Update

Hello Friends.

This is a friendly annoucement to let you know that most of my blogging attention is now focused on Sylvia's Insight.

Thanks for your support as I travel along my creative journey!

truly,

Sylvia C.

A Great Article About Literacy

Fostering Emerging Literacy - A Tip for Parents and Teachers of Young Children
By Suzanne Lieurance

As a children's author, many times when I speak at elementary schools it's in conjunction with some writing project the students have been doing. Very often each student in the school has written a small book of his own, which is usually just a few pages of lined tablet paper, stapled together between two pages of colored construction paper, with colorful drawings or photos clipped from magazines to use as illustrations.

Most of the students enjoy making these books. And though they may be fairly simple projects, they are invaluable as far as being evaluation tools for the teacher. Which leads me to this literacy tip for preschool and elementary school teachers and parents. You're probably already aware of this tip of you're an elementary school teacher, but I think this is a worthwhile reminder for parents and teachers, so here goes.

Before you have students make their own books, spend some time with the class (or your own child, if you're a parent helping the child at home) surveying several picture books. These don't have to be children's picture books. Beautiful "coffee table" books for adults can be also used.

Point out to the children the way the books are put together - usually in what the publishing world calls "spreads" with text on one page of the spread and an illustration on the opposite page of the spread - Or - a picture book might have the text and illustrations on the same page, all the way through the text.

Make sure the children realize that the illustrations they will later paste or draw in their own books should correspond to the text in the same way the pictures and illustrations do in a professionally published book. That is, pictures on a particular page should match up with the text (or action) on that same page.

This seems so simple. But so many young students miss this concept. When I look at their books during my school visits, I often notice that the illustrations on a particular page have nothing to do with the text or action on that page. As a teacher, when you see students doing this, it will let you know they are missing some of the visual clues and cues in books, which might be one reason they are having trouble reading (sounding out the words) or comprehending the text as well as they could be.

If you're a parent, you should become aware of the same thing and help your child learn to more clearly understand the structure of books. Don't assume that your young child will naturally know how to put together text and illustrations simply because you've read countless stories aloud to him or her (although, if you have, your child will probably be more aware of how those books are a perfect marriage of text and illustration).

Talk about books and the relationships between words and illustrations. This goes a long way in fostering emerging literacy, and you'll notice a big difference in the way many students contruct their own books.

Suzanne Lieurance is a children's author, freelance writer, former classroom teacher, and a writing coach. She has written 13 published books for children with one more due to be released soon. She created the Writing for Children Center online at http://www.writingforchildrencenter.blogspot.com and the Children's Writers Coaching Club to help both aspiring children's writers and classroom teachers. Lieurance also helps people who like to write become "working" freelance writers. Visit her website at http://www.workingwriterscoach.com to find out how to receive her two f.ree ebooks for writers and also receive a f.ree subscription to The Morning Nudge.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Lieurance

A Wiggly Day

Hello Friends!

I wanted to invite you to check out The National Writing for Children Center to read my review of picture book, CDC by William Steig. Just scroll down the page to see the review!


Also, if you haven't read my e-book, Wiggle Monster...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

It's free and fun! Now, what more could you ask for? Just send me an email and I'll email you a "copy."

I keep my "copy" saved on my desktop, so I can read it to my niece when she comes to see me.

She sees my computer and says: "Let's read Wiggle Monster!"

It's music to my heart.

Have a great day!

Truly,

Sylvia C.

Reading: What Better Time, Than Summer Time?

Lisa Vella, over at Getting It Write For You posted a great list of reasons to read more!

There are 15 great reasons!

Thanks Lisa.

And what better time, than summer time?


truly,

Sylvia C.

A Story By Sylvia C.

Calvin’s Magic Car

Calvin’s room is full of fantastic cars. He has big cars and tiny cars, blue cars, black cars, orange cars, and every other kind of car imaginable.

Most importantly, Calvin has a magic red car. All he has to do is fall asleep and dream magic dreams and his car will fly him all through the night.

On this one special night, Calvin and his car are ready for a new adventure. Magic dreams come quickly for Calvin, and with a “toot” of the horn, they’re off!

First things first, they arrive at Calvin’s grandma’s house. After a delightful nighttime snack together, Calvin “toots” the horn again, and in a flash…they’re off!

Suddenly, Calvin and his magic car appear at a baseball game. They cheer for their favorite team, and after catching a fly ball, Calvin gives the horn another “toot” and…in a flash… they’re off again!

Next, they arrived at the zoo. They fly straight to the kangaroo’s—Calvin’s favorite! After riding in a kangaroo’s pouch, Calvin gives the horn a “toot” and in a flash—they’re off!

This time, Calvin and his magic car zoom right onto a racetrack. Calvin and his magic car were flying around the track so fast; it almost thought felt like a dream!

As Calvin let out a yawn, he “tooted” the horn one last time, and with a flash, they soared back into Calvin’s bedroom.

When Calvin’s head landed on his pillow, he fell fast asleep. It was almost as if he’d never left his bed at all….

The End

Reading Inspiration!

Nothing provides inspiration like a few good quotes. Listed below are some great quotes about— what else…reading!



Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.
--W. Fusselman


Read books. They are good for us.
--Natalie Goldberg


These are not books, lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the shelves.
--Gilbert Highet


The libraries have become my candy store.
--Juliana Kimball


Choose an author as you choose a friend.
--Sir Christopher Wren


Outside a dog, a book is man's best friend.
Inside a dog, it's too dark to read.
--Groucho Marx


Feel inspired yet? I hope so! Now, go crack open a good book. You never know where you’ll find your next great adventure!


All quotes were found here: Reading Quotes.


Enjoy!



Truly,

Sylvia C.

Book Activity: Brown Bear, Brown Bear

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Written by Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrated by Eric Carle



Toddlers love Bill Martin Jr.’s “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”

So, why not incorporate this fun book into an even more fun book activity?


Materials:
The book, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”
Paper
Pencils
Scissors
Crayons or Markers


First, trace the animals onto a piece of paper. Next, cut out the animal shapes and color them the same color they are in the book.

Then, when you are reading, invite your toddler to hold up the animal that is on the page.


Children learn best with hands on activities. With this activity, children will enjoy coloring, cutting, acting out with animals, and reading.

It will be loads of fun!

Happy Learning!

Truly,

Sylvia C.

Latest Review: The Light In The Cellar

Check out my latest book review at The National Writing for Children Center.

This week’s review is for “The Light in the Cellar" a Molly Mystery from the American Girl Series.

I have never been much of a mystery-reader, but this was really fun. It was especially fun to get an easy to read dose of American history!

Read the review to learn more.

Have a great day!


Truly,

Sylvia C.

A Poem for Your Monday

Nothing’s Better Than a Noodle Bed

I took a noodle bath one night
I swam in noodles galore.

I filled the tub to the top all the way
And then, I said: “we need more!”

More and more noodles filled the bathroom that night
And I swam through our house in noodle delight

With my bed out of sight
It was a noodle bed night

And I couldn’t ask for anything more!

Read To Your...Dog!?!

(Pictured above: my dog Calvin, enjoying a delicious read!)

The other day when I was at the library, there was a special reading going on. The reading was being done by children…. to dogs. Yes, you read that right. Dogs!

I asked the lady sitting in front of the room with dogs in it and she “explained” that these dogs were trained therapy dogs and the children could read to them. Amused, I decided to watch for a bit.

Sure enough, children took turns going into the special room, introducing themselves to the dog, and then reading their story to the dog. It was a sight to see!

I’m not sure I fully understand the concept, but I know this:

I like to see kids reading.
I like dogs.

So, why not?
Have you read to your dog lately?

Truly,

Sylvia C.

Fandangle Reminder

I just wanted to remind you to skip over to Fandangle Magazine (A great online magazine for kids)!

What’s with the super-special reminder, you might be wondering?

WELL, I have a super-special POEM in this month’s addition.

So, go to Fandangle, download their FREE PDF magazine, and check out my poem, “The Weather,” on page 18!


I’d love to hear what you think!


Truly,

Sylvia C.

Review: Alley Oops

Check out my latest review for The National Writing for Children Center. The book is “Alley Oops” (Written by Janice Levy and Illustrated by C.B. Decker) and it chronicles an especially important message about bullying.

I certainly recommend this picture book for older children. The story is great and the pictures are great, too, as they illustrate the many emotions which bullying entails. Be sure to check out the review to learn more!



Do you have any books you would like for me to review?

Send me an email and let me know!



Truly,

Sylvia C.

A Lil' Message

What more can I say?

Happy Easter!

truly,

Sylvia C.

Poetry Contest: The Seer

I am excited to present another poetry contest for kids! This contest has two age groups:
A 10-14 year-old bracket and a 15-19 year-old bracket.

Important Note: Poems must be about Linda Joy Singleton's The Seer series. The rules give more information so be sure to read them carefully.

There is no entry fee for this contest, and a winner from each group will be granted $100!

Here are 4 tips from the website to help you along:

1. Neatness counts.
2. Creativity counts.
3. No more than 300 words.
4. Read rules.


Go check out the rules, and then get writing!

Good luck and have a great day!

Truly,


Sylvia C.

Children's Book Reviewer

I am excited to announce that I am now writing book reviews over at The National Writing for Children Center.

My first review is Real Families, a great nonfiction book by "American Girl."

This site is an excellent resource for children’s writers. If you already write for children, or if you’ve ever thought about writing for children, OR if aren’t sure where to begin as a children’s writer— this site will help you in many ways!

And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the book reviews by yours truly.


Have a great week!

Truly,

Sylvia C.

Reading 101

I found a great guide for parents and teachers over at Reading Rockets, titled Reading 101. I always love to find a treasure of information that is available to everyone and anyone!

Check it out to find loads of great information and techniques!

There are several links on the above page, which break down the complicated task of “teaching reading.”

The site’s name, Reading Rockets, actually came about when one of the site’s contributors wrote an article titled, “Teaching Reading IS Rocket Science.” Hence, the name!

Reading 101 takes into account: print awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, and more. Each section is loaded with informative articles to better understand the topic.


This truly is a go-to site for parents or teachers concerned about teaching reading.


Truly,

Sylvia C.

Author Spotlight: Shelly Becker

I recently read (and really enjoyed) Shelly Becker’s picture book, Mine! Mine! Mine! It was a fun and funny read, and it was written so well that I decided I wanted to learn a little more about her.

Mine! Mine! Mine! is Becker's first picture book. She is available for school visits, library programs, writing workshops, and other literary events.

Click over to the "Writer's" section to read some tips Becker offers for children’s writers. Also, you can read a review of this book at The National Writing for Children Center.

Have a great day!


Truly,

Sylvia C.

Book Review: Lola At The Library

Lola at the Library
Written by Anna McQuinn
Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw


Lola loves Tuesdays! Why? Because it’s the day she gets to go to the library!
Lola is a charming little girl, in all of her zest for her trips to the library!

She loves everything about this special day!

“There is a special section in the library just for children.
It is really cool.
Nobody ever says, “Shhh!”

This great book shows a wonderful appreciation for the library, and has the most colorful pictures, which tell her story as well. Lola loves Tuesdays because she loves the library!

Read this great picture book for the love of the library, the love of Lola, and the love of some super-great art!

Truly,

Sylvia C.

Jumpstart: Reading!

Jumpstart is an excellent program, which I got to interact with when I worked at Head Start.

“Jumpstart is working toward the day every child in America enters school prepared to succeed.”


The organization pairs trained college students (called Corps members) with young children in one-to-one partnerships that are designed to develop literacy, language, and social skills.

Check out their website to read more about these great tips for making every reading experience a fun and exciting learning opportunity!

Tips:

• Establish a reading routine (read together at least once a day!)
• Read books your child likes
• Talk about the books
• Read everything & anything
• Model writing for your child

Hope you have a great weekend, with plenty of reading fun!

Truly,

Sylvia C.

A Poem For Your Wednesday

a goodnight song


Peek-a-boo!
Who’s sleeping?
Are you?

Are you tucked in your bed,
With dreams in your head?

Are you snuggled in
Like a bug in a rug?

Are you feeling tired
Or a little wired?

Are you restful tonight?
Are you covered up right?

Are you ready for sleep?
Then don’t make a peep.

Goodnight, sleep tight
Little bug.

Book Review: Just Like Heaven

Just Like Heaven
By Patrick McDonnell

I feel giddy! Today is the perfect day to do a book review. I plopped myself down on my couch and went through a lovely large stack of new picture books, which I checked out from the library yesterday.

The sweetest book I have come across so far is “Just Like Heaven” by Patrick McDonnell.

When a deep fog creeps in while Mooch (a cat) is napping, he finds himself in another place.

Heaven...? he thought. I must be in heaven!

“He felt cool dew on his little cat feet.
He smelled sweet perfume
and heard music in the air.
Wow, thought Mooch. What a great place…”

Delightfully simple illustrations, matched with an overtly sweet message, this tale of Mooch and a heavenly day will fill children’s imaginations time and time again!

Patrick McDonnell has done it again. His books bring a smile to my face.


Truly,

Sylvia C.

Reading Games at PBS Kids

It’s not surprising that I found yet another great feature at the PBS kids website.

Click over to Games Unlimited to play some amazingly fun reading games!

This site also offers more games that require you to download Shockwave which adds great sounds and animation. Click here for the games, which require Shockwave.


Either way you play, these PBS reading games are a fun way to help beginning readers.
The site has several games for kids at various reading levels.

One game, "Pounce" is great for the youngest readers. A picture appears and the reader has to chose from three words, which one is correct.

Another game, “Think and Sink” is a little tougher and requires some extra reading.

“Tall Tales” shares some silly stories, and “Sam Spud” allows kids to find the misspelled word.

All the games are fun, but make sure you help your little one find a game at the right level, which they can enjoy and learn from.

Have Fun!

Truly,


Sylvia C.

Friday Factoid(s)

Did you know…

• Children who start reading early do better in school and life.
• Talking with adults helps young children learn to read.
• Reading aloud to young children is the most important reading activity.
• One-third of ninth-graders have major reading problems.
• Children who read well become more successful.

If you are reading this, chances are, you KNOW the importance of reading.
But these great statistics (found here) should help wake us up even more!


Have a great Friday!


Truly,

Sylvia C.

Seussville

Have you ever been to Seussville?

I must say, as someone “dedicated to children’s literature,” it was inevitable that I would eventually write about Dr. Seuss.


Best known for his “beginning reader” books, Seuss is a household name for children’s literature.

The Cat in the Hat (known as one of his most famous books), was written to help children learn to read. Before the wonderful tongue twisting books of Dr. Seuss, children were having a hard time learning how to read, finding the simple books too “boring.”

So much has changed in the world of children’s books, but Dr. Seuss is legend well deserving the title of “one of the greatest children’s writers of all time!”


More thoughts from Dr. Seuss:

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

More Dr. Seuss quotes can be found here.
More information about Dr. Suess can be found here.

truly,

Sylvia C.

Book Review: A Good Day

A Good Day
By Kevin Henkes


I love all books written by Kevin Henkes. His stories are always full of charm and bring a smile to my face.

Click back to a few months ago, and you’ll see a brief bio and tribute I wrote about him.

His most recent book, A Good Day is simply sweet, great for the youngest children and inspiring to the oldest adult.

The story begins a bit on the “wrong side of things:”

“It was a bad day.
Little yellow bird lost her favorite tail feather.
Little white dog got her leash all tangled up in the fence….”

And so goes the first part of this book. It begins, in fact, as a bad day.

But, sooner than later, things turn around in this sweet, simple book, and it turns out to be “A Good Day” after all.

Henke’s pictures delight (like always) and his story is a great time for readers and listeners of all ages.


Truly,

Sylvia C.

A Poem For Your Tuesday

What The Cat Tells Me


Looking out my window
I see rain clouds that want to play—

Though the weatherman on TV
Called for blue skies and sun today—

Raindrops are now dripping down
Against the windowpane—


Next time, I’ll listen to my cat
Whose tail said:
Tomorrow brings rain.

Write to Your Favorite Author

One great way to encourage a love for reading, writing, and all things books, is to help your child write to their favorite author. I found another great tool over at Kids Read, which gives a list of names and addresses for children to write to their favorite author.

Now and then, I still write to my favorite authors. It is a fun exercise for children, and it really highlights their appreciation for the author’s work.

Encourage your child to write to their favorite author! It’s a great writing exercise and a fun way to learn more about some of their favorite books.


Truly,

Sylvia C.

Free E-Book!

I am super-duper excited to present to you:

My new e-book, Wiggle Monster!
And it’s free!

After teaming up with the wonderful and talented Rosemarie Gillen, I now have a free e-book I would like to send you!


Just send me an email at sylviac.hall@gmail.com
to get your free copy of Wiggle Monster and for future updates!


Truly,

Sylvia C.

Dreaming Dreams

Dreams are a beautiful thing. They allow us to live our lives in the fullest way possible, giving us energy for today, and hope for tomorrow. I always encourage children to dream big. Life is too short to have little, limited dreams.

So, dream that big dream and then live the life of your dreams!

For whatever reason, my teachers always cautioned me to “get my head out of the clouds.” I plan on encouraging children to stick their head in the clouds, and then come back down from them with that burst of energy, which only big dreams can provide.



"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
-Eleanor Roosevelt, American First Lady


“If you are a dreamer, come in. If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, a hoper, a prayer, a magic-bean-buyer. If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire, for we have some flax-golden tales to spin. Come in! Come in!”
- Shel Silverstein “Where the Sidewalk Ends”




Truly,


Sylvia C.

What Makes A “Good” Picture Book?

As a writer of picture books, I am always trying to find out: “What makes a good picture book?”

This weekend, I was reminded (yet again) that a “good picture book” is quite dependent on the audience.

Let me explain.

My mom was in town this weekend, and she was reading some books to her granddaughter (my niece), Reilly. My mom was reading one of the “Olivia” books (Olivia Saves the Circus, to be exact).

My mom couldn’t get over the book. She considered it dull and lackluster. “What’s the point?” she had asked.

My niece, on the other hand (and myself included) both enjoy the book immensely.

Although there are some factors that make a picture book “extra special” there isn’t really a “set of rules” which makes a “great picture book” by everyone’s standards.

So, what matters more: If grandma likes it or if the child likes it?
The child of course!

So in the case of Olivia Saves the Circus:
Reilly Grace (3) vs. Grandma Elke (45)

Reilly wins.

A few more points:

* Good picture books speak out TO the child: not down to them, or at them
* Good picture books keep the reader and listener entertained, intrigued, or amused
* Good picture books offer something (anything) to learn about
* Good picture books keep the child as the main focus
* Good picture books are pleasing to the ear
* Good picture books come in many shapes, sizes, and forms

What constitutes as a good picture book to me, might not be a good picture book to you…
But,
Variety is the Spice of Life!

Keep Reading!

Truly,

Sylvia C.

Friday Factoid

“The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children."

So, what are you waiting for? This little factoid shows that reading aloud matters! Not only does it matter, but it is the single most important activity to ensure your child’s success with reading.

So, no age is too young to start. And, it’s never too late! Read, read, read: your child’s success depends on it!


Find more information at: Partnership for Learning


Truly,

Sylvia C.

Book Activity: Cat Skidoo

Cat Skidoo
Written by Bethany Roberts
Illustrated by R.W. Alley


Cat Skidoo is a really funny book. As one mischievous moment leads to the next, two little kittens find more and more trouble.

So, why not make this book even more fun by adding a simple activity!

While you read this book aloud to your child, make up an action for every time you say “Cat Skidoo.”

This phrase is mentioned about 8 times in the book.

So, for example:

“Kittens in the garden—one cat, two, sniffing, digging, CAT SKADOO!”

(And children fall onto the floor on their tummies).

Change the action to:
* Jumping up in the air
* Wiggling and shaking
* Doing a Summer-Sault

Make this book come to life as these kittens find mischief! Invite your child’s silliness as you read Cat Skidoo!


Have Fun!

Truly,

Sylvia C.

Kids Can Write Contest

Get out your pencils and notebooks…Let's make good use of the last few weeks of cold weather! A contest deadline looms!

Parents and kids, check out this website to learn more about the Kids Can Write contest! This year’s theme is “animals” and the website has some suggested poetic forms to help you get started.

Submissions may be sent by email in the body of the message or by snail mail (see website for directions). Individual children can submit their poem to the contest, or entire classrooms can participate in this exciting contest!

Grades K-5 are welcome to submit, but you better hurry… the deadline is April 25, 2007!
See the website for all of the rules.


Prizes will be granted to the “best individual poems” so get excited and get writing, and then submit your best poem!


Have Fun!
Truly,

Sylvia C.

Book Review: Nutmeg and Barley

Nutmeg and Barley
A Budding Friendship

By Janie Bynum

Friends come in all shapes and all sizes. That is especially true for Nutmeg and Barley. But these two neighbors (a squirrel and a mouse) haven’t always been friends, and they certainly don’t have too much in common.

Never before had Nutmeg known a rodent she couldn’t charm.

“I don’t suppose we have a thing in common anyway,” Nutmeg said before she turned away.

But when Barley makes the first move, the chatty squirrel learns a thing or two about friendship!

This book is as inspiring as it is cute and shows that opposites certainly DO attract! You’ll have to read this book to see what finally happens to bring these critters together!


Truly,

Sylvia C.

Cracking Me Up

I went searching for some intelligent quotes for you to share with your kids and instead I found some of the niftiest quotes BY kids.

This page had me cracking up. Below is a sample. Have a great weekend!

Enjoy!


Truly,

Sylvia C.



Quotes By Kids

If your mom picks your clothes and you dislike them, tell her they don't fit.
Christie, age 12


You shouldn't listen in on your sister's conversation with her boyfriend because it gets too mushy.
Lezlee, age 11


If you want something expensive, you should ask your grandparents.
Matthew, age 12


If your mom's asleep, don't wake her up.
Amber, age 10



My dad will never be color coordinated.
Samuel, age 11



When you complain about doing the dishes, you usually get stuck doing them more often.
Nichole, age 14


If I do my homework on the bus, my mom never believes it.
Adam, age 9



The boys' restroom smells, but the girls' restroom doesn't.
Devin, age 10



School lunches stick to the wall.
Patrick, age 10



You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
Rosemary, age 7



You only have one mom, and you should take care of her.
Sean, age 12



All quotes found here: Quotes By Kids

Poem for Your Thursday

Missing:
Half Our Dog


Help
Somebody, anybody
Help!

Someone stole
half our dog!

We took him to get groomed,
And they must have been confused

Because now
We are missing
half our dog!

Book Review: Art

Book: Art
By Patrick McDonnell


Meet Art, an artistic little boy. It’s his name and it’s what he does. Art is a little boy who loves art. As Art sits on the page, he brings the book to life with his art. Whether he’s making blotches, or splotches, zigs or zags, Art’s art is fun and appealing. He's a cute little guy, too!

When Art gets tired, he falls asleep among his art, only to find it hanging on the fridge when he awakes. Why? “Cause Mother loves Art.”

In this sweet book, children will delight in Art. He is a likeable fellow, whose whole world comes to life in front of our eyes. Kids love creating, and this skill should be embraced as much as possible. Share Art’s love for art, and your kids will see the many wonderful sides of “art.”

Although this book is a little shorter in word count, the pictures stand to tell a picture on their own. The bright, solid images will keep even the shortest-termed listener involved and intrigued. McDonnell has done an excellent job of portraying a true childlike artist!

This book is great for your little artist or for the child that is at first unsure of his or herself. Try following up with this book by letting your child put his or her imagination on the page. Art is a fun book, which helps embrace the little artist within us all!

truly,

Sylvia C.

A Poem For Your Monday

When Spring Comes


When spring comes
I’ll frolic
And dance

I’ll skip along
Hopping
I’ll tip-toe
And prance

I’ll lay in the grass
And sing to the breeze
I’ll walk around barefoot
And do as I please

When springtime comes
I’ll shout from my lungs:

“WINTER IS OVER!
SPRINGTIME HAS SPRUNG!”

Book Review: Big Chickens

Written by Leslie Helakoski
Illustrated by Henry Cole


From The Book:

“One day four big chickens peeked out the coop window and saw a wolf sneak into the farmyard. The chickens pwocked, flocked, and rocked. They knocked into themselves and each other until one by one they tumbled out of the coop.”

Big Chickens is a funny book! This silly tale of four cowardly, but possibly courageous chickens will have your child giggling in no time!

When four chickens spot a wolf in the farmyard, their excitement has them rolling out of the chicken coop into harms way. But these chickens are way too afraid to go back home, so they go rolling along from one frightening scene to the next. Everything they encounter along this adventure scares them!

But what happens when these four chickens encounter a frightening cave, with an even more frightening growling noise? You’ll have to read this funny book to find out whether these chickens are too chicken or if they actually turn out to be “big and brave.”

So, what do we learn from these funny chickens? Although we might be scared at times, deep down, we can face any scary wolf that life brings our way! The repetition will get your child involved, and the funny faces of these frightened birds will humor your child again and again.


truly,

Sylvia C.

Author Spotlight: Laura Numeroff

Laura Numeroff is the author of dozens of books for children. But, her most famous books are for the “If You Give A …” series. These books have earned her much respect as an excellent (and funny!) children’s writer.

Laura Numeroff is a fun gal! She considers writing stories, drawing, and reading her three greatest loves. That is, if you don’t count her love for animals. Numeroff is a great role model for kids, and she shows the power of her own silliness!

Numeroff said:
“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie was the tenth book I wrote. The idea came to me on a long, boring car trip. I don't know about you, but I get silly when I get bored.”
If only we could all learn to embrace our silliness like Numeroff!

Running from one event to the next, these books will charm your children and keep them smiling. The amazing illustrations for the series (all done by Felicia Bond) are a perfect match with the text, which signal excitement with every turn of the page. The action of each illustration tells a special story as well, which will amuse both you and your child.

If you haven’t read any of the “If You Give A…” books, you need to today! They’re a hoot!

Check out Laura Numeroff's Site to learn more!

Truly,

Sylvia C.