Saturday, November 30, 2013

Turkey Bulletin Board


The Thanksgiving Turkey Bulletin Board
Why yes, I did use Microsoft Clipart

I wanted to use this image last year but didn't get the chance.
Last year's slogan was "Gobble Up a Good Book"

Friday, November 29, 2013

Sky Color

Sky Color
Peter H. Reynolds
2012

This third book in Peter H. Reynolds’ Creatrilogy (along with The Dot and Ish), focuses on Marisol, a young artistic girl who is helping her class paint a mural in the library. She loves to paint (and does so beautifully). But when there is no blue paint for the sky, Marisol goes home troubled. How will she paint the sky? As the sun sets and day turns to night, Marisol really sees the myriad of colors that make up the sky, and she brings that beauty to the mural the next day. This books is really breathtaking; the paint colors are in bright and colorful, while surroundings and people are in grey, which makes a truly lovely combination. I love that Marisol is a multicultural character, which is why I decided to review the book here. The Dot and Ish also feature multicultural characters, and Ish is on the Reading Is Fundamental 2012-2013 STEAM Multicultural Booklist for Grades Pre-K – 5.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Tamalitos

Tamalitos
Un poema para cocinar / A Cooking Poem
Jorge Argueta
Illustrated by Domi
2013

With the arrival of the holidays (and during other special occasions) comes the arrival of delicious tamales. Tamales are cooked frequently throughout the year, often for special occasions. These can include the Dia de Muertos, Thanksgiving, Christmas, to celebrate Los Reyes Magos, and more. Tamalitos is a bilingual book telling a little bit about the history of tamales, including their place in Mesoamerican cultures centuries ago, and giving directions on how to cook tamales. The illustrations look like beautiful watercolors, and the ollas and other pans that are used in the story look just like the ones you might find in your own home. What I love about this book is that it is also a recipe for making tamales – you can follow the directions and have your own tamales in no time! The soft poetry language tells you how long to steam, how to roll the masa into the husks, and contains illustrations to match. A very useful book, and a delicious one to read and enjoy. Once you have read this book and have cooked the delicious tamales, all you have to do is add good family and a Cantinflas movie and you have a good day.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Turkey Craft


Toilet paper roll Turkey craft
Materials: toilet paper roll, google eyes, waddle (red construction paper), beak (orange construction paper), pipe cleaners for the feet, feathers
Supplies: tape, glue sticks

I love how goofy mine came out!

You can also use pine cones for the body.

Cuento de Noche

Cuento de Noche
Roberto Aliaga
Illustrated by Sonja Wimmer
2012

Cuento de Noche reads like a soft, quiet, beautiful poem. At first, as I read the book, I thought it was the child’s mother who sat by his bedside and read him a tale every night. When I discovered that it was the night that was coming to the child’s side, bringing him the different dreams – he never knew which was next – it felt even more clever and beautiful. The night touches us every evening and gifts us with a mysterious, unknown dream that may make us happy or terrify us. One of the illustrations featured the boy on a bed with tall legs, walking through the desert, and it reminded me of Salvador Dali’s art work. A very lovely book, highly recommended.