First of all, Happy Read Across America Day! And Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss! What better way to celebrate a birthday than with books? Want to know a little more about the event? Take a look at this synopsis from the main Read Across America Day site and then head over there to take the pledge to participate by reading to the children in your life!

What is NEA’s Read Across America?
NEA’s Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.

NEA’s Read Across America also provides NEA members, parents, caregivers, and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading on the calendar 365 days a year.

In cities and towns across the nation, teachers, teenagers, librarians, politicians, actors, athletes, parents, grandparents, and others develop NEA’s Read Across America activities to bring reading excitement to children of all ages. Governors, mayors, and other elected officials recognize the role reading plays in their communities with proclamations and floor statements. Athletes and actors issue reading challenges to young readers. And teachers and principals seem to be more than happy to dye their hair green or be duct-taped to a wall if it boosts their students’ reading.

Also, if you’re on Facebook, and who isn’t? Take a look at the Dr. Seuss Books on Facebook page for a chance to win 3 of the best Dr. Seuss books ever!

So, which are your favorites? Are you reading any Dr. Seuss books today? Our pick for the day would definitely be Hop On Pop! It’s been both Turkeybird and Littlebug’s favorite from the very beginning!

Next, if you are a parent, teacher, librarian or just someone looking for great ways to improve children’s literacy you need to be on the lookout for these next two items…

The Book Chook’s quarterly Literacy Lava has just been released! Literacy Lava 8 is out now! No doubt this will be an excellent resource for anyone who is around children at all. You’ll find tips on reading aloud, creative thinking, starting your own toddler book club and more. Don’t miss this issue and past issues, if you haven’t read them already, it will be a great resource I’m positive!

The last item I want to bring your attention to is one readers may remember from last year, Share A Story Shape A Future. This week long literacy event is one that unites the online community in sharing ways to improve, incorporate and encourage literacy with children. It’s something I’m incredibly proud to be a part of and this year I will be hosting the third day, Wednesday the 9th of March, in which we’ll be discussing literacy for the future. We’ll be chatting about technology, from apps to book trailers to eReaders and how the work into the equation of Literacy 2.0. It’s sure to be a fantastic event and I can’t wait for each and every day! Here are the other topics to look forward to:

• The Power of a Book – From the literal power of owning a book and a good story to the intangible power that comes with knowing how to read.
• The Gift of Reading – Whether you’re looking for a book to excite a reader, want to help someone learn to read or celebrate the “gift” … it’s covered.
• Unwrapping Literacy 2.0 – With all of the talk of digital literacy, e-readers, etc. What does “literacy” look like in this new century?
• Love of Reading v. Homework – Do they have to be at odds? We’ll talk about ways to help readers at home and at school.
• The Gift that Keeps on Giving – To wrap up the week we’ll be remembering “that moment” when we realized we were a reader or writer and how to celebrate it with others. Lots(!) of interviews this day.

It begins next week, March 7-11, so make sure to add the Share A Story Shape A Future site to your reader and get ready for some incredible information!

I absolutely adore this time of year, if for no other reason than all the literacy activities going on around the internet! What about you? Are you looking forward to any of these events, or possibly already planning to participate? I’d love to know!

Thanks to the amazing Terry Doherty of The Reading Tub, Jen Robinson of Jen Robinson’s Book Page and Rasco from RIF and their monthly Children’s Literacy and Reading News Round-up I’ve discovered that November is National Family Literacy Month!

This is something that for me, came at just the right time. We’ve begun the fun process of getting Littlebug associated with letters and the Turkeybird more acquainted with writing during the last few weeks. It actually is quite an enjoyable activity if you know how to make the learning fun. So, I thought, in honor of National Family Literacy Month that I’d share a few of my favorite spots to stop for helps and aids that make learning fun for everyone in the family.

General Literacy Knowledge Hot Spots:
The Reading Tub
Reading Is Fundamental
Literacy Toolbox
Reading Rockets
First Book
The Book Whisperer

Great Blogs and Activity Resources Revolving Around Children and Literacy:
Imagination Soup
Playing by the Book
The Book Chook
Mother Reader
Happy Birthday Author
Brimful Curiousities
Book Dads
Children’s Books and Reviews
Teach Mama
Maw Books Blog
Read Ted’s Art Blog
Teach Mentor Texts
The Crafty Crow

This is by no means a complete list. To be honest, I’m sure I left someone off. These are just a sampling of what’s out there to get you started with your own family. Have another for me to check out? Please let me know in the comments and I will hop right over! Also, for more great Kid Lit Blogs and resources make sure to take a look at the KidLitosphere Central’s main site for a very large listing of fantastic blogs that focus on children’s literature.

So, what are you doing for National Family Literacy Month? Remember, it’s not only about the little ones, this is for everyone – young and old!

Our family is a very Tech-friendly family, as are most today. We have both a laptop and a desktop computer as well as numerous other gadgets around the house. So, it was almost a given that The Turkeybird would latch onto my iPhone as soon as he figured out there were little treasures there waiting for him. From books to games, my iPhone could keep him entertained for hours if I let him. I’ve quickly learned many things about this “wonderful” little gadget when it comes to my children’s use of it, a few of them being:

1. It’s an incredible teaching tool when you get involved with your child while they are using it.
2. Games like, Angry Birds, are just as distracting to a 3 year old as they are to someone almost 30 years older.
3. Books translate differently on a screen as opposed to on paper pages in a book.
4. Learning can be creative, individual and fun with the right interaction.
5. Not all apps are created equally, books or games.

It’s the last point that I want to discuss today. More specifically, apps for children’s books. When I first picked up my phone about a year ago the books I initially tried out were no where near as good as some of the ones I’ve been able to use recently. What I’ve learned in a years time is that Children’s Book Apps need to be few different things:

• Interactive – Kids learn when they can be involved in the story, by “discovering” parts of the story or “communicating” with it by answering questions.
• Colorful – It doesn’t need to be neon colors, but bland does not get a 3 year olds attention.
• Great Graphics – Not all great book apps have this, and that’s okay, but it can make a world of difference.
• Good Sound Effects and Music (if any at all) – If the sound doesn’t blend well with the story being told, it’s all over.
• Teaching – This is a book after all, children should learn something, be it about nature, their ABC’s, or the colors of the rainbow – there should be something they can remember from their reading.

So, all that being said, I know you’re eager to know which books are our favorites! Here you go:

Dr. Seuss’s ABC by Dr. Seuss

Offered by Oceanhouse Media

Cost: $3.99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: Not only is it a favorite in book form, but this app is by far one of our favorites. There are quite a few Dr. Seuss books offered by this company and we have others we truly enjoy, including Hop On Pop, but because of it’s ability to meet all of my “criteria” this rises to the top of the pile. Children can read through the entire book, learn their ABC’s by not just listening but also interacting with the pages (each item can be touched to single the word or letter associated with it), the sound is great, the graphics are right out of the book, and this is one they will go back to time and time again. Definitely a favorite. Ages 1 and up. Take a look at the brief trailer to get an idea:

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Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith

Offered by iStory Time

Cost: $2.99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: This is actually a book we also own in paper form as well and when I saw it offered as an App I wanted to see how it measured up to the print form. In all honesty, I’m a sucker for a print book, but this app is great. The comic book style is there along with the option to view the entire story in up to 5 different languages, it’s amazing! My only complaint would be that its not incredibly interactive with the only action being turning the pages. Still, a great book, especially for older children, especially those just starting school. Ages 3 and up.

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The Enchanted Forest of Goblins

Offered by Genera Interactive

Cost: $1.99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: By far the most beautiful book app I’ve ever seen. The illustrations are gorgeous, and all the other apps for kids by this company are just as beautiful and great as well. This app is also incredibly interactive. Every tree or mushroom has something hidden to be discovered, it may be part of the story or just something to look at. Keep in mind the story is a little more advanced and younger children will definitely need a little bit of help. It’s also a bit “scary” for children under 3 or kids that are easily spooked. But this is definitely one you will enjoy just as much as your child. Ages 3 and up.

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What A Pest by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Offered by PicPocket Books

Cost: $2.99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: Almost any book app you buy from PicPocket Books will be worth the money you spend on it. Their more recent titles continue to get better and better, making me wish I had a bit more to spend on them! They’re perfect for interacting with kids and getting them learning those often difficult first few words and sentences, by highlighting the words as the story goes. The sounds are great with each book and there’s also the ability to stop and start as you go. Not each of the illustrations are my favorite, but that’s a personal thing, as the same could be said of print books. I recommend taking a look at their selection and picking a book based on a topic your child is interested in, you can’t go wrong! Ages 1-10, depending on the book.

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Little Blue Robot by Joanna Emmanue

Offered by StoryBoy

Cost: $ .99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: This is an absolutely beautiful story. The moral is wonderful, the illustrations are gorgeous and the sound is amazing. If I had anything I wish was a bit better it would be for more interactivity with the actual book, but truly it almost doesn’t need it. It’s one of The Turkeybird’s favorites and with the price, it’s hard to beat.

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Sleep, Baby, Sleep

Offered by myTales digital (Tiger Tales Books)

Cost: $2.99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: Perfect for those nights when you need a bit of help calming a little one down to sleep. Maybe you’re traveling even, and you don’t have a book nearby to get your little one calmed down for a long drive or a night away from home, this would be perfect. The illustrations are just the same as in the original book (which we have as well) and there is even the option to play lyrics along with the story (you can even record your own!). Ages 0-4.

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The Wheels of the Bus

Offered by Duck Duck Moose

Cost: $ .99

The1stdaughter’s Recommendation: An old favorite of course, and one you can’t go through childhood without. This is leans toward music more than book, but what urges me to mention it is that it’s actually quite good on the literacy front. Each “page” has music and words that move together, standing out as you read and interact with the story line. Not only is the story obviously engaging, but the graphics and colors are beautiful. This is by far one of the most read/listened to Book Apps on my iPhone. Ages 1-7.

That’s all the recommendations for now! I hope you found a new Book App to try out with your kiddos and be on the look out, I’m sure we’ll have more to come!

For the Comments: Do you have a favorite Book App we missed? Let us know! We may just feature it next time!

Blog Name: Tif Talks Books
Blog URL: www.tiftalksbooks.com
Twitter Name: @tiftalksbooks
Goodreads: tiftalksbooks

When did you start your blog and why?

Way back in May 2007, I decided to start a little blog to keep track of the books that I read and to chat more about one of my biggest passions . . . reading & literacy! At the time, I was surrounded by many who were joining the band wagon, but they were starting family blogs or craft blogs or even journals. I did not feel comfortable doing any of these, but then I thought . . . why not just talk books? I could definitely do that! Viola! Tif Talks Books was born!

Over three years later, I am still blogging away and absolutely loving it! I do not have the time that I did when I first started blogging, but I still have that passion! I only hope that it shows in my writing!

What can you find at Tif Talks Books? Well, a little bit of everything really! I consider myself to be a true eclectic book blog. I love to read just about everything and review books from just about all genres, for all ages, both fiction and non-fiction alike! And, I like to throw little book-ish treats out there for discussion as well.

I currently host a variety of events, but I would particularly like to highlight Fairy Tale Fridays in honor of Once Upon a Week. Every Friday, I explore a fairy tale, from those well known to those that you can find across the globe. It all began when I read John Connolly’s The Book of Lost Things and discovered that some tales were not as I remembered! It was time to re-visit and explore the many versions out there. And, I have enjoyed the feature every step of the way!

Tell us a little about yourself outside of your interest in books.

Outside of the books?!? Yikes!!! I do not think that you can really separate me from one!!

No really . . . In a nutshell, I am a wife, mother of 2, daughter, only child (hate it!), advocate, educator & advisor (higher education), movie lover, (attempted) baker, and creative wannabe!

Little known facts about myself . . . Someday I want to write and publish a book (or two!). I want to receive a doctorate and teach at a university. I want to run my own non-profit. And, I want to eventually move back to the “West,” the place that I truly call home.

Your favorite book from your youth and the story behind it.

I think the book that I have the fondest memories of as a child was The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner. I absolutely fell in love with Henry, Jessie, Violet, and little Benny. I loved the idea of being on my own, living out a boxcar (I actually did this a bit considering I was a true latch-key kid!). In fact, it was not uncommon for one of my good friends and I to be caught playing boxcar children. The only catch was that instead of a boxcar being our home, we inhabited a barn loft!

I was a very avid reader even as a child, so to leave this question with only one book would not be fitting of me! Therefore, I will leave you with a few of my other favorite books from my younger years . . . Moon Mouse by Adelaide Holl, Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman, Wacky Wednesday by Theo. LeSieg, and of course, Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

“When I started thinking about Once Upon A Week and all of the posts I wanted to come up with for it almost immediately I thought of Tif. Why, you ask? Because, truly, when I think of bloggers who get me thinking about Fairy Tales on a regular basis, Tif is at the top of that list. So, I knew I had to have her guest post this week and I am so glad she agreed to!

“Tif’s site is fantastic! She’s such an amazing advocate for children’s literacy, not only with her own site, but with the Share A Story Shape A Future annual event, projects involving Literacy Lava from The Book Chook, and I’m sure much much more. Her weekly Fairy Tale Fridays is perfect for remembering those often forgotten, but still amazing stories from our childhood and discovering new tales you’ve possibly never heard of.

“If you’re a fan of Fairy Tales, children’s literacy and books, or just bookish goodness in general you should definitely take a look at Tif’s site. I’m positive you will find something new to enjoy and/or possibly even a great story you may have long forgotten!

“Thank you so much Tif for stopping by!”

(This post is in conjunction with the Once Upon A Week event happening at Today’s Adventure. Make sure to stop by and take a look!)

Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Blog Name: Playing by the book
Blog URL: http://www.playingbythebook.net/
Twitter Name: @playbythebook
Goodreads: Playing by the book

When did you start your blog and why? Give us a little info about your blog too.

I started Playing by the book in July 2009. I wanted to find a way to both read and play more with my children, and to be in contact with more adults who were also interested in creativity and children’s literature. It seemed like a blog might give me the structure I needed to achieve these goals. I don’t keep a diary but I did want to find a way to treasure the good times – I’ve a terrible memory and didn’t want to forget all the funny moments or sparks of imagination that fill my kids’ days – and my blog has also helped with this. Playing by the book is now a place where I review the kids’ books we’re reading as a family and share the crazy, fun stuff those books inspire us to get up to!

Tell us a little about yourself outside of your interest in books.

My favourite space in our house is my spice cupboard – I love to cook and opening the spice cupboard doors is always an invitation to travel the world!

If I could live anywhere at any time I would love to travel back to the very early 1900s in Budapest – I happen to speak Hungarian and Budapest is a beautiful city, full of amazing architecture and coffee houses to linger in. If I couldn’t make it to Hungary, then I’d accept time traveling to Skara Brae 5000 years ago instead.

I was once offered a job which would have involved traveling the world and learning how to shoot to kill (if only I were making this up…). On days when being stuck at home with two poorly children in a rather uninspiring part of the world I ponder how differently my life could have turned out. But in the end I always know I made the right choice.

Your favorite book from your youth and the story behind it.

I was born in Zambia and we didn’t have access to many books at all until we moved to the UK. However, one of my favourite books from my early childhood there was Tiger Flower by Robert Vavra with wonderful paintings of tigers and butterflies by Fleur Cowles. I have vivid memories of losing track of time reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder books in the playground at primary school – and when my second daughter was born I kept myself awake during night feeds by re-reading her books – it was such a treat! Later I couldn’t get enough of The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper and now I can’t wait to read these with my own daughters.

“I adore Zoe’s site! She is always involved in sharing her love of reading with her own children in such creative ways and in that way, getting them ‘hooked’ on books. It’s hard not to find something in every post she writes to use in your own home, from activities to new books, it’s wonderful!

“She’s also hosting a great giveaway right now for a signed copy of Wake Up! by Katie Cleminson! It’s also an international giveaway, so there’s no reason to miss out on this fabulous book. The giveaway closes at 6am UK time on the 3rd of August, so don’t miss out! And make sure to subscribe to her blog while you’re there, you won’t want to miss a post for sure!

“Thank you again to Zoe and her site Playing by the Book for participating in When I Was Young!”

Interested in participating in the When I Was Young feature? Read about it here.

Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

Not too long ago two of my favorite book bloggers and Children’s Literacy advocates, Susan from The Book Chook and Tif from Tif Talks Books, sent out a call for submissions to contribute to a “Literacy Cook Book“. When I heard about it I knew I had to submit something. Obviously The Baker (my hubby) loves to bake pretty much anything and The Turkeybird can’t help but want to help out in the kitchen. They always have a blast and I thought, what better than to include one of his favorite books with the recipe?

If You Give A Pig A Pancake by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond is a Turkeybird favorite and not just because the story is so cute. It’s all about a pig and his desire to have more pancakes, one of the Turkeybird’s favorite meals to make and to eat. Based on the favorite books, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, except this time it’s all about a Pig who starts off with a pancake, then syrup, then a bath, then a duck…and I think you get the picture. Eventually he ends up right back at the pancake, which my sweet Turkeybird just loves!

Because of the Turkeybird’s love of “The Pig pancake” book, his love of actual pancakes and The Baker’s love of making them from scratch I thought this was the perfect combo for The Book Chook Cook Book. So, one afternoon while getting ready for dinner we took some very fun pictures, compiled the recipe and sent it all off that evening. Yesterday, The Book Chook Cook Book was revealed and much to our surprise, The Turkeybird made the cover!

We truly are so excited to even be included in the final book! The entire concept is brilliant and both Susan & Tif did an amazing job putting everything together. Make sure to take a look! The Cook Book is free to anyone who like it and there are some fantastic recipes that I know we will be trying out very very soon. Thank you again to both Susan and Tif for a fabulous idea and for putting it together for everyone!

Didn’t make this issue or do you already have a post you’d like to mention, run over to Tif’s site Tif Talks Books for a link-up and more information!

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.