Favorite Authors

I love children's books too much to limit myself or my "audience" to just Usborne Books & More. Here are some of my favorite authors not available through my book site. You can get these at the library! 

       P.D. Eastman.  

These beginning readers are classics I remember from my childhood and are still loved today. Go Dog, Go, Are you my Mother and My Nest is Best provide fun stories, rhyming and describing words that make them fun to read to your child or for beginning readers to practice their new skills. http://www.pdeastmanbooks.com

Mo Willems

I love the Elephant and Piggy books and so do my boys! They are funny and simple yet have great messages. His newest books like Cat the Cat are great first reader books. Knuffle Bunny is such a sweet story about losing something dear to us and the communication barriers between parents and their child who can't talk yet. Mo Willems' website has links to his books as well as fun game and activities for the classroom or at home: Website


Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear are classic books that should be on every young child's book shelf. I try to pick up one of his books, almost every time I visit the library. Children love the predictability of books like Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Many of his books feature and provide information on different animals. His artwork is appealing and fun for both children and adults.
Check out his website for other titles, print outs (like a color matching sheet) and instructions on how to create your own tissue art: Eric Carle's Website

Audrey and Don Wood

I love that the Woods write and illustrate together- husband, wife and son! I often find it difficult to find books that teach about letters and numbers in fun and engaging ways. Some of my favorites are from the Woods- Alphabet Mystery, Adventure and Rescue and Ten Little Fish.
Check out their website for other great titles like King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, activities and more: http://www.audreywood.com

What is Usborne Books & More?

 

About the books and company

Since its foundation by Peter Usborne in 1973, Usborne has been a publisher that is constantly recognized for outstanding achievements and contributions to children’s publishing and literacy. As Children's Publisher of the Year 2012, Usborne children's books are available around the world, both in English and in over 100 different languages. 

The company's belief that the best children's books are entertaining, colorful and informative, and illustrated with humor and an eye for the details of everyday life that children love to spot has created books that children and parents love. The books are beautifully designed and superbly produced according to current ethical and safety standards. They are illustrated by world-class artists, making them books that children remember and treasure.

How it works
For the last 30 years Usborne Books & More has helped tens of thousands of people to earn money on their own terms. Similar to Thirty-One or Pampered Chef, Usborne Books & More consultants build their business by selling books at home parties, playgroups and booths. Unique to Usborne is the opportunity to facilitate school book fairs, raise grant money for schools and establish reading incentive programs. The support Usborne More provides is incredible! From team member support, to monthly incentives, trips, conferences, training videos and more, consultants are encouraged and assisted every step of the way. While Usborne is growing, the reach is no where near Mary Kay or Avon and considering there is a literacy crisis in our Country, the need is there! 

The benefits of starting an Usborne Books at Home business are many:

• A business fits around your family
• No experience is necessary
• Opportunity to build an amazing home library 
• It is flexible and fun and can also make a real difference
• Work to improve literacy in both homes and schools 
• Help others reach their dreams

Why I joined

• I believe in the mission! (see below)
• I want to do my part to help children learn and support parents and schools in that goal. 
• Flexible schedule so I can spend time with my family
• Ability to be creative and explore new opportunities
• Love the BOOKS!

 Hosting a party is a great way to earn free books and learn more! Or contact me with any questions!

Avoiding Summer Reading Loss

Research shows that students who do not read regularly during the summer can lose up to three months progress!

Local libraries work hard to combat reading loss by offering a variety of summer reading programs. Librarians are also a great resource for finding just the right book to keep your kids reading over the summer break.

You also play an important role. 

The National Summer Learning Institute provides these tips:

A- Access to books

B- Books that match the readers interests and reading level

C- Comprehension guided by an adult parent or teacher

Just having your children read over the summer is most likely not enough to combat summer reading loss. Make sure that you provide opportunities for your children to talk about and engage with you about what they are reading. 

-Ask questions to make sure they are comprehending what they are reading.

-Read aloud to your children.

-Summer is a great time to allow children to read the books they enjoy the most.

-Create activities or field trips based on the books they are reading.

-Bring books everywhere you go- picnics, vacations, appointments

 Here are some of my current favorites:

Billie B and Hey Jack- great for early readers- entering 1st grade or younger if you are reading to your child. Billie and Jack are best friends and each book involves them overcoming a challenge. 

Jack Russell- good for 2nd/3rd graders. This is about a dog named Jack Russell who is a detective solving crimes and mysteries. It is amusingly written from Jack's point of view.

A World Away- a historical fiction for 4th/5th graders. This book is from the point of view of a Native American girl who is taken from her home and the boy she meets in England, Tom. A love story and good introduction to the conflicting desires of settlers and native people.

Phoenix Files- this exciting series for 5th-8th graders will have even the most reluctant reader wanting more. Selected families are brought to a secret city and a group of youth find out that there is a plot to destroy the rest of the world. As they try to save the world each of their strengths and weaknesses are tested.

Please contact me about recommendations for more great Usborne Books to read this summer!

info@lostlagooncafe.com

More Resources:

http://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/summer/

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