Monday, December 26, 2016

I'm going to give you a Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney, is a playful and comforting bedtime book that imagines all the wonderful ways a child might give and receive a hug.
Whether it’s a big bear, gasp for air, knock over a chair hug or a wet and drippy, slimy, slippy fish hug, children will giggle their way through all the imaginative examples. Cooney’s sweet and simple rhymes encourage playful interaction between parent and child and ultimately help them wind down before they snuggle into bed and drift off to sleep.


I was excited to open the sweet picture book I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug!  written by Caroline B. Cooney and illustrated by Tim Warnes.  It is a beautiful hard back children's book with endearing illustrations. The end papers are covered with precious little bear paw prints.  The story is all about hugs and compares hugs to animals all the while subtly telling the reader it is time for bed.  It is appropriate for children 4-8 years old.

I am in love with this book!   I'mGoing to Give You a Bear Hug is simply very fun to read.  You want to curl up next to your little one, hug them while smiling and laughing as you read this book.  The illustrations are perfect.  Not too cutesy, but so endearing.  I found myself smiling while reading this precious story to my to five year old son, and my eight year old wanted to join us as well.


The book was a good reminder to me as a parent to hold my kids a little closer, hug them, and enjoy them.  Times goes so fast.  I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thursday, December 08, 2016

Repost:How to Teach Music

On a happy note, let's talk about resources for teaching music.  I am musically challenged so I am always thinking of new ways to help expand my kid's musical horizons.

http://www.zeezok.com/thumbnail.asp?file=assets/images/cover%20images/music-appreciation-collection_thumbnail.jpg&maxx=150&maxy=0Zeekok publishing has a wonderful Music Appreciation Program.  It introduces children to seven different composers and includes biographies, a teacher's manual and music CDs.  It can be bought individually or as a set.  We are using it with some of our children next year.  Here are some more thorough reviews if you want more information.

Classics for Kids is a wonderful web site for teaching kids about classical music.  The web site features music, videos, lesson plans, and newsletters you can sign up for.  It is a wealth of information.


The History of Rock and Roll looks like a great unit study. It is described as "an excellent unit study to pair with your study of American history, from the post World War II era through the civil rights era and beyond. It is virtually impossible to separate the progression of rock and roll music from the rapid changes that took place in American culture from the late 1940s through today. 

 Music for Homeschoolers will assist parents in designing high quality musical experiences for their children.  


I also love the Piano Guys.  They put together music videos with classical music while playing in interesting locations.   The song Frozen with Vivaldi is below. 

They also have a YouTube channel called Behind the Scenes where they tell how they made the video.


Some places to get you started.

Some affiliate links. 

Thursday, December 01, 2016

Books we love. . .



I am thinking about shopping.  Maybe it was all the online shopping I have done this past week.  So for this week's blog post I thought it would be fun to share books we love in our family.  Each year my kids receive several books as gifts at Christmas.  I enjoy getting new books for them, and I want them to have books they treasure as gifts.  Here are some favorites from our house. . .Clicking on the books will take you to Amazon.



Read this to my four year old each night.  He can recite it now.  Love that!




A compilation of Thomas stories.  The original stories by Rev. Awdry.




My daughter insisted on including Narnia.  And the picture book for younger kids.




My tweens and teens love this series.




Hank the Cowdog is an absolute favorite at our house.   People are crazy about Hank.  Ages 8-11, but my older kids still love to read them.




Young adult fairy tale books by Melanie Dickerson.




We love Lego!




I am reading this.   It is about a special needs family.   One of the best Christian books on disabilities I have read in a long time!




Great photography book!

What books do you love?  Let me know in the coments.


This post contains affiliate links.