Author: Matthew Cordell Interest Level: All AgesBook Description: Outside the world is bright and colorful, but Lydia's family is too busy with their gadgets to notice. She says Hello to everyone. Hello? Hello! Her father says hello while texting, her mother says hello while working on her laptop and her brother doesn't say hello at all. The T.V shouts Hello! But she doesn't want to watch any shows. Lydia, now restless, ventures outside. There are so many things to say hello to! Hello rocks! Hello leaves! Hello flowers! When Lydia comes back home she decides to show her family what she has found, and it's hello world and goodbye gadgets!Watch the Trailer: Why It's On My Wish List: A first grade teacher had this book in her room this morning and mentioned I might like to read it because it's AWESOME. Author Matthew Cordell has really done us all a service by writing this book and his illustrations are absolutely charming. We are all getting so sucked into technology we are forgetting the world around us, especially the PEOPLE in it. What an inspiring reminder to tune out from all the gadgets that seem to control us and tune into one another.
Needless to say I've moved Hello! Hello! to the TOP of my list of books to purchase. It's brilliant. PS. If you are interested in participating in a Screen Free Week at your school - this would be a great kick off as a story to share with the kids. A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:
101 Things You Gotta Do Before You're 12!Author: Joanne O'SullivanInterest Level: Anyone under 12About This Book: This is an idea-packed book for the under-12 set that’s a sure cure for boredom. From exciting outings to creative activities at home, it’s crammed with stuff that’s amazing, amusing, and inspiring. Plus, this list lets kids take the lead—they can use it as a springboard for their own discoveries. So what tempting things are on the game plan? Well, how about visiting a crazy festival, like the UFO Encounter in Roswell, New Mexico? Or competing in a wacky contest—perhaps the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition? Closer to their own backyard, enterprising youngsters can build a tree house, learn to cook a special dish, or trace their family roots. Whatever they choose, this is a fun and challenging to-do list—and, as a bonus, kids get stickers to mark what they’d like to do and what they’ve done.101 Places You Gotta See Before You're 12!Author: Joanne SullivanInterest Level: Anyone under 12About This Book: To children, the world can seem huge, filled with exciting places to visit and new things to experience. But how can they start uncovering the many treasures that await them? This fun and informative guidebook—the first in a new series—invites kids to embark on an exhilarating scavenger hunt that opens their eyes to things they’ve never imagined before. And there’s no need to go far or plan a big, expensive vacation to see this great stuff. In fact, some of the places may be quite close to home. They can take a peek at what actually goes on at their parents’ office, experience another culture’s cuisine at an ethnic restaurant, immerse themselves in the beauty of nature at a wildlife preserve, or get the inside scoop on what really happens backstage at the theater…or even in the teacher’s lounge! And the ideas are just general enough to provide a gentle push in the right direction, while allowing young dreamers to use their imagination and fill in the specifics. In addition to tons of fun facts, lists of little-known sites, and more than 250 color photos, there’s a bonus fold-out map of North America and stickers, so youngsters can mark where they’ve been.Why It's On My Bookshelf: Every kiddo under the age of 12 needs these books. They are super duper cool. Recently, I was at a friend's house and her 8 year old daughter was immersed in a book for most of the evening. I asked her what she was reading - 101 Things To Do Before You're 12! It was so sweet to hear her talk about the things she wanted to do that were inspired by the ideas in the book. And guess what - these are POSITIVE FAMILY VALUE ideas (oh, and they are fun and creative). How can you not love that?!? The point is it gets kids thinking and brainstorming about POSITIVE (I'll say it again) things to do in their lives. Bye bye video games, TV, and computer. Children need healthy outlets that provide motivation and inspiration. These are fabulous gifts and parents will thank you and kids will LOVE them. My nieces and nephews will all get copies for sure. Boredom be gone!
Author: Glenn McCoyInterest Level: Ages 4-7About This Book: Penny Lee loves her TV. It is her best friend. It keeps her warm on winter nights and comforted during thunderstorms.Penny Lee also has a dog, Mr. Barkley. He loves Penny Lee, but he does not love her TV. So what happens when the TV stops working? Author: Suzanne CollinsIllustrated by Mike LesterInterest Level: Ages 5-9About This Book: Charlie McButton likes computer games so much, he never plays with anything else. When a thunderstorm knocks out the electricity, his tech empire comes tumbling down, and his whole world loses power. Charlie needs batteries—FAST! But the only triple- A's he can find are in his little sister's talking doll. Will he resort to desperate measures and cause his sister to have a meltdown of her own? Or will he snap out of his computer craze long enough to realize his sister might be fun, even if she doesn't come with batteries? Collins and Lester team up for a hilarious and timely tale that will crack up young computer addicts and those who love them! Why They Are On My Bookshelf: I wasn't planning on blogging about these two books but I changed my mind. So here's the deal...these are important reads for the littles. Okay, so we've all heard the awful statistics about kids watching too much TV, addicted to their XBoxes and PS3's, and setting world records text messaging. So as the school year wraps up, I've been sharing Penny Lee and Charlie McButton with students as a reminder to get out there this summer and MOVE and UNPLUG. When I asked kids why they thought video games and TV could be harmful to kids - you wouldn't believe the responses. They know EXACTLY why too much technology can be a negative thing in their lives. These stories are funny and such a great conversation starter about the importance of unplugging.
Author: Douglas Woodillustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin
Interest Level: Ages 5-9
About This Book: What do you do when there’s nothing to do? Here’s a book about exploring the delights of unscheduled time. No piano lessons, sports practice, afterschool classes, homework. Instead, Douglas Wood gently points children to the magical worlds of the imagination, the mysteries of nature, and the deep satisfaction of finding out things on one’s own. The perfect antidote for the overscheduled child, this wise yet playful book revels in the simple joys life has to offer.With brilliant, multifaceted patterned artwork that is the hallmark of Wendy Anderson Halperin, Nothing to Do reflects a wholly original vision of children’s creativity.
Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a great read right before summer vacation begins for kids. Not only are children overscheduled, but their spare time gets filled with video games, tv, cell phones etc. What happened to good old fashion play and imagination? I'm always reminding myself that I need to unplug, lets encourage our children to do the same. Make room on your bookshelf for Nothing To Do.
