Fantastic Pattern Books

Thanks to my friend Joy who found one at the library and passed it on...

+ Pattern Fish
+ Pattern Bugs

Both books are by Trudy Harris, an early childhood educator who created them for her own classroom. They are a great tool to teach about patterns.


From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1-Although there's not much of a story line in this appealing concept book, there is definitely more here than initially meets the eye. The rhyming prose and brightly colored cartoon fish inhabit a world of patterns, beginning with the simplest AB pattern and growing increasingly complex. Upon closer inspection, the patterns can be seen echoing throughout, as pictures both express and reinforce the pattern of the words. For example, the ABB pattern introduced by an eel is echoed not only on the creature's body (stripe-dot-dot), but also in the bubbles that issue from its mouth (large-small-small), the underwater reeds (short-tall-tall) and plants (curve-star-star), and borders of the page (yellow-red-red). Once children get the idea, they will enjoy discovering the repetition and looking for examples. A clear and effective teaching tool.
Robin L. Gibson, Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Lately: Enjoying books by Keith Baker

We've really been enjoying the art and rhythm of these books by Keith Baker:

+ Little Green (about a hummingbird's movements)
+ Hide and Snake (a patterned snake hides in all kinds of places

A Valentine's Day Book

Saint Valentine, by Robert Sabuda

I found this book for .98 at Half Price Books--what a find! It's a beautiful retelling of the story of Valentine, a Christian physician in the 3rd century A.D. The art is fantastic; it's paper mosaics that capture light and expression beautifully.

Christmas Books

These are a few favorites for the 3+ crowd... Please share yours!

Mary's First Christmas by Jr., Walter Wangerin - beautiful illustrations, a tender story of Mary relating to Jesus (at age 8 or so) the story of His birth. One slight warning: it may elicit dramatic replaying of birthing among creative 3-yr-olds--ask Sarah Brown about this. :)


The Most Precious Gift: A Story of the Nativity
By: Marty Crisp, Floyd Cooper

Product Description (from Christianbook.com)
Across the great desert the caravan follows the eastern star, in search of the newborn king. And at the rear young Ameer trails sadly behind. What gift he wonders, can one so poor possibly give? Certainly nothing that might compare with the fine tributes of a merchant, or the gold, frankincense, and myrrh of kings. Not eve Ameer's beloved dog Ra can give him any comfort.

But in Bethlehem they find a king like no king ever before. A king with no need of palaces or guards. And to everyone's astonishment, though Ameer has no jewels or marvels to present, his gift outshines them all.

Floyd Cooper's glowing artwork captures the quiet brilliance of the first Christmas story with renewed beauty. This unique telling of the Nativity, as experienced through the eyes of a child , will warm the heart with the true spirit of the holiday. Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Purpose of This Blog

This blog is a place that I hope to put and receive all the things that I've wanted to send to friends, primarily titles of good books for kids, but also interesting articles, books on parenting, exercise videos, etc.

Please share your ideas!