The Megasaurus

Oh no there's a monster in Beandom!  What will King Limalot do to protect all the tiny, bean-shaped bears?  Find out in The Megasaurus by Thomas and Peter Weck. 

The bears are terrified when they learn of a huge beast that, "made the earth tremble with each pounding step, and the trees sway when it roared..."  So King Limalot calls in his advisors - three wise old owls. However when each fail to rid the land of the Megasaurus (and get themselves eaten in the process) the King is finally left to take the advice of small L. Joe Bean, a servant's son.        

This book is cleverly written and funny to boot.  The illustrations by Len Disalvo are wonderfully done with much detail that brings this imaginary kingdom to life.  I could see the bears of Beandom being brought to the big screen and having their own toys!

In addition, at the end of the book you can engage your child with;

• before reading questions
• during reading questions
• after reading questions
• make a monster mask
• count and measure 300 paces
• dialogue
• word sort

The Megasaurus is the first book in this series and is a must have for any child's collection. Check out Lima Bear Press at; http://limabearpress.com/ or grab a copy at Amazon

The Alphabet Kids

"Meet the Alphabet Kids:  Allegra, Elena, Isaac, Oni, Umar, and Yang."

Let's take learning the alphabet to another level with 6 of the best children's picture books on the market.  These books are simple yet unique.  Alphabet Kids teach subtle lessons while introducing your youngster to different cultures, customs, foods, music and languages, as well as breaking down ethnic boundaries by demonstrating the similarities we all possess as humans.

Lets take a closer look:

~  Allegra's Apple Tree - demonstrates the need for saving trees by showing smart, kid-friendly ideas for conserving paper.  (Written by Vivian Treves & Patrice Samara).

~  Elena's Birthday Party -  Everyone loves surprises so when Elena thinks no one at the Alphabet Center has remembered her birthday she soon finds out what true friends are all about.  (Written by Liana Perez & Patrice Samara).

~  Isaac's Zoo - At first when Isaac receives two goldfish from his Bubbe he's thrilled, but after a trip to the park his friends convince him that his pets are boring.  Find out what Isaac does that teaches him a valuable lesson.  (Written by Neme Alperstein and Patrice Samara).

~  Oni's Good Hair Day - Oni's first day at the Alphabet Center is challenged when Allegra points out that her hair is "crunchy."  What does mom and dad say to help ease her stress?  Find out in Oni's Good Hair Day.  (Written by Michelle Bodden & Patrice Samara).

~  Umar's Magic Oven - When snack time leads the children to bring in special breads, Umar's father steals the day with his special baking skills and a neat, energy conserving "oven."  (Written by Abed Awad & Patrice Samara).

~  Yang's New Dance - When Yang is busy copying his action figures weird moves, the Alphabet Kids are left wondering.  That is until Yang's grandpa Li Yan Ma comes to class and shows the kids what Yang's moves were all about.  (Written by Dr. Jingyi Hong & Patrice Samara).

This wonderful series of books was created by Allegra Joyce Kassin and illustrated by Carol Nicklaus and Susan Unger.  The Alphabet Kids is a must have!  Check them out at; http://www.alphabetkids.com/