Thursday, 19 September 2019

Monthly Book Roundup - What we have been reading in August

I read to Lily each night with out fail. Story time is so important for settling a child for bed, giving them that extra one on one time plus it will help them with learning to read in the future. 

Lily is a lot fussier with the stories I read her now, and she does go back to her old favourites a lot of the time and as she is at an age where she can start to remember stories, she asks for specific ones. But I do get chance to introduce a few new new books each month, usually around 2 or 3.
  

You can read all my other book reviews from the last few years Here

This month she chose 3 books from her collection.

Here is what we read.


1. Zog by Julia Donaldson 

I had no idea what Zog was about until I read it and it was one by Julia Donaldson that I wasn't too familiar with. But I am glad I read it because it is a brilliant story. The storyline is all about a dragon school and they are getting taught how to do dragon things. As Zog is out practicing one of his dragons things he hurts himself. Luckily a girl comes along and she looks after him and makes him better. This happens a few times and the dragon Zog becomes friends with her. Soon there comes a lesson all about how to capture a princess and they all must go out and capture one. He failed and was really upset until he met she girl again, and she told him that she was a princess, so he took her back and became the first dragon to claim a princess. The next challenge was to fight a knight. The knight tried to take the princess and there was going to be a fight between the dragons and him, when the princess stopped the fight. Upon talking to the knight, she found out that they both didn't actually want to be knights and princesses and wanted to be doctors instead. And thats what they did. The story has such a great storyline to it with lots of exciting things happening. Lily really liked the fact the princess wanted to be a doctor and loved that she was so kind. This story is definitely worth a read if you like Juilia Donaldson. 

2. I don't want to wash my hands - By Tony Ross 

This story is part of the A Little Princess series that is shown on Tv. It is all about the princess not wanting and not understanding why she has to wash her hands. A story that a lot of children can relate too. Her nanny teacher her exactly why and when she needs to wash her hands and soon the little princess wants to wash her hands. The story isn't too long but it is a great story book to encourage children to want to wash their hands. Lily loved learning all about why she should wash her hands. 

3. Big Bad Bunny by Melanie Joyce 

This story is all about a big bad bunny who comes and keeps spoiling all the fun. He had bad manners and a horrible temper, and at times was really naughty. Soon all the animals was feeling really sad about his behaviour and got together to form a plan, but they decided that instead of being mean back to the bunny, they would be nice to him and throw him a party. He tried to ruin the party, but then soon found out the party was actually for him. But they carried on the party anyway and the big bad bunny soon found out that friendship and kindness can go a long way. It is a great book to read to children who may not always have the best behaviour to encourage them to be kind.

Which of the above stories do you like the sound of? 

 

13 comments:

  1. I don't want to was my hands :- As can be a sentence spoken by youngsters. They need to be encouraged, and knowing the reason/s why an help. I like the fact that the child listened to Granny. Older, wiser, Loved and Respecred.

    Rachel Craig

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  2. ZOG, yes, I came across it a while ago. Julia Donaldson has a wide range of children's books.


    Rachel Craig

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  3. Big Bad Bunny, I haven't come across this book before. Manners, friendships, kindness, etc are important aspects to encourage. Topics which we can often spend time discussing with our children.

    "It is Nice to be Nice". We want our children to behave mannerly and with respect. Whilst we also want others to have good manners and be respectful towards us and children. Children learn from others :- Parents, siblings, peers, etc. So it is always worthwhile to have a chat with child in regards to "How was your day?". This can lead to child sharing information, concerns, etc. Allows for explanations, reinforcement / encouraging good behaviour, reasonable expectations, etc. Sounds like a good book for getting children chatting, asking questions, etc.

    Rachel Craig

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  4. I thoroughly enjoy reading your reviews. I love the sound of the Big Bad Bunny by Melanie Joyce.

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  5. I am wondering what might be included in next month's book roundup. Halloween / All Hallows' Eve, etc. Kindness :- As Prince George and Princess Charlotte are in school, and that school encourages :- Kindness. First Aid, Prevention of illness /accidents, etc :- As I believe First Aid is now a topic / subject being taught at school

    There can be so many topics which are relevant for our children. Perhaps the origins / beginnings of First Aid, it's development, improvements, impact, etc will be covered at school. As we learn from the past (history), and perhaps it could instil a sense of achievements, attitude of Caring and Gratitude for Care Provision (prompt :- Provided at point of need, appropriate, provided in a Respectful and Caring manner, to anyone who is in need of the service /assistance. Caring for each other is part of a Healthy Community :- Community Spirit). Community cohesiveness.

    Rachel Craig

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  6. There are initiatives to encourage children to become familiar, comfortable and enjoy books. Book Bug, Book Trust, etc. We recently came across a local initiative. The Children's Centre place a book and information leaflet in a clear, sealable bag. This is placed somewhere to be found, read, enjoyed, shared by telling others, this can be via social media, word of mouth, etc. Then repeat the exercise / initiative by once again placing book and information in clear waterproof bag, and place it somewhere to be found and enjoyed by another.

    Our flats have a common room with books which can be borrowed. Some local churches have an area of access to books and some seating :- So people can sit comfortably and quietly for a read. "It's Nice to be Nice". Intergenerational, Inclusive, etc.

    Rachel Craig

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  7. The initiative that I previously mentioned, locally to encourage children to read. Book has gone onto another.Spreading the word. Hopefully other organisations, etc will expand on this idea / initiative :- With books for older children (as presently based on pre- school children). School age children, pre-adolescents, adolescents, adults, older adults :- So that it is Inclusive, and has Equality and Diversity. Life Long Learning, etc.

    Rachel Craig

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  8. These books sound great, especially the I dont want to wash my hands, this is a big think with our little one, always having to tell her

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  9. I dont think any child doesn't want to wash their hands this year, the poor things will end up with OCD about it! Lovely books there.

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  10. I love and my children loved the Tony Ross books, including....I don't want to wash my hands! They loved the princess.

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  11. I remember Zog from my school days. A great selection of books

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  12. Julia donaldson is my favourite children's author, and I love Axel Scheifflers illustrations

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  13. My daughter loves the Little Princess so I would say she would like this one the most.

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