Monday, October 21, 2019

Book Review Squishy Wishy Meatballs




Author: Amelia Griggs

Illustrator: Winda Mulyasari


Publisher: Amelia Griggs


Released: July 9, 2019


Format: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover


ISBN: 9781076516527


Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn


Rating: 4 Lemon Drops




Goodness, gracious meatballs on the fryer! Squishy Wishy Meatballs has fun and love ground into every rhyme and picture.








Review:


Bella and Mia are back in the kitchen and this time they’re cooking up some meatball fun.


Through simple rhyme and charming illustrations, Griggs and Mulyasari show us once again how familial relationships are strengthened through the timeless tradition of preparing a meal together.


The character, Bella, captures the enthusiasm of a child eager to help with a grown-up task. Her mother, Mia demonstrates how patience and an open heart foster the independence and potential all children possess.


She makes the most of this time to nurture Bella’s self-esteem and curiosity.


I also appreciated the health and safety messages woven into the story. Bella is told to wash her hands before touching food and is always monitored by her mother when standing near the stove.


As with Silly Willy Apple Cake, Griggs has included another of her family’s favorite recipes called Mama’s Meatball Recipe. 


Classroom Connection:


I could easily see this book displayed in various Pre-Kindergraten/Kindergarten classroom centers: Dramatic Play, Library, Art.


It would make a great addition to any Dramatic Play book bin or as the focus for an Italian Restaurant.


Along with the book, brown pom-poms, yellow yarn, spoons, bowls, aprons, empty pasta containers, clipboards, pencils, paper, and menus could be added to supplement the learning fun.


In the Art Center, children could use brown dough to roll out their own squishy-wishy meatballs. To enhance the fun and learning, youngsters could be encouraged to count the number of meatballs they made.


They could also roll out different sized meatballs and line them up from smallest to largest. What a great way to support fine motor and math skills at the same time.


I give it 4 Lemon Drops!


Resources:

Crafts:


https://www.thecrafttrain.com/diy-toy-pasta-and-meatballs-for-pretend-play/


https://artsycraftsymom.com/spaghetti-and-meatballs-craft/


http://mericherry.com/2014/06/25/rainbow-spaghetti-meatball-sensory-play-toddlers/


https://www.gluedtomycraftsblog.com/2015/01/paper-plate-spaghetti-kid-craft.html



Songs:


http://www.loving2learn.com/Books/RhymesandSongs/SillySongs/OnTopofSpaghetti.aspx


https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/On-Top-Of-Spaghetti-Song-Differentiated-Rebus-Read-4664909


https://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/o101.html

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

If There Never Was A You Book Review







Author: Amanda Rowe

Illustrator: Olga Skomorokhova

ISBN: 9781641701112

Publisher: Familius

Released: March 1, 2019

Format: Board Book, Kindle

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn


Rating: 5 Lemon Drops







Reminiscent of Rainstorm Publishing’s Tender Moments Collection, If There Never Was A You is an adorable rhyming story of a mother bunny telling her son how much she loves having him in her life. 


Youngsters will reach for this memorable book again and again.



If There Never Was A You is a lovely tribute to a mother’s unconditional love for her children. The rhyme and accompanying illustrations are colorful, glossy and vibrant; a delightful treat for the ears and eyes.


Rowe has written a timeless story that is simple and bursting with joyful love. Skomorokhova’s bubbly, doe-eyed characters will endear parents, teachers and children. 


I’m sure that after several readings, youngsters will enjoy viewing the illustrations to discuss the colors, shapes, patterns and lively actions of the characters. 


I give it 5 Sugary Sweet Lemon Drops!   












10 World Wonders Book Review On Whispering Stories




Click here to read my review of the book on Whispering Stories.