Books
Transformed: How Everyday Things Are Made
By Bill Slavin
How? Why? When? Is your child constantly questioning the surrounding world? Satisfy that thirst for knowledge with this fun guide to how things are made. Transformed offers a step-by-step look at the processes used to make the items we use everyday from raw materials to finished product. Each two-page spread includes a brief history of the item and humorous, cartoon illustrations to accompany the text. Over 60 items are showcased here, including marbles, crayons, fortune cookies, running shoes and plastic. Inquisitive kids will love seeing the behind-the-scenes action that goes into the making of everyday products. ' Jill Olig
Discovering Nature's Alphabet
By Krystina Castella and Brian Boyl
Once young children learn to recognize the letters in their name, they see those letters everywhere. This book will be an inspiration to the letter-focused children in our midst. Castella and Boyl have photographed alphabet letters occurring in nature, and the results are stunning. Crossing branches reveal an "A," dripping icicles form an "M," a curving cactus suggests an "S." The accompanying text quietly draws attention to the forms, whether they are minute (sprouting "R") or monstrous (a "V" between two cliffs), ancient (fossilized "O") or brand-new (veined "B" in a leaf). The images all occurred naturally, suggesting that all it takes is a little time and careful observation to make these amazing discoveries. Share this book with your family before your next hike in the woods or walk through the park. Where will you find the letters in your name? ' Amy Brandt
DVD
Ruby's Wish
By Shirin Yim Bridges
Another school year is about to begin. Capitalize on the excitement with this new DVD that celebrates learning. Ruby's Wish is based on the life of the author's grandmother. Ruby, a smart and plucky young girl in 19th-century China, loves the color red. Even when forced to wear other colors, Ruby finds a way to incorporate red (the color of celebration in China) into her wardrobe every day.
Ruby's determination to wear red is equaled by her determination to learn. The granddaughter of a wealthy man, Ruby is fortunate to be able to study with her male cousins. She excels in calligraphy and poetry and dreams of going to college one day. But this is a dream reserved for men in Ruby's China. As she struggles to come to terms with this injustice, she takes pen in hand and makes a bold move. When Ruby's grandfather contemplates what she's done, he makes a bold move in return!
This is a heartwarming and visually stunning version of an award-winning book, best for children ages 4-8. ' Carolyn Forde
