Favorite Books

I just realized I haven't really been posting some of our favorite books.

So here are some of our favorite picture books:

1. Henry and Mudge and the Wild Wind by Cynthia Rylant (about overcoming fear of the thunderstorm with imagination)

2. A Mirror to Nature (poems about reflections; beautiful nature photos) by Jane Yolen
- I personally love the Spoonbill Haiku poem
(The Princess of birds.
Her only competition
Is her reflection.)

3. Matthew's Dreams by Leo Lionni ( we love all the Lionni's books)

4. Brambly Hedge The High Hills by Jill Barklem (W loved this one)

5. Ming Lo Moves the Mountain by Arnold Lobel (We might not change our circumstances but we can change ourselves; kind of remind me the book Who moved my cheese)

6. Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares (great book on B.F and a little math thrown in)- both kids really loved this one.

7. The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoe by Du Bose Heyward (W really liked this one)
- Easter book; Jen of Ancient Hearth did a wonderful review of the book

8. Shiela Rae, The Brave by Kevin Henkes (About a very brave little mouse who got scared when she was lost)

9. Share the Sky by Ting-xing Ye (This book reminds me of when I first came to America and making kites with my dad in China)

10. I lost my kisses by Trudie Trewin (really cute book)

Favorite book series

J's got a new favorite book series and it is none other than The Puppy Place series. They are all about dogs. She takes those books everywhere, reads them whenever she get a chance (including sneak reading few pages while in the car), while she's walking, and is asking for more. I have never seen her crazy about a book like that. Wonder if she would like a dog? ;-)

I read a few pages but wasn't captivated though the cover picture of dogs on each book is very cute.

A bookish day

It was mostly about books today. We read many books today, some was in Chinese and some about China in English. J also read few Chinese stories using pin-yin (Chinese phonetic system). Prime is still really into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle books so that was his read-aloud. We also went to the library and guess what, got more books. Here is one of the books we got and it was delightful. And the good thing is Prime can understand all the Chinese I said because of the pictures.




A few of J's creations with the help of scissors and toothpick.


Prime wanted to do his own thing. He created and played with his creations for a couple of hours.

We also spoke a lot of Chinese today and went to the our local Chinese grocery store. We got some of the kids' favorite Chinese food: dumplings, and coconut cracker for lunch and some other stuff. Perhaps we'll make some sweet egg rolls if there's time tomorrow.

Few of J's favorite books

1. Secret Garden

2. Rascal

3. Sarah, Plain and Tall series

4. Princess of the world ( I love the drawings in this book)

5. Harry Kitten and Tucker Mouse

6. Call of Courage ( This book deserves another reading; fantastic descriptions, very rich vocabulary. It is advanced for 7 year-old but an 8 or 9 year old would appreciate this)

Books we love

1. The Tasha Tudor book of Fairy Tales, selected, edited, and illustrated by Tasha Tudor
Special Thanks to Dawn @ Renaissance MaMa for recommending Tasha Tudor as an author. I have read many version of fairy tales, and I feel her version is the one that speaks to me the most and to my children.

2. A is for Annabelle: A Doll's Alphabet by Tasha Tudor

3. Mad about Madeline (The complete Tales by Ludwig Bemelmans) Loved by J and Prime; many word rhymes makes it fun to read.

4. Once Upon A Cool Motorcycle Dude by Keven O'Malley (You will appreciate this book if you have a boy and girl and even if you don't, your boy or girl can still appreciate the difference a girl and boy thinks. Fun book.)

fun in the rain and book we love

Today, it was raining off and on. Since the kids likes to play in water, we went outside. J especially love to pull on the tree branches to get water on her hair. The kids found some puddles of water and had fun playing.

rain drops of J, and rain drops on W (to the tune of Sound of Music, "rain drops on roses")

You are so much fun and we love you too.

Come again soon and give us more water

we will always be thankful for you.

The books J and Prime have been enjoying,

1."Snug as a bug" by Michael Elsohn Ross (cute bedtime story)
2. "A book of friends" by Dave Ross( J really liked it since it was about friendship)
3. "Pat the bunny" by Dorothy Kunhardt (J loved this one with all the textures)
4. "The Barefoot book of Trickster tales" Retold by Richard Walker (J and Prime really like trickster stories)
5. The Barefoot book of Animal Tales from Around the World ( J liked most of the stories whereas Prime was a little hit or miss)
6. Woody, Hazel and Little Pip by Elsa Beskow ( J liked this one as did I. This was cute and very nicely illustrated)
7. Jam & Jelly by Holly and Nellie by Gloria Whelan ( J really like this one too as it is something tangible that she can see herself doing)

* J is still reading Prince and Pauper from Classic Starts. This series is her favorite.

Books Prime and J are reading

Prime is still loving his Franklin books.

1. Franklin's music lesson
2. Franklin and the Duckling
3. Franklin's Surprise
4. Franklin the Detective
5. Franklin Stays Up

He also borrowed,
1. Bunnies and Their Hobbies by Nancy Carlson (He learned the word "hobby")
2. Aunt Eater Loves a Mystery by Doug Cushman

Both the kid really liked
1. Comet's Nine Lives by Jan Brett
2. Rapunzel by Jacob and Wilhem Grimm
* J has been enjoying some of the Grimm's fairy tales. She likes the fairytale book with pictures.
3. The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman


J's favorite books are still from Classic Starts. She is currently reading "Heidi".

She got more Grimm's fairy tales yesterday after liking Rapunzel but didn't like them any of them except : Fairy Tales of the Brothers GRIMM adapted by David Wenzel, Douglas Wheeler (Little Snow White; The Three Sluggards and The Shoemaker & the Elves) by Brothers Grimm * She really liked this one*

* I also borrowed for them to try,
1. Fables by Arnold Lobel (The Caldecott Metal). I don't think they are ready for most of them. They certainly didn't understand the "lesson" in these stories and even though I found quite a few of the ones funny, the kids didn't really understand the few I thought was funny nor did they think it was funny.

2. Thorton Burgess Animal Stories (

Book sharing Monday

I'm participating in book sharing Mondays. For my book sharing this week, I want to share one of J's favorite books of all time. I apologize for not having a picture to share with you, but there is a picture of the cover on amazon.

The Lemonade Club by Patrica Polacco.

J says she like this book because it is about best friends helping each other.

Summary from Amazon in case you you'd like to know.

"Everyone loves Miss Wichelman’s fifth-grade class—especially best friends Traci and Marilyn. That’s where they learn that when life hands you lemons, make lemonade! They are having a great year until Traci begins to notice some changes in Marilyn. She’s losing weight, and seems tired all the time. She has leukemia—and a tough road of chemotherapy ahead. It is not only Traci and Miss Wichelman who stand up for her, but in a surprising and unexpected turn, the whole fifth-grade class, who figures out a way to say we’re with you. In true Polacco fashion, this book turns lemons into lemonade and celebrates amazing life itself. "

Books we read

I almost forgot to record the books we read. Anyway,

J loved reading

1. Little Princess (classic starts)
2. Tom Sawyer (classic starts)

Thanks Lisa! These are the best! We love them.

We also enjoyed reading,

1. Rookie Read-about Science series
a. Vegetables, Vegetables;
b. Giant Pandas: Gifts from China
c. Busy, Buzzy Bees
2. Children Just like Me
3. My first pocket Guide Backyard Wilderness
4. The Usborne First Encyclopedia of Space
5. The Rainbabies by Laura K. Melmed
(and some other children's books on gardening that I returned before writing the titles down- but we enjoyed those as well)

We also watched Little Travelers- British Isles. The kids really liked this video so we are planning to watch more. I believer there are 2 more videos in this series.

Books that inspire

Here is a partial listing of our reading books for the week. One particular book that especially touched me was "The Happy Hedgehog" by Marcus Pfister.

In a world that place a lot of emphasis on success and on "doing" (my grandmother have a really hard time doing nothing and and same with the children's paternal grandfather -he frowns on it when he sees people doing nothing) and on achievement (this is so emphasized when I was growing up in China as a young child that its still deeply ingrained in me that often I will fall into this trap), this book is so refreshing. I think I will buy it and keep me grounded when I am tempted to "push" my children or feel like I just haven't done enough or well enough. It's a constant struggle and that balance seem to be illusive for me. I forgot who recommended this book but thank you, what a wonderful, wonderful book.

J's book discussion of the month is "Beans on the Roof" by Besty Byars. This one J says is just okay. I also got her "The frog princess" by E.D. Baker. This was a recommendation from a 7 y.o. so I hope J likes it as well.

She also really enjoyed reading,

1. "Children just like me- a unique celebration of children around the world" by Barnabas & Anabel Kindersley
2. "A Genuine and Moste Authentic Guide: Princess: A Glittering Guide for Young Ladies " by M. Sparklington and Stella Gurney

Prime enjoyed,
1. The owl who was afraid of the dark by Jill Tomlinson
2. The tale of Jemima Puddle-duck (a pop-up book) by Beatrix Potter

We also have,
1. My first pocket guide - Backyard wilderness from National Geographic
2. Animals Raising Offspring by Wendy Perkins
3. In my garden (a children's gardening book) by Helen & Kelly Oechsli

Mostly, they have enjoyed watching "Avatar- The last air bender" this week and acting out scenes from the video. Daddy and I enjoyed watching as well.

I noticed....

Whenever J makes a discovery, she starts her sentence with "I noticed....". This morning, she said, "Mommy, I noticed that every time I go to the hold shelf and picks up the books from there, I always like it." :)

That's because those are books were recommended or specially mentioned by someone else. But its cute she notices these things. Books she is talking about about and we read this morning are,

" The stone cutter - A Japanese folk tale" by Gerald McDermott
"Pelle's New suit" by Elsa Beskow
"Over in the Meadow" by Erza Jack Keats
"James Herriot's Treasury for Children"

Books Prime and J are reading

We are currently reading,

1. James Herriot's Treasury for Children (We only read 1 story so far, but the kids love it!!! J says it is her all time favorite. We read, "Moses the Kitten". Thanks to Magic Onions for recommending this book! )

2. Lost in the Woods by Carl Sams II and Jean Stoick (This was really fun, especially finding the animals that was hidden in the book. I cannot for the life of me find the Tiger Swallow butterfly. Thanks to Joy B from You know how we are an art family. )

3. Around the World in 80 Tales by Saviour Pirotta ( Many fabulous tales)

4. The Legend of The BlueBonnet by Tomie DePaola ( Lovely story)

5. A Little Princess Retold from the Frances Hodgson Burnett original by Sterling Publisher (Thanks for Lisa from 5 Oranges Potatoes for recommending the Sterling classic series. We can't wait to read it!)

6. A Treasury of Stories for Six Years olds Chosen by Edward and Nacny Blishen (Some excellent stories in there. )

**** Still working on The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo. We really like this book but is taking a little while for us to finish. And we love all the Trickster stories by G. McDermott .Thanks to Harvest Moon from Along the Crooked Path and Brer Rabbit stories recommended by Amy from Live, Learn, Knit. **********

Books and more

More books we read and are reading. Can you tell we love books? I would say we probably go to the library at least 2 times a week. I have to pick up my hold items and have lots on request. :) Usually we go to a park with a nice play structure nearby afterward where the kids play and I read. :) Sometimes, we also go to school playground if school is not in session. :) J and Prime love to run in the open field and I love to watch them and soak it all in. :)

1. First the egg by Laura V Seegar (this book is really cute)
2. Just like heaven by Patrick McDonnell (creator of the Mutt's comic strip)
3. Trickster stories by Gerald McDremott
a. Zomo The Rabbit (Prime and J loved this one too)
b. The Magic Tree (J's favorite)
c. Papagayo (J loved)
d. Raven (J loved)
e. Coyote (this one is okay, says J)
f. The Fox and the Stork (J loved)
4. Math-terpieces (The art of problem solving) by Greg Tang
5. This little Light of Mine, adapted by Rachel Lisberg (cd + story)
6. Daisy Jane - Best Ever Flower Girl by Megan McDonald
7. Animal Talk by Melissa McDaniel
8. Count your Way through Afria by Jim Haskins (haven't read)
9. Too many Leprechauns by Stephen Krensky (Fabulous book, we all loved this one)
10. Number Puzzles by Rose Griffiths (Prime wanted this one. He wants his own calculator)
11.Farmer's Market Rounding by Julie Dalton (I might try this with J and have her bring a little notebook when we go to our get our fruit/veggies)
12. Japanese Celebrations- Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns and Stars by Betty Reynolds (haven't read)
13. If you made a million by David M. Shwartz (haven't read)
**** J is also reading The Tale of Despereaux" (Fabulous book)***************

Here are few more pictures from yesterday:

They played for a long time in the sand box. This is one of J's favorite activity, getting the bark off the tree. She is afraid to use a knife, so she uses a nail. She wants to make her own knitting needles and that is why she is doing it in case you are wondering.


Look at the mostly bare stick. :) Prime wanted me to take a picture of his creation. He is happy with it and says that it is a castle. J put the nail in there and says that is the "top".

Our books list

Here is our reading list for the week

1. Roman Numerals I to MM by Arthur Geisert
2. One Hundred is a Family by Pam M Ryan (Prime liked this one)
3. Not in box by Antoinette Portis
4. The Three Questions (based on a story by Leo Tolstory) by Jon J. Muth (J liked this one)
5. What's the big Idea, Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz (audio)
6. Flowers by Lynn Stone
7. Fresh from the Family Farm (Video) by Z Media (the kids really like this and asked to renew)
8. If you lived in Colonial times (still reading, little bit at a time)
*** We are also reading other books which I posted earlier***

I'm reading :
1. Roots, Shoots Buckets and Boots by Sharon Lovejoy
2. A kids' herb book by Lesley Tierra (Lisa recommended)
3. Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv (Lisa recommended) Kids are listening to stories from this book .
4. Learning all the time by John Holt
5. Painting with Children by Brunhild Muller (Waldorf's way)

Yesterday, a friend of ours asked what J's "favorite subject" was and she said it was grammar. :) I think that is because our grammar session is super short, 5 minutes a day. J really like the pace, nice and slow but over time it does accumulate. Since we have started, she memorized 2 poems, did quite a few summaries and has been learning all about nouns and practicing to answer questions in complete sentences.

More books from Kate Dicamillo

J loved Kate DiCamillo's book (Mercy Watson to the rescue). She read that book 3 or 4 times and even read it to Prime. They were having a grand time doing their own book discussion. J even wanted to read it while in the car. She discussed this book with other 1st and 2nd graders at the library.

So we got more books today by Kate DiCamillo:
1. Mercy Watson goes for a ride
2. Mercy Wason fights Crime. Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise (this is on cd as the book is checked out)
3. The Tale of Despereaux
4. Because of Winn-Dixie (they didn't have the book, so we got audio tapes instead)

We also borrowed,
5. Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag
6. The Curious Adventures of the Abandoned Toys by Julian Fellowes
7. A kid's herb book for Children of all ages by Lesley Tierra (I believe Lisa recommended this, and it came today. I'm so excited! Thanks, Lisa!)

Reading books for the week

I have decided to write down the books we read each week so I can go back and find it later for Prime if need to be and just to track our reading progress. Maybe others will find some use. I always look up other recommended books.

J's reading list
1. Knitting Nell by J. Roth (read) Love it!
2. Mercy Watson to the Resue by Kate Dicamillo (read) Love it!
3. A Picture Book of Benjamin Franklin by David A. Adler
4. Forest Fire! by Mary Ann Frazer (read) Love it!
5. American Kids in History Colonial Days By David C. King (read) Fabulous!
6. Greek Myth by Geraldine McCaughrean (work in progress) Good to read it one story at a time.
7. Katie Kazoo Switcheroo Get Lost by Nancy Krulik J love most books in this series.
8. If You lived in Colonial Times by Ann McGovern Fabulous! 9. Beginning to end Sheep to Sweater by Julie Murray
10. Anno's math games III by Mitsumasa Anno Prime love this book a lot even though it is more for J but works for him too!
11. A handful of Dirt by Raymond Bial I really like this more than the kids. :)
12. Caterpillar by mulitple authors


Prime's reading list
1. Eloise has a lesson by Kay thompson Love it!
2. Harold and the purple crayon Race Car by Liza Baker
3. Maket Day by Amery and Cartwright
4. Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth
5. Where are you going? To See My Friend by E. Carle & K. Iwamura
6. Alphabet Town
a. Raccoon's adventure,
b. Fox's adventure,
c.. Kangaroo's adventure,
d. Goat's adventure,
e.Quarterback's adventure by Janet mcDonnell Prime love this series of books and we use it to work on his reading skills informally. Previously read Nightingale's adventure, Bear's adventure, and few others. He doesn't like me to return them but when he finds I borrowed others for him, he is thrilled. :)

Joy of reading with a sibling

I heard J reading to Prime, then I found them like this. The sweetness of having a sibling.


J likes being a "mother" to Prime and Prime likes sitting on people in our family, whether its me, daddy and now even J. Finally, J asked Prime to get off but she still read to him.

Check out this cool cook book for kids. "The Star War cookbook Wookiee Cookies and other Galactic Recipes" by Robin Davis. J already asked me if we could try out some of these recipes.

And this is the coolest ABC book ever by Marion Bataille.


Giving you a peak; lots of surprises and the 3D is very cool. C to D; I and J; U; V; add the mirror and you have W. Prime loves looking through this ABC book.

spinning top

I'm not sure where the top came from, either from Chuckie E Cheese's gift bag or maybe from AWANA, but W boy had a good time spinning it this morning. First he was little frustrated that his top stopped so quickly, but after a little lesson about balance and some practice, he did it! (another good little practice with fine motor skills)


Okay, I will show you how to spin a top. Balance.........See, how it goes? Round and round it goes.
That's it. I did it!

W continues to love to listen to stories. Here is a current favorite: A Treasury of Mouse Stories by Beatrix Potter. He loves to pick the story he wants to hear from the collection. Another big hit with both J/W: The Lemonade Club by Patrica Polacco. This is a story about when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. When Marilyn discovers she has leukemia, her best friend, her teacher, and even her whole class is there to say we are with you all the way by shaving their head. And when Marilyn's teacher learns she got a challenge of her own, Marilyn finds a way to help her fight back. Lovely story!