Diana Rogers
Spring Is Here!
Santa Fe Montessori School
May-2-2012 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - May-4-2012 1010 E. Solana Cir. Solana Beach, Ca. 92075>> GET DIRECTIONS
Support a great school! Santa Fe Montessori will receive 20% in free books with proceeds.
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The Gift
The Gift Goes On
May-17-2011I received this beautiful book from my daughter Dena on Mother's Day. It is an elegant hardcover book for all ages, written exquisitely by Carol Ann Duffy and delightfully decorated with doily-like illustrations that remind me of powdered sugar designs (snowflakes) on top of a cake. The pictures are so dainty and airy and set the tone for this deep, sensitive story for everyone. I love this book. Guaranteed, this story will make you cry. If you love life, family and have fond memories of loved ones gone on, then the book is a must for you. We just had a 4 generation family reunion and this book, The Gift, is the perfect present... "Give me your flower necklace and you shall have your wish."
An Island in the Sun
Colorful Adventure
Sep-24-2010Set sail for a distant island with a young boy in search of a friend in this I-spy adventure. The rhyme and repetition encourage easy learning, and the surprise at the end will delight young readers. The book is suitable for little people to read alone for ages 4-7 or reading together, baby-4 years old. It's a beautiful picture book written by Stella Blackstone with charming verse and gorgeous pastel illustrations by Nicoletta Ceccoli that truly depict sparkling ocean colors of blue, opaque turquoise and green. The full-page colorful illustrations of seascapes remind me of beautiful places in Greece or perhaps Italy. In a spectacular seascape, a young boy sets sail for a distant island where he finds a special friend waiting for him. Who could it be? Young kids like surprises and the ending to this story is indeed a happy one. Children will delight in pointing out the animals and objects that the little boy spies along his journey. Award-winning artist Nicoletta Ceccoli's radiant illustrations spill off the pages with their dramatic ocean scenes and vibrant tropical hues. In 2003, An Island in the Sun received the Book of the Year Award Finalist, ForeWord Magazine. What I like best about this book is its simplicity in nature's vast visual, the ocean. Plus, the charming text of Stella Blackstone's repeated verse of spotting familiar objects through a telescope. Whether you enjoy the sport of fishing or sailing or just leisurely strolling along the seashore picking up sea shells and then diving under one of the ocean's waves, only to dry off on the sand laying in the warm of the sun... you're sure to feel happy and content to have sailed to An Island in the Sun and have spent a fun-filled day at the beach. ***** stars.
Lin Yi's Lantern
Moon Cakes Anyone?
Feb-9-2010This delightful story begins with a beautiful Chinese mother sharing her market list with her young son. She sends him off to purchase moon cakes, star fruit, rice and yams. In addition to getting peanuts for his Uncle, Lin Yi hopes to purchase a red rabbit lantern for himself if there is enough money leftover to bargain with. A wonderful lesson on responsibility, thinking of others and the joy of receiving a gift! In the back of the book you'll find: * The Legend Of the Moon Fairy told by Lin Yi's Uncle Hui * Make A Chinese Lantern * Market Life In China
Star Seeker
Sparks The Imagination
Jan-23-2010What a great way to travel the Solar System! This is an easy to read book with colorful illustrations from Victor Tavares. Each page sparks the imagination. Perhaps you will bake ginger cookies on Venus or throw a frisbee at Uranus. Maybe with your lunar lasso you'll loop Saturn's bright rings. Theresa Heine's poetic language is a fun way to learn about our solar system.
Fireside Stories
Baby It's Cold Outside!
Jan-18-2010A collection of stories woven into this beautiful hardcover book express the magnificent and unique aspects of the winter season. Caitlin Matthews lifelong interest in folklore and storytelling shows brilliantly through Fireside Stories along with Helen Cann's beautiful winter wonderland pictures. I especially love the colorful border designs that go with each special story! By The Fireside begins with: "When the nights grow long and the days grow short, when summer is a distant memory and the cold and darkness of winter an ever-present reality, it is good to sit by the fireside and tell stories." A Story for the First Snowfall, A Story for Midwinter, A Story for the Return of the Sun, A Story for the Coming of Spring and so many more! So very difficult to choose a favorite because each story is unique and special in its own way. I suppose just like snowflakes!
Starlight Sailor
Sail On Sailor!
Jan-16-2010Starlight Sailor is a wonderful story. The soft rhyming tells a lovely, dreamy tale and opens with: "Star light, star bright, First star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, Have the wish I wish tonight." The illustrations are magical - a timeless classic! You'll see blue whales, bluebirds, knights and kings along this journey of fantasy and pretend. Even the red and gold dragon is a nice gentle dragon, flying here and there, taking children everywhere! The starfish and mermaids singing their lullaby are sure to put any young child fast to sleep. So dream on little ones of flying fish dancing in the sky! A perfect bedtime book!
Babushka
Babushka: Classic Russian Folktale
Nov-11-2009Babushka is a classic Russian folktale adapted into an endearing Christmas story. With a wonderful message about the joy of selfless giving, Babushka learns to celebrate life, not gifts. Sophie Fatus' illustrations are marvelous as well. A book to add to your holiday favorites for sure!
You and Me
Simply Beautiful!
Nov-4-2009The words on the pages are so very simple to read but the over all concept of opposites is brilliant! Plus each sturdy, durable page has a detailed border encompassing gorgeous detailed pictures of rich colors to see. You and Me is a very special picture book that will captivate pre-school audiences but will also attract plenty of adult fans, too. This sweet book makes a perfect gift for all. Enjoy celebrating the differences in the story line while reading this beautiful lap book together!
Driving My Tractor
Chug, Clank, Toot!
Sep-24-2009Come follow a farmer with his tractor and trailer as he goes around his farm. Learn simple counting skills with fun farm animals and a lively song with a singalong CD. The beautiful full length colorful illustrations combines simple counting skills and fun farm animals to keep early readers entertained. This is a must-have early years picture book. It travels through the seasons with illustrations that show the farming year. It includes a section on farm machinery. You'll learn about the land and where food comes from. From one who grows her own food, sells avocados at our local farmer's market, and sells Barefoot Books, I highly recommend this one to you!
Elephant Dance
A Journey to India
Sep-16-2009The story begins with Ravi and his Grandfather going to the market place to buy a bamboo flute. Sheet music included in this story is a wonderful addition for young musicians. The book is easy to read and the colorful illustrations are a delight to see. Plus, this book is so educational for kids 4 - 10, learning about the geography of India, its food and spices and looking at lots of animals. I love this book and highly recommend it to you!
Stories from the Silk Road
Cultural Exchange
Sep-9-2009The books starts out with a wonderful historical introduction and you will travel with Cherry Gilchrist stepping backward in time along the Silk Road! In the back of the book you will find a beautiful map of the Silk Road to follow along. This makes for a very interesting read. In Woven Wind you will be introduced to the goddess of silk. Then you will read an exciting chapter about the monkey and the river dragon. I liked reading about The White Cloud Fairy and then a favorite of mine, The Magic Saddlebag, you must read to learn of the ending... For sure, you will enjoy reading of the rich history told in The Silk Road and look upon the elegant and richly detailed pictures with delight. This is a great historical addition to your library for an older child, ages 8 and up.
Kids' Kitchen
Fun, Safe, Delicious Approach to the Kitchen
Sep-2-2009This is a good way to get kids involved without the cutting and the heat. Plus, children will learn food facts and info about vitamins/minerals. Being Greek, I was drawn to many great Mediterranean recipes. Here's a sample list you'll find inside: * Eggs 'n' Beans Hummus Dippers * Fantastic Fruit Apple Volcanoes Toppling Tomatoes (I can smell the basil!) Yummy Hot Bananas * Milk 'n' Dairy Tropical Milkshake * Spuds 'n' Grains Mellow Yellow Rice Pizza Party * Vital Vegetables Roasted Ratatouille Picnic Kebobs Mean Green Guacamole What a fabulous gift Fiona Bird has created for kids who want to learn to cook! For an added treat, Fiona and her daughter have a food column. Visit her website.
Cleo's Color Book
Winning Combo: Objects and Color
Aug-13-2009What makes it a winning board book is that children can relate to a red bike, a black kitty, a blue submarine and a brown teddy bear. Towards the back of the book, you will find a colorful picture chart of the objects with the name associated with their color that reinforces language development for preschool education. Step into the beautiful world of color in reading Cleo's Color Book!
Cleo's Counting Book
Count to Ten and Back Again
Aug-13-2009What makes this counting book so delightful is that it is filled with adventure in counting outdoor animals like dogs, frogs, birds and trees. What fun to count to ten and then back again! It's easy for children to focus on the main character, Cleo the bright orange cat. The interaction of little ones learning how to count through repetition is rewarding for both parents and children, sure to bring smiles on faces!
The Journey Home From Grandpa's
A Fun Book and Easy Read
Jul-21-2009Right before my Grandson's two hour nap, I read the Journey Home from Grandpa's by Jemima Lumley... an easy, fun book to read. The book starts with: "The yellow car drives down the bouncy, bumpy road, the bouncy, bumpy road, The yellow car drives down the bouncy, bumpy road, on the journey home from Grandpa's." Sophie Fatus, the illustrator, adds bright colorful pictures prepared in acrylics of a white helicopter, a purple train, a pink tractor, green digger, blue barge, orange truck, and a red fire engine. While looking through the car window on the way home from Grandpa's house, a child describes in rhyming verse, a variety of colorful vehicles plus there's a map of the journey towards the back. I love this book, so does my Grandson!
Bear about Town
Bears, Oh My!
Jul-15-2009The book starts off with "Bear goes to town every day" and on the very first page Debbie illustrates in bright colors bear leaving his house. To be specific, it's bears honey house with potted tulips, a sunflower and busy bees all around. "On Monday, he goes to the bakery." Now, it's not just any bakery, but bear chooses Grandma's Bakery with wonderful sights of cupcakes, plates of delicious looking cookies and many loaves of bread and bread sticks... yummy! What I like most is that this colorful and easy-to-follow book teaches kids 1-4 the days of the week and introduces new buildings and places around town. There's a few words on each page and colorful illustrations that keep kids interested. Plus the map of the town covers two full pages. It's fun to start from Bee Lane, past the Clock Tower Roundabout, through High Street, over to Bear Square, a quick right to Wriggly Road and you've landed yourself at Splash Alley!
Bear in Sunshine
Different Kinds of Weather Playing
Jul-12-2009I love the board book Bear In Sunshine because of the bold, bright colors and then the story! There's a whole series of books and they make great gifts! What I especially like about this book is that preschool-aged kids learn about the different seasons and different activities they can do in each one. It's fun to play in all kinds of weather!
Creepy Crawly Calypso
Carribean Creepy Crawlies w/ Calypso Band
Jun-30-2009I enjoyed reading Tony Langham's book Creepy Crawly Calypso. I discovered many fascinating facts about lots of creepy crawlies of the Caribbean. This delightful paperback book comes with its own CD. You'll enjoy dancing along with the sounds of a calypso band! Plus you'll see vibrant, colorful illustrations by Debbie Harter. What a wonderful way to learn how to count and discover the world of musical instruments in Creepy Crawly Calypso!
The Animal Boogie
Boogie with The Animal Boogie
Jun-29-2009Here is Barefoot Book's finest, selling over 550,000 copies! Not only is it a hit with my 2 Grandsons, Animal Boogie is a great choice for story hour. As a piano teacher, I can't tell you how delighted I was to find the music to Animal Boogie in the back of this 32 page book! The melody is written in the Key of G, so pretty simple to play! Have a look and join in! Dance along with the creatures of the Indian jungle as they shake, swing, flap and slither to the sound of the animal boogie! Children's singer, Fred Penn brings his voice to a CD version of the song that accompanies this Barefoot best-seller! I love this duo winning combo of book and song. Music is so universal and so embracing. Order it today!
Listen, Listen
The Texture of Ancient Frescos
Jun-27-2009Listen carefully to all the wonderful sounds of the different seasons, from summer's sizzling sun to winter's crunching snow. I am delighted to share with you a new lap book I've discovered. Phillis Gershator is the author of Listen, Listen and you'll find breath taking illustrations by Alison Jay. This book will open your child's eyes and ears to the world around them! When I look at the magnificent artwork throughout the book, I am immediately transported to Italy. There is such a European country charm woven throughout this wonderful book. You will learn about all the animals that come with summer. Then there's the sounds of birds and squirrels with fall approaching. We go into the winter season with mistletoe and a mouse but then once again spring arrives with flower bulbs, bunnies and rainbows. A wonderful, educational and very visual book for $14.99 I highly recommend this book.
Little Leap Forward
Moving Story!
Jun-24-2009I read Little Leap Forward when there was an unprecedented interest in China with the Summer Olympic Games going on. I was most impressed with the beautiful details in story line and with ornate artwork. Teachers will want to use this book as part of a unit on modern China or the Cultural Revolution. Little Leap Forward is a great choice for the young reader because it has poetry, music and story telling. Congratulations to Barefoot's first "young fiction line.
Whole World Fun Eco Activities
Butterflies & Glow-worms, oh my!
Jun-24-2009Did you know that Butterflies hear sounds through their wings? And that Glow-worms are flying beetles? These are just a few samples of Eco facts found in this book! I love this activity book and I learned a lot about animals. Plus, the price is very reasonable and the quality of the book is great! I am very pleased with the information and pictures. Did you know... sadly that many animals are endangered either because of hunting or climate change. Children will learn what animals from their continent are vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered... such as the loggerhead Turtle, Giant Panda, California Condor, Polar Bear and many more. This is a great activity book. I give it 5 stars.
Playtime Rhymes for Little People
Great Interactive Book
Jun-24-2009Many of my beginner students have enjoyed playing the song, The Wheels On The Bus" or "Bus Song" on the piano. It's fun to play and sing-a-long with the tune in Middle C position. This delightful book of rhymes and beautiful illustrations by Clare Beaton, comes with CD to enjoy! Did I mention Susan Reed does the singing? She's fabulous! As a quilter and book lover, I am very fond of Clare Beaton's work. I love her world of felt, stitches, colors, hearts and buttons. Children and parents will be drawn to the artwork details and the fun of singing familiar nursery rhymes together! Great interactive book!
I Dreamt I was a Dinosaur
Discover Dinosaurs!
Jun-23-2009If you're looking for an adorable book for preschoolers, I found it for you! I have enjoyed reading I Dreamt I Was A Dinosaur to my 13 month old Grandson. This adorable book takes you on a journey to dinosaur land. Which one would you like to be? I was familiar with many types of dinosaurs except for a new one, Parasaurolophus. Throughout the book, the illustrator, Clare Beaton, will delight you with her fabric creations. The volcano with the sequins for lava is especially creative. Author, Stella Blackstone continues to impress me with her rhyme writing style. Toddlers and preschoolers will safely land in bed to find "it was only a dream!" What I especially love with this particular book is that there is a surprise cleverly woven throughout each page!
Ship Shapes
From Little Fish to Sea Creatures
Jun-23-2009Children and parents will be delighted with discovering together so many shapes, sizes and sea creatures! You will love the fabric and quilt artwork. What a fun adventure!