Results tagged “kids” from What's Simmering?
InfoSoup's summer reading blogs are now available! Kids and parents can visit Be Creative @ Your Library to find book reviews, coloring sheets, craft projects, puzzles, and more. Why not add your own review of your favorite book or comment on a posted review from someone else? We hope you'll tell us about what you're reading this summer.
Teens are also welcome to post their own reviews and comment on posted reviews at Express Yourself @ Your Library. We have also collected some links to interesting web sites for you to check out this summer. If you don't see your favorite site, be sure to tell us about it so we can add it to our list.
The blogs were created to supplement the reading programs taking place in InfoSoup libraries this summer. Be sure to check out your local library to see what they have planned for you!
The following materials were recently reviewed in InfoSoup. Take a look - maybe you'll discover something new to enjoy with your family! And remember to visit InfoSoup's Family Page for access to award winning books, reading lists, and TumbleBooks (online animated talking picture books).
InfoSoup Reviews
Bubble Homes and Fish Farts by Fiona Bayrock
Author Fiona Bayrock explores animals that use bubbles for a functional purpose, from violet sea snails to humans! Each description is accompanied by a beautiful watercolor by illustrator Carolyn Conahan and the scientific name of the animal. Additional materials include “More amazing facts about bubble makers” (you will want to find out how herring farts were accidently discovered) and a glossary. Young readers will want to listen to you read this book to them (one animal at a time or the whole book in a sitting) and older readers can explore this book on their own. Older readers may want to dive into other books to learn about the physics of snapping shrimp bubble popping.
If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World's People by David J. Smith
David Smith condenses the world population into a village of 100 people to make a meaningful summary of the world's 6.6 billion people (in 2007). Did you realize if you lived in this village and only spoke English that you would only be able to communicate using language with eight other people? Is it alright for only 30 of the village members to always have enough to eat? These and other facts are conveyed in simple terms and displayed with vibrant illustrations by Shelagh Armstrong. The book also contains tips on how to teach children about the global village and a listing of data sources.
A Personal Tour of Monticello by Robert Young
As an adult, I often look to children's nonfiction for an introduction to a subject that I'm not familiar with. The maps and house plans provided in this book are quite good. Large photographs also provide a good sense of Monticello. This book is partially written as the daily experiences of contemporaries at Monticello in Jefferson's time. These stories seemed fragmented and uninteresting to me. Inventions and tools, such as a dumbwaiter, could have been explored in more depth.
One Well: The Story of Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss
All of the earth's water makes up the one well that we all share. Plants and animals, including humans, all depend on this well. Did you know that there is ten times the water in our atmosphere than in our rivers? This and many other facts are presented along with brightly color illustrations. Additional information includes "Becoming Well Aware," Notes to Parents, Guardians, and Teachers," and an index.
Add Your Review
If you'd like to add a review but need a little help, take a look at Using Community Reviews in InfoSoup. Or, feel free to add a review here in the comments. We'd love to hear about what you're reading lately!
InfoSoup Reviews
Bubble Homes and Fish Farts by Fiona Bayrock
Author Fiona Bayrock explores animals that use bubbles for a functional purpose, from violet sea snails to humans! Each description is accompanied by a beautiful watercolor by illustrator Carolyn Conahan and the scientific name of the animal. Additional materials include “More amazing facts about bubble makers” (you will want to find out how herring farts were accidently discovered) and a glossary. Young readers will want to listen to you read this book to them (one animal at a time or the whole book in a sitting) and older readers can explore this book on their own. Older readers may want to dive into other books to learn about the physics of snapping shrimp bubble popping.
If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World's People by David J. Smith
David Smith condenses the world population into a village of 100 people to make a meaningful summary of the world's 6.6 billion people (in 2007). Did you realize if you lived in this village and only spoke English that you would only be able to communicate using language with eight other people? Is it alright for only 30 of the village members to always have enough to eat? These and other facts are conveyed in simple terms and displayed with vibrant illustrations by Shelagh Armstrong. The book also contains tips on how to teach children about the global village and a listing of data sources.
A Personal Tour of Monticello by Robert Young
As an adult, I often look to children's nonfiction for an introduction to a subject that I'm not familiar with. The maps and house plans provided in this book are quite good. Large photographs also provide a good sense of Monticello. This book is partially written as the daily experiences of contemporaries at Monticello in Jefferson's time. These stories seemed fragmented and uninteresting to me. Inventions and tools, such as a dumbwaiter, could have been explored in more depth.
One Well: The Story of Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss
All of the earth's water makes up the one well that we all share. Plants and animals, including humans, all depend on this well. Did you know that there is ten times the water in our atmosphere than in our rivers? This and many other facts are presented along with brightly color illustrations. Additional information includes "Becoming Well Aware," Notes to Parents, Guardians, and Teachers," and an index.
Add Your Review
If you'd like to add a review but need a little help, take a look at Using Community Reviews in InfoSoup. Or, feel free to add a review here in the comments. We'd love to hear about what you're reading lately!
At the end of January, the American Library Association announced their selection of top books for children, including the winners of the prestigious Caldecott and Newbery awards.
The 2009 Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to children's literature was awarded to The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.
The House in the Night, illustrated by Beth Krommes and written by Susan Marie Swanson, won the 2009 Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Learn more about the Caldecott and Newbery Medals on the ALA web site and visit our Family Page on InfoSoup to find more award winning books for kids.
The 2009 Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to children's literature was awarded to The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.
The House in the Night, illustrated by Beth Krommes and written by Susan Marie Swanson, won the 2009 Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Learn more about the Caldecott and Newbery Medals on the ALA web site and visit our Family Page on InfoSoup to find more award winning books for kids.
Check out the latest reviews added to InfoSoup. You never know when you'll find something you'd like to check out (or avoid)! If you would like to add a review (or two or three!) to InfoSoup, view our
screencast on Using Community
Reviews in InfoSoup for some help in getting started.
Fiction
Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas
Firoozeh Dumas writes her memoir with humor and detail, but what really struck me was the sweetness that she treats others with, even her "evil" mother-in-law.
Straight Into Darkness by Faye Kellerman
Thank goodness I chose this book during the summer, when I had lots of beach/pool time to devote to it. I couldn't put it down! It was really good, and the historical slant was interesting too. Her descriptions of the beer halls & Hitler rallies made you feel like you were right there. Would definitly recommend it.
A Friend at Midnight by Caroline B. Cooney
I am a big fan of Caroline B. Cooney. There has never been a book of hers that I disliked, but this one came close. It picked up near the end but for most of the story I found myself shouting at Lily and Michael over their actions. Michael because he didn't want anyone to know what his father did at the beginning of the story. I can understand that he wanted to forgive him but it was not right to keep it a secret from the rest of the family. Now onto Lily. She seemed to think that what a eight year old boy wanted was the right thing to do. I think the book would have worked much better if Michael or Lily had told someone before the last few pages of the book. I really found Lily to be very off-putting for most of the book, and mabye that was the intention of Ms. Cooney when she wrote the character but I just couldn't find my self feeling sorry for her ( and I usually like the closed-off in a hard shell type characters). So really all I can say is I had high expactations when I picked this one up but besides the last chapter or two the A Friend At Midnight failed to live up to most of them. 2.5/5
When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall
This was a very good book. I also read the first of the series, When the Heart Cries. I am looking forward to the third in the series, coming out in September, When the Soul Mends. If you like Jeanette Oakes, you'll also like Cindy Woodsmall.
Nonfiction
Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire by Rafe Esquith
Rafe Esquith's book is realistic, enthusiastic, and encouraging. He focuses his teaching on meaningful interactions and is able to communicate his passions to the reader. I recommend this book to teachers, parents, and young adults thinking about a career in teaching.
Star Trek Movie Memories by William Shatner
After having read other books by William Shatner, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Mr. Shatner shares his memories as well as getting other key players to share their memories about the creation and filming of every Star Trek movie up to Star Trek VII. The book is well organized and easy to follow. I think it is a must read for any Star Trek fan as it helps to explain the who, what, where, and why of the Star Trek movies.
For Kids
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Her redoes of the famous faerie tales are wonderful. She shows imagination and wit. She brings you into a new world, a world were anything can happen, even the impossible. Its the most fairylishious book I have ever read.
Yikes! Bikes! by Abby Klein
My son has read all of Abby Kleins "Ready Freddy" books and loves them. This one is great for kids learning to ride bike. It also encourages children to be involved in their community actively.
Shark Tooth Tale by Abby Klein
Yet another fine story teaching good values about working for and saving money for something special.
For Teens
Generation Dead by Dan Waters
Dead teens join living teens at Oakvale High in this book filled with plot. Most of the living feel strongly about the dead and not in a good way. Segregation, friendship, and authentic relationships are explored in this altered reality. Fans of the Twilight series are likely to enjoy this book as well.
Bloom by Elizabeth Scott
This book was very good though at parts it drifted of the subject. Some of the chapters really had nothing to do with the subject itself it was just kind of random. But overall I loved it and I would read it again and again.
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
This is an amazing end to the Twilight Series! It concludes in a unexpected twist that I believe will leave almost everyone happy. If you haven't read the first three books I wouldn't read this one yet, start with Twilight. I garantee that you will love these books! It is impossible to get a copy of any of these books in my library because they are is such high demand!
Audiobooks
Last Shot by John Feinstein
Sports journalist John Feinstein reads his fictional account in this final four mystery. The plot is littered with detailed information about journalists, student-athletes (players), coaches, and New Orleans. Some of the characters are real people while others are fictional. Basketball enthusiasts will enjoy this mystery involving blackmail.
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
My son and I listened to the CDs. Great book... connects with youth relationships, being honest with self and parents, responsibilities as a young adult, plus a little history about Alcatraz (not boring at all).
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The characters in Water for Elephants are detailed, realistic, and interesting. They will draw you into their world and story. I especially liked the character of Jacob as an old man. It made me feel more empathetic for the elderly. The story was grittier than I expected, yet the book still appealed to me.
Movies
Bella
This is such a great movie--with a beautiful pro-life, pro-adoption theme. Both my husband and I enjoyed, so it is one for both sexes. Be ready to cry a bit, though. I would highly recommend this movie.
Silk
Pittsburgh Paints has standard latex wall paint that will dry in about one hour. That beats this movie which seems to go on forever and is less interesting than watching the paint dry. The priciple character, Herve Joncour talks and moves about like he's had a frontal lobotomy. He's supposed to be a smuggler! Except for the visuals of location shooting, this film is a turkey. Keira Knightley plays the wife of the zombie and I'll bet she has nightmares about being in this film.
Music
Free the Bees
This is a lucky find. A band I never heard of and loved it instantly. Best song for me is Chicken Pay Back.
Fiction
Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas
Firoozeh Dumas writes her memoir with humor and detail, but what really struck me was the sweetness that she treats others with, even her "evil" mother-in-law.
Straight Into Darkness by Faye Kellerman
Thank goodness I chose this book during the summer, when I had lots of beach/pool time to devote to it. I couldn't put it down! It was really good, and the historical slant was interesting too. Her descriptions of the beer halls & Hitler rallies made you feel like you were right there. Would definitly recommend it.
A Friend at Midnight by Caroline B. Cooney
I am a big fan of Caroline B. Cooney. There has never been a book of hers that I disliked, but this one came close. It picked up near the end but for most of the story I found myself shouting at Lily and Michael over their actions. Michael because he didn't want anyone to know what his father did at the beginning of the story. I can understand that he wanted to forgive him but it was not right to keep it a secret from the rest of the family. Now onto Lily. She seemed to think that what a eight year old boy wanted was the right thing to do. I think the book would have worked much better if Michael or Lily had told someone before the last few pages of the book. I really found Lily to be very off-putting for most of the book, and mabye that was the intention of Ms. Cooney when she wrote the character but I just couldn't find my self feeling sorry for her ( and I usually like the closed-off in a hard shell type characters). So really all I can say is I had high expactations when I picked this one up but besides the last chapter or two the A Friend At Midnight failed to live up to most of them. 2.5/5
When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall
This was a very good book. I also read the first of the series, When the Heart Cries. I am looking forward to the third in the series, coming out in September, When the Soul Mends. If you like Jeanette Oakes, you'll also like Cindy Woodsmall.
Nonfiction
Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire by Rafe Esquith
Rafe Esquith's book is realistic, enthusiastic, and encouraging. He focuses his teaching on meaningful interactions and is able to communicate his passions to the reader. I recommend this book to teachers, parents, and young adults thinking about a career in teaching.
Star Trek Movie Memories by William Shatner
After having read other books by William Shatner, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Mr. Shatner shares his memories as well as getting other key players to share their memories about the creation and filming of every Star Trek movie up to Star Trek VII. The book is well organized and easy to follow. I think it is a must read for any Star Trek fan as it helps to explain the who, what, where, and why of the Star Trek movies.
For Kids
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Her redoes of the famous faerie tales are wonderful. She shows imagination and wit. She brings you into a new world, a world were anything can happen, even the impossible. Its the most fairylishious book I have ever read.
Yikes! Bikes! by Abby Klein
My son has read all of Abby Kleins "Ready Freddy" books and loves them. This one is great for kids learning to ride bike. It also encourages children to be involved in their community actively.
Shark Tooth Tale by Abby Klein
Yet another fine story teaching good values about working for and saving money for something special.
For Teens
Generation Dead by Dan Waters
Dead teens join living teens at Oakvale High in this book filled with plot. Most of the living feel strongly about the dead and not in a good way. Segregation, friendship, and authentic relationships are explored in this altered reality. Fans of the Twilight series are likely to enjoy this book as well.
Bloom by Elizabeth Scott
This book was very good though at parts it drifted of the subject. Some of the chapters really had nothing to do with the subject itself it was just kind of random. But overall I loved it and I would read it again and again.
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
This is an amazing end to the Twilight Series! It concludes in a unexpected twist that I believe will leave almost everyone happy. If you haven't read the first three books I wouldn't read this one yet, start with Twilight. I garantee that you will love these books! It is impossible to get a copy of any of these books in my library because they are is such high demand!
Audiobooks
Last Shot by John Feinstein
Sports journalist John Feinstein reads his fictional account in this final four mystery. The plot is littered with detailed information about journalists, student-athletes (players), coaches, and New Orleans. Some of the characters are real people while others are fictional. Basketball enthusiasts will enjoy this mystery involving blackmail.
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
My son and I listened to the CDs. Great book... connects with youth relationships, being honest with self and parents, responsibilities as a young adult, plus a little history about Alcatraz (not boring at all).
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The characters in Water for Elephants are detailed, realistic, and interesting. They will draw you into their world and story. I especially liked the character of Jacob as an old man. It made me feel more empathetic for the elderly. The story was grittier than I expected, yet the book still appealed to me.
Movies
Bella
This is such a great movie--with a beautiful pro-life, pro-adoption theme. Both my husband and I enjoyed, so it is one for both sexes. Be ready to cry a bit, though. I would highly recommend this movie.
Silk
Pittsburgh Paints has standard latex wall paint that will dry in about one hour. That beats this movie which seems to go on forever and is less interesting than watching the paint dry. The priciple character, Herve Joncour talks and moves about like he's had a frontal lobotomy. He's supposed to be a smuggler! Except for the visuals of location shooting, this film is a turkey. Keira Knightley plays the wife of the zombie and I'll bet she has nightmares about being in this film.
Music
Free the Bees
This is a lucky find. A band I never heard of and loved it instantly. Best song for me is Chicken Pay Back.
The Appleton Public Library children's staff have been busy this summer! They have published new buggy booklists, including Insects & Creepy Crawlers (fiction) and Insects & Creepy Crawlers (nonfiction). Other new lists include Community and Community Helpers and Summer Books & Media.
Visit the InfoSoup Family Page for more booklists, award winners, Tumblebooks, and BookLetters features!
Visit the InfoSoup Family Page for more booklists, award winners, Tumblebooks, and BookLetters features!
Catch the Reading Bug at your local library this Summer, and check out our new list of materials entitled Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! This list has books for all ages and interests. Select from categories, such as Picture Books, Board Books, Poetry and Jokes, Folklore, Crafts, Music, and more!
