This is a terrific first book for kids whose families will be observing the holiday or for anyone who is just looking for a simple explanation of what Kwanzaa is and what the principles mean. ...
Common Sense Reviewer
- Dawn Friedman
- Ohio
- 2 kids: ages 5, 12
About Me
Besides writing for Common Sense Media, my work has also appeared in Salon.com, Yoga Journal, Parenting, Brain Child, Utne and Ode.
What My Kids Love Now
On heavy rotation in our house: Beverly Cleary, Andrew Clements, Bob Books, Eleanor Estes, Naruto, High School Musical, Thomas the Tank Engine, Martha Speaks, Neopets, Richard Scarry CD-Roms, Animal Crossing for the Wii
House Rules
We have seven years between the kids so managing the big one's media around the youngest is our biggest challenge. Fortunately the eldest is a pretty good judge of what's appropriate for his little sister so we have his help!
When the Kids Are Asleep…
Our only can't miss show is Lost
My Biggest Challenge Is:
We're homeschooling but I also telecommute for a full-time job in marketing with a local non-profit. We are very busy around here!
Titles You’ve Reviewed
Book: The Sound of Kwanzaa
I rate this titleonand give itColorful look at the principles the holiday celebrates.
Book: Thunder-Boomer!
I rate this titleonand give itStorm brings lots of excitement -- and a very happy ending.
This picture book is exciting without being too exciting, even for kids who are still scared of thunderstorms. The family works well together, and there are a few funny events to keep the ...
Book: Panda Kindergarten
I rate this titleonand give itGreat photos make this a must-have for young animal lovers.
This book is a certain hit for kids who like animals. And who wouldn't love the adorable roly-poly pandas? Kids will learn a lot about panda care and they'll also be inspired by the human efforts ...
Book: Love, Splat
I rate this titleonand give itSweet book about love brings back popular cat.
The book is cute, and while the story may be predictable to adults, kids will be satisfied with the sweet and sappy ending. It's not great literature but it's a nice story with a decent moral about ...
Book: What Lincoln Said
I rate this titleonand give itAn introduction to Abe Lincoln in his own words.
The author organizes the book well and is able to present a lot of information in a very small space. But it's the illustrations that make the book a standout. Cartoonish without being silly, the ...
Book: Presidents' Day
I rate this titleonand give itAge-appropriate intro to four of our most famous presidents.
Kids will be interested in the presidential facts and will also be caught up in the story happening in the classroom. They'll enjoy seeing the students put together their play and then hold their ...
Book: The Swamps of Sleethe
I rate this titleiffyand give itThis grim collection is too scary for the youngest kids.
Sure, Prelutsky is talented -- he's the Poetry Foundation's Children's Poet Laureate for a reason -- but he must have put together this collection on a really lousy day. A little more humor and a ...
Book: City I Love
I rate this titleonand give itSnazzy illustrations enhance the city-centric poetry.
A beautiful book both in pictures and in tone, CITY I LOVE is a terrific way to help kids explore urban destinations around the world as well as giving them new ways to see their own hometowns. Each ...
Book: Buffalo Music
I rate this titleonand give itInspirational story of a woman determined to save buffalo.
While the book is pretty long-winded for your average preschooler, the story is interesting enough that older kids and preschoolers with strong attention spans will want to listen until the end. ...
Book: My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life
I rate this titleonand give itKids will relate to tale of "embarrassing" parents.
This is a cute book, but not much more than that. Most kids will empathize with some aspect of the narrator's plight but others might think she's overreacting. Still, even if kids don't quite get ...
Book: Funny Farm
I rate this titleonand give itOutstanding pictures make this farm worth a visit.
The best thing about this book are the pictures. With broad, colorful oil paints, Teague succeeds in bringing a very funny farm to life. The illustrations are also where all the humor lies -- cows ...
Book: We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
I rate this titleonand give itAmazing paintings + compelling history = a grand slam.
You could take away the fascinating, well-researched text and this book would still be a stand-out. Nelson's paintings showcase the players as the heroes they were and give added emotional heft to ...
