keep trying to compare this series to Harry Potter and I must admit I do not see the comparison. The series have completely different attractions. It stands as a strong series without bouncing of the popularity off Harry Potter. I love helping kids make connections between characters and novels. However, I do think the Harry Potter comparison has become a crutch to get kids to read something new. It is time to encourage children to read new series on the series merit, not hoping that kids will find it Harry Potter like.

The Frog Princess

The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker is the first book in a series that puts a twist on the old fairytale.

The story diverts from the original story when we learn Princess Emma comes from a magical line. Her family practices magic and this ultimately has an effect on Emma's future.

Emma is not thrilled with her prospects of marrying Prince Jorge. While out avoiding the prospect of marriage, Princess Emma meets a talking frog, Eadric. Following the traditional story, Eadric claims to be a prince in need of a kiss to restore himself to his true self. Emma thinks over his request, but eventually provides him with the traditional fairytale request. Here is where the story changes. Instead of turning Eadric into a prince, Emma finds herself turned into a frog.

Eadric helps Emma adjust and survive her life as a frog. They survive an experience with a less than qualified witch and travel back to Emma's castle. Their journey provides a sweet romantic tale.

I was able to get the first book on audio CD through my local library service. It may take me longer to get the second book, as I have to use the state library service to find it. It does not appear to be as widely circulated on CD.

Bread and Jam for Frances

Bread and Jam for Frances is part of a series of books written about Frances the badger and her family. Many of the books tell stories both parents and children can relate regarding going to bed, eating, adding a sibling, and a variety of other issues.

I borrowed this book from the library to review because when I mentioned Frances to a few people they were not familiar with the name and I wondered if others had missed her in the midst of so many newer children's series. Harper Collins has released many of the Frances stories as part of their I Can Read Series. The copy I borrowed of Bread and Jam for Frances is the I Can Read version not the original format.

I had an amazing second grade teacher who filled her classroom with wonderful children's books that the school did not provide. This is how I originally encountered Bread and Jam for Frances. Frances is a young badger who enjoys bread and jam and cannot understand the need for a varied diet. She sings songs; trades her lunches, and constantly complains about eating anything but bread and jam. Her mother tries an experiment. She allows Frances to have nothing but bread and jam for all her meals and snacks. Frances of course misses the other fine meals her mother makes. She eventually asks her mother for something other than bread and jam having learned her lesson.
This is a good early reader series for children. Harper Collins lists it as a level 2 in their I Can Read Series. Most of the books are available for purchase and in your local libraries.