News from England says that Young spy breaks the spell of boy wizard. This means that Anthony Horowitz’s massively popular Alex Rider series has toppled Harry Potter from the top of the book charts. Horowitz now has seven titles in the top 20 children’s bestsellers, something that Rowling can’t even hope to approach until she releases the final novel in the Harry Potter series.
Day: August 9, 2006
Chimpanzees of Happytown
The Chimpanzees of Happytown by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees.
Andreae and Parker-Rees create picturebooks filled with vibrant color and very cool animals. Their newest is no different. The chimpanzees of Drabsville, USA live in a grey world with no trees, no parks, just concrete. But then Chutney, a world-traveling chimp arrives with a seed. Unfortunately, when he plants it the mayor notices and orders the plant cut down and Chutney thrown into jail. But all is not lost. The boy and girl chimps next door to Chutney continue to water the seed and it turns into a huge plant that comforts Chutney in his jail cell. When Chutney is released from jail, he calls for the population of Drabville to rebel. The colors become wild pinks, purples and oranges filled with a profusion of flowers and trees.
The book may be a little obvious for parents, but I have shared it with children and they all adored the message and the transformation. The book ends with: “And things will always blossom if we dare to set them free. It’s no different for a little flower than for a chimpanzee.” This book has a strong environmental message making it a nice addition to environment or nature units for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
Please Play Safe
Please play safe: Penguin’s guide to playground safety by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand.
Safety books can be deadly serious, dull and dismal, but this one has a broad sense of humor and will get kids giggling. What more could be asked for in a safety book? The book demonstrates first how NOT to be safe and then shows how to act safely on a playground. When the dangerous way is shown, the text asks “Is that right?” If you are sharing this with a group or even a single child, expect them to vigorously protest that it is wrong even though they are laughing at the very idea. The pattern and rhythm of the book, its humor and participation aspects (as well as the potential for readers adding zany sound effects) make this a great choice for safety units in preschool and kindergarten.
Waking Brain Cells 