Finding GREAT books for YOUNG children

There are SOOO many children’s books out there.  Some are beautiful, some are based on familiar characters, some have sequenced stories, some are very open ended.  What makes a book GREAT for a toddler, or a preschooler?   The main goal is to find books that:

·        Engage the child’s interest

·        Promote interaction between the book, the reader, and the child

·        Promote confidence in the child as a “reader” (WAY before they can read)

·        Offer ways to develop the pre-reading and reading skills a child needs

·        Develop, in the child, a LOVE of BOOKS, and what they can offer

 

Before buying a lot of books for your child, consider these “qualities” as you look through your own library, and as you make regular trips to the city library.  You’ll get a much better idea of books that you will want to check out for a few weeks versus books that you will want to ADD to their own library. 

 

 

Look for books with large, colorful illustrations.  Young children thrive on getting the story through the pictures, so look for illustrations that are clearly representing the characters and what is happening in the story.  There are some books in which the story is evident even without words.  These are wonderful, as the story can be told in so many different ways.  Even with text, it is not always required to read the words exactly.   And really good books have the illustrations depict even MORE of a story than the words identify.  Asking the child about more of the story based on the picture is a great way for children to add to the story line.  It is also wonderful to find illustrations that include a small character that is located on each page in different places, such as the cricket and spider in the Little Critter series.  This series of books EXCEL in having the pictures tell MORE of a story than the words.

 

For Toddlers, look for sturdy books in which each page can have its own focus – that it can be, but does not need to be read in any particular order.  A character may be doing a variety of things centered on a theme.  Toddlers like to turn the pages themselves and will stop on a page that captures their attention.  That is the time to focus on whatever is on that page.  Have them point to one of the pictures that is prominent on the page, and try to connect it with something they are familiar with in their own life.  If it is an animal, talk about what it is, what it sounds like, and refer to an animal they might know.  If it is a character doing an activity – talk about the activity and when it might happen in their own life.  This type of interaction helps them feel confident in their ability to “use” books, and helps them see what are in books relates to things outside of books.

 

Choose topics that relate to real life, esp. for children 2 years or younger, even if it is funny animal characters that are doing human things.  Imaginary creatures and activities, like magic, are abstract and more difficult to keep straight in their heads as to what is real and what is not real.  Concrete activities that reflect more of what is real in their life, and in the world around them helps develop a more full sense of who they are and where they live.  Although this age child likes pretend play – mostly it is about real life things.  Encourage a concrete understanding of this world before delving into fiction and non-reality.  Once a child is “around” 3 years old, their imagination takes off, and then it is fine to begin introducing a few books with more imaginary topics, as long as there is good discussion about the difference between what is real or not, and that there is a good balance of books which are presented.

 

When considering the words, choose books that encourage fun expressive reading.  Read the book aloud to listen to the sounds.  Reading aloud with an expressive voice more actively engages a child’s interest, and promotes good language skills.  Although not all of the following things will be found in a single book, these are things to look for:

• It is fun to read phrases that rhyme.  This helps develop phoneme awareness in children, which is an important pre-reading skill.  Dr. Suess books were designed specifically with this purpose.  “One Shoe, Two Shoes, Red Shoes, Blue Shoes”.  After a few readings, the child may be able to fill in the second part of the rhyme. 
• When the words promote a strong rhythm it helps the child feel the cadence of speech, and a feel for how phrasing can aid in the understanding of the meaning of words.  Encourage the child to keep a steady beat while you are reading by clapping. 
• Find books with interesting characters that encourage fun vocal changes – high female voices, slow tedious and low voices, voices of all sorts?  I especially enjoyed reading the Winnie the Pooh books to my children because of the fun unique voices and accents of each of the characters (Tigger & Eeyore are my favorite voices!).  Listening to various voices helps children feel more comfortable around new people they meet who speak differently. 
• Especially enjoyable are repetitive phrases featured regularly or at the end of each page. Children LOVE being the “reader” of this type of repetitive phrase, especially if you can encourage some type of activity with it, like clapping, or “chugging” the arms, etc.  MANY of the Kindermusik books features this types of phrase.  One of the Kindermusik favorites is “Choo-choo, Choo-choo! Dinah, Dinah, Dinah Dinah.  Shoo! Shoo! Shoo! Shoo! Shine-a, Shine-a, shine-a .” from the book, “Shiny Dinah” in the Our Time AWAY WE GO semester.  For each part the children “pull the whistle”, clap their hands, swish their hands, the rub their hands in circles to shine the train.
• Books that have a PART that can be sung can really capture a child’s attention, and can connect in a more emotional way.  One of my favorites is “Love you Forever” by Robert Munsch.  (Although it took me a long time to read that all the way through without crying.) 
• Repetitiveness can also be a springboard for sequencing.  Stories that reuse phrases, continuing to add another phrase on top of each other, such as “The Green Grass Grew All Around”,  “with the branch on the tree, and the tree in the hole, and the hole in the ground… “ help build neural connections toward spatial relationships and sequential ordering.  PLUS, they’re FUN !  My son’s favorite is an old book called “Drummer Hoff” = “And Drummer Hoff FIRED it OFF!”

 

When choosing a book with a story line, choose stories that make sense and are meaningful to your child.   Young children respond only to books that tell stories that feel “real”, feel complete, and feel satisfying.  Strongly consider what your child is interested in, and what they know already.  Try to choose books that give them a little more information or understanding about their object(s) of interest, or character(s) they find fascinating.  Ask all sorts of open ended questions to spark conversations that will help them explore the ideas presented in the book, helping them connect with ideas they know and “discover” new bits of information.  Children learn best by discovering for themselves rather than being told.

 

To me, great books for young children fit into three categories:

a.     Activity books – Books that encourage people to make noise and move, and act out what is occurring on the pages and in the story.  These books encourage personal involvement in reading materials.  They strengthen language articulation skills, as well as give opportunities for large and small motor development.  These may also be alphabet books which help them make the sounds of the alphabet and relate these sounds to what they know.  This could include tracing the letters with their fingers, and exploring other objects with those sounds.  Activity books are a springboard for more action!

b.     Bedtime books – Books that have a lulling rhythm as you read them aloud.  Their story is comforting and without a crisis or scary moment.  These books reassure loving feelings and safety, and welcome the night as a peaceful companion.

c.     Story books – Books that encourage discussion, conversations about the characters and what they are doing.  These books build vocabulary and understanding.  They might have a crisis, or problem that will be resolved somehow, hopefully in a way that sparks children to discuss and solve their own problems, or at least understand others that experience them.

 

A Great book is made so much better by a good interactive reader. 

• Allow the child to hold the book and turn the pages.  It’s OK if they do not go in order, or if they turn the page before you finish reading.  Later on, you may try this “trick” I started with my daughter as she got to the right developmental stage (she was 2 years old, but it may vary with your child).  I would say “BEEP” when I finished reading the words on the page, so she would know it was time to turn the page.  This also set her up to use the audio books that we could get from the library.
• Ask questions that identify or spark interest. 
• Read expressively, using your voice to enliven, or soothe, or build intensity for a story line. 
• Offer the child the opportunity to “tell” the story , or parts of the story, based solely on the pictures, or by what they can remember. 
• After a few readings, start a sentence, then encourage the child finish the thought.  Show enthusiasm for their version, and do NOT correct them if they say the words differently.    

 

These are ways to engage the child and build their confidence in books as a source of enjoyment, and in their ability to be a significant part of the reading process.

Review the current research on the benefits of Music and Literature on a child’s development.

Books are an important part of each Kindermusik program, as there are at least one or two children’s literature books that are included in the home materials.  Each of these books meet several of the above criteria for being a GREAT book.  The Creative Team at Kindermusik International recognizes the benefits of good books for young children, and therefore integrate their books with the themes of the curriculum. 

 

There is even a WONDERFUL summary of research they have developed that will help parents understand how music benefits a child’s development of the reading process.  PLEASE check out the following links at www.kindermusik.com/benefits .  It talks about the critical aspects of developing the skills of Active Listening, building vocabulary, developing phonological awareness, Print Awareness, and promoting Comprehension.

 

There are resources available for each age group; Our Time (1 ½ – 3 ½ years)  and  Imagine That (3-5 years), so that the materials is specifically focused on what to expect from, and what is developing in a child at each of these ages, and has some great ideas for what you can do at home based on current research in this field.  It is well worth your time to read it.  It easily explains the research, and if you are interested further, the actual research documents are also available for your curious mind.

 

In this blog, “Music Connections Recommends…” , I suggest many books that I believe fit the above criteria.  Some are Kindermusik books (or Do-Re-Me & You – which are developed by Kindermusik International), but MOST are other books I have found along the way – through teaching, and especially through experiences with my two children.  They are usually presented based on a particular theme.  Please feel free to add your comments to these postings with list with books you have found to be GREAT, so that we can all find GREAT books that will OPEN up the world to our children.

 

Or if you have other ideas on what makes a book GREAT for young children, please add your comments.  I would LOVE to hear them.

 

READING is MAGICAL. 

Read it, feel it, live it, and love it. 

Then, your child will too.

Toys I Make, Trips I Take – Resources

The semester of Toys I Make, Trips I Take, of the Kindermusik Imagine That! program is so CHOCK full of themes, it is an interesting challenge to collect and present the information. 

First, there is the theme of the toymaker making toys for his toy shop.  AND the aspect of each of the classic toys to enjoy, ie. the Jack In the Box, the drum, the spinning top, etc.  I’ve got lots of songs, and other resources, as you will see, but not so many books about the classic toys or the toymaker. 

I am open to someone sharing books or resources they love on this subject, by making a comment on this blog.   I have found a few online, and ordered them, but cannot yet recommend them.  Maybe you’ll see some new entries soon.  Only if they’re the best!

I must first recommend a fabulous classical music piece,  The Toy Symphony by Leopold Mozart.    You can find a great recording of this symphony on the CD set described in this posting:  Classics for Children – Great set of classical music 

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Within the semester, we have the opportunity to help the toymaker build a boat, and a train, and to explore adventures that we might have in our imaginations.  The following blog posting include resources for these themes.

 

Traveling with Trains by books, music, and more.  (NEW)

Travel by boat – in a book or two  (book resources and ideas)

Children, Children, build me a boat  (activity idea and slide show)

 

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During our train travels, the children are encouraged to explore map reading and map making skills.  I have recently found a wonderful book that introduces map skills to young children.

Treasure Map  by Stuart J. Murphy, Harper Collins

A group of children on Elm Street find a treasure map, and learn some important mapping skills on the way to finding a wonderful “treasure” under the X.  Readers will be intrigued by the treasure, and may want to start their own tradition.

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Mighty Maddie by Stuart J. Murphy,  , Harper Collins, Inc.  Maddie has toys ALL over the house, big heavy ones, and very light ones, and needs to have them all cleaned up before her friends start arriving for her birthday party.  She decides to become MIGHTY MADDIE, and does an amazing job with things both heavy and light.

The previous two books are part of the MathStart series. Cora (4) and I have just discovered the MathStart series through our local library, and we are loving them.  Each book is a wonderfully interesting story that introduces a basic math concept.  Check out more information on these books, and fun math activities on the author’s website, www.stuartmurphy.com .

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During the last part of the semester, we focus on the enjoyment of stuffed animals as friends, confidants, and playmates.  Along that line, I do recommend:

 

 

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear  – Ill. by Michael Hague;  Scholastic, 1993 .  It is the classic rhyme that encourages specific movements, and the illustrations are classic and delightful.  Try to make each of the positions that you see the little bear doing, even along the borders of the pages.

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Fabulous videos about Toys: 

Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys – GoodTimes Entertainment, 2001 – This is an excellent follow up, with top notch voices, for Rudolph to join with an elf that would rather be a dentist than make toys.  Feeling like they don’t fit in, they find more misfits – toys that are made incorrectly – and end up saving Christmas by foiling the plans of the Toy Taker. 

The Tangerine Bear – Feature Films for Families , 2005  – A toy bear that no one wants longs to find a home.  When no one buys him, he ends up in a story specializing in damaged merchandise.  He meets new friends, including a Jack in the Box, and eventually discovers his true home.   

I would highly recommend ANY of the films from this company; they are all fully designed to “strengthen traditional values through entertainment”.  And they do.  Check them out at www.familyfilms.com .  We personally have more than 30 of the films by this company and both the children and grown ups enjoy them.  See my blog posting: Feature Films for Families .

 

Flowers, Dewdrops, and Gardens Resources

The theme for the Kindermusik Village –  Dewdrop Semester, all about flowers and gardens.

My favorite poem that fits right into the theme is the following.  Below the verse, there is a list of more resources on the subject.

The Flowers    by Robert Louis Stevenson

From “A Child’s Garden of Verse”  It can be found as a Little Golden Book.

• All the names I know from nurse:
• Gardener’s garters, Shepherd’s purse,
• Bachelor’s buttons, Lady’s smock,
• and the Lady Hollyhock.
•  
• Fairy places, fairy things,
• Fairy woods where the wild bee wings,
• Tiny trees for tiny dames –
• These must all be fairy names !
• Tiny woods below whose boughs
• Shady fairies weave a house;
• Tiny treetops, rose or thyme,
• Where the braver fairies climb !
•  
• Fair are grown-up people’s trees,
• But the fairest woods are these;
• Where, if I were not so tall,
• I should live for good and all.

 

Favorite Books on the theme of Flowers and Gardens:

 The Carrot Seed, by Ruth Krauss, illustrations by Crockett Johnson, Harper & Row Publishers, 1945       This is the author of Harold and the Purple Crayon.   This is just as wonderful of a story about a young boy taking care of his plants, even though everyone is telling him it WON’T work.  His patience and persistence pay off with a HUGE carrot. 

 

TLC, Grow With Me!  by Lissa Rovetch, ill. by Chum McLeod  – A Do-Re-Me & You Publication  A young girl gets a present from a neighbor, a surprise in a pot of dirt.  She gets hints along the way to learn how to make the surprise appear.  Excellent for children just learning the art of gardening.  Since it is DRMY, of course it comes with a CD of fun songs for gardening.  You may find it on a good sale at www.shopkindermusik.com .

 

Dandelion,  by Don Freeman,       Scholastic, 1964         (Excellent author)    A Lion decides to dress up fancy for a party, but everyone is glad when he gets back to being himself.       

Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes,     GreenWillow Books, 1991  

A young mouse girl is lovingly named by her parents, but once she starts school, she’s not so sure how much she likes her name. 

I absolutely love the extended vocabulary that Dad uses in this book. For 3 and up.

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Inch by Inch, The Garden Song,  by David Mallet and Ora Eiten;  Trophy Picture Books, 1997.  This song is a classic song from the 60’s days of love and peace, and becoming more self-reliant.  The illustrations are simply, yet poignant, and you’ve got to love the biggest beet in the world that is harvested.  I love reading AND singing this to my daughter.   This one is actually very good for even young readers, and they will love you to sing the song – the melody is written on the back pages.

A recorded version is on Mary Miche’s Earthy Tunes album (see below).

Blog Postings on the subject for your enjoyment:

• Dewdrops  (NEW) – Beautiful pictures of dewdrops and rich musical sounds – video format
• Mary Miche’ – Earthy Tunes & Songs for Teaching website – cool gardening songs, including “Inch by Inch”, “Dirt You Made My Lunch”, and so many more.

 

• Musical Flowers and Trees (NEW) – 1932 Disney videos of flowers, trees, and babies

         

 

Traveling with Trains by books, music, and more.

These are some of my favorite resources about life surrounding the magical world of train travel, from historical, to classic, to silly, to futuristic imaginations.  I guarantee you, each of these resources have been experienced and loved many times.

There are several Kindermusik semesters that include train themes, see this list on my blog posting:  Kindermusik Programs with themes of travel & vehicles . 

Please feel free to add your favorites to the comment section as well!  I’ll look for them.

Musical Recordings:                                .

All Aboard – John Denver;  Family Artist Series from Sony Wonder, 1997   Avail. at large music stores.   A marvalous, kid friendly collection of songs ALL about trains.  You’ll love Choo Choo Ch’Boogie.  There are several available at www.Amazon.com, as well as other online and local music stores. 

The Little Engine that Could       .

The Little Engine That Could      A Platt & Munk Classic book by Watty Piper;  A little engine saves a train full of toys.        

The Little Engine and The Big Chase   2nd book in the series, and just as fun.  The silly little clown has gotten whisked away by a big diesel engine, and the Little Engine and his friends have to rescue him.   

The Little Engine That Could – An MCA Home Video, Inc. Presentation. 1991.  The classic tale gets a wonderful make over that keeps the classic feel, but flushes out the characters and the story very well.

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The Little Engine That Could – One selection from the Read With Me DVD Series.  Fisher Price has come up with a cool device that allows children to use the DVD player to have classic books read to them, and allows them to be interactive with the story, answering comprehension questions about the story, or playing games based on the story.  Scholastic has met the challenge with a nice selection of DVD books to choose from.  Find the device at www.fisher-price.com, then find the stories at www.scholastic.com .  My 4 year old daughter LOVES these.  Thanks, Valerie!————————————————–Thomas the Tank Engine:  The Complete Collection by Rev. W. Awdrey    Random House Publishing.   I love this book because it includes all of the stories, as well as some background on the author and the development of these stories.

www.thomasandfriends.com   A website full of fun for Thomas fans, includes links to the following:

• Videos
• Games
• TV – leads to information about television shows that include Thomas stories
• Events – information leads to character appearances, as well as
• A Day Out with Thomas, where a real engine has been designed to become Thomas the Tank Engine, and pulls train cars full of children all around the country.  His schedule can be found when you follow the links.

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Other Favorite Train books:

Tootle   A Little Golden Book by Gertrude Crampton; Ill. by Tibor Gergely.   A young engine attends school to learn to be useful.  He has a hard time with “Staying on the Rails, No matter what!”  We LOVE this story about learning to follow the rules.

 

 

Smokey Houghton Mifflin Co.      Written & Illustrated by Bill Peet.    An old rusty steam engine finds a new use, once he is no longer needed in the rail yard.  The ending is a wonderful surprise.  Teachers love it!

Tracks    Scholastic Inc.  by David Galef; Ill. by Tedd Arnold.  

Albert, the railway construction designer, builds a crazy railroad track when his eye glasses break. 

FUNNY picture book!

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I’ve Been Working on the Railroad       Scholastic   The words presented are the same as the classic song, but the pictures tell a bigger, much more fun story.  We spend LOTS of time just talking about what’s going on in the pictures.

Down By the Station  by Will Hillenbrand   Scholastic has done it again.  Classic song, but a whole new story is told through the pictures.  The conductor, the teachers, the baby animals, and the children combine for a wonderful read together book.  Cora pours over both these books, all by herself, singing the songs, and talking about the antics of these creatures.

Other Videos                                                                             .

There are two other videos are described in the blog posting:  Children’s media resources for vehicles and travel

• Cowboy Pooh
• Imaginaria

Florida rail lines:   Take a few of the books with you to enjoy on your REAL TRAIN RIDE.

• Inland Lakes Railways:    www.inlandlakesrailway.com
• Florida Railways Museum:  www.fgcrrm.org 

Best Railroad game:                                                                                                    . 

Rail Baron  – I LOVE this game, but it is definitely for at least 10 years old and older.  It is so cool that the railroads on the map are based on real rail lines that were some of the original built.  The goal of the game is to ride the rails from one destination to another, and collect the payment for making the trip.  The money is used to buy railroads which you can then ride for free.  WAY FUN!  I have the version released in 1984.  I’m not the only fan, you can read about the history of the game at http://www.railgamefans.com/rbp/rbgame.htm 

 

There has not been a new release in quite awhile, but you can find some good used copies on ebay.  Because it is rare, it can be a little spendy – but it is worth it!  If you find a game that doesn’t have all the pieces, it’s ok, you can buy replacement pieces if you follow the links on the website listed above.  There is even an online version that you can play on the computer.

Smart Moves: Why Learning is not all in your Head

In Kindermusik, we incorporate movement so much, that it is known not just as a music class, but as a music and movement class.  Our creative team goes into extensive research from a variety of sources on how children learn, and there are many professionals over the centuries that show how important movement is in the learning process. 

If you want to read a great book that describes, in scientific detail, the importance of movement in the learning process, I  HIGHLY recommend “Smart Moves” by Carla Hannaford.  There is fascinating information in that book, based on extensive research, which she lists, and is written in a way that makes it very understandable.  She talks a lot about the development of neural connections in the brain, and how movement is KEY to developing strong connections, and a foundation for further learning.  It also talks about movements that help your left and right brain hemispheres to work together.  She introduces a lot of Brain Gym activities, which refer to the process of using specific movements to set up the body for doing particular activities – a science called Educational Kinesiology.  (When I told my husband that, he said “Bless You” – he never takes any of this seriously.)  The information in this book just truly got me excited about the big picture of learning, and I encorporate a LOT of her ideas in my teaching methods.

 

At a Kindermusik Conference in 2006, I also was fortunate enough to see her present information about her new book, “Awakening the Child Heart”, which takes her theories a step farther than the nuts and bolts of the body’s hardwiring.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well, and the whole vision of the interconnectedness of our bodies, and our connections to each other in this world.  It’s a bit more philosophical, and I do recommend reading “Smart Moves” first.  But if you are up for a book that will make you really stop and think about human beings and how integrated our body systems are – and how even little things make such a difference – pick that one.  From Carla, to me, to you:  I wish you Coherence.

Travel by boat – in a book or two

In the Kindermusik Imagine That! Toys I Make, Trips I Take semester, we have FUN exploring boats.  We use a fun song, and our imaginations to build a boat in class.  Then one of their homework assignments is to build a boat – any kind they want, with just a bit of parent support.  Wow, what imaginations we have.  Check out the slide show on my business blog: 

Children, Children, build me a boat

One of the books that comes with the home materials is called “In My Big Blue Boat”, in which a girl imagines what her day would be like if she sailed away in a big blue boat.  Beautiful illustrations, rhyming text, and full of sound words to explore sounds and movements while adventuring through the book.

Another assignment is to read this book and another book that focuses on some sort of adventure in a boat.  The object is to ask general questions that help children compare the boat, the characters, and the adventure.   This type of activity is so wonderful for developing reading comprehension and analytical thinking.

I definitely have a few favorites that I’d like to recommend:

The Sailor Dog 

A Golden book by Margaret Wise Brown, Ill. by Garth Williams

Ms. Brown most definitely shows her talent in this wonderful book of displacement, and finding, again, your place in the world.  There is even a song at the end that can be sung to the Popeye tune.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat  

A Scholastic book, as told and ill. by Iza Trapani.

Another fabulous author takes a classic song, and expands it into a wonderful adventure featuring a family of bears and their pet dog, as they have a wonderful day on the river.  SING every verse, it is so fun!

Theodore Mouse Goes to Sea

A Little Golden Book by Muntean

A shorebound mouse has enough of just watching the sea.  He pulls his bed to the shore and sets sail with his sheet.  He visits exotic places and defends himself against pirate cats, and more.  My daughter loves this book.

The Harbor and the Sea – by Lucille Wood  (1971)

This book is out of print, and I only found ONE copy available on ebay.  But there are a group of children that form a tugboat out of boxes.  They tell us the story of their adventures of the day, including songs and movements that are elicited by their imaginative activities.   When they pretend to pass a lighthouse, they move and sing, ”Round and Round I’m turning sending out my light, Round and Round I’m turning, guiding ships at night.”

Music storytelling from Africa and Pete Seeger

I was able to share some wonderful musical folk tales with some preschool students today.  We had a blast with about four stories.  I’d love to share them with you, and of course, I want to start with one that you can access right away, “Abiyoyo”.  Keep returning to this site, and I’ll share more fun musical folk tales with you.

 The story of Abiyoyo was handed down generation by generation through storytelling.  It is the story of a giant named Abiyoyo, and the young boy and his dad that save the village from this giant through music and magic. 

Pete Seeger discovered the story in Cape Province, South Africa, and was able to bring the story to the written page in his book: ABIYOYO, Pete Seeger’s Storysong, illustrated by Michael Hayes) 

Amazingly enough, I found both the story and the song located on it’s own website,   www.abiyoyo.com .  This is a wonderful introduction, but I promise you, the book is worth the $8 you’ll spend at Amazon.com, or other bookstores.

Children’s media resources for vehicles and travel

Many Kindermusik semesters have themes that have a lot to do with things that GO!  See blog posting, Kindermusik Programs with themes of travel & vehicles for that list of semesters. 

I thought you might enjoy my list of favorite books, recordings, videos, and other resources that help this world of travel come alive for children.  You might keep checking back, as I plan to continue adding more.  PLEASE feel free to add your own recommendations in the comment section.  Thanks!

Online Resources

Riding around on my JCB      www.jcbsong.co.uk/jcbvideo.asp    This is a very cool little short website music video about Luke riding around with his dad on a JCB (a big constructions vehicle).  The pencil on paper animated drawings are adorable, and the song is soooo catchy.  One of my Kindermusik moms sent me this link in an emai over a year ago.  Our whole family fell in love with it, and both Grammy and my son have it in their favorites section and go back to watch it frequently.  My 12 year old son has it memorized.

These are Blog Postings on my blogs that include resources for things that Go!:

The Wheels on the Bus  You and your children will enjoy watching these two videos together.  You’ll probably end up watching them repeatedly.  Move the computer chair and get ready to dance.

Travel by boat – in a book or two  Comparing books with similar themes, like boating adventures, helps children develop analytical thinking.  Best boat books recommended.

There is a separate blog posting on TRAIN resources at: 

The following resources are wonderful ways to enjoy expanding a child’s interest in OTHER types of things that go, and some resources here include a variety of ways to travel.

Books  (many can be found at your local library)                                      

Sheep In A Jeep       Houghton Mifflin Co.   by Nancy Shaw: Ill. by Margot Apple.    Hilariously funny adventures of sheep, in a jeep, in all kinds of rhyming ways.  A FAVORITE!  There are more fun books with these funny sheep, including Sheep on a Ship.

How Many Trucks Can a Tow Truck Tow?   Random House   by Charlotte Pomerantz; Ill by R.W. Alley.    How many times must a person read this book without tripping over these wonderful tongue twisters in the guise of creative story about a bad day for tow truck drivers.

The Sailor Dog    Golden Book   by Margaret Wise Brown;  Ill. by Garth Williams  – This book is just as much as a classic as “Goodnight Moon”.  Scuppers was born at sea, but then raised on land, and has to find his way back, exploring all kind of vehicles.  Finally, he is able to set out on his boat and get into a routine, only to find life on the sea is not always calm.

The Wind in the Willows   Courage Books    by Kenneth Grahame; Retold by G.C. Barrett; Ill. by Don Daily.    This classic tale comes in many books, the whole story being a bit too wordy and vocabulary rich for the youngest listeners (but GREAT for older kids).  This version has beautiful illustrations and the story starts with the shy Mole learning to enjoy boating on the river with Rat.  And then takes us on the wild and crazy escapades of Toady and his passion of all things that go.

Glow in the Dark – Trip to the Planets.  by Lucille Hammond, Ill. by Laurie Jordan;  A Golden Glow in the Dark Book.   This is one of our family favorites.  Cora really relates to Katie, who blasts off in her rocket into outer space to visit the moon, Mars, and beyond.  But will her rocket ship make it back in one piece.  I love the sweet surprise ending.  I also love that it is a fiction book, with lots of non-fiction facts, making it easy to understand our solar system.   This book is no longer in print, but there are many copies on Amazon for amazingly cheap prices. 

 

Video Resources    rent these if possible or find at a library.    Buy Imaginaria if you can!

Winnie the Pooh – Cowboy Pooh      Disney’s Playtime Video Series.    Take a trip to the Old West in “The Good, the Bad, and the Tigger”, as Tigger hijacks Christopher Robbin’s electric train, and their imagination concocts a wonderfully western tale.  The following video ”Rabbit Marks the Spot” has the Pooh Pirates (complete with sailing ship) following maps and digging for buried treasure.”

Muppets:  Jim Henson Video Series  -

1. Muppet Treasure Island – Examine the life of the sailor and pirates aboard a ship.
2. Things that Fly – Muppet Sing Along Series:  Watch as the muppets try to find a flying vehicle that will take a baby alien back home
3. Muppets on Wheels -  Muppet Sing Along Series:  Explore different types of transportation on wheels through action and songs. 

Imagin-It and Imaginaria: Imagination Videos  Each video contains a collection of original songs with creative computer graphics that dazzle the eyes and ears.  This was an absolute favorite of ours – the graphics and the imagination, as well as the wonderful songs and music really helped us travel different ways through our imaginations!!!  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  I have so far only been able to find Imaginaria at www.Amazon.com through the search engine.  It is no longer in print, and is only offered in VHS, but it is SOOO worth having it in your library – everyone – all ages – will like it. 

BUY these if you can.

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Television Shows

Little Einsteins                    Disney Channel

“We’re going on a trip with our favorite rocket ship, zooming through the skies…”  Two girls, and two boys, with very different talents go on missions to solve problems, using explorations through classic fine art, and through the use of classical pieces of music.  We don’t watch much TV, but this one is worth it.

Summer Singing

Do you remember sitting around the fire, or on long road trips, singing songs with your friends or family?  I do.  My mom was the instigator – she LOVED to sing!!!  Silly songs, sweet songs, patriotic songs,  songs to sing as a Round. 

Of course, Kindermusik offers a huge variety of songs on so many subjects.  Have fun pulling out all your Kindermusik CDs and reliving some of the fun songs, and magical moments, that were created when you were involved in a class.  If you haven’t joined a Kindermusik class, check out www.kindermusik.com to find a summer camp near you, or check out the available CDs that will get you singing, and having such fun interacting and bonding with your family!

Here’s a few other resources for you so you can remember the words to some summer classics, and play around with them in some new ways.

 

At www.blackdog4kids.com , you’ll find BlackDog’s Summer Camp Songs, and a lot more.

“Sing your way through summer.  Here are the lyrics to some of BlackDog’s favorite songs.  Print them out, grab some friends and have a cool summer song fest.” 

These songs include:  Allouette, Kookaburra, She’ll Be Comin’ Around the Mountain, Bicycle Built for Two, and LOTS more.  You’re going to LOVE this walk down memory lane. 

Blackdog also lists about 10 of the best songbooks for kids that you can buy.  Check it out!

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If you are looking for something with a bit more background music, esp. for long road trips, you just have to try “All-American CAR-I-OKE” by David Schiller.  It includes the book with the words and great fun ideas to play around with the songs, as well as a CD for entertainment and accompaniment to your singing fun.  Since the backseat folks need words too, it comes with 3 complete lyrics booklets to pass around.  I found mine at a Cracker Barrel store last year, but Amazon has new copies for just around $10, and used ones for much less.

What songs do you sing with YOUR children on a long car ride?

My Favorite Ocean Creatures Books

For my families in my Kindermusik – Creatures at the Ocean semester – and anyone else who loves the beach and all it’s sea life as much as I do, I heartily recommend each one of these books.  I do hope you enjoy them.  If you haven’t had a chance to participate in the Creatures at the Ocean semester, I HIGHLY recommend finding a Kindermusik educator near you to see if they are planning one this summer!

·         If You’re Happy – A Tiny Play-A-Song book;  ill. by Mark Frueh, Publications International, Ltd. 1996.         ·         This is the cutest book about the sea creatures version of this song.  With the picture of the dolphins, the verse reads, “If you’re silly and you know it, flip your fins”.  The melody at the touch of a button plays really fast, too fast for children to sing along with, or enjoy the type of movement that it can instigate, so I just took the battery out so we could really enjoy the words and play.  Not on Amazon.

·         Who’s At Home?  In Sea Star Ocean, Illustrated by Elizabeth Gatt.  A Little Look Around book by Reader’s Digest Children’s Books, 1994.  I found it at Barnes and Noble.  This is a perfect little book for the youngest of readers.  They can turn to any page and find out about a different sea creature.

Well illustrated with about 10 different sea creatures getting their own page and brief specific information about them that children can really relate to.  This is a great introductory book, and is a wonderful lead to all kinds of movements and sounds!  Amazon has a copy, but there must be a pricing error!

·         Seashells by the Seashore, by Marianne Berkes,  (I got it at the Florida Aquarium)

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OOOOooo !  My newest addition is probably for age 3 and up, but it is like taking a walk on the beach, finding a beautiful shell (named and described in rhyme) on each page.  It includes a laminated guide to shells on the last page.  The words are even as soothing as a walk along the beach.

 

 

 

·         1, 2, 3, Octopus & Me                              Do-Re-Me & You     through Discovery Toys

The book is a beautifully illustrated counting book, using sea creatures creatively making music and dancing.  The CD is wonderfully fun and full of songs about the ocean, including The Octopus’s Garden (Beatles), and many Carribean folk songs.                       

·         Glow in the Dark:  Under the Sea, written by Jean Lewis,  Golden Book, 1991

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             In addition to the unique feature of having the illustration outlines glow in the dark, this book itself has a wonderful story about two children that visit the underwater lab of their Aunt and Uncle.  The full color illustrations, labels, and factual information make for well loved, and repeatedly read book for my children.  Their other favorite in this series is “Trip to the Planets”.  Amazon boasts several copies, many as low as one cent.

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·         High Tide, a Textured Soft Shapes book by Kate Davis,  2001, by Innovative KIDS

·         The youngest ones love taking out the large shaped foam ocean creatures from the puzzle pages of this book. And there is only 4 pages with some fun “Who am I?” type rhymes.  The pages are made with a wavy texture to the foam, and each pull out creatures has a unique texture to it’s foam as well.

 

 

 

 

·         Big Little Otter, by Lillian Hoban, HarperFestival, 1997

·         This beautifully illustrated book brings a simple introduction to some of my favorite creatures to watch at the aquarium or zoo.  But even more appealing to my children is the way the text brings home the familiar theme of young ones wanting to be BIG.   “Look, mama, look at me. I’m a big little otter!”

 

·         Where the Sharks Are, by Duncan Maxfield, 

·         I can’t say I’m a big fan of Rugrats, who are the main characters in this book, or any TV themed franchise, and the related books, etc.  But this book was given to us by some friends, and upon reading it, it is a wonderful young child perspective of a trip to the aquarium.  Kids just think some of the darndest things.  

The Big Big Sea   by Martin Waddell; ill. by Jennifer Eachus;  Candlewick Press, 1994

“Mama said, “Let’s go!” So we went…”  out in the night to the big, big sea.  Oh, I wish I could express the calm feelings, and the family togetherness that the illustrations and the words to this story instill in both parent and child during a reading of this book.  This book is a wonderful way to end an evening, whether you are near the beach, or not.

Sand Cakes – A Frank Asch Bear Story;  Parents’ Magazine Press, 1978

I LOVE Frank Asch books !!!  So simply illustrated, such clever stories, and I love how smart the little bear is, yet totally displays the characteristics of how a child thinks.  In this book, the bear family goes to the beach.  Little bear wants to make a sand cake for his dad, AND have him EAT it.  Well, both dad and little bear have a very creative way of doing just that!  I can’t find a picture, but it is available from Amazon for as low as $2.00.  I buy every Frank Asch book I find.  This one I found at a yard sale.