Valentines, Visitors, and Various Other Stuff

This past week could be called the week of V's. Since we are nearing Valentine's Day, Emily and I have been working on some heart art. First, she drew and colored a fantastic adult coloring book style heart. Then, we both made black hearts with designs. Mine is on the top and hers is on the bottom. We also threw in a light experiment for science.

My personalized license plates arrived and I put them on my car!

While we were having lessons on Thursday, we had a visitor. Since the hubby put a large metal piece around the pole to our bird feeder the visitors can't climb and steal seeds, but this one seemed content to scour for seeds the birds had scattered below. Emily also practiced her recipe for the Chocolate Lovers Bake Off coming up at our local library.

And finally, we modeled some LulaRoe fashions for a friend who was having a vendor party at her shop down town. Emily's friend, Katie joined in the modeling fun. The leggings are indeed soft as butter like I've heard, but boy are those patterns on the wild side.

Amidst all the various forms of school and fun, I still managed to read Little Why by Jonny Lambert. Little Why is a curious elephant that wants to be similar to every one he meets or sees, but all his mom ever tells him is get back in line. However, when they arrive at their destination, Little Why discovers why he doesn't need to be like anyone else.

Well, that about wraps it up for this week. Join me next week for another exciting episode, same crazy time, same crazy channel. Also be sure to drop by Literacy Musings Mondays for more great blogs as well as my personal website Fun With Aileen where you will find more on reading, writing, and my very own chapter and picture books. And finally, you can find me on twitter @AileenWStewart if you want an extremely brief glimpse into my days. 

Good For Valentines: Great For Anytime!

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching I thought I would review a few books that are perfect for the holiday. Actually, these books are great for any time of the year; but since Valentine's Day is a remembering, kissing, and hugging kind of holiday you are probably going to want to read these books now!







The first book Hugs and Kisses, by Christophe Loupy, is a book my daughter received two years ago after completing the summer reading program. Not only did we read and enjoy it then, but many times since. This is one of those truly re-readable books. The main character, Hugs the puppy, sets out early one morning while his family is still sleeping because he has something he needs to find out. The kind farm animals along the way help him with his requests and when he returns to the barn and his family he finds the answer for which he was looking! What exactly was Hugs looking for? To find out you will just have to read this great book for
yourselves.


 

The second book, Schnitzle Von Krumm: Forget-Me-Not, by Lynley Dodd, is told in rhyme and is accompanied by beautiful illustrations. This is a great book for children 4 to 8 years of age and was actually read to me by my daughter who is quite the little narrator. Schnitzel is a cute little wiener dog whose family busily packs for vacation and remembers everything but him. Does Schnitzle Von Krumm get reunited with his family. You know what you have to do to find out.




  
How About A Hug, by Nancy Carlson, is a total success as far as books go in my humble opinion. My daughter usually does most of the reading since she has to log minutes for school, but last night she asked me to read this book to her. I must admit I really loved this book not only because it has great illustrations and short and sweet text, but because I come from a long line of serious huggers. I even like the dedication which read, "In memory of my uncle Bill, who always gave me Big Hugs!" Having lost  my dad last year I completely understood where this book was coming from and I make sure I take every opportunity to hug the family and friends that are with me still!




And there you have it my friend, three good books for Valentine's Day or three great books for any day.

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!