Book: Roberto The Insect Architect

I seem to be posting tons of books lately. We do love books! But I'd be rather remiss if I failed to post about this humble picture book. Why? Because my husband is an architect :)
Again, this picture book will appeal to many age levels and would even be a fun gift for the professional or not-so-professional architect in your life!

Roberto: The Insect Architect is a fun and creative book by Nina Laden who illustrated the book with collage pictures. From the book flaps:

"Ever since he was a wee mite (termite that is), Roberto wanted to be an architect. He longed to follow in the footsteps of such architectural greats as Hank Floyd Mite and Fleas van der Rohe.
 Discouraged by comments from family and friends that he is biting off more than he can chew, he decides to follow his dream to the big, buzzing city, where he meets some not-so-creepy crawlers who spark in him the courage to build a community for them all."

It's a clever, witty read full of inspiration. It's very punny too. The references to real people, given new name twists (Robin Leech/ Barbara Waterbugs), makes it a fun book for anyone! Typically her books are ages 4-12, and up  ;-)

But before I move on, I want to emphasize that Nina Laden is an author/illustrator you may wish to explore further. This is not the only book of hers that's inventive and full of wit! How about trying Romeow and Drooliet or When Pigasso Met Mootise? The latter book may be featured when I finally get around to summing up our mini Picasso "study."

This post has been linked up with.... Book Sharing Monday

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101... Before You're 12!

Now I have two more books to recommend, both by Joanne O'Sullivan. We first found these gems at our local library and since bought our own copies. Of course, the library books don't come with the stickers ;-)


The first of the pair is 101 Things You've Gotta Do Before You're 12!



As the title says, the book contains 101 things to do... before you're 12. Each page, or double page layout, vibrantly illustrates and describes the activities. Well, truth be told there really shouldn't be an age limit as most of the book would be fun for an adult to complete too! What kind of 'things' are suggested?

Examples: geocaching, growing your own garden, reading your cereal box, try a new sport, go on a ghost tour, give your room a  make over, see a meteor shower, conquer a fear, sleep under the stars, make edible art, dig for fossils, and way more.

As you can see, some things can be done locally and others may require a trip. Some things are quick, free, and easy, others take time, money, or planning. The book comes with several sheets of stickers which are helpful to keep track of the activities accomplish and even rate them. With 150 stickers, you'd think it were enough, but it could use more; however, it depends on how active you are and how you want to track your progress. For example, there are not enough "mission accomplished" but you could always use a "top 20" or "this rocks" to mark those you've done. Or use "never ever" or "way weird."  

 The second book is, 101 Places You've Gotta See Before You're 12! Can you see the trend?! Lol. This second book is exactly like the first, complete with stickers, but with a different focus: things to see. Examples of suggested things to see: a big cave, a light house, a waterfall, backstage of a theatre, an unusual museum, a street market, your parent's workplace, a subway, an eccentric eatery, a special place to sleep (like Quebec City's Ice Hotel), a place of worship other than your own, a haunted place, a pig pen, a sculpture park, an old folks home, a crazy dream home.... and waaaay more.





Now, you certainly don't need either book to accomplish the tasks or visits, but it sure is nice to have them as a list all in one place and be able to mark off the ones you've done, like a diary! One problem: lack of space to write notes. But it's not impossible. Plus the 101 Places You Gotta See Before You're 12! does have several note pages at the *back* of the book; weird that the 'To Do' book doesn't.

Thanks to Joanne O'Sullivan stopping by and leaving a comment below, I can add a bit more information to this post!

Guess what?! She adds to her lists through her blog The Wanderlists. So go check it out too for even more cool ideas!







This post has been linked up with......

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Book Sharing Monday: Popcorn!

Who doesn't like popcorn?!

Popcorn! by Elaine Landau

I love popcorn and while looking for popcorn recipe books I found this fun picture book packed with the history and the science of popcorn. Colourfully illustrated, this book gets 4.5 stars out of 5 from my son!

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Book Sharing Monday @ Canadian Home Learning
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Great Figures in History, A Manga Series

Another successful whim! Spotted on the library bookshelves while browsing, Great Figures in History: Leonardo Da Vinci was a welcome addition to my son's reading. Consumed in one sitting, this "Full-Color Manga" inspired the request for the rest of the series!

Some other great figures to explore: Einstein, Ghandi, Curie, Mother Theresa, and Nelson Mandela! If the EPL doesn't bring these in, I better request they do! And which ever new ones are out there lurking about, just waiting to be discovered.

There's even supposed to be a Parent and Teacher's Guide is available for download from the Y.kids website. But quite frankly, I couldn't find it on their website, let me know if you do, lol!

Linked up to Book Sharing Monday, go check out other recommended books!


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