Just Life| Piggie says " I Really Like Slop!"

Mo Willems is one of my favorite children authors. The kids love his books.

Mo Willems just published a new easy reader book called," I Really Like Slop!". 

So here is the basis of the story:

Piggie the pig, is cooking a pretty smelly concoction and is asking Gerald the elephant to taste it.

I am not gonna reveal anything else about this book, let's just say that sometimes we all do crazy things for our friends. 

The Elephant & Piggie books are perfect for k-2 graders. 

To be honest, anyone who likes to read would enjoy these books. As my daughter says; " these books are just funny". As simple as that. 

And we all could use some fun to brighten our days.

Here are some other easy readers by Mo Willems:

We are in a book

I will take a nap!

The pigeon needs a bath!

Here is also a chapter book by this author published in October of this year that is perfect for the older kids.

The story of Diva and Flea

Signing off until next Monday- Panteha

Just Life| Easy Reader Book Series " Tool School"

I just came across this Easy Reader book series called " Tool School". There is Tia, the tape measure, Sophie the screwdriver and so on.

I like the concept of getting girls to read about these type of things. We don't always need a handy man around the house to fix things for us. 

These books are teaching little girls that they are fully capable of fixing things around the house.

These two books are appropriate for Kindergartners and First Graders. These books are full of colorful illustrations and simple words.

Give these books a try if your kids are just learning to read. You can place a hold on these two books and pick them up from your local library in a few days.

Tia Tape Measure and the move  

Sophie Screwdriver and the classroom

Signing off until next Monday- Panteha

Just Life| Easy Readers

Easy readers are a wonderful way of keeping your K-2nd graders busy during the summer. Each of our libraries has a designated " Easy Readers Area".

The easy reader books are tailored toward kids from kindergarten through 2nd grade.

When you open an easy reader book, you will see only a few lines on each page. This allows your child not to get overwhelmed by too much text.

When my daughter was younger, she loved the following easy readers:

- Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant- About a boy and his giant dog Mudge

- Mr Putter and Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant- About an old man and his cat
 

- Poppleton series by Cynthia Rylant- About a giant pig and his friends

 

- Minnie and Moo series by Denys Cazet- About two mischievous cows

- Piggie and elephant books by Mo Willems

 So, on your next visit to your local library, make sure to visit the easy readers area.

Signing off until next Monday- Panteha

Learning | Robots!

I recently fell in love with an easy reader book. Cece Bell's Rabbit & Robot: the Sleepover has several points in its favor.  

First, there's a robot in it. Robots are held in high regard, in my household.  My husband loves trying to get those robot floor vacuums to clean the house. Personally, I think Rosie Jetson would do a better job, and it would be more fun listening to her.  (If I had a Rosie, would she call me "Mrs. J?")  

My youngest son has dabbled around with robotics for years. In fact, he wants to build robots for a living. He outgrew easy readers at least thirteen years ago, but even he declared this an awesome book.

Second, this book was the recipient of a 2013 Geisel Honor. The Geisel Award is named after Theodor Seuss Geisel ("Dr. Seuss,") an author whose books for early readers have permeated our culture with humor, creativity, and rhymes.  The Geisel Award recognizes outstanding books for beginning readers.  

Third, it's funny! Just think about what a rabbit might want to eat on his pizza. Then think about what a robot might want to eat on his pizza. What would happen if they tried to play cards or watch TV?  How do they get ready for bed?  This book is full of surprises, like the lists that the characters write.

_______________________________

Robogames

If you are interested in robots, I would suggest trying to go to the Robogames 2013 at the San Mateo County Fairgrounds.  It is being held the weekend of April 19-21.  

I was able to attend last year.  The main attraction is the Battlebot-like tournament of fighting robots. I didn't take any pictures of the battles, because my son was doing that. There are plenty of booths with peaceful robots and educational activities; I spent more time in those areas, taking pictures of robots playing basketball or talking.

A weary competitor

This robot plays basketball!

People come from all over the world, to share their accomplishments and products related to the world of robotics.  There are teams from schools, competing to race their robots through mazes.  

Robot playing a bass guitar

Scholars make presentations about their endeavors in the field of robotics.  Last year, I saw the founder of Instructables.com tell how the website was founded; it all started with the desire to teach people how to build simple robots. Another person explained how she created robot parties on the internet, for people's robots to meet virtually and talk to each other. 

It's a very noisy place, when the battles are happening; I would recommend bringing some earplugs.