Tag Archives: Educational

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

AGES 0 - 4, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

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Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Author: Eric Carle

Publisher: Philomel Books

Number of pages: 24

Type of Book: Fiction; Educational

Age: 0 – 4

Available here:http://readingcorner.ng/ProductDetails.asp?SubCatagoryID=621&ProductID=2094; Instagram: @tams_ink; http://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Eric-Carle/dp/0399226907; borrow it here: http://zodml.org/eachbook.php?id=694

Price: N2,200; N3,500; $5.52; Free

MY SUMMARY

A little bit of science for toddlers. This book tells the story of a caterpillar’s journey to becoming a butterfly. But first the caterpillar eats through amazing fruits, veggies (and the book) until it becomes quite sick! Read this little package to your toddler to teach him about butterflies, fruits, days of the week, etc., in the most fun way possible!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: I LOOOOOVVVEEEEE this book!!!!! Using brilliant illustrations, this book shows toddlers how to count (from 1 to 5), some fruits (apples, pears, etc.), some food (cheese, cakes, sausages, etc.), some colors, days of the week (Monday to Sunday), and a little bit of science (the very hungry caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly at the end of the book!). The icing on the cake? The caterpillar eats through the pages of the book as it eats through the fruits in the book. I recommend this book for all kids aged 0 to 4!

DOWN: None!!!

RATING

5 Stars.

TRIVIA

  1. This book is sold somewhere in the world every thirty seconds![1]

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

    1. Team the reading experience with a visit to eric-carle.com
    2. Watch a video here: 

CHALLENGE: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Draw and colour 4 (four) fruits found in Nigeria. (4 year olds)

OR

  1. Identify and colour the caterpillar (2-3 year olds)

http://www.eric-carle.com/ColoringSheet.jpg

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 2 – 4 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Tuesday, March 17th 2018.

Next Book of the Week:

BUT NOT THE HIPPOPOTAMUS by Sandra Boynton

 

[1] http://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Eric-Carle/dp/0399226907

 

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photo credit: amazon.com

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

AGES 0 - 4, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FEBRUARY IS ‘COLOUR’ MONTH

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Title: Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?
Author: Bill Martin Jnr, Eric Carle
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co
Number of pages: 26
Type of Book: Fiction; Educational
Age: 0 – 4
Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Brown-Bear-What-You-See/dp/0805047905 Borrow it here: https://thebookwormcafe.libib.com
Price:$6.19
MY SUMMARY
A teacher uses a peculiar method to teach his class about animals and colors. He makes the animals and kids believe that they are being watched!

‘Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?
I see a red bird looking at me

Red bird, red bird, what do you see?
I see a yellow duck looking at me’

The kids are introduced to 9 (nine) different colors like red, yellow, blue, purple, green etc. as well as 9 (nine) different animals like the gold fish, horse, frog, bear and bird, etc.
THUMBS UP AND DOWN
UP: There were many highlights. First off, the pages were filled with bright and colorful pictures of animals. Then, the book featured lots of colours and colours are our theme for our 0 – 4 age group for the month of February! Then, its edutainment quality. It introduces kids to different animals and teaches them to identify sight words as well as similar words! Kids will be able to ‘read along’, after a few reads. Finally, the icing on the cake: the use of rhyme and repetition.
I recommend for all 0 – 4 year-olds. It’s a sturdy book too so it will survive those destructive little fingers.

NB: this book was first published in 1967, 50 years ago!!
DOWN: None
RATING
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK
1 Sing, instead of reading. Better still, make it a call and response song. So sing
‘Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do you see?’
And let your toddler respond with
‘I see a red bird looking at me’
2 Try the exercises below
3 Try making animal sounds
CHALLENGE: Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?
CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)
1 Draw and colour 4 animals. (2 – 4 year olds)
OR
2 Colour the animals in the sheet below

image

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com
Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 2 – 4 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book. Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Tuesday February 21st 2017.
Next Book of the Week:
THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT by Eric Carle

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photo credit: amazon.com

The Red Transistor Radio

AGES 4 - 8, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

February is Millennium Development Goals Month

Title: The Red Transistor Radio

Author: Fatima Akilu

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press

Number of pages: 32

Type of Book: Fiction; Educational

Age: 4 – 8

Buy it here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/collections/childrens-books/products/the-red-transistor-radio

Price: N1200

MY SUMMARY

Khalida’s mummy had an old red transistor radio that she played ALL the time and Khalida was tired of hearing that radio. Finally, one day, she burst out,

“Mama … Why do you listen to this radio all day? It’s very annoying!”

Her aunty gave her the weirdest answer ever. “… that radio is special … it has made many things happen, including you, Khalida”

Khalida didn’t think much of her aunt’s response until she was given an assignment in school to write a story about something unusual that happened to her.

So Khalida asked her parents how the radio made her. Read the book to find out how the red transistor radio made Khalida and how its story made her famous!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: It emphasizes the Millennium Development Goal of improving maternal health. It takes an important and very adult subject and breaks into tiny nuggets, making it easy for young readers to digest. It also does this in the most peculiar yet fun way, using the story of a radio. Young readers learn how to prevent maternal mortality and improve maternal health by making sure pregnant women frequent antenatal clinics, eat balanced diets and have their babies in hospitals.

DOWN: None.

RATING

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

TRIVIA

  1. The subject of this story is the Millennium Development Goal of improving maternal health.

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  1. Read an excerpt here: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0103/7312/files/Excerpt_for_websitePages_from_Red_Transistor_01-32_tp.pdf?3624
  2. Learn more about the 7th Millennium Development Goal here: https://www.unicef.org/mdg/files/childfriendlymdgs_edited.pdf

 CHALLENGE: The Red Transistor Radio

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

Read the story above and answer the questions below:

  1. Draw a girl in a Fulani outfit (4 – 6 year olds)
  1. List the Millennium Development Goals? (7 – 8 year olds)

OR

  1. Draw a picture showing 3 things pregnant women can do to prevent maternal mortality. (7 – 8 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 4 – 8 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Thursday, February 16th 2017.

Next Book of the Week:

NGOZI COMES TO TOWN by Fatima Akilu

 

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photo credit: cassavarepublic.biz

 

 

 

Princess Arabella Mixes Colours

AGES 0 - 4, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FEBRUARY IS ‘COLOUR‘ MONTH

princess_a-_mixes_colours_cover_small_large

Title: Princess Arabella Mixes Colours

Author: Mylo Freeman

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press

Number of pages: 24

Type of Book: Fiction; Educational

Age: 0 – 4

Buy it here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/collections/childrens-books/products/princess-arabella-mixes-colours; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Princess-Arabella-Mixes-Colours-Freeman/dp/191111512X

Price: N1,500; £6.99

MY SUMMARY

Princess Arabella’s room is boring and she has to do something about it. So she orders the palace servants (footmen) to bring ‘lots and lots and LOTS of paint’ to her room so she can paint all the furniture in there. However, she doesn’t want the colours they’ve brought to her so she decides to MIX colours:

red + white = pink paint for her dressing table

red + yellow = orange paint for her chair

red + blue = purple paint for her mirror

blue + yellow = green paint for her bed and

black + white = grey paint for her toy elephant

Read the book to find out what happens when Princess Arabella accidentally drops the pots of paint and they go flying through the air and worse, what happens when she wakes up and thinks it was all a dream!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: There were many highlights. First off, the illustrations, they were bright and colourful. Then, the book featured lots of colours and colours are our theme for our 0 – 4 age group for the month of February! Then, its edutainment quality. It teaches kids how to mix colours in a fun way! Finally, the icing on the cake: the use of rhyme and repetition.

‘I know what to do!

I’ll mix some red and some white in this pot

stir it all up

and look what I’ve got!’

I recommend for all 0 – 4 year-olds. It’s a sturdy book too so it will survive those destructive little fingers.

DOWN: None

RATING

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  1. Do some painting wit your child (on paper, not the room please!) and mix colours while you’re at it!
  2. See excerpt here: http://www.eenhoorn.be/foreign_rights/prinses-arabella-maakt-kleuren.html (warning, it’s in Dutch!)

CHALLENGE: Princess Arabella Mixes Colours

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Mix colours just like Arabella and use them to colour 5 shapes. (2 – 4 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 2 – 4 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book. Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Tuesday February 14th 2017.

Next Book of the Week:

BROWN BEAR BROWN BEAR WHAT CAN YOU SEE by Eric Carle

 

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photo credit: cassavarepublic.biz

 

 

The Story of Islam

AGES 8 - 12, BOOK REVIEW, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Title: The Story of Islam

Author: Rob Lloyd Jones

Publisher: Usborne Publishing (Young Reading Series 3)

Number of pages: 61

Type of Book: Non-Fiction; History; Educational

Age: 8+

Buy it here: http://product.chelisbookazine.com/product-tag/young-reading-series-3/page/6/?orderby=date; https://www.amazon.com/Story-Islam-Usborne-Young-Reading/dp/0794518656

Price: N690; $5.86

MY SUMMARY

The story of Islam began with an ordinary man, an Arabian called Muhammad. In year 610, on a mountain close to Mecca, Muhammad sat alone in a cave when, out of nowhere, a voice spoke to him. The voice told him he was a messenger of God, an angel. Through that angel and some visions, he received revelations directing him to start a new religion, Islam. Muhammad spread the doctrines of this religion by word of mouth and with the use of animal skins but it wasn’t well received by Meccans. Muslims were persecuted for about 20 years until they took over Mecca after a war in year 630. Muhammad died two years later in year 632 but that was only the beginning of the religion. Over the next ten centuries, Muhammad’s Muslim army grew under the care of several successors (caliphs) and conquered several nations around Arabia, Christian and pagan alike, converting many to Islam. However, there was trouble in paradise. The Muslims had split into two groups, the Sunni Muslims and the Shi’ites.

Read this book to learn about these groups, the Abbasids, a group of Shi’ite Muslims who brought a period of great wealth, knowledge of the arts and sciences and culture to the world and the magnificent city of Baghdad; the Ottomans, arguably the greatest Muslims that ever lived; the Taj Mahal, the resting place of the Mughal empress, Shah Jahan, and the Crusades, the centuries-long war between Christians and Muslims over the holy city of Jerusalem.

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: This book gives a brief but information-packed history of Islam with pictures, maps and illustrations and the most vivid words, I have read in a book in a very long time.  I have read it twice already. It’s a little slice of world history. I recommend for parents and children alike especially for lovers of history.

DOWN: None.

RATING

5 Stars

TRIVIA

  1. Islam: Submission to God’s will; Muslims: those who submit to God’s will
  2. The Five Pillars of Islam: Shahadah: a declaration that there is only one true God, Allah and Muhammad is his messenger; 2. Salah: prayers said 5 times a day facing in the direction of Mecca; 3. Charity, giving Zakah – a percentage of savings- to the poor; 4. Fasting (Sawm) in the month of Ramadan and 5. Hajj: a pilgrimage to Mecca
  3. صلى الله عليه وسلم (salla alllah ealayh wasallam) is said every time the Prophet Muhammad’s name is mentioned. It means ‘Peace be upon him’.
  4. Muhammad was buried in a tomb which was placed in: The Mosque of the Prophet, in Medina, ‘The City of the Prophet’.
  5. Some achievements of the Golden Age of Islam: Literature: One thousand and one nights (Tales from Arabian nights) one of the best collections of stories and poems from the Arabian empire (read a review of one of the stories, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves here); Baghdad, the most spectacular city in the world at the time, the House of Wisdom, an enormous library filled with books from which many of their ideas were birthed, Astrolabes and Magnetic compasses: helped people travel the world and used later by Europeans to discover America!

VIEW SAMPLE PAGES HERE: https://usborne.com/browse-books/catalogue/product/1/2338/the-story-of-islam/#&gid=1&pid=1

CHALLENGE: The Story of Islam

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Write a 300-word essay on the story of Islam in Nigeria. (8 – 9 year olds)

OR

  1. Draw a picture using only the details in the first four lines of the last sample page. See the link above for sample pages

 

  1. Write a 500-word essay on the story of Christianity (10-12 year olds)

OR

  1. Draw a picture using only the details in the first four lines of the last sample page. See the link above for sample pages

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 8-12 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book. Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Sunday, February 5th 2017. 

Next Book of the Week:

THE LAST DAYS AT FORCADOS HIGH SCHOOL by A. H. Mohammed

 

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photo credit: usborne.com

 

Preye and the Sea of Plastic

AGES 4 - 8, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

Title: Preye and the Sea of Plastic

Author: Fatima Akilu

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press

Number of pages: 32

Type of Book: Fiction; Educational

Age: 4 – 8

Buy it here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/products/preye-and-the-sea-of-plastic

Price: N1200

MY SUMMARY

Preye is plagued by the plastic bags strewn all over his neighbourhood; on the playground, in the farms and markets, on the roads, everywhere. One day, he decides to take matters into his own hands and he starts an action group made up of kids! This group storms the District Head’s Office and then the local TV station to get adults to help their cause. Eventually, they make a film/documentary about the harmful effects of the use of plastic bags on the environment. This film makes the kids popular and soon enough, they are giving speeches in different towns and having meetings with the president! Better still, they convince market sellers to use paper bags and raffia baskets in place of plastic bags! Read the book to find out what Preye (maybe) plans to do next!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: It shows kids that they can make a difference in the world, irrespective of their age. It shows also the advantages of team work (the kids in the action group had to split into 3 groups of 5 to conduct research, film and conduct interviews for their film (documentary)). Most importantly, it shows young readers the importance of keeping our environment safe and clean for man and animals and that they are just as responsible for it as the adults are!

DOWN: None. Well, I wish it showed kids simple practical ways to keep the environment clean e.g. by putting rubbish in bins instead of dumping them on the road, turning some to compost, etc. For kid friendly tips on saving the environment, read our next book of the week, “Help Your Parents Save the Planet”. Subscribe now and get it in your mail!

RATING

4 Stars

TRIVIA

  1. The subject of this story is the Millennium Development Goal of Ensuring Environmental Sustainability.

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  1. Read an excerpt here: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0103/7312/files/Excerpt_for_website_Pages_from_Preye_2011.pdf?3621
  2. Learn more about the Millennium Development Goals here: https://www.unicef.org/mdg/files/childfriendlymdgs_edited.pdf

 

CHALLENGE: Preye and the Sea of Plastic

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

Read the story above and answer the questions below:

  1. List 3 simple things you can do to keep your environment clean (4 – 6 year olds)
  1. List the Millennium Development Goals? (7 – 8 year olds)

OR

  1. Do something to help your community and write a 100-word essay about it (7 – 8 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 4 – 8 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Friday, February 3rd 2017.

Next Book of the Week:

AALIYAH LEARNS A NEW DANCE by Fatima Akilu

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photo credit: cassavarepublic.biz

 

Dear Zoo

AGES 0 - 4, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Title: Dear Zoo (A Lift-the-Flap Book) and Dear Zoo (A Touch and Feel Book)

Author: Rod Campbell

Publisher: Little Simon /Macmillan Children’s Books

Number of pages: 18

Type of Book: Fiction, Educational

Age: 0 – 4

Buy it here: http://readingcorner.ng/P3415-Dear-zoo-touch-and-feel-C665.asp;  https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Zoo-Lift-Flap-Book/dp/141694737X ; https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0230757871

Price: N2620; $5.29; £9.98

MY SUMMARY

The book starts with this line:

“I wrote to the zoo to send me a pet and they sent me an …”

The remaining sixteen (16) pages show eight (8) different animals sent to the narrator from the zoo. He rejects the first seven (7) as they wouldn’t make suitable pets and decided to keep the eighth (8th) one, the puppy. The book introduces toddlers to animals, especially animals they would see in regular zoos (or in everyday life) such as the puppy, frog, snake, monkey, etc. There are two versions of this book, a Lift-the-Flap version and a Touch-and-Feel version.

In the Lift-the-Flap Book, the animals come half-hidden in wooden crates and young readers would have fun guessing what animals lie hidden in the crates.

In the Touch-and-Feel Book, the animals aren’t hidden, but they have body parts with different textures that toddlers can touch and feel.

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: Your little one will learn about eight (8) animals and some of their features. She will touch the frog’s sticky icky feet and the giraffe’s long, hairy neck and put her finger in the lion’s mouth!

Both books are interactive and have their strengths, ultimately, they will bring knowledge and laughter to young readers. Did you know, this book was first published in 1982? Yes! 35 years ago! It is loved by toddlers all over the world and has sold over 5 million copies.

It’s a must have for toddlers and their moms (and dads, aunties, uncles, grandparents). My 2.75 year old loves it to pieces!! He loves lifting the flaps and making the animal sounds

DOWN: None

RATING

5 Stars

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  1. Learn more exciting things about the animals such as the sounds they make, food they eat, etc. Make the animal sounds while reading the book.
  2. Play a guessing game. Before lifting the flap, ask your toddler to guess what animal lies hidden in the crate.
  3. Better still, visit Dear Zoo and friends here for more FUN !!!
  4. Visit a real zoo after reading the book.

CHALLENGE: Dear Zoo 

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Draw and colour 5 animals in the book. (2 – 4 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 2 – 4 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book and a free ticket to LUFASI Nature Park, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on February, 1st 2017.

Next Book of the Week:

PRESS HERE by Hervé Tullet

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photo credit: amazon.com

No! Don’t Touch Me There

AGES 0 - 4, AGES 4 - 8, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Title: No! Don’t Touch Me There

Author: Nomthi Odukoya

Publisher: Grace Springs Africa Publishers

Number of pages: 24

Type of Book: Educational

Age: 0 – 4; 4-8

Buy it here: http://www.konga.com/o-no-don-oat-touch-me-there-oa-1992382; http://gracespringsafricapublishers.com/product/dont-touch-me-there/; Kindle edition: https://www.amazon.com/No-Dont-Touch-Me-There-ebook/dp/B01EW28LFC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1481710611&sr=1-1&keywords=no+don%27t+touch+me+there

Price: N600; N500; $4:99

MY SUMMARY

In this book, Ada and Ade familiarize themselves with parts of their bodies, especially those parts that should be private and should not be touched by other people. They learn about boundaries and what to do when someone tries to cross or crosses those boundaries by trying to touch or touching them inappropriately, especially when this improper behaviour is accompanied by a request for secrecy, gifts or a threat. They learn to shout, “Noooooooooooooooo!!!” in the face of inappropriate behaviour, to protect themselves when their parents cannot.

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: Sadly, child molestation is a pervasive ill in our society and it thrives because of lack of information, shame and fear. This book tries to protect our little angels by giving them the tools to protect themselves when we can’t. It teaches children from age 1 about the sanctity of the human body. It empowers them to protect themselves by protecting their bodies, calling out any improper behaviour and speaking to a trusted adult immediately in spite of threats, gifts and oaths of secrecy. It shows them what to do when a threat is imminent. It is a treasure for mothers of girls AND boys aged 1 and above.

The title is quite catchy and just perfect!

THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR ALL PARENTS AND CHILDREN BELOW 8.

DOWN: Sometimes, molestation involves, making the victim touch or do other inappropriate things to the aggressor. I feel this important aspect wasn’t properly addressed in the book.

RATING

5 Stars

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  1. Teach your toddler how to yell a resounding “Nooooooooo!”
  2. Play a ‘sharing secrets’ game with your older child. The aim: to make them understand that they can tell you ANYTHING.
  3. Play a ‘what I learnt from this book” game.

CHALLENGE: No! Don’t Touch Me There

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Draw and colour the parts of the body highlighting the parts that should be kept private. (4 – 5 year olds)
  2. Write a 100-word essay titled “What I learnt from this book” (6 – 8 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 4 – 8 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Wednesday, January 25th 2017.

Next Book of the Week:

DEAR ZOO by Rod Campbell (0 – 4)

PREYE AND PLASTIC by Fatima Akila (4 -8)

 

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photo credit: amazon.com

No! Don’t Touch Me There

AGES 0 - 4, AGES 4 - 8, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

41kdtxukzul-_sx260_

Title: No! Don’t Touch Me There

Author: Nomthi Odukoya

Publisher: Grace Springs Africa Publishers

Number of pages: 24

Type of Book: Educational

Age: 0 – 4; 4-8

Buy it here: http://www.konga.com/o-no-don-oat-touch-me-there-oa-1992382; http://gracespringsafricapublishers.com/product/dont-touch-me-there/; Kindle edition: https://www.amazon.com/No-Dont-Touch-Me-There-ebook/dp/B01EW28LFC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1481710611&sr=1-1&keywords=no+don%27t+touch+me+there

Price: N600; N500; $4:99

MY SUMMARY

In this book, Ada and Ade familiarize themselves with parts of their bodies, especially those parts that should be private and should not be touched by other people. They learn about boundaries and what to do when someone tries to cross or crosses those boundaries by trying to touch or touching them inappropriately, especially when this improper behaviour is accompanied by a request for secrecy, gifts or a threat. They learn to shout, “Noooooooooooooooo!!!” in the face of inappropriate behaviour, to protect themselves when their parents cannot.

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: Sadly, child molestation is a pervasive ill in our society and it thrives because of lack of information, shame and fear. This book tries to protect our little angels by giving them the tools to protect themselves when we can’t. It teaches children from age 1 about the sanctity of the human body. It empowers them to protect themselves by protecting their bodies, calling out any improper behaviour and speaking to a trusted adult immediately in spite of threats, gifts and oaths of secrecy. It shows them what to do when a threat is imminent. It is a treasure for mothers of girls AND boys aged 1 and above.

The title is quite catchy and just perfect!

THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR ALL PARENTS AND CHILDREN BELOW 8.

DOWN: Sometimes, molestation involves, making the victim touch or do other inappropriate things to the aggressor. I feel this important aspect wasn’t properly addressed in the book.

RATING

5 Stars

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  1. Teach your toddler how to yell a resounding “Nooooooooo!”
  2. Play a ‘sharing secrets’ game with your older child. The aim: to make them understand that they can tell you ANYTHING.
  3. Play a ‘what I learnt from this book” game.

CHALLENGE: No! Don’t Touch Me There

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Draw and colour the parts of the body highlighting the parts that should be kept private. (4 – 5 year olds)
  2. Write a 100-word essay titled “What I learnt from this book” (6 – 8 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 4 – 8 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Wednesday, January 25th 2017.

Next Book of the Week:

DEAR ZOO by Rod Campbell (0 – 4)

PREYE AND PLASTIC by Fatima Akila (4 -8)

 

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photo credit: amazon.com

How to Build Your Own Country

AGES 8 - 12, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Title: How to Build Your Own Country

Author: Valerie Wyatt

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press/Kids Can Press

Number of pages: 40

Type of Book: Contemporary, Fiction

Age: 8+

Available here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/products/how-to-build-your-own-country; http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Your-Country-CitizenKid/dp/1554533104

Price: N800; $13.85

MY SUMMARY

Imagine having your own country! Better still, imagine having your own country and having it named after yourself! The Federal Republic of Ugochinyelu J Impossible right? Think again!!

Valerie Wyatt says building your own country is easy-peasy, as easy as 1 -2 – 3! All you have to do: 1. Stake your identity by creating your country’s flag, money and national anthem; 2. Run your country by holding elections, forming governments and making laws, etc., and 3. meet your neighbours and join organizations.

But is it really that easy? How will you find a population for your country, hold elections, make laws, create your own money and national anthem, write a constitution, etc.?

Read the book to find out!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: Humour. This is edutainment at its best. It is truly an excellent ‘How To’ guide for building a country especially for kids. It is packed with information on how to make laws, write a constitution, create passports, money, flags, etc. It also has a template for creating a national anthem. It is also filled with fun facts such as funny laws made in the world, the largest, smallest, poorest and richest countries in the world, etc.  A valuable reference tool for teachers and parents on the subject of civic education.

Replete with fun filled projects, it is the perfect book to keep your kids (boys and girls alike) busy for an entire weekend at the very least.

The illustrations are fantastic! They add to the general quirkiness of the book.

DOWN:  None. Warning! There is an image of a decapitated head of state.

RATING

5 Stars 

TRIVIA

  1. How old was the youngest person who started a micronation? 5 years old! Eric Lis started a micronation called the Aerican Empire in 1987. It boasts over 400 citizens!
  2. In 2006, Duncan MacDonald cast his vote in an election. The problem? Duncan is a dog!
  3. A funny law made in Thailand: It is illegal to leave your house if you’re not wearing underwear!
  4. How to name your country after yourself? Chop off he last bit of your name (first or last) and add ‘a’ or ‘ia’ OR tack on ‘land’ or ‘stan’.
  5. How to create your own national anthem? Use words like “glory, freedom, victory, honour” and pick a catchy tune like ‘Old MacDonald’s Has a Farm’ or ‘Walking on Sunshine’

Read an excerpt here: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0103/7312/files/Excerpts_for_website_Pages_from_HowToBuildYourOwnCountry_2029_Text_17022013_5_10.pdf?3662

Watch the book trailer here:

CHALLENGE: How to Build Your Own Country

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Write short 75-word paragraphs on the following forms of government. Plus: countries that have these forms of government. a. Oligarchy b. Democracy c. Theocracy d. Autocracy e. Single Party

OR

  1. Build your own country.

Create samples of your Passport, Money, Flag and National Anthem (plus tune)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 8-12 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Sunday, March 6th 2016.

Next Book of the Week: 

ADAEZE THE TRUE PRINCESS by Nnenna Ochiche