Celebrate National Sandwich Month

There are only a few days left in August, but still time to eat a few sandwiches for National Sandwich Month!  Kids can be great helpers in the kitchen, and a sandwich recipe is an easy transition for new chefs. 

"Super 'wiches" by Marilyn LaPenta
Super recipes for beginners!   Each page includes drawings of the tools needed with the words.  This book is excellent for beginning literacy.  It includes basic safety information and tips for getting started in the kitchen.  For example, wear an apron to protect your clothes. 


"Super Sandwiches: wrap 'em, stack 'em, stuff 'em" by Rose Dunnington
This book is for kids ready to take the next step in sandwich preparation.  There are sandwiches from all over the world with explanations for each one.  An emphasis on Most of these recipes use the oven and stove top.  There are plenty of ideas for a wrap, pita or bread for any time of the day in this book.  Even dessert sandwiches.


After eating some yummy sandwiches, try this book about two best friends with very different tastes.



"The Sandwich Swap" by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio
Lily brings a peanut butter sandwich for lunch every day, and Salma brings a hummus sandwich.  They fight over whose lunch is best, and it looks like their friendship is over.  But in the end, they both agree to try something new.  A great story of friendship, tolerance and sandwiches!

--Angie R., Headquarters 

First Day of School Jitters

Sometimes we are a little afraid of the unknown and the first day of school can be scary for some. If you have a child going to school for the first time, check out some of these books to make the transition a little easier.

"Foxy" by Emma Dodd. Emily is worried about starting school for the first time, but Foxy waves his magic tail to provide what she needs to be ready.

 

"Monster School: First Day Frights" by David Keane. On his first day at a new school, Norm, a regular boy, has trouble fitting in with his monstrous classmates.

"Seamonster's First Day" by Kate Messner. A young sea monster experiences his first day of school and, after a rocky start, he makes friends and has fun.

"Mom, It's My First Day of Kindergarten!" by Hyewon Yum. A five-year-old boy, ready and eager on his first day at "the big kids' school," must calm his very worried mother.

 

Looking for a book with a twist? Check out "First Day Jitters" by Julie Danneberg. Sarah is afraid to start at a new school, but both she and the reader are in for a surprise when she gets to her class.   

                                          

 

 

Staff Review: "Giants Beware!" by Rafael Rosado and Jorge Aguirre

Sometimes in life there are things that everyone fears and they don't quite know why. That fear is passed down through generations without challenge, until finally someone comes along who wants to know. People like that end up discovering new continents, finding new cancer treatments, and fighting to change unjust prejudice and dangerous ignorance. In homage to all such heroes, Rafael Rosado and Jorge Aguirre have written and illustrated the delightful graphic novel, "Giants Beware!"

Claudette is fierce and brave and wants to kill the baby-foot-eating giant that keeps the village of Mont Petite Pierre locked up in fear. First she has to convince her princess-in-training best friend Marie and frightened pastry chef brother Gaston to go with her. After tricking her crew and stealing her father's tools, the hapless three set out.  Along the way their ingenuity and courage are tested as they come up against powerful and magical beings in the forest and river. But the biggest challenge of all comes as they face the giant's mountain. Will Claudette really have the courage to slay the giant?

With strong character development, bold and whimsical artwork and an exciting storyline, the whole family will enjoy reading "Giants Beware". It's a  good story for those who are a little too bloodthirsty or a little too frightened, or if you really enjoy a new kind of fairy tale. Recommended for ages 8-13.

--Andrea W., HQ

The Three Little Pigs Retold

A big bad wolf, a housing development, and ninja pigs.  What's not to like?  Check out the book trailer for "The Three Ninja Pigs" by Corey Rosen Schwartz below.

 

 

For more ninja action, check out "The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear" by David Bruins.

Or if you'd prefer another silly take on the three little pigs, take a look at  "The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark" by Ken Geist.

--Andrea W., H.Q.

Staff Review: "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio

In "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio, August Pullman is nervous about starting fifth grade. Really, really nervous. Which makes sense, since he's only been homeschooled until now. Like all kids, Auggie is afraid that he won't make any friends, that he'll never fit in. And he may be right. Because Auggie is very different from every other kid. You see, August has multiple facial deformities that cause people to stare, make fun, and be frightened of him.

Needless to say, Auggie makes a big impression at his new school, and the going isn't easy. He has to deal with bullies, friends who make mistakes, and a game called "the plague." And while Auggie adjusts to school, his older sister, Via, navigates her first year of high school alone.

Through the eyes of several different characters in the book, R.J. Palacio sensitively documents the agony and growth of not just an ordinary-extraordinary boy, but of his whole family and school during one year. Recommended for all middle-grade to middle school readers.

--Andrea W., H.Q.

P.S. To reserve more books on kids struggling to fit in at school and dealing with family issues, click on the pictures below.

reaching for sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt

out of my mind by Sharon M. Draper

Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze by Alan Silberberg

Peas, Peas Everywhere Peas

"LMNO Peas" author Keith Baker once again entertains  with his new title "1-2-3 Peas". This time the peas look, plant, paint, swim, dance, and build their way to 10. Skip to 20 and then beep, sleep, puzzle, sing their way to 100.

Kids will pore over detail in the digitally rendered illustration. For example “The Peatles” are the band as 70 peas including the ever popular Peayonce sing a song. At 100 each pea is carrying a banner or flag with their number and each pea has a different look. Some wear eye glasses, some have hats or bows, and one even has red boots on.  This is definitely a title for sharing one-on-one and for giving your little one time to explore the drawings in the book.

--Robbin O., Headquarters

Back to School Lunch Box

Did you know that the T on your BLT started off as a “bitter berry growing wild on bushes on the dry west coast of South America” and thanks to the Aztecs we now have sweet tomatoes for our sandwich? Or that the watermelon your mother cut up for you originated in Africa’s Kalahari Desert? "The World in Your Lunch Box:The Wacky History and Weird Science of Everyday Foods" by Claire Eamer looks at the history and science of a week’s worth of lunches. 

Cartoon illustrations, jokes, a little science and a little history make up this lighthearted look at lunch. The author included her Top 10 Favorite, Fantastic, and Fun Food Facts which are interesting and enjoyable.  Did you know that Kazakhstan former capital city Almaty means “the Father of Apples”?  That the ancestors of our apples grew in the mountains of Kazakhstan between Europe and Asia. All the facts and science make this book yummy nonfiction reading.  

--Robbin O., Headquarters