Back to School with Candlewick

***Complimentary product received in exchange for an honest review***

 Kids tend to get a little lazy in the summer months when school is out. Now that its almost time to head back to school, I am trying to get my kids back in shape. My daughter will read just about anything, but my son is a little harder to encourage. Luckily, Candlewick Press has books that appeal to kids of all ages and reading levels. They make reading fun with scary real life adventures, magic illusions, and reading games that encourage kids to read without them even realizing they're learning something. Here are just a few of the books that my kids love.

 

 

 

 Bluefish

by Pat Schmatz

April 2013 | PB: 9780763663414 | $6.99 | Ages 12 and up | 240 pages

A highly acclaimed ALA award-winning novel, Bluefish tells the story of a thirteen-year-old boy learning to read. With the perfect blend of humor, gravity, and hope, Schmatz meditates on the role of teachers, books, and learning in everyday life.

“Unique and original, believable and poignant, this is a book with a power of its own.”

–The Horn Book, Starred Review

Peppa Pig and the Busy Day at School

by Candlewick Press, Illustrated by Ladybird

June 2013 | HC: 9780763665258 | $12.99 | Ages 2-5 | 32 pages

Peppa Pig is back! Get ready to join her on a new adventure starring the beloved, award-winning U.K. sensation. Peppa is having a busy day at school—learning numbers and letters, painting, making music, and playing outside. Peppa can’t wait for Special Talent time, but her excitement turns to worry when all three of her special talents are chosen by others! 

My Thoughts

Peppa Pig: Busy Day at School helps preschoolers prepare for their first day of school with some of their favorite characters. They'll realize school isn't so scary when they see how much fun Peppa is having, and they'll also understand how exciting it can  be.  They have a talent show, learn to count and go through the whole alphabet with corresponding words that begin with each letter. They also talk about art and music class, lunch, and recess. Peppa definitely helps kids get exited about the Back to School season with adorable illustrations and cute storyline.

Bobbo Goes to School

by Shirley Hughes

March 2013 | HC: 9780763665421 | $16.99 | Ages 3-5 | 32 pages

In the newest book by two-time Greenaway Medalist Shirley Hughes, Lily’s stuffed dog, Bobbo, accidentally gets trapped on a bus headed for school! Lily’s not old enough for school yet, but will she rescue Bobbo and discover that school is actually much more exciting than she thought? 

My Thoughts

Bobbo is a cute little stuffed dog with a mischievous owner named Lily.  One morning she gives her mother a lot of trouble as they get ready to go out and when they pass a school bus, she throws Bobbo in the air and he winds up on top of the bus. While Lily is home sobbing and her mother is trying to track Bobbo down, Bobbo gets a taste of what school life is all about.  Somehow he gets caught up in the trees and watches the children play. Eventually they notice him and take him down. They bring him into the classroom to hear the stories. When the teacher hears about Lily's search for Bobbo, they call her to come get him. Once they are  back home, Lilly promises never to throw Bobbo around again.  

Bobbo Goes to School is definitely a cute story for preschool kids that not only teaches a little about school life but also the consequences of being naughty. It has cute illustrations and a story that holds the interest of preschoolers. Definitely a good choice for a back to school book.

“Another satisfying domestic drama from veteran author Hughes, this will please old fans and make new ones.” – Kirkus Reviews

 Joe and Sparky Go to School

by Jamie Michalak, Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz

June 2013 | HC: 9780763662783 | $15.99 | Ages 5-7 | 48 pages

The goofy animal pals are back!  This time, they’re headed to school for a fun-filled day of learning in Jamie Michalak’s third book about Joe the Giraffe and Sparky the Turtle, an unlikely pair of best friends. Readers will roll over laughing—and find lots to relate to—in this hilarious new adventure.

"New readers ready for the challenge of more words per page will appreciate the humor of the story and illustrations." – Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Electrical Wizard

By Elizabeth Rusch, Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez

September 2013 | HC: 9780763658557 | $16.99 | Ages 7-10 | 40 pages

Move over, Thomas Edison! Nikola Tesla takes the spotlight in a biography of the man who pioneered modern electrical engineering—and changed the course of history. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time. 

 Mesmerizing Math

By Jonathan Litton, Illustrated by Thomas Flintham

September 2013 | HC: 9780763668815 | $18.99 | Ages 7-10 | 16 pages

An interactive, engaging and exciting exploration of math! Clear, humorous text, bright illustrations and interactive novelties help explain topics including numbers, geometry, probability, transformations and statistics. The focus is on making math accessible and exciting, so each topic has an investigation for young numbersmiths to try at home

 

 

 

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***