Scholastic Decoder: February

February – think Valentine’s, groundhogs, Chinese New Year, black history… it’s a promising month for some good themed titles. Let’s take a look:

Elf

Kids Around the World pack – I often have people come in looking for “multicultural” books. There is a lot of ways to approach that, and these would be one of them. In Hello World!, we learn how people say hello in many different places, while the Karen Katz title focuses on peace and harmony among many people. It’s a simple and direct way to start talking about differences with children, if a touch simplistic, making these best for younger kids.
Superhero Starter Kit – all you need to take on the world is a cape, a mask, and some imagination – this simple but fun kit supplies the props, but leaves room for your kid to do the imagining. I love things that support imaginative play like this, and the fact that it is not branded makes me even happier.
*Power pack  – I’m often leary of themed packs, but this set of vehicle titles has some great stuff in it! Tony Mitton’s books are perfect for toddlers and preschooler, Freight Train and Down by the Station are classics, and I am really loving the new DK series on vehicles. This is a sure win for a truck-and-train kid.
*Pigeon Super Value pack – a major crowd-pleaser, these are a massive hit with anyone who loves the
silly and interactive. They pretty much made Mo Willems, and he has
only built on that to be a household name.
Chicka Chicka Listen Listen pack – This trio is great fun, while introducing numbers and letters. I love the rhythms in them, and hearing them aloud is the way to enjoy them. These are on the flyers often, so if you prefer to read aloud yourself, you can find them cheaper that way, but if you want to be able to pop in a CD for car trips or a few minutes of dinner prep, they can be nice to have on hand.
So Much Munsch! pack – love him or hate him, Munsch is a serious force in kidslit, and kids love
his silliness. I like his older books better, when it felt like he didn’t have
pressure to turn out as many stories, and they seemed more original. This pack
has 9 of his earliest and best, with less annoying and more awesome, though I could do without Love You Forever, one of those love-it-or-hate-it books.
Character Traits Library – I hate books that directly set out to address a character trait – that usually means that writing takes a back seat, and blah. but for this pack, they have carefully chosen books by a range of authors that illustrate different traits, instead, meaning that you’ve got some great authors and stories in here, which I am all for. Well done!
The Cat in the Hat: I Love the Nightlife! – I am loving these new Cat in th ehat science books! They are pretty thorough, as well as fun, and the new TV series will only make kids more drawn to them. (I kind of hate that, but that is the way it goes, usually. Still, at least these books are worthwhile unlike many based on shows.)

Seesaw

Diary of a Spider/Worm – These are a funny look at what it might be like to be a spider – or a worm. Doreen Cronin is also the brain behind Click, Clack, Moo, so you know she can bring the funny.
*Farm – Elisha Cooper makes the simplest of picture book concepts come to life with gorgeous, detailed watercolours. Here, the seasons turn, while we watch how life on the farm changes with them. Just beautiful.
The Magic Schoolbus Adventures pack – an older-kid spinoff for early chapter readers. I’m generally wary of
spinoffs, but find that magic School bus does it fairly well, and I love
that kids love them and even the study-averse learn some science
painlessly along the way. Girl 6 is obsessed with these right now, and I love that she is learning while she’s at it.
Magic Treehouse pack – I really enjoy these, and put them head and
shoulders above most series, especially once they have grown to this
size. These continue to be interesting, magical, and informative,
all at once, and they make a good bridge to fiction for readers who
usually prefer non-fiction. This pack with #1-8 is a nice starter, though if you are sure you love
them, bigger packs are also offered often – there is one in the lucky
flyer this month, in fact.
Chester’s Back! – funny, funny stuff here, with a book character who refuses to conform to what his author is trying to draw. Though they are tough for sharing with a crowd, kids really enjoy them, and Melanie Watt is also known for her Scaredy Squirrel books.
*The Story of Ferdinand – I may have squeed a little when I saw this on here – this is an oldie but goodie that was a favourite of mine growing up, and still. Ferdinand is a bull who has no interest in fighting, he just likes to sit and smell flowers, so when he ends up in a bull ring, things do not go as planned. The black-and-white ink drawings in this are old-school, but still charming and funny. Love this.
Treasury of 100 Storybook Classics DVD pack – there aren’t too many DVDs that I would recommend, but these are
animated versions of really wonderful stories that remain true to text.
They are created by the award-winning Weston Woods studio, and are very
well-done. This is the big set, offered a couple of times a year, while there are smaller sets offered in some months, too.
50 Rainy Day Activities – I love these Usborne books when they are not too narrowly themed, and have a nice variety of ideas. anyone is sure to find something appealing, and the activities are all achievable and clearly spelled out. I’m eying this one, too.
1001 Things to Spot pack – Way cheaper than the eye spy books, but the same idea, these will keep wiggly kids busy for a while, hunting for things, so they are great for slow days, trips, waiting rooms, and any other time you need some simple entertainment.
Klutz Classic Games gift pack – I love these simple, classic games to teach your kids and play together! Klutz books come with really clear instructions, which makes them winners with kids, and all the necessary game pieces included. I’ve been looking everywhere for a nice set of pick-up sticks, too…

Lucky

Magic Treehouse –  there is both a big set (#1-29 + #33-40) and Crazy Day with Cobras on its own
in this flyer. I still really enjoy these, and put them head and
shoulders above most series, especially once they have grown to this
size. These continue to be interesting, magical, and informative,
all at once, and they make a good bridge to fiction for readers who
usually prefer non-fiction.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid #5 – both the set of #1-5 and #5 on its own are in this flyer. These books
are funny, and a monster hit with kids, spawning a movie last year that
only made them bigger. They are only in hardcover in stores, while these paperbacks are priced
slightly below the hardcover price.
*Black History Pack – I’m not always a fan of themed packs, but this includes some good stories with great art – two of them are Caldecott-honoured, and the gorgeous Martin’s Big Words in my teacher husband’s favourite to use with his kids.
Scholastic Children’s Atlas of the World – atlases are great reference tools for school, but also a nice introduction to the rest of the world. Having one aimed at children makes it more user-friendly, which is appealing. If you also got the math and science flyer, it includes a National Geographic atlas as well, which I am inclined to suggest is even better and more comprehensive, with photos and maps, as well as being in a cheaper paperback format.
Usborne 50 Things to Make and Do – Usborne’s art books are pretty good, and I like that these are widely
varied. I’m buying this for craft ideas for work and home!
*E.B. White pack – if you don’t own these already and are only buying one thing this month, I strongly recommend these. They have it all – friendship, suspense, and amazing writing. these are full-on classics with very good reason.
Calvin and Hobbes set – parents, teachers, and even us librarians often overlook the fact that reading comics? Is still reading. And yes, there is still narrative structure. so if you’ve got a reluctant reader on your hands, or even just a kid who has a great sense of humour and needs some brain candy, these are great fun.
Usborne Children’s Book of Baking – I’m not much of a cook. Actually, I’m
not any at all of a cook. But I do know that cooking and baking is great for kids. It
teaches following instructions and reinforces rudimentary math skills. It’s
great together time, and I’m finding Usborne’s books pleasantly clear and simple, for less frustration and more sweet results. Yum.

Arrow

Percy Jackson boxed set – these books are worth the hype, truly. Based on greek mythology, they
follow the familiar quest archetype (cough*HarryPotter*cough) through
five books in which Percy becomes quite the hero. No surprise that they
turned the first one into a movie – these are so full of action, you can
see it happening as you read. Also on offer is heroes of Olympus, bk 1, the first in the next series about the same world. I need to get my hands on that one!
*Gordon Korman – Gordon Korman is one of those consistently fun writers with massive boy appeal, and a Canadian kid, to boot. (When I say kid? He started writing and publishing in his early teens. No kidding.) This trio is being offered as two items, the first pair and then the third title. Zoobreak is on the Silver Birch Awards list this year, so lots of kids will be reading it, and then following up with the other titles. Likely to be a good buy for any kids who likes some adventure and some silly mixed in together, Korman’s specialty.
Usborne Book of Know-How – like Usborne’s many art books, this features clear imstructions and a nice range of fun stuff, but instead of art, it’s about codes and spies, magic tricks, and a few fun crafty bits. I like that it has appeal for both genders, not being aimed at just one or the other.
Star Wars Character Encyclopedia – I
don’t love all the various readers and novels and spinoffs, but if you’ve got
a true fan, the Character Encyclopedia will knock their socks off.
Klutz Paper Beads – I have always liked klutz kits for their fool-proof instructions, and the fact that you always have enough material to get started right away. The great things about these paper beads is that you can then turn to anything to make more. A great activity for the crafty kid!
Guinness Book of World Records – from the bizarre to the heroic, there are amazing
things in this for everyone. I haven’t met a child yet who doesn’t find these
thrilling – you might remember poring over them yourself? An excellent choice
for a reluctant reader.
*Canadian Black History pack – the Underground Railroad makes for some great adventure and survival stories, and this pack does not fail, delivering two of those, one in the Dear Canada diary format, as well as Christopher Paul Curtis’ multi-award-winning title Elijah of Buxton. He’s a stellar writer, so if your reader loves adventure, this pack is a great one, as well as tying right into this month’s black history studies. What a way to make history come alive!
Horrible Histories pack – speaking of bringing istory to life – this series has won fans by focusing on the grotesque and horrifying aspects of history, and there are plenty to go around. The great thing is that kids tend to remember this stuff, although they might insist on reading some of the more gruesome parts aloud to you to watch your face. Still, they are a good way to sell history to the academics-averse.
Calvin and Hobbes pack – as above in Lucky, these are great fun for a reluctant reader or for one who just loves to take a break and enjoy some funny stuff.
Big Nate pack – Big Nate is a great next read for lovers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. They are funny and irreverant, but not as outright rude as, say, Captain Underpants. Nate manages to walk a nice balance between totally amusing kids and not grossing out parents! I really enjoyed these when I devoured them recently, and more are coming out next year to keep your kid hooked.
Bone: Quest for the Spark #1 – this
is the next series set in the same world as the original Bone books. That graphic novel series is a lot of fun, and kid-friendly for about grade 3 and
up. Fun and adventurous, kids ask
for them often. This next series is sure to follow in the same footsteps – and I am totally excited that I get to see Jeff Smith speak next week!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid pack – as above in Lucky, a monster hit, at a slightly lower price.
Icefire pack – this series about a dragon is a hefty read, but enjoyed by
fans of the equally weighty Eragon saga.
Inkheart trilogy – another
outstanding fantasy series for older readers (grades 5-8), and another that has
been made into movies, bringing even greater popularity to the trilogy.
Guardians of Ga’Hoole – Another fantasy series, this time with animals – a
perfect pick for fans of the Warriors or
Redwall series. The author has a good
name for herself, and the release of the movie this fall will also be bringing
a whole new audience, so any fantasy reader is likely to be interested.

Advance With Math, Science, and More!

*One Hundred Hungry Ants – a cute way to look at multiplication for early math students. i love this one, and am buying it for Girl 6.
Usborne Cookbook for Boys – I’m not usually one to support gender-specific books like this, but I would suggest that this might help get some boys past any notion about cooking being girly, and I’m all for that. That, and as I mentioned above, cooking is great for literacy and math, as well as being a life skill.
The Magic School Bus DVD library – the magic School Bus books, which I love, come to life in these animated versions. I have a couple of these, and find them consistently good at retaining the feel of the books and the mix of learning and adventure that make them so fun.
Klutz Book of Magic – a lot of kids love learning a magic trick or two, and once again, klutz delivers simple, manageable tricks and everything you need to do them. Don’t forget that following instructions is a learned literacy skill, too!
Guinness World Records – as above, in Arrow
*National Geographic Kids World Atlas – as mentioned above, in Lucky, atlases are great reference tools for school, but also a nice introduction to the rest of the world. this one from national Geo is packed with photos and maps, at a great price.
Usborne Recycling Things to Make and Do, plus Science Things to Make and Do – have I mentioned that I like these books? I’m seriously considering going big on activity books this month and bringing these home, too, since there are lots of fun, achievable projects to be found in these.
Mighty Machines construction pack – a nice inexpensive set for a construction fanatic, there are enough big yellow machines in these to fill any young kid’s desire for more! diggers!
Haunted Canada pack – some kids love ghost stories and the little thrill of being scared. This pack delivers with true stories of hauntings in our home and native land. Brrr.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – like Guinness, but focussing more closely on the bizarre and freakish, this is another fun-to-browse tome that rivets even the most bibliophobic.

Okay, kids, that’s all for another month! Phew. Gotta go rest up my fingers for March.