Book Review: Spork

Spork

Yesterday, I read the charming book Spork by Kyo Maclear (illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault) with my kids. Spork is a story about, well, a spork. In case you do not know, a spork is part spoon/part fork. Since Spork is too round, he doesn’t quite fit with the forks. Since Spork is too pointy, he doesn’t quite fit with the spoons.

Spork spends his days trying to know where he belongs. In between the wonderful illustrations and the great rhythm of the lines, your children will learn that it is okay to be different. The book brought smiles to our faces as we giggled at the thoughts of our cutlery come to life. For example, Spork is envious he doesn’t get to take a giant sudsy bubble bath at the end of the day (or what we know as the dishes being washed) because he is never used.

But, one day, Spork learns that while the forks may be good at poking and the spoons may be good at stirring, sometimes a person needs both. That’s how Spork discovers sometimes it is best to fit into more than one box.

This children’s book shows little ones that they do not have to fit into one category – they can do or be lots of things! The paperback version of this book will be released in April. I highly recommend this unique story to families with children, especially those who struggle with knowing where they fit.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may purchase a hardcover edition of this book from amazon. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: Count Your Chickens

Count Your Chickens

This rainy afternoon I settled down in my reading chair and snuggled in with both of my kids to read Count Your Chickens by Jo Ellen Bogart. The book was perfect for both my children (aged 2.5 and 6). It captured their attention with the sing-song like rhymes and vibrant illustrations. Even my youngest enjoyed the finding the chickens in their funny outfits in their exciting locations.

These chickens have a ball riding trains, ferris wheels and much more. Your children will love laughing along as you read, finding and counting the chickens. Any book that combines silliness and learning is a hit in my house! Add in chickens in clothing and you have a sure winner. I highly recommend this book to families with little ones – or anyone who is just a fan of chickens.

*I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

You can purchase this book on amazon. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

What Is Saving My Life Right Now

Blogging is a whole thing. It is a whole new thing for me. I do not know what I am doing, but I am enjoying it. One thing I stumbled upon today was a post from a blog I’ve followed for a while called modernmrsdarcy.com. On her post, she suggests writing a list of the things that are saving your life during this season.

Reading Harry Potter with my Son 

He received the first book for Christmas (just two weeks before his 6^th birthday), and we have been reading little bits at a time. The illustrated edition is wonderful for his age. I look forward to reading it with him and am giddy with excitement as he learns about the characters I love for the first time. 

Draco Lookalike

Movie Nights with Friends 

It is a rare treat when I get to go out and see a movie with mom friends. Evenings when we can coordinate babies of all ages, husbands and babysitters are enjoyable even if we are simply heading out for coffee. But, a movie is an event. And so far this year, it has already happened twice! And, for two excellent award nominated films. I have seen La La Land (RUN, RUN to the theater if you haven’t seen it yet) and Hidden Figures (also RUN).

“Audition: The Fools Who Dream” 

(Emma Stone's song in La La Land) I have listened to this song on repeat, memorized every word, printed out my favorite lines and hung them on a wall in our home.

Super Fun Socks 

I used some Christmas gift cards to restock my sock drawer and I am delighted with my new finds.

Lush Bath Bombs 

I’ve heard it said the days are long and the years are short. The long days are why I need long baths and wine. Lush bath bombs make me feel like Cleopatra, a mermaid or Katy Perry. The water turns colors and sometimes sparkles. Why should little kids be the only ones who get fun colored baths? 

This Is Us 

I don’t think I need to elaborate much, but let’s just say This is Us could not have come on tv at a better time.

Poems That Make Grown Women Cry 

I love poetry, but I realized that I do not read it much anymore. So, I bought this collection and put it in my car. Now, everyday as we wait in my son’s carline, I read a few poems aloud to my daughter. The poems are moving and just enough reading for the short time.

My Brand New Blogging Adventure 

I put it off and put it off. But, so far, it has been fun and different. I have enjoyed putting my fingers to the keys for something other than work. I have enjoyed getting to interact with people in a new way. And I am proud of myself for bravely putting myself out there in a way that scared me before.

I believe focusing on the good helps us to overcome our grumblings and be thankful for the manna. What things are saving your life right now?

*This post does contain an affliate link. 

5 Books to Teach Your Child to Behave in Class

Do you have a class clown? A Chatty Cathy? A Silly Billy? A child who falls out of his chair at school just for laughs? Surely, I’m not the only one. Why else would there be so many great books out there dealing with these issues?

My son is full of life and imagination and silliness. While he has a sweet heart, he has a hard time knowing how to control all of his silliness. He likes to talk to everybody all the time. And he likes to be the center of attention. This probably explains why we had our first parent-teacher conference in K3. Parents of the year, y’all.

Now, he is in kindergarten. Since he started K3, we have been adding books to our collection to help teach our son proper classroom behavior. While he still has plenty of silliness and his teacher needs lots of prayer (bless her, Lord), the books have been great helps in effectively showing why we should not act the way we always want to act. There is a time for silliness – and there is a time to just “stay cool."

5 BOOKS TO TEACH YOUR CHILD 

TO BEHAVE IN CLASS

My Mouth is a Volcano! by Julia Cook is terrific for your young guy or gal who struggles with talking constantly and interrupting. The book shows how difficult it can be to keep all the words inside, but also shows why this is important. It has been a great tool in our home when we explain he is acting like he has a "volcano mouth."

      Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale is a perfect fit for the child who is full of excitement all the time. Poor Clark just loves everything so much and can be a little too excited. Too rough. Too loud. Too much. His kind teacher helps teach him that sometimes it is best to just "stay cool."

                         

      Too Loud Lily by Sofie Laguna is another great book for the little person who is often "too much." Lilly is loving and full of life...and loud. It is a problem at home and at school. She struggles to know when and how to use her loud voice until a new drama teacher arrives. Finally, Lilly knows just how to use her special loud talents - in the school play! This is a fantastic fit for my theater loving, dramatic son.             

                                                                                                              

      Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker by Christianne C. Jones is the right choice if you have a child who talks all the time and never lets anyone else get a word in. Sweet Lacey Walker just talks, talks, talks all day long. Her talking even gets in the way of her completing her tasks. She eventually talks so much she loses her voice! When this happens, Lacey learns why listening is even more important than talking.

      Hunter's Best Friend at School by Laura Malone Elliot has been a tremendous help in dealing with situations where our son gets in trouble with a buddy. This children's book is a great way to introduce the idea of not doing what your friends do (if they are doing something wrong). It teaches that while it is fun to laugh and play with your friend, if your friend is causing a disruption, you should try to encourage the friend to behave rather than misbehave yourself. It shows little ones how easily they can influence they friends, both positively and negatively. 

      What other books would you add to this list? Share your titles in the comments!

     *This post contains affiliate links.