What's In My Book Bag?

Snowy Stories -- Bob's Vacation -- Book Review

The Plot

Bob's Vacation is a fun story about a snowman who travels because snow is not colorful enough for him.  On his travels the reader is introduced to colors.  Bob can't stay on vacation forever.  He must return home.  We see how his life changes after he returns from his vacation.

 

If you are reading this book to a very young child that does not know colors yet, I would point out the color in the pictures.  For instance, point to the leaves of the "green tree" because the entire tree is not green.  There is also a word list at the back of the book for beginning readers.

 

Further Learning

• Draw and color a picture about Bob the snowman.  Label the colors in the picture.
• Discuss how Bob's activities while on vacation were similar to the activities he participated in at home.  How were they different?
• Discuss how Bob the snowman brought some of the best parts of his vacation home.  Have you gone on vacation and brought something home?  Did you decide to do something different at home after you learned something new on vacation?
• The pictures in this book look like they have been cut from colored papers.  Make your own picture by cutting colored pieces of paper and attaching them to a bigger piece of paper with tape or glue.

 

I read the library binding edition to write this review but it also comes in a paperback version.

Prices change all of the time.  

Double check the price before making a purchasing decision.

Snowy Stories -- Snow Day -- Book Review

The Plot
Snow Day is a different type of children's book.  What makes it different?  There are no words.  It is just a series of, what appear to be, painted pictures.  The pictures give it direction but the lack of text leaves a lot open to the imagination.

 

Further Learning

• Instead of "reading" to your child.  Have your child tell the story.
• Have your child draw their own picture story and then share the story with the family.

 

I read the hardcover edition to write this review. 

Prices change all of the time.  

Double check the price before making a purchasing decision.

Snowy Stories -- The Biggest Snowman Ever -- Book Review

The Plot

In The Biggest Snowman Ever the mice of Mouseville compete to make the biggest snowman to win a prize.  The different mice put their own spin on the snowmen they make.  As the competition proceeds it isn't clear who will be the winner until two of the mice decide to rethink the way they are approaching the competition.

 

Further Learning:

• Discuss how working with others can help in competing a task.
• If there are two or more children have a "real-life" experiment.  Have them make a snowman (or create a tower with blocks, etc.) by themselves and then make one together.  Discuss the process and how working together was beneficial.

 

I read the paperback edition to write this review. 

Prices change all of the time.  

Double check the price before making a purchasing decision.

Snowy Stories -- How Are Rain, Snow, and Hail Alike? (Science Slam: Weather Wise) -- Book Review

The Plot
How Are Rain, Snow, and Hail Alike? (Science Slam: Weather Wise) is an educational science book for elementary school age children.  Concepts are explained in easy to read text and colorful photos.  There are many labels and arrows to explain further.  Also includes a glossary of words to learn, an index, a bibliography of books for further learning and a link to further online learning at the publisher's website.

Further Learning:

• The book discusses how rain, snow and hail are alike and different.  Discuss how other items may be alike or different.
• Do the science experiments outlined in the book (evaporation on a soda can, measure precipitation in your area, etc.) Note: this book does not have a lot of science experiments.

 

I read the library binding edition to write this review. 

Prices change all of the time.  

Double check the price before making a purchasing decision.

Snowy Stories -- Snowman's Snow Day -- Book Review

The Plot

Snowman's Snow Day is a board book where the story is written in rhyme.  The pages are cut to resemble a snowflake when the book is closed.  The children have a day off of school due to snow and they spend it with their friend, the snowman.

 

Further Learning:

• Very young children can look for the snowman on each set of pages.
• Older children who may be using this board book to practice their reading skills or to reinforce rhyming can discuss activities they like to do if school is cancelled for snow.

 

I read the board book edition to write this review. 

Prices change all of the time.  

Double check the price before making a purchasing decision.

Snowy Stories -- January 2013

This month I have a new series I'm calling Snowy Stories.  Look for these posts 2-3 times a week for a book review about a snow themed book, an art project or another family activity.

Snowman's Snow Day

How Are Rain, Snow, and Hail Alike? (Science Slam: Weather Wise)

The Biggest Snowman Ever