Welcome Anika Denise, local author reviews children’s books on Kidoinfo

I would like to welcome Anika Denise as a new regular contributer to Kidoinfo. The author of “Pigs Love Potatoes” and the forthcoming “Bella And Stella Come Home”  will review children’s books; new ones, well-loved classics, and overlooked gems. Anika lives in Barrington, Rhode Island with her husband, Christopher and their two daughters, ages 8 and 5.  You might know her from Barrington Books where she hosts the Thursday morning story hour.  You can read more of her children’s book reviews and story hour suggestions at www.bookmarks-ri.blogspot.com and at www.anikadenise.blogspot.com.

Today: Story Corner Friday: Lions-to-Lambs

March “comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb,” the saying goes, and here in Rhode Island, it seems to be doing just that. For a fun way to celebrate the month of March and the first day of spring with your children, try these seasonal story hour selections.

“Little Cloud and Lady Wind,” – Toni Morrison (Author) Slade Morrison (Illustrator)
A beautiful story by famous novelist Toni Morrison (illustrated by her son) about a little girl cloud who at first, does not want to join the other clouds in making storms that rain down on the earth. Then, Lady Wind explains that she does not always have to be stormy–she can be whatever kind of cloud she’d like. Children will appreciate the dreamy, blue-hued illustrations as well as the story’s gentle message about the connectedness of all things in nature.

“Birds,” – Kevin Henkes (Author), Laura Dronzek (Illustrator)
“If birds made marks with their tail feathers when they flew, think what the sky would look like,” says the narrator in Henkes’s lovely book about birds. With charming text and colorful paintings of birds in all their variety and splendor, it’s a perfect choice for springtime-themed reading.

“Forever Friends,” – Carin Berger (Author, Illustrator)
A simple, quiet story about a little brown bunny and a bluebird, this book contains paintings that feel like gorgeously designed wallpaper. Children and parents will find it a lovely book to see, hear and hold.

“Here Comes Gosling!” – Sandy Asher (Author), Keith Graves (Illustrator)
Froggie can’t wait to meet Goose and Gander’s new baby Gosling. But when baby Gosling “Hoooooooooonnks” endlessly, his excitement diminishes considerably. In the end, it’s Froggie who figures out how to soothe Gosling, to everyone’s delight. Any kid who’s had to contend with the noisy cries of of a new baby will relate to this sweet and funny tale.

For a fun craft to go with your springtime-themed story hour try:
“Baby Birds in a Nest”
(Ages: 3 and Up)

Thanks to the folks at Busy Bee Kids Crafts this super-cute craft project is a snap!

materials:

– Plastic egg (one half for each bird)
– Construction paper
– Paper plate
– Brown paint
– Paint brush
– Scissors
– Glue

how-to:

1. Paint your paper plate brown. If your plate has a waxy finish on it you may need to put on 2 coats of paint.

2. Now you will make your baby birds. Fold a small piece of orange construction paper, cut out a triangle on the fold, this will make the bird’s beak.

3. From construction paper cut out two wings for each of your birds. Make a small fold at the bottom of each wing, this will give your a place to put the glue.

4. Glue your beak and wings onto your birds. Most plastic eggs have air holes on them, which will look great as your bird’s eyes. If your eggs don’t have air hole, you can draw some on with a permanent marker.

5. Put some glue on the bottom of your eggs and glue your birds into their nest.

6. Cut some brown strips of paper.

7. Glue the brown strips around the lip of the paper plate.