Younger Readers

Who Was Ben Franklin? By Dennis Brindell Fradin Illustrated by John O’Brien

 in Book Reviews / Books / Reluctant Readers / Younger Readers by

Who Was Ben Franklin? By Dennis Brindell Fradin Illustrated by John O’Brien

Late winter and spring is the time in school when many students read biographies of famous people. Starting in the lower grades youngsters scramble trying to find someone who is interesting enough to read about and write an assignment on and maybe even present it in character. Athletes, pop stars and others compete with famous historical characters. Here they learn about their lives, discover what their accomplishments were, what hardships and challenges they faced and hopefully they will see them as role models. (Maybe better they choose someone from times past than now as some of the more famous make poor role models) The range of biographies available for the younger to middle school readers is quite vast and there are many to choose from. The authors of these books manage to pack a lot of information into them, while making the person seem real and authentic.

“Who Was Ben Franklin” is in the series Who Was…? which includes famous names such are Albert Einstein, Ferdinand Magellan, John Kennedy to name a few. The books are literally crammed full of information with interesting and amusing illustrations to highlight points of the person’s life, or to visually present something that was discussed. The series is aimed at the lower grade students (grades 2-5) and is presented in an interesting and engaging style with comic book style illustrations. The books are small with a large font, well spaced so that the page isn’t overwhelming for beginner or early independent readers.

“Who Was Ben Franklin” is packed full of information on the founding father. From his youth Ben Franklin’s life is described in reasonable detail (spoiler alert – he did ‘t really come from a loving home) and his thirst for adventure, his curiosity and great mind is obvious. Each of his contributions is covered and at times they are mesmerizing. How could one man accomplish so much in his life? As the opening section states he was “a man of many talents” and  “did so much that people claimed he had magical powers.” Inventor, statesman, scientist and quite a young rogue Ben’s many accomplishments and life story are presented in a very readable manner.

I quite liked this book and certainly learned a lot about Ben Franklin. I thought I knew about his life, but was I wrong. Dennis Brindell Fradin has done a wonderful job of packing so much information into this really slim book.

Talk Among Yourselves Tuesday – A Day Late

 in Books / Interesting / Reluctant Readers / Younger Readers by

Yesterday it was audio book apps to entertain the children. Nice idea, real stories, real voices. Today NPR reported on kids books that leap off the page and are interactive. Here. It seems that publishers want to draw younger readers into an interactive world where they can become part of the story and characters. “These multi-platform books allow kids to move seamlessly from the printed page to the digital page, and are designed to appeal to both the avid and reluctant readers.” Without doubt many young readers will be attracted to this.

But here is the question. Does this help them to read? To learn to love reading? Going into an interactive world is another thing, uses a different part of the brain. Deepens their reliance on technology. Is a distraction.

Good idea or not?

Comments please.

I know where I stand.

Holiday Helper

 in Author Interview / Books / Younger Readers by

There is so much going on at the moment, it feels like the world is spinning too much. So much to do, so little time. So, once again here to help you with some gift ideas for others (or yourself……yours elf!!) here are some excellent suggestions.

Amie Borst of From The Mixed Up Files blog has written a lovely piece about holiday traditions in her home with a great list of books in various subjects. Here. Thanks Amie, wonderful suggestions.

If you are into technology you have to check this out. Full explanation is here. Technology, kids and reading is something we have touched on before but this has them listening to books. Here at MLCWO we love listening to books and have our favorite readers as well as books. This looks like it could be the perfect addition to a child’s development of reading – supplementing the books, of course. While checking the site out (rather quickly) Rodney Yee (cool yoga dude) was found doing a little meditation piece…..not sure if they are planning to move into adults as well…..or maybe it was for the harassed mother in the introductory video.

Looking For Some Light Reading?

 in Books / Picture Books / Younger Readers by

Just in case you aren’t sure where you stand on the picture book issue and need to refresh your opinion, or you need to get a little early holiday shopping done Gilt is offering select Harper Collins children’s books with such wonderful classics as Good Night Moon, Fancy Nancy, The Grouchy Ladybug and others. All of these lovely books will be available until 9pm October 26th. If you are not a member……I am sure we can figure something out.

 

 

The Reading Dahlathon

 in Books / Fun / Interesting / Younger Readers by
9/13：Roald Dahl's Birthday

Image by bangdoll@flickr via Flickr

Guess what? It is almost September and that means that school is starting soon. Yeah, I know that you all are probably sad that the summer is almost over but your fun does not have to end just yet because September is Roald Dahl’s birthday. This means that there is going to be a celebration and that celebration is going to last 3 months. This celebration is not going to involve cake (unless you want it to) but it is going to involve reading and some prizes. The birthday party for Roald Dahl is called The Reading Dahlathon. Here is what you do.

Go to Roald Dahl’s website which is
http://www.roalddahl.com/
and click the Reading Dahlathon.

What you have to do is read 3 Roald Dahl book and fill out the entry form.

The first 1,000 individuals who submit and eligible entry during the time period could win a Dahlathon Medal, and Official Reading Dahlathon Certificate and a Roald Dahl book which has been adapted into a play. Then the other 4,000 individuals who submit an eligible entry during the time period will get and official reading Dahlathon Certificate and a Roald Dahl book adapted into a play.

The only down side about this is that you have to be 7-13 years of age to be eligible to do this.

But this is still a fun thing to do for those people inside of the age range so I hope that you all will try this. It should be a lot of fun.

And…..

Happy Birthday to Roald Dahl!!!!!!!!!