Mother Osprey: Nursery Rhymes for Buoys and Gulls
September 1, 2009 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn for the National Writing For Children Center
Title: Mother Osprey: Nursery Rhymes for Buoys and Gulls
Author: Lucy Nolan
Illustrator: Connie McLennan
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (June 10, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1607180413
ISBN-13: 978-1607180418
“With clever twists on old standards, Mother Osprey is a salute to sea breezes, sand, and just plain silliness.” Sylvan Dell’s description of one of their newest Fall 2009 titles, Mother Osprey: Nursery Rhymes for Buoys and Gulls, sums up the content of Lucy Nolan’s delightful picture book in a “clamshell!” In fact, this collection of new poems and rhymes, based on the tried and true Mother Goose favorites, has already become a ‘popular pick’ at my house!
For example, ‘Jack and June went up a dune’ is quite a change from Jack and Jill going up a hill. Or how about, Mary had a little clam instead of a lamb? And no—London Bridge is not falling down! There’s been a mistake. It’s Hatteras Light. However, my absolute favorite selection is ‘One Flamingo’ based on the old ‘One Potato, Two Potato’ rhyme. In this one, we learn that a group of flamingoes is called a flamboyance, a band of jellyfish is a smack, a floating group of puffins is called a raft, and so on. What neat tidbits of information to present in a comfortable and familiar format.
Many of the rhymes and poems could be a jumping-off point for all kinds of educational activities and projects. Students could compare the new with the old or even try their own hands at re-writing nursery rhymes based on a certain theme. The selections could also be used as a catalyst to dig deeper into scientific study about oceans and coastal life
or even a historical study of the topics in each rhyme. And of course, the book could simply be read for fun and enjoyment. My five year old anticipated the rhyming words and tried to guess and shout out the ending of each phrase before I could finish.
In addition to Lucy Nolan’s splendid text, Connie McLennan did an exceptional job with the illustrations. She captured the ‘flavor’ of each rhyme perfectly, and her whimsical, colorful drawings will delight young children as each page is turned.
The ‘For Creative Minds’ section at the back of the book is a treasure-trove of extra information and activities. Included are explanations/background for each selection, a map with a key showing the location of various topics mentioned, map activity questions, poem related questions, and a section called ‘Food For Thought.’ As always, parents and teachers can access more activities, and free online resources and support for this book and other titles at www.SylvanDellPublishing.com.
About the Author: Award-winning author Lucy Nolan lives in Columbia, South Carolina. As a child, she spent many days at Pawleys Island, South Carolina and Amelia Island, Florida. Her love of the sea and storytelling came together in Mother Osprey: Nursery Rhymes for Buoys and Gulls. She is also the author of the Down Girl and Sit chapter books.
About the Illustrator: Connie McLennan is an award-winning illustrator and has been a freelance artist for over twenty-five years. She has also illustrated other Sylvan Dell titles including The Rainforest Grew All Around, River Beds: Sleeping in the World’s Rivers, Water Beds: Sleeping in the Ocean, and Octavia and her Purple Ink Cloud. She lives with her family in northern California.
Visit Amy O’Quinn at www.amyoquinn.com or www.homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom.
Moose and Magpie – A Review
August 28, 2009 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Moose and Magpie
Written by: Bettina Restrepo
Illustrated by: Sherry Rogers
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (June 10, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1607180421
ISBN-13: 978-1607180425
Moose and Magpie is one of the new books in the Sylvan Dell Fall 2009 line-up, and young readers will be double-served by this witty anthropomorphic tale by Bettina Restrepo as they learn fascinating facts about moose while also having their funny bones tickled. Mrs. Restrepo uses a clever play on words to create jokes and riddles within the text that are sure to garner a few giggles throughout the book. Educational material with a humorous twist—definitely a win-win choice for this age group!
Readers will discover all sorts of interesting information as they follow Moose, Magpie, and several of their friends on their adventures and activities through the seasons of one year and find out what changes happen during that time. For example:
How do moose antlers grow and why do they fall off? Then what happens to the antlers?
What is a girl moose called? A boy?
What is a moose’s bell?
What does a moose eat?
How is a moose’s hair different from the hair of other animals?
Does a moose migrate?
Is a moose a good swimmer?
How does a moose get a mate?
Of course, since Magpie is Moose’s joke-telling sidekick, we also learn more about magpies as well—and why the two animals get along so well. Do you know the reason? It’s a good one!
Sherry Rogers has done an outstanding job on the illustrations as well, and children will enjoy perusing all the hilarious and whimsical pictures on the full color two-page spreads. The illustrations of the “literally interpreted” antics of the raccoon, beaver, and skunk are wonderful!
I also like how the publisher has added in ‘fact boxes’ on certain pages to highlight pertinent facts throughout the story. And as always, the ‘For Creative Minds’ section at the back of the book is excellent, as well as helpful for parents and teachers. Included are: Is It For Real: Moose and Birds, What Do Moose Eat?, Moose Antlers, Moose Life Cycle, Match The Moose Body Part to Its Adaptation, and Moose Fun Facts. You can also find more activities and free online resources and support for Magpie and Moose, as well as other titles, at www.SylvanDellPublishing.com.
About the Author: Bettina Restrepo lives with her family in Texas, and this is her first picture book. However, her writing has appeared in Highlights for Children, Nature Friend, and Boys’ Life magazine. Restrepo loves nature and traveling.
About the Illustrator: Sherry Rogers lives with her family in Northern California. She spent twelve years as a corporate graphic designer and artist before becoming a freelance illustrator. She has also illustrated several other books for Sylvan Dell.
Visit Amy at amyoquinn.com or www.homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom.
Saturn for My Birthday – A Review
July 24, 2009 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Saturn For My Birthday
Author: John McGranaghan
Illustrator: Wendy Edelson
Ages: 4-8
Publisher: Sylvan Dell (June 17, 2008)
ISBN: 978-1-934359-13-6 (hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-934359-27-3 (paperback)
Jeffrey doesn’t want much for his birthday. It’s not another pet, he assures his dad. In fact, he’ll settle for Saturn and its forty-seven moon! No problem, right? But since Saturn is 800 million miles from the Earth, they need to get it ordered right away because it might take a while to get to him.
He’ll take great care of Saturn, Jeffrey says. He’ll wrap his planet in a blanket and sit in front of the fireplace while watching the science channel because Saturn is used to a 200 degrees below zero temperature. He’ll give it a bath to keep it clean. He’ll let the moons light up his room at night. He’ll give names to the moons that only have numbers. He’ll even share some of Saturn’s rings with his friends and his teacher!
Of course, Dad has to explain to Jeffrey that Saturn can’t possibly fit inside their house. It’s nine times bigger than the Earth. And no, one of the moons won’t work either. Jeffrey must choose something from planet Earth — something that can fit inside their house.
The solution?
A puppy named Saturn!
Has Dad been had?
Author John McGranaghan has created a delightful book with numerous facts about Saturn cleverly woven into this story about a young boy who asks for a most unusual birthday gift. He’s learned all about Saturn at school, and he tries to convince his dad that it will be the perfect present, especially since he’s been told he doesn’t really need another pet. And the whimsical illustrations by Wendy Edelson are colorful and fun—adding much to this wonderful story!
Children will be introduced to the second largest planet in the solar system in a creative way, and after reading this humorous tale, they’ll probably want to dig a little deeper and learn more about Saturn. And as always, Sylvan Dell includes a section at the end of the book called ‘For Creative Minds’ with optional fun facts and activities. You can also find more links, activities, and quizzes for this book and other titles at www.sylvandellpublishing.com.
About the Author: John McGranaghan has written stories and articles for various children’s magazines and newspapers. He also won the 2001 Pockets Fiction Contest. He was inspired to write this book when his son asked for the planet Saturn for his fourth birthday. Saturn For My Birthday is his first picture book. He and his family live in the Philadelphia suburbs where he is a school counselor.
About the Illustrator: Wendy Edelson has illustrated many books since the age of eighteen when her first book, Whose Garden, was released. She divides her time between illustrating books and advertising or editorial projects. She and her husband live on an island in the Pacific Northwest.
About the Reviewer: Amy M. O’Quinn is a pastor’s wife and former schoolteacher-turned-homeschool mom of six. She is also a freelance writer who enjoys jotting down ideas around the fringes of family life. She specializes in non-fiction, and her work has been published or acquired by various magazines including Jack and Jill, US Kids, Guideposts for Kids, Learning Through History Magazine, Highlights, GEORGIA Magazine, Homeschooling Today, International Gymnast, etc. She is also a product/curriculum/book reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and a regular columnist for TEACH Magazine. The O’Quinns live on the family farm in rural south Georgia. You can visit Amy at amyoquinn.com or
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom.
Henry The Impatient Heron – a Review
June 5, 2009 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Amy M. O’Quinn for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Henry The Impatient Heron
Author: Donna Love
Illustrator:Christina Wald
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (February, 2009)
ISBN-13:978-1934359907
ISBN-10: 1934359904
Henry just cannot be still! He’s here, there, and everywhere, driving his parents and siblings crazy. And while other Great Blue Herons can stand still for hours, then strike out and catch a fish or salamander, Henry can only itch, twitch, scratch and flap. There’s just too much to do and too much to see to be still—at least until his tummy starts to grumble and rumble and he finds himself separated from his family and on his own. Then he quickly realizes that he must feed himself.
Henry has no luck as he wades, darts, twists, and bobs, frightening the fish away. Next, he tries to catch a salamander, then a frog, with comical results as he runs smack into a log. Poor Henry! Feeding himself is no easy task. However, the “log” he ran into is not a log at all. In fact, it’s the leg of The Great Blue Heron, the heron of all herons, and the true King of Camouflage.
Before he flies away, the kind older bird reveals to Henry his secret for staying still. The Great Blue Heron’s advice? The trick is to look like a stick! A fish is afraid of a heron, but not a stick. If Henry can stand very still, the fish will think his legs are sticks and he will have a chance to snag a meal.
Henry decides to give The Great Blue Heron’s suggestion a try. He finds an inlet and thinks to himself, I must think like a fish. I must look like a stick. Even though it’s getting dark and he’s cold and tired, he stands very still. And finally, just before daylight fades, a fish swims by. Quick as a flash, Henry strikes and catches his supper! Full, content, and proud of himself, he settles down to sleep. The impatient heron has learned a valuable life lesson. Sometimes we have to be patient and disciplined to get the result we desire!
Small children are wiggle worms as well! They are always on the move, and the word “patience” has yet to be added to their vocabulary. So they will certainly be able to identify with and be delighted by this wonderful tale about Henry, the Impatient Heron. And parents and teachers will also appreciate all the great educational information that is seamlessly interwoven into the captivating story—a trademark of all Sylvan Dell titles. Readers are exposed to interesting facts about herons and their habitats, yet entertained by the charming story in the process.
And as always, there is a section in the back of the book called ‘For Creative Minds’ that provides optional educational activities, facts, and information. The illustrations by Christina Wald are exceptional and add lots of interest to the book. Learning at its best!
About the Author:
Donna Love is an award-winning author who lives in Montana with her ranger husband in the Lolo National Forest. They have three children. Her book, Awesome Ospreys, became a Skipping Stones Press Honor Award Winner in 2006 for promoting ecological understanding and cooperation around the world. In addition to the gift of writing, Donna has a background in art education and enjoys substitute teaching at the elementary and high school level.
About the Illustrator:
Christina Wald has illustrated for a wide variety of toys, games, books, and magazines. She enjoys research, and she says each new book is a fascinating new learning experience. In addition to illustrating, she enjoys movies, travel and reading. She and her husband live in Cincinnati. Henry the Impatient Heron is Christina’s first book with Sylvan Dell.
*****************
Visit Amy at amyoquinn.com or www.homeschoolblogger.com/picketfencemom.
