Writings, Wanderings

The second part of February had several good children's books reads as I continue on my quest for 2020. Baby Bedtime by Mem Fox & Emma Quay made my five-star list and received its own blog entry . Just a heartfelt story. Zoo Day: A My First Experience Book by Anne Rockwell was an easy read about a young boy and his sister's first trip to the zoo. While the words and illustrations were decent, I am more excited about the options for enrichment activities related to this book. Only a few pages in is a map of the zoo. Ask the young reader where he or she wants to go first. After reading, have them draw their own maps (buy animal stickers ahead of time for a different creative approach). The boy says that he is a little afraid of the lion's roar. Find out which animal makes your reader nervous. Wrap up the reading by asking what souvenir he or she would like to take home to remember a day at the zoo (I love how the book adds in the reminder that the animals have t...

A very touching children's book. This tale about a mother elephant and her baby is told in a delightful rhyme pattern that is perfect for a read-aloud. Each action is one that a young child can relate to, loving gestures of a parent. The illustrations created with pencil, acrylic, and Photoshop pull their design from knitting and other objects such as doilies and baskets. The visuals are lovely.