Sabtu, 08 September 2012

Top 5 Types of Activity Books For Young Children

Activity books are a great way to make reading fun. There are lots of different types of activity books available to suit different age groups. Here we have selected our top 5.

1.Texture Books
Texture, also known as touch and feel books, are very popular with babies and very young children. These are books where part of the picture is made out of different fabrics and materials. Babies like the tactile aspect of the pages and love to touch the pictures while the story is being read to them. This type of book will also help develop the childs sensory awareness.

2. Lift the Flap Books
These are story books which usually have flaps to lift on every page It is a classic book format that children love. Lifting the flaps adds to the fun of the story and will make story time a more interactive event. These books are usually aimed at younger children from babies up to the age of about 4 or 5. When choosing a lift the flap book look for books with a sturdy feel and strong flaps. The flaps will get pulled and tugged at and if they are not attached securely or are not made out of thick cardboard, they wont last long.

3. Sound Books
Sound books are popular with pre-school children. They usually have one or more buttons to press which made noises or sounds appropriate to the story. The more elaborate sound books will have different sounds that need to played at the correct part of the story. Like the lift the flap books, they add an interactive element to reading your child a story.

4. Pop-up Books

Pop-up baby books are books that have been designed where part of the page leaps out as a 3D picture. The surprise of the 3D picture will intrigue babies and delight older children. The only downside is that pop-up books tend to be delicate so you will have to be careful as young children do love to touch. You can choose quite simple pop-up books for young children but there are plenty of more intricate and even interactive pop-up books which will be suitable for much older children.

5. Sticker Books
Sticker books come in a variety of formats. Some tell a story which can be decorated or added to by a selection of stickers. Others tell a story with specific places where each sticker should be place. Which book will appeal to your child will depend on their personality. some children will love the challenge of finding the right places to stick the stickers. Other children will want to be more creative and place stickers where they want. There is no right or wrong and both ways are good for a child's development and enjoyment.

Courage and Determination in Children's Books

Per ardua ad astra ("Through adversity to the stars" or "Through struggle to the stars") this congratulatory encouragement was sent to me from a friend recently for an accomplishment that I have to admit I was proud of. I believe this phrase would be a great mantra, the Royal Air force and a few other organizations use it so why not the rest of us!

We have many challenges to face here in this world we live in, so we should face them with the attitude of courage and determination. Having said all that I have some children's books that do just that! They have heroes (or heroines) that face challenges with courage and determination sometimes they don't know they are being courageous or determined but they are.

· Michelle Paver's series Wolf Brother is one big adventure and has both a hero and a heroin that has much courage and determination. This is one of my all time favorite book series!

· Jenny Nimmo's Charlie Bone series is also great for adventure and challenges. This hero has some magical gifts that help him along with some friends who have some magical gifts as well.

· Michael Buckley's Sisters Grimm is a good adventure with loads of challenges, okay one of the heroin's whines a lot but it's still really good. I love the fact that he uses old fairy tales and legends to populate the town the girls live in.

· Rick Riodan's Percy Jackson series is also great for adventure. Bringing those Greek Gods down a peg or two is always good!

· The American Girl series (by various writers) is so cool! They always have great adventures that could have really happened. These girls are good examples of courage and determination! Sorry but I can't pick a favorite because every time I think I have a favorite I find another!

· J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series almost goes without saying! And yes the books are way better than the movies!

With so many children's literary agents and publishers calling for horror manuscripts I'm afraid we may miss out on some really great adventures. I hear so much from agents who only want horror till it makes me wonder if that's all that's going to be available to children in the future? So I'm glad we have some good ones already out there to enjoy! I'm not completely against horror but we do need a balance.

I love to read good children's literature! I especially love to read great adventure whether it is magical or not. I also like to have many choices to pick from, if we have only horror printed in the future I will be re-reading a lot of my old favorites till the agents and publishers wise up.

Happy reading! I hope you find many great adventures and examples of courage and determination that will inspire you in your own lives!

Julie L. Worthington is a writer of fantasy adventure and science-fiction middle-grade and young adult books along with short stories. She is passionate about children's literature both old and new. To find out more or to read some of her work go to http://www.julieworthington.com

Activity Books for Little Ones Certainly Are a God Send Throughout the Summer Break

The most challenging task on the planet is to make sure that your kids are kept occupied with either after school activities or activity books for children in the house. Meanwhile with the summer break coming parents may need several activity solutions up their sleeve so as to provide themselves with some respite from their over-active children.

For parents or guardians everywhere the day won't conclude at the sound of the school bell as children are going to want to paint more pictures, play more games and sing more songs. Keeping your kids safe and content after the school day has finished can generate problems yet with after school activities and sticker and activity books at home we've got the entire predicament sewn up!

Parents who work have the biggest problems as normally they aren't present in the home when the children finish school.

Although not to be mistaken as a baby sitting service, after school activities are a lifeline for working mums and dads everywhere. That being said, these activities can only do well if parents become involved also. For instance, occasionally parents or guardians could possibly assist with the making of outfits or maybe the painting of scenery for a school play. If your youngster was a member of a sports team, what would their game be like without the benefit of parents supporting them on the sidelines?

Although kids with working parents need to be looked after, there's no point in making your young kids participate in activities that may not interest them or they are not skilled at because it keeps them out of harms way. Talk to them, get to know what interests them and thereafter start looking around for the right after school classes which they are able to really enjoy whilst also generating new skills.

If you are a stay-at-home mum or dad and pick up your kids each day from the school door then you have to try and keep them entertained for far longer. With the aid of activity books for children and after completion of their homework assignments, one can sit them down and let them draw or paint a really colourful picture, solve puzzles or put together a jigsaw puzzle.

At home activities needn't always be stationary hobbies though. Young ones can play things like football, tennis or basketball in the garden. Not all kids are sporty and will much prefer to take dance lessons or discover how to play a musical instrument - however these kinds of classes invariably have a price! They may also pass the time by assisting with activities in the kitchen or garden - under the attentive eye of the parent or sitter obviously!

Whatever activity your little ones desire to do, they shall acquire a number of life skills such as discipline, patience and self-control.

In case finances are a concern there are lots of discount children's books online that you could select from and which will not break the bank. There is a wide range of kid's books available that can help them to discover how to read, further their reading skills or to educate and stimulate them in some other way. Just because they're educational books doesn't necessarily mean that a lot of them can't be fun!

For more activity books for children and all other reading requirements please browse our many diverse categories of books. Buy books online in all formats and at the cheapest prices from http://www.shop4books.co.uk.

Book Review for: Sea of Monsters

Book Review for: "Sea of Monsters"
Percy Jackson and Olympians Book 2
Written by: Rick Riordan
Hyperion Books
ISBN: 0-7868-5686-6
Avail: as print & eBook
5 Stars

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

Riordan pens a story stuffed with action, adventure, and myths with "Sea of Monsters." When the tree that guards Camp Half Blood is poisoned and Chiron accused of the deed, Percy and his friends must find the golden fleece to save the camp, but will Luke stand in their way?

The story opens with Percy having a decent year at school, but as summer approaches, Percy finds himself befriending Tyson, an odd teenager to say the least. After Percy is attacked at school, he learns that Tyson is a cyclops and Camp Half Blood is under siege. Thalia, the tree that guards the camp is dying. Chiron is blamed and banished. Percy makes it back to the camp where he discovers the golden fleece can save the camp, but unfortunately, Percy's friend, Grover, is being held captive by the cyclops that guards the fleece. Percy demands to go on a quest.

Tantalus, the new camp director, refuses to let Percy go. Instead, he sends Clarisse, Ares' daughter, to visit the Oracle. Clarisse is thrilled. Percy is bummed. He goes to hang out on the shore near the water where he's approached by Hermes, the messenger of the gods. Hermes encourages Percy to seek out Grover and the fleece despite it being Clarisse's quest. With Annabeth and Tyson by his side, and equipped for anything with a couple of gifts from Hermes, Percy is off. His first stop - the cruise ship Princess Andromeda where Luke is hiding. Percy soon learns nothing is what it seems when he discovers Kronus on the ship. Can Percy recover the fleece in time to save the camp?

Riodan's writing is crisp and easy to read. The plot flows well. Riodan uses a good economy of words to paint vivid pictures without lingering. The dialogue adds a nice authenticity to the story.

What I enjoyed about the story was how Riodan has made the Greek myths and heroes appealing to today's younger audience. Percy and his friends have incredible powers, yet they move easily within the modern world. Heck, even Hermes has updated his looks with a jogging suit.

The most rewarding part was the characterization. Percy shows a burgeoning maturity as he comes to care and protect Tyson. Tyson's loyalty is admirable and Annabeth, as well as Clarisse, show true strength and courage.

Riodan takes the reader on Percy's adventures through the sea of monsters and leaves them biting their nails. The ending had me on the edge of my seat, wanting more.

"Sea of Monsters" is a fine sequel to "The Lightning Thief." I highly recommend it for young readers in 4th grade on up. The story's sense of adventure will resonate with readers long after they finish.

StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

Value Of Books In Character Development In Children

Reading is a fun and interactive way to bond with kids. Experts recommend reading a good book to a young child every day. It is usually done before a child goes to sleep. It is an excellent way to end the day as it leaves the kid's imagination flowing with wonderful thoughts. Moreover, reading books to children aloud can help cultivate creativity and expand vocabulary and reading skills. Children are curious beings and they love to hear new stories, see beautiful pictures and illustrations. Parents use books to help their children develop good character traits like courage, kindness and obedience.

Story Telling Books Mold Character

Stories have been an important part of man's life. Before, stories were passed on by word of mouth. Now, there are so many kinds of books available, thanks to the invention of the printing press in 1440. Story telling books today ranges from fairy tales, princess and prince books, fables, parables, folklore and so on. Millions of parents around the globe still use these story books to teach moral lessons to their little ones. Goldilocks and the three bears and Little Red Riding Hood are two of the most popular books of all time. These books teach kids different values which are applicable to all aspects of life. Goldilocks and the three bears talks about respect of others property and privacy. Little Red Riding Hood, on the other hand warns children of the danger of talking to strangers.

Fables And Parables

Parables illustrate life lessons and instructive principles. The Bible's New Testament provides a number of parables that Jesus taught himself while he is still on earth. One of the most significant parables in the bible is the Prodigal Son, which teaches about the love of the Father to his children. Fables, on the other hand, are very much like a parable but the difference is that it uses animals in the story. Aesop is credited for a number of popular fables today. Thus, the name Aesop's Fables become a popular household name. Aesop, according to research was Greek slave and story-teller believed to have lived between 620 and 560 BC. Some of his famous stories are "The Dog and the Wolf", which teaches the importance of being free, "The Bear and the Two Travelers" which talks about sincerity of friends.

Evolution Of Books

For years, books have greatly evolved. Before, books are part of every kid's bedtime routine. Children anticipate eagerly the first page of the book that their parents will read to them. Each book has a new story to tell. Children are intrigued to see how each story will end. Will the princess meet his prince charming? Will the frog turn to a handsome prince? On the other hand, with the advancement of technology, some children are no longer accustomed of having good books around the house. More parents and educators rely on the power of the internet to teach young minds to explore. Yes, having educational other educational materials and gadgets around the house is good. Then again, it is refreshing to see kids enjoying reading books. Certainly, the experience of feeling the hard covers of the book and the crisp turning of pages is different from just clicking on pages.

Though, books have evolved in form, it is still relevant today. Parents and educators alike still use books as part of instruction and grounding materials for development of moral and character to children.

Children picture books are fun and exciting. Visit the links and read different children reading articles and helpful parenting tips today.

The Velveteen Rabbit: A Book Review

Classic books stay on shelves for a very long time and possibly forever. This is so because the lessons they teach us are too great to be kept hidden. Their philosophical themes have enriched every generation with the depth of wisdom only philosophy can fathom.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco is one of these classical masterpieces. Published many times since 1922, the story of the Velveteen Rabbit has pinched many hearts of different ages as it unfolds the desire of every toy to become real and the transforming power of love.

The story begins on Christmas morning when the boy received a stuffed toy rabbit as a gift. The Boy seemed to like the toy for "two hours". However, when he saw the other toys made of more "modern" materials, he totally forgot about the Rabbit. The Rabbit was kept in the toy cupboard or found lying on the nursery floor as he waited for the boy to play with him. For the meantime, he befriended the Skin Horse who was the wisest toy because he had lived longer in the nursery than any other toys. The Rabbit learned from the Skin Horse how to become Real. The Horse was Real great many years ago because the boy's uncle had loved him unlike any other toys. Eventually, the boy came to play with the Rabbit. For a long time, he held the Rabbit so dearly that he learned to love him. The Rabbit was real to the boy.

To be Real is to be Significant. We become significant when we are loved. And we are loved when we are willing enough to submit ourselves to the subject of our own love. This is the central theme of the book. It is a reflection of what we are as human and as one with all creatures. It is this oneness that makes us real. We strive to belong and be loved that we turn ourselves to others until we do not completely own ourselves anymore. When the Skin Horse said, "You become," it is the process that we go through to cast away our belief that we can leave alone, because we simply cannot.

Margery Williams' great hand on weaving a true children story did not only gain children audiences, but it has also appealed to the young and the adults. To adults, this story is a reminder of the simplicity of their own childhoods, how easy it is to manifest love through giving life to otherwise inanimate objects such as toys. It is a billboard of innocent memories.

The Velveteen Rabbit was brilliantly crafted that every parent would love to read it to their children every night before they go to sleep.

"The King's Ransom" Will Delights Readers As First in "Young Knights of the Round Table" Series

Children, parents, and educators will be delighted that Cheryl Carpinello, author of "Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend" is back with another King Arthur story for young readers. Like "Guinevere," "The King's Ransom (Young Knights of the Round Table)" is a chapter book and also the first in a projected series of "Young Knights of the Round Table" novels.

While King Arthur and one of his greatest knights (to say which knight would be giving away the plot) make cameo appearances in the book, the primary story centers around Gavin, the Prince of Pembroke Castle, and his two friends, Philip, a young boy with secrets, and Bryan, a blacksmith in training, as they seek to save the life of their mysterious friend, the Wild Man, who has been training them for knighthood. The Wild Man has been accused of murdering and stealing the gold and emerald medallion, known as the King's Ransom, which allowed its owner to wield enormous power. Convinced the Wild Man is innocent of the crime, Gavin and his friends are determined to find out who the real killer is before King Arthur arrives to watch that justice is done and the Wild Man put to death.

The adventures these future Young Knights of the Round Table experience in their quest to save their friend are filled with the fantasy and adventure story elements that children love to read. There's a villain, secret passages in castles, swordplay, and even a witch. And with King Arthur's appearance, astonishing secret identities being revealed, and a happy ending, what more could anyone want in a good read?

As a teacher, Carpinello has been teaching the legend of King Arthur to her young students for over twenty years, so she has a good sense of what children want to read as well as how to educate them through a story. At just seventy-seven pages, the book is divided into eighteen short chapters that keep the pacing of the book fast and readers interested. "Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom," will teach young readers tolerance, loyalty, and courage as well as introduce them to the wonderful and thrilling literature of the Arthurian legend. While the book is best suited for readers in third through eighth grade, both young and old readers, boys and girls, as well as adults and King Arthur enthusiasts everywhere will enjoy this book. I only wish Carpinello had been writing her books when I was a child.

Tyler R. Tichelaar holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Northern Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. His family's long relationship with Upper Michigan and his avid interest in genealogy inspired Dr. Tichelaar to write his Marquette Trilogy: Iron Pioneers, The Queen City, and Superior Heritage. Dr. Tichelaar is also a professional book reviewer and editor. For more information about Tyler R. Tichelaar, his writing, and his author services, visit:
www.MarquetteFiction.com