Spring started a couple of days ago. I love springtime. I love watching the world come alive again. I already have noticed some of the warm weather birds have returned to my feeders. I saw crocus popping up and have some daffodils looking like they may be blooming next week. Since spring brings the birds and the gardens back to our area, I thought I would share a couple of new books with you to welcome spring! The first is a board book from National Geographic Kids. It is Little Kids First Board Book: Birds by Ruth Musgrave. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3.
From the Publisher:
Bursting with vivid photos, each spread in this sturdy book features a fascinating bird, along with super-simple facts and lively, age-appropriate language to keep babies and toddlers―and their grown-ups―engaged.Designed to be the stepping stone to the best-selling National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series, the Little Kids First Board Book series takes similar big subjects and distills them down to the simplest nonfiction concepts for the youngest audience. Not only will readers learn about a variety of birds, they can also find recurring shapes and patterns in the art, while adults can keep their eyes open for occasional funny commentary from the animals. Sidebar text offers
additional learning for older siblings or those ready for more complex information.
With their square shape, bright and playful design, awesome photography, clear text, and cues to encourage interactive learning, the Little Kids First Board Books take a fresh new approach to excite a baby's sense of wonder and make learning about nature and science fun.
From Me:
Ok, we will start with my obsession with birds and in particular female cardinals. It helps that when I previewed the book on Amazon the first page has a photo of a female cardinal!! The book has large words that tell about each bird and could be read to a young child. Then there are labels of the specific type of bird on the page for slightly older or more ready children. Then there are circles on the pages with more information about birds for kids who are able to understand even more. The birds featured in the book are from all over the world. The last page of the book asks the child to do things like the birds or to touch certain birds. It is a wonderful little "quiz" or summary of the book. I can see this book becoming a favorite of many kids. And of course since it is a National Geographic Kids book it is full of beautiful and colorful photographs of the birds!
We have done some fun bird activities throughout the years. One of my favorites is building bird nests and the fun birds to go in them. The swan craft would go with the mute swan in the book. Penguin craft would go with the king penguin.
Our second book takes us into the garden. It is No Nibbling! by Beth Ferry and illustrated by A.N. King. It is recommended for ages 4 to 7.
From the Publisher:
From New York Times-bestselling author Beth Ferry and illustrator A.N. Kang comes a tale filled with fantastic word play that will have kids laughing and insisting, "No nibbling!"One warm spring day, Derwood the goat planted a garden and patiently tended it as it grew. On that very same day, he noticed a dandelion puff--it was too early in the season, but Derwood was taking no chances. Growing a garden is risky business, after all. But as Derwood inspected the dandelion, he realized it wasn't a weed. It was a bunny! With Tabitha, a precocious bunny who is very interested in all the tasty vegetables, hopping on the scene, what ensues is a pun-filled tale that will leave you saying, "No nibbling!"
From Me:
This is a fun filled spring gardening tale. Derwood, the goat, is a serious gardener. He doesn't want to take any chances with his garden. Tabitha, the small rabbit, however, is eying Derwood's vegetables and keeps visiting Derwood at his garden. Throughout the story Tabitha uses vegetable names that sound like other words which makes Derwood very nervous. The two slowly become friends and Tabitha even offers to weed while Derwood rests. It works wonderfully until Tabitha finds a dandelion to wish on. Derwood does not want more dandelions in his garden. Tabitha is upset that she can't make her wish, but Derwood says he knows her wish and can make it come true.
This book is just so sweet and fun. I love how Tabitha uses the various vegetables as different names. She says things like lettuce instead of let us or beet instead of bet. I love that they become friends and that in the end Derwood shares the harvest with Tabitha.
Now to go with this book gardening is the perfect activity. If you can't get out into the yard and plant vegetables perhaps planting a bean or pea inside in a pot or cup. Another activity would be watching a seed grow. I love that this book focuses on different vegetables. Hopefully it can encourage your children to try more vegetables!
Stay tuned for more spring books in the next month or two! Happy Spring!!
