Saturday, April 30, 2011

"Z" is for Zoom into "Finance for Kidz"

"Finance for Kidz"
A Series of Financial Books for Kids!
author: Dr. Prakash Dheeriya

Excerpt: "It was Thanksgiving Day, and the Zrugal family had planned and cooked a feast. Their mom, Mrs. Zrugal, was the main chef. The boys, Zimmy, the older brother and zyler, the youngest, ran around and around helping their mother measure and pour and mix."

Dr. Prakash Dheeriya is a professor of finance at California State University-Dominguez Hills and author of Finance for Kidz, a 20-volume series of books that teaches children about money management, personal finance and planning for the future. www.Finance4kidz.com
  •         Top 10 Ways to Incorporate Financial Principals in your Parenting 

  • Compensate your children for extraordinary effort, work or errand done, particularly if they do it without being told. Reward them for positive change in their behavior.

  • Don’t reward with material things or money for being a member of the family or for doing what a child is supposed to do.

  • Remember that every moment with your child is a teachable moment. For example, when driving to school, show them the prices on gas stations and explain why they change so often. Explain the prices using concepts of demand and supply.

  • Take your children grocery shopping. While in a store, tell them they need to buy a cereal box, or some item. Give them money and tell them to pick one and to do it wisely. If they can count money, ask them to complete the purchase transaction on their own. Discuss what they did right and what they can do better next time.

  • Teach children the value of comparison shopping.

  • Make use of coupons in their presence. Show them the value of buying in bulk, shopping at garage sales and flea markets.

  • Take your children to the bank and open a savings account in their name and request an ATM card for them. Once you receive the card, show them how to deposit cash using an ATM. Once in a while, show them how cash is withdrawn. Ask them to keep a running total of their balance.

  • When paying for a dinner at a restaurant, ask your children who will pay for the meal and how they should pay for the meal – via cash, check or credit card. Talk to them about pros and cons of using a credit card.

  • Talk to children about identity theft and the importance of protecting personal information from strangers. This can be done while completing a school application form, writing a check or paying for toys in a toy store.

  • Explain to your children that money is just a tool and they don’t need it to make them happy. It is a means to an end and not the ultimate goal in life. Money is not payment for love or a proxy for love. Money doesn’t guarantee happiness. Teach them the values associated with sharing, recycling and caring for others and the environment. Finally, have them develop a healthy relationship with money, otherwise money will control their lives instead of the other way around.

  • Prakash L Dheeriya, PhD
    Father, Author & Professor of Finance
    Finance for Kidz Series
    http://www.finance4kidz.com
    http://www.finance4kidz.com/testimonials.html
    Jumpstart a Lifetime of Financial Wisdom!

    http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/do-you-talk-to-your-kids-about-money-1328708/
    http://www.authorexposure.com/2010/05/book-review-finance-for-kidz-series.html
    http://www.pvnews.com/articles/2010/02/18/local_news/news6.txt
    http://www.pvnews.com/articles/2010/02/26/opinion/opinion1.txt
    http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_14759228
    Jumpstart a Lifetime of Financial Wisdom!

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Friday, April 29, 2011

"Y" is for "Yoko's Paper Cranes" and "You Can Do It, Sam"

Yoko's Paper Cranes 

Written by Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by Rosemary Wells

The most enchanting and beautifully illustrated of Well's "Yoko" books, this tells the story of how Yoko came to America from her home in Japan, and how she kept in touch with her grandparents in Japan, writing letters, cards and thank you notes all year long. When it was winter time in Japan, Yoko decided to send her grandmother a present of some paper cranes, to remind Obasan about the birds they had seen together in the Spring. She folds the origami paper just as her grandfather had shown her and send the package to her delighted grandparents. The story is sweet, but the illustrations are fabulous -- some of the best artwork Wells has ever done. Wells incorporates Asian motifs into the graphics, and frames each panel with beautifully patterned paper... The first edition also had a bright gold gilt running through the pictures -- there's still a metallic sheen on later editions, although not quite as vivid as the first version... All in all, a wonderfully classy book: a real favorite.

You Can Do It, Sam

Written by Amy Hest
Illustrated by Anita Jeram

Sam Bear and his mother have a big, secret project: to wake up at dawn on a snowy morning and bake cakes for everyone in the neighborhood, then leave them on their doorsteps before anybody wakes up. This becomes a story about independence and confidence building when Mom tells Sam to run up the sidewalks by himself and drop the bundles off... Mom gets extra cool points for driving a beat up old GM-style 1940s pickup truck... And, once again, there appears to be no dad to be seen... So more power to Mama Bear! This is cute, and though it's not my favorite in the series, it's still definitely recommended.


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Thursday, April 28, 2011

"W" is for "Walking through Walls"


Walking Through Walls

Author: Karen Cioffi
Illustrator: Adriana Willow Raven
In her new middle grade chapter book, “Walking Through Walls,” Karen Cioffi takes you on an incredible journey with her main character, Wang.  He longs to learn the magic of the Eternals.
Twelve-year-old Wang longed to be an Eternal. He craved wealth . . . and power. Spending his time learning about these mystics took his thoughts away from the certain fate of slaving in the wheat fields all his life, like his father. The wheat fields might be good for some, but not for Wang. He had higher goals.

Each step of Wang’s journey is full of mystery, challenges and life lessons. Children will enjoy reading this charming ancient legend with a new twist as they experience Mrs. Cioffi’s exciting world of fantasy.  They will learn about Chinese customs because this story is rich in authentic details like the foods, homes, crops, and locations of sixteenth century China.

Wang ambled back to the cottage. He noticed his favorite flower, the lemon lilies, in full bloom. They draped the landscape. Hmm, they smell so good. He found his mother in the chicken coop, bent over one of the hens, gathering the eggs it deposited. “Mother, I am home.”

Artist, Adriana Willow Raven, opens each chapter with a detailed illustration to stimulate the reader’s imagination.  Like the vibrant dragon on the cover, each illustration is rich in oriental detail.   

As a retired teacher, I highly recommend this book for every school and home library.  It is a book that will be treasured by the whole family.

Reviewed by Author/Educator
Kathy Stemke

Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter, freelance writer and Acquisitions Editor Intern with 4RV Publishing. She is also a member of the Professional Writers Alliance, and the International Association of Professional Ghostwriters.
Mrs Cioffi  is the founder of a writing service company, DKV Writing 4U that includes ghostwriting, copywriting, editing, proofreading, critiquing, and resumes.
With experienced and professional writers, DKV offers quality work at affordable prices. In addition, there are two FREE gifts just for visiting their site. And, if you subscribe to their site, you will receive two more FREE e-books on writing and/or marketing.  Click here: http://www.dkvwriting4u.com

DKV Writing 4 U strives to help writers on their journey toward publication and businesses increase visibility and opportunities. Learn about the DKV Writing Team at:

Karen Cioffi’s websites:

KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:          
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

"V" is for "Violets Music"

"Violet's Music"

Written by Angela Johnson
Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith


One of the finest books about young people developing their love of music... The heroine here is a girl named Violet, who discovers her musical inclinations while still in the nursery crib in the delivery ward. She spend her entire childhood trying to meet up with like-minded children, but never finds anyone with the same passion... That is, until one day in the park when she meets three other teenagers and forms a band with them. There are several nice touches to this book... The first is the general gist of the plot -- music, yay! I also liked some of the little touches, such as how the author gives equal importance to other interests: when she goes into kindergarten, Violet notes that different kids excel at different things -- some like painting, others read books, etc. I also like how the book never defines what kind of music Violet and her friends play, leaving it to readers to fill in the blans themselves. Nice artwork, too, full of vibrancy and good cheer. Highly recommended

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

"U" is for "Under the Sun"

"Under The Sun"

Written by Ellen Kandoian
Illustrated by Ellen Kandoian


A mini geography lesson, in which a girl going to sleep on the East Coast of the USA asks her mom where the sun goes after it goes down. So, we track the sun (and sunsets!) across the Great Plains, the Rockies, the West Coast, Hawaii, Japan, China... and then, mysteriously, Europe is skipped altogether!

The illustrations are beautiful. Children will enjoy this adventure with the sun as it travels around the world.


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Monday, April 25, 2011

"T" is for "Tiny Angel" and "The Golden Pathway"

TINY ANGEL



Author: Nancy Carty Lepri
Guardian Angel Publishing
Macy Carver isn't happy about her move from Massachusetts to North Carolina and leaving familiar surroundings.   Uprooted from her home, school and friends, Macy has to start fresh and she finds it isn't easy. Her worst fears are realized as the kids in the small town school taunt and tease her--especially Kenny, the school bully. . An angel named Jody comes to Macy's rescue and things begin to turn around for good.

Tiny Angel is a story of hope, compassion and generosity. Macy teaches children, and even adults, what it means to look beyond oneself and see those around her.  Mrs. Capri's books shows us that if you just be yourself, have faith and believe, nothing is ever as bad as it seems.


THE GOLDEN PATHWAY
 Chapbooks for Tweens
Author: Donna McDine http://www.donnamcdine.com
Artist: K. C. Snider www.KCSniderart.com


Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

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Saturday, April 23, 2011

"S" is for "Secret Service Saint" and "Stilts the Stork"


Secret Service Saint

Author: Janet Ann Collins www.janetanncollins.com
Artist: Eugene Ruble

Loosely based on legends about a famous saint, this book tells the story of Nicholas, who discovered the fun of doing secret good deeds. Kids who read or hear the story at any time of the year will be challenged to do the same.



STILTS, THE STORK


Author: Dixie Phillips www.writing4littleones.blogspot.com
Artist: K.C. Snider www.kcsniderart.com
Plenty of chuckles willbe delivered in this rhymed topsy-turvy adventure about a ditzy stork who adopts an orphaned “egg” she discovers on a golf course. Can a zany stork, who adopts an orphaned “egg” that she discovers on a golf course, deliver plenty of chuckles? Yes! This rhymed, topsy-turvy adventure is guaranteed to tickle your child’s funny bone. Anyone who can follow the antics of Stilts without a chortle or two is an odd bird indeed.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!
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MY NEW BOOKS,"TROUBLE ON EARTH DAY" AND "SH,SH,SH LET THE BABY SLEEP" WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON!
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Friday, April 22, 2011

"R" is for "RV Mouse" and "Rattlesnake Jam"


  ( '<
_(Y)_     "Happy Spring" 


RV Mouse

Author: Mary Jean Kelso MJK Website
Artist: K.C. Snider
www.KCSniderart.com
When a mouse living in a campground searches for food it finds itself trapped inside a tent with two frightened girls, then scares another young girl asleep on a motorhome couch. Its search for food and escape from the motorhome endangers the mouse’s life and creates havoc for the occupants. 


Rattlesnake Jam


Author: Margot E. Finke http://www.margotfinke.com/
 Illustrations: Kevin Scott Collier
http://kevinscottcollierhomepage.blogspot.com/

Rattlesnake Jam is a rhyming romp, with crazy old Gran and Pa arguing over how to cook up the rattlers he catches. Gran wants to boil and bottle them into her cure-all Rattlesnake Jam, but Pa longs for a rattlesnake pie.


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Thursday, April 21, 2011

"Q" is for "Quiet Night" and "Quiet On Account of Dinosaur"

Quiet Night

Written by Marilyn Singer
Illustrated by John Manders
The opening phrase "The moon is big, the moon is bright" is a great beginning for this adorable story. This is a fun animal noises/counting book, with some unusual word choices -- the eeeeeeeeeeeee of eight mosquitoes, the splash of goose wings on water and, most satisfying of all, the big baarrrrrr-rumph! of a bullfrog. The artwork is highly stylized and somewhat chaotic. The rolling rhythm and wild momentum of the story will pull kids in. It's full of nonsensical words like "rowl-yowl" and "bar-rum". I had fun reading this one. The simple but catchy rhyming verse uses a counting pattern and familiar creatures to tell a cute story of a supposedly "quiet night".


Quiet On Account Of Dinosaur

Written by Jane Thayer
Illustrated by Seymour Fleishman
A goofy, delightful fantasy about a little girl named Mary Ann who is totally koo-koo about dinosaurs. One day she actually finds a dinosaur and brings him home to keep as a pet. Of course, that plan doesn't go over so well, and her mother tells her she'll have to take the dinosaur to stay somewhere else. Of course, her school teacher is entirely sympathetic and agrees to let the big lizard stay and become the school mascot. But Dandy is afraid of all the modern noises and commotion that didn't occur 60 million years ago. "So the children made a sign, which they put in front of school. It said, QUIET on account of dinosaur." She even grows up to be a "famous scientist," the world's greatest expert on dinosaurs, with her very own museum and everything! Great 'Sixties-style artwork, too.

But Dandy is afraid of all the modern noises and commotion that didn't occur 60 million years ago.
"So the children made a sign, which they put in front of school. It said, QUIET on account of dinosaur."

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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

POODLE AND DOODLE

Author: Donna J Shepherd www.donnajshepherd.com
Artist: Jack Foster
www.jacktoon.blogspot.com

Angel, a twelve-pound prissy poodle, is none too happy when Leah brings home Scruffy, a seventy-five pound clumsy Labradoodle. Why ever would Leah want another pet when she had the perfect dog already? Children will love Donna J. Shepherd's humorous rhymes. Keep a sharp lookout for hidden bones in the delightful illustrations by Jack Foster.



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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

"O"is for "One Pelican At a Time"

ONE PELICAN AT A TIME

Author: Nancy Stewart
Illustrator: Samantha Bell

Bella and Britt love living by the beach. When they find oil washing to shore from a gulf spill, they want to help but are told there is nothing for kids to do. But when their old friend, the pelican, becomes covered with oil, they help save his life by their quick thinking and action.

One Pelican at a Time by Nancy Stewart and illustrated by Samantha Bell is also #88 on Amazon's list of Most Wished for in Children's Books. 


KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:
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Monday, April 18, 2011

"N" is for "Nothing Stops Noah" & "Newton and Me"

Nothing Stops Noah
Author: Shari Lyle-Soffe www.sharilyle-soffe.com
Illustrator: Kevin Scott Collier
http://kevinscottcollierhomepage.blogspot.com

Noah’s problem is solved when he takes a job at the pet store, or are the problems just beginning? When Noah is left in charge, all of the animals escape and Noah must find a way to get them back in their cages before the owner returns to the store.

Newton and Me

Author: Lynne Mayer
Illustrator: Sherry Rogers

While at play with his dog, Newton, a young boy discovers the laws of force and motion in his everyday activities. Told in rhyme, Lynne Mayer’s Newton and Me follows these best friends on an adventure as they apply physics to throwing a ball, pulling a wagon, riding a bike, and much more. With the help of Sherry Rogers’ playful illustrations, children will learn that physics is a part of their world. They will realize that Newton’s Laws of Motion describe experiences they have every day, and they will recognize how forces affect the objects around them.


KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES: Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-stemke/13/269/285 Add to Technorati Favorites

Friday, April 15, 2011

"M" is for "Maybe We Are Flamingos" & "Moving Through All Seven Days"

Maybe We Are Flamingos

Author: Safari Sue Thurman www.safarisue.com
Artist: Kevin Scott Collier http://kevinscottcollierhomepage.blogspot.com

Flora and Fernando are the wrong color for flamingos. They wonder what they could be until they discover becoming pink can take a year, and staying pink is due to their diet. At last relieved, they draw funny pictures of how they might look if they ate broccoli or blueberries.

MOVING THROUGH ALL SEVEN DAY
by Kathy Stemke


Purchase Moving Through All Seven Days: http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965  

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

"L" is for "Little Shepherd" and "Lightning Strikes"

LITTLE SHEPHERD


Author: Cheryl C. Mandrinos www.ccmalandrinos.com
Artist: Eugene Ruble


In the hills outside Bethlehem, Obed guards his first flock of sheep. When the angels appear to tell of the Savior’s birth, he is hesitant to follow the others to see the new King. When Obed returns to his sheep, he realizes it is a night of miracles.



LIGHTNING STRIKES

Author: Kevin McNamee http://www.kevinmcnamee.com/
Artist: Eugene Ruble


“Lightning Strikes, I count to ten. I don’t hear thunder until then.” Science and Math come together to educate and entertain. This fun, rhyming counting book will help teach children to count backwards, and to understand the principles of lightning and thunder.





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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

"K" IS FOR "KLUTZY KANTOR"

Klutzy Kantor
Author: J. Aday Kennedy http://www.jadaykennedy.com/
Artist: Jack Foster


Everyday Kantor Pegasus practices solving riddles. A tricky leprechaun attempts to outsmart him by giving him a next to impossible riddle to solve. To end his clumsy ways he must solve it. Children learn the benefit of practice and to focus on their strengths.

Children will relate to this adorable character, Klutzy Kantor, as he falls and trips on every page. The themes of friendship, training hard to achieve a goal, and a desire to improve are wonderful lessons for kids to learn as they follow his quest to become graceful.



Ms. Kennedy’s humor throughout this delightful book will tickle kid’s funny bones everywhere. They’ll have so much fun they won’t realize that they’re learning great life lessons. They’ll be rooting for Kantor to outwit the leprechaun, Cobbledom McSweeney, and get his wish granted.


The riddles found in this book are an added challenge to young and old minds alike. As a retired teacher I can imagine children in classrooms frantically raising their hands with their imaginative answers to these riddles.


Jack Foster, a talented illustrator, has used vibrant colors that are full of fun and movement to portray this story. Kids will laugh along with his cute, loveable characters.


I recommend J.Aday Kennedy’s book, Klutzy Kantor, for home and school libraries.






KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:
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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

"J" is for "Jamie's Dream"

Jamie’s Dream

Authors: Susan J. Berger & Christopher Corbin www.susanjberger.com
Illustrations: Kim Sponaugle picturekitchenstudio.blogspot.com

Jamie had the best dream last night. Now he wants to buy it for his mom. Jamie is having a great day. He has French toast for breakfast; gets a gold star in spelling; wishes on a puffball; meets a unicorn; finds Dreams R Us, and buys his mom a dream. 14 illustrations , 1265 word storybook





KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
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Monday, April 11, 2011

"I" is for "I DON'T WANT A HAIRCUT"

I DON'T WANT A HAIRCUT
Author: Lea Schizas www.leaschizas.com
Artist: K. C. Snider www.KCSniderart.com

A little boy’s imagination goes wild during his first salon haircut. Even with comforting words by his stylist, little Harry imagines bees buzzing around his ears, a giant pulling on his ears, and even spaceships landing on his head. But Harry gets a surprise when he looks in the mirror.



Lea Schizas is an award winning author and editor. She is also a terrific publisher.  Lea has hosted a wonderful writer's conference with incredible guest teachers, agents and publishers for the last several years.


Check out Kathy's Stemke's characters being interviewed on Magdalena Ball's blog today!http://magdalenaball.blogspot.com/

KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
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Saturday, April 9, 2011

"H" is for "Horatio Humble Beats the Big D" & "Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster

HORATIO HUMBLE BEATS THE BIG D

Author: Margot E. Finke http://www.margotfinke.com/
Illustrations: Ellen Gurak http://www.ellen-gurak.com/

When Horatio has difficulty reading, his parents meet with the teacher to discover why. Horatio hears the words Dyslexia and Special Ed. “No way! Kids will think I’m dumb.” But go he does, and with amazing results.




Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster

Author: Mayra Calvani http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com/
Artist: Kit Grady http://www.kitgrady.com/

Humberto loves books so much; he reads all day long. His neighbors, the squirrel, the rabbit, the skunk, the hedgehog and the beaver want to become his friends, but Humberto doesn’t have time for them. He’s too busy reading! Then one day, disaster strikes and he must choose between saving his books and helping them.



KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
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Thursday, April 7, 2011

"G" is for "GUARDIAN" & GREAT SCIENCE LINKS

GUARDIAN

Author: Katie Hines
http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/

Guardian takes place in a modern world and incorporates the normal with magic, fantasy, and the quest for the Holy Grail. Before Drew’s mother died, she told him he has a destiny. He must use a magic journal to find a treasure and fulfill that destiny. It soon becomes clear to Drew, and his friends, Mattie and Javon, the journey they must take is full of danger, surprise, and action.

The author, Katie Hines, keeps the story moving forward with fast paced action sure to delight any fantasy lover. Her descriptions, intricate plot, and fresh verb usage remind me of my favorite author, Cornelia Funke.

The following passage, an example of her descriptions, is ingenious and full of energy. “An early cold snap arrived with a vengeance, stealing into homes and rattling old bones. Senior citizens cornered anyone who would listen, telling that a cold Maine winter would soon follow. Snaking its long fingers through the truck window Mr. Newman kept cracked, the cold touched and chilled the three young people who rode to the ferry, Bar Harbor’s The Pirate’s Run.”

This story is birthed from the actual history of the Holy Grail and the Knight’s Templar. The author, having done her homework well, intertwines fantasy and history seamlessly to create an intriguing mystery full of exciting twists and turns. Usually I can guess the ending of a book before it’s over. Ms. Hines had me guessing until the end. Way to go! I know she will have incredible success with this book.



GREAT HANDS ON SCIENCE LINKS:

http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/agesubject/subject.html,


http://www.cubpack81.com/images/carve_pumpkin.swf,

http://www.parentingscience.com/preschool-science-activities.html,

http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/quick/quick.html,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/digger/9_11entry/9_11.shtml,


http://www.peepandthebigwideworld.com/,

http://www.peepandthebigwideworld.com/,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/digger/7_9entry/7_9.shtml,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/digger/5_7entry/5_7.shtml,
http://www.messenger-education.org/teachers/MEMS_CompPlanetology.php#mystery,

http://www.parentingscience.com/preschool-science-activities.html,

http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/quick/quick.html,

http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/quick/preschool.html,

KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965# http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke
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F is for "The Fisherman's Wife"

THE FISHERMAN'S WIFE

Author: Dianne G. Sagan
Genre: Middle Grade
Publisher: Buoy Up Press
Paperback: 107 pages
Price: $11.95

Would you like to travel back to biblical times and experience the life of the wife of a fisherman from Capernaum? Then you would enjoy “The Fisherman’s Wife” by Dianne Sagan.

Dianne Sagan’s historical fiction is rich in Jewish customs and traditions. After formalized negotiations between their fathers, Simon asked for Johanna’s hand in marriage.

“Simon took her hand and placed a gold coin in herm palm as a sign of their betrothal. He said, ‘Behold, you are consecrated unto me with this token according to the law of Moses and Isreal.’”

Johanna’s happiness eventually soured after repeated tries to give birth ended in disappointment and shame. Her inner turmoil was matched by the society turmoil that existed from the cruel treatment by the Roman Empire.

“Johanna heard screaming and thundering horse’s hooves in the street….. One of the soldiers threw a net over two men running in front of them. The two men fell and rolled in the net like fish trying to swim free.”

When Johanna’s husband and several others left their boats to follow a traveling Rabbi, Johanna was left wondering who would provide for her and her sick mother. Bitterness grew in her heart. Johanna faced the biggest decision of her life.

“The Fisherman’s Wife” will captivate those eight years old and up. As a retired teacher I recommend this book for home, school and church libraries.




KATHY STEMKE'S WEBSITES:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#
Helium: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
Associated Content: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke
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