Tell me the Answer! Barron’s says “will do” with a fun new book.

Barron's has new additions to the best-selling series! These fun-filled Q&A book is packed with answers to questions that curious children want to know—and parents are only too happy to have them look up and discover on their own. Each book contains more than 200 answers to questions on different topics: the Universe, Space, the Earth, Humans, Everyday Phenomena, and more. The books are organized according to different topics and tabbed for easy reference—and the last tab includes fun stickers. A hidden spiral binding makes it easy to flip back and forth, while entertaining illustrations and activities make learning fun. (Ages 8 and up).

Earth & Sky includes intriguing questions such as:

• What is an exoplanet?
• Who was Copernicus?
• What is a light year?
• How does a star shine?
• What is the equator?
• How do sailors make use of the stars?
• And many more

Parents may find the answers as interesting as their kids do!

Tell Me Earth & Sky
Sophie de Mullenheim
122 pp., 5 ½" x 8"
$14.99, Can$17.99
ISBN 978-1-4380-5060-7

                                           My Thoughts:

I am a huge fan of space! When I heard about this latest release from Barron's I knew it was going to have to go into my collection. Not only is is an easy read, it's interesting and fun! All ages will get a kick out of the creative design and organization of this information packed book! Everything from the history of space so far, to scientific facts is included. Plus, who doesn't love when a book adds stickers as well?

I'm looking forward to bringing this into my classroom to inspire my students to work on space related projects. They are the perfect age to enjoy each page and learn some valuable facts that they can carry with them. Barron's always produces the best content, and this book is a wonderful addition for any space lover, library, or family!

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Mythologica: Beasts to Color

This gorgeously illustrated, intricately designed collection of mythical beasts to color offers hours of relaxing, absorbing fun to coloring book fans and fantasy fans alike. It features custom-made artwork from two internationally acclaimed illustrators and includes everything from a majestic dragon, flying phoenix, and a soaring Pegasus to a fire-breathing dragon, incredible kraken, beautiful unicorn, and beyond. Every single page allows coloring fans to take their time, concentrate, and create something exquisite and unforgettable. Each striking design is printed on perforated paper, so it is easily pulled out and readily available for display once you’re done. Long-time coloring book fans and beginners alike will be delighted as they create an alternate world filled with mythical creatures in Mythologica.

My Thoughts

Coloring is a favorite pastime of kids everywhere. We all spent hours during our childhoods filling page after page with color. We had fun, and it fulfilled our creative sides. Somewhere along the way, most of us grow up and feel that coloring books are a thing that we have to set aside as we take on adult responsibilities However,. I am steadily racking up my stock of adult coloring books. I absolutely love them. They take you straight back to your childhood, and give you a relaxing outlet. As a kid I would color for hours with music playing in the background and it is still something I do today. They are much better than the kids coloring books that I play with with my kids. Now they can use their age appropriate books perfect for adults.

The Mythologica: Beasts to Color Book is my favorites from Barron so far because I love fantasy themed artwork. There are beautiful pictures of dragons, phoenixes, centaurs, and various types of  mythological creatures throughout the book.  I like to use colored pencils and skinny markers. The markers don't bleed through the pages, but even if they do they're blank on the back of each page. Plus, the pages are  perforated which is great because the pictures are so pretty, I want to take some of them out and frame them!

 Mythologica: Beasts to Color book is definitely quirky and unique. My daughter loves this book as much as I do, and had a great time working on the beautiful unicorn page.  Each page is different and it feels like the characters could step right out of the pages.  The designs are challenging to color, but still a lot of fun. The artwork in each of this book is stunning. With so many options, there really is something for everyone.

Enjoy Hours of Fun with Modeling Clay!

Modeling Clay with 3 Basic Shapes

Model More than 40 Animals with Teardrops, Balls, and Worms

Bernadette Cuxart

PUB. DATE: SEPTEMBER 2016

Paperback, 96 pp., 8 7/8" x 10 1/2"

ISBN 978-1-4380-0908-7

$11.99, Can $14.50 

Teachers, parents, and kids will adore this book that's bursting with fun-filled projects. With three basic shapes (ball, worm, and teardrop), children will learn how to create personality-filled critters. All techniques described are easy for children to master, and kids will be delighted by the wonderful array of animals they can make with a little bit of clay and a whole lot of imagination.

A step-by-step guide to creating more than 40 clay animals.

Cute photos, numbered steps, helpful illustrations, crystal-clear directions, and some funny text help kids unleash their creativity and artistic talents. Projects include everything from pandas, owls, rhinos, kittens, puppies, snakes, koala bears, raccoons, snails, turtles, fish, and more. 

They'll look forward to rainy days!

A summary of projects and a helpful guide to techniques at the beginning of the book will help you create dozens of different, fun, and original clay figures. Perfect for a rainy day or art class project, or as a fun way to foster and encourage creativity. (Ages 4–8). 

My Thoughts:

As an assistant art teacher, I am always looking for fun ideas for my students. They love doing projects where they can have fun with clay. It was one of the main activities they all asked for during the summer and fall season of our camp. Nothing beats getting to craft their favorite animals. With ages ranging from around 8 and up, each child was able to find a fun idea that worked for them. 

Author Bernadette Cuxart, creates a step by step guide in her book. Each animal has it's own section in the book with instructions on how to create each shape, as well as detailed features. Any additional crafting tools are also shown as well. The instructions are very user friendly for learners of all ages, as well as parents, grandparents and/or teachers who are overlooking the projects. I enjoyed how intricate the animals come out. Although they are all made from three basic shapes, ball, worm, and teardrop, each creation had it's own flare.

For those that are teaching groups, it is nice that each student will generally be starting with the same basics. It makes it nice for the teachers, but also fun for the kids who can work together to help one another make something that is alike, yet they get to incorporate their own unique creativity with through the projects in this book.

I would highly recommend, Modeling Clay with 3 Basic Shapes, for anyone looking for activities that will lead to hours of fun for kids and adults alike! 

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New Coloring Books for Adults from Barron's—Calm your mind, create something beautiful

Sweet dreams are made of these lavish illustrations. There are wildly imaginative images of dolphins and dream catchers, giraffes and zebras, city streets and jungle habitats, crashing waves and gorgeous mandalas, ferocious dragons and gorgeous fashionistas. Let yourself relax and unwind with each one, choosing your own color palette while you let your creativity take flight. The pages in this book are perforated, so you can easily pull out your completed designs and share, frame, or use them for decorations. Quiet your mind, create something beautiful, and find much-needed time to focus and dream with this beautiful book.

Now you can take your coloring with you! These uniquely formatted adult coloring books resemble a notepad in shape and size, and allow you to do your coloring at home or on the go. Perfect for those moments when you need a break or when you just long for a minute of inspiration to begin or end the day. Each book features an attractive foil cover, while inside, colorists will find 80 pages of one-sided illustrations, so today's work of art won't bleed through and ruin tomorrow's masterpiece in waiting! Color them in, decorate them to your heart's desire, and frame them for all to see. Each work of art makes a wonderful gift

These detailed and stylish bird portraits are simply crying out for your own unique splash of color. From majestic eagles to personality-filled puffins, to graceful hummingbirds drawn in such detail you can almost hear their wings flapping, every page gives coloring fans the chance to pick and choose the perfect colors for each of their exquisite creations. Once you've finished coloring them, it's easy to pull the pages out, display or frame them, and give them as gifts since each page is also perforated. Intricate designs pull you in, entertaining you for hours on end as you delve deeper and deeper into the magical world of The Aviary

Let your imagination run wild with this stylish adult coloring book that takes you on a glorious exploration of creatures big and small. It features a unique mixture of three color backgrounds (with colors that include black, gold, or blue) that enrich different environments, color palettes, textures, and the artistic look of each animal pattern. This first-of-its-kind "night and day" approach allows each intricate design to take on a life of its own. With over 90 complex images to explore and enhance, you'll create vibrant masterpieces of many animals, including the owl, horse, eagle, monkey, tiger, elephant, wolf, lion, and more

My Thoughts

Coloring is a favorite pastime of kids everywhere. We all spent hours during our childhoods filling page after page, sometimes with iffy results. Still, we had fun and it fulfilled our creative sides. Somewhere along the way, most of us grow up and feel that coloring books are a thing that we have to set aside as we take on adult responsibilities. I am steadily racking up my stock of adult coloring books. I absolutely love them. They take you straight back to your childhood, at least for me. As a kid I would color for hours with music playing in the background and it is still something I do today. They are much better than the kids coloring books that I play with with my kids. Now they can use their age appropriate books and I an use mine! 

The Aviary Book is my favorite because I love nature themed items. The Animals night and day book is also amazing because there are beautiful pictures of full-sized animals of various types throughout the book as well. These are easy to color, big enough to fit markers and crayons. I like to use colored pencils and skinny markers. The markers don't bleed through the pages, but even if they do they're blank on the back of each page.  Plus, the pages are  perforated which is great because the pictures are so pretty, I want to take some of them out and frame them!

The Time to Dream Coloring book is definitely quirky and unique. My six year old loves this book actually.  Each page is different and does feel like its out of a dream.  The designs are really easy to color. The art in each of these books is great. With so many options, there really is something for everyone.

 

Election Day is coming! Get kids excited about the process with Barron’s!

With the Democratic and Republican primaries being hotly contested, the 2016 presidential race is gearing up to be the most pivotal election this country has had in generations. Kids, parents, and teachers will certainly be discussing this important topic through November. Children will also have many questions about the history of our country's elections, from George Washington in 1789 to Barack Obama in 2012. That's where Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts can help.

No Question Left Unanswered:

*Who can run for president? *Who can vote? *What is the Electoral College? *What is a third-party candidate? *Which Republican president had a Democrat for his vice president? *Who was the only U.S. president to be elected for more than two terms? *Which candidates have won the popular vote but lost the election? *Why was President Truman laughing in 1948 when he read the Chicago Tribune headline that declared: "Dewey Defeats Truman"?

Start a Discussion Children Will Enjoy Having:

Perfect to spark classroom conversations and perk up students, this book brings history and social studies classes to life. Children will thoroughly enjoy learning all of the intrigue, trivia, and little-known facts about the important people, places, and events in the history of presidential elections in the United States.

About the Author:

Syl Sobel is an attorney who has worked on many well-known publications about the U.S. judiciary. He has also consulted on behalf of the U.S. government with judges from around the world, and has spoken about the judiciary at conferences and with visiting delegations. Mr. Sobel is the author of several children's books on U.S. government and history, including titles on the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and presidential elections.

My Thoughts:

My little brother loves anything and everything history! He's been studying it and collecting books for the last few years. He has quite a collection! This will be his first election voting, and he has enjoyed researching information as much as he can. I knew this would be the perfect reference for him. 

Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts is a great fit for kids, teenagers, teachers and even adults looking for more information. If anyone has any questions about the presidents and how elections are run, this is a great guide. It is informative, but written in a way that is straight to the point and easy to understand. The pictures are a nice addition too! What I enjoyed the most is that it goes back throughout history, bringing a full circle understanding of how rules and regulations have been formed throughout the years. There are even fun facts! 

With 48 pages and a personable writing style, this book is an easy, fun and educational read! Click on the photo below and zoom in to get a view of some of the pages! 

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Book Review: Richard Scarry's School Bus Box Set

Barron's New Spring/Summer 2014 Catalog Is Online Now!

 

Keep your readers entertained and in-the-know with an outstanding collection of new spring titles from Barron's.

 

Check out our Spring/Summer 2014 catalog online anytime from your computer, smartphone, or tablet and get a jump on your editorial planning for the upcoming season. Our eclectic new collection includes: 

 

• A powerful, life-saving manual for surviving all types of emergencies
• A quirky cookbook that covers all things marshmallow
• A hard-hitting account of human trafficking for young adults
• A gorgeous 70th anniversary edition of the D-Day classic, The Longest Day
• The kid-friendly take on a touching New York Times best-seller

Plus beautiful, image-filled, instructional volumes on sewing, pottery, beading, painting and pet care; tons of bold and bright new titles for kids (including brand-new Richard Scarry!); and of course, Barron's world-renowned Test Prep manuals.

About Barron's Educational Series, Inc.
Founded in 1941, Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. rapidly became America’s leading publisher of test preparation manuals and school directories. Among the most widely recognized of Barron’s many titles in these areas are its SAT and ACT test prep books, its Regents Exams books, and its Profiles of American Colleges. In recent years, Barron’s has expanded into many other publishing fields, introducing extensive lines of children’s books, foreign language learning books and CDs, pet care manuals, gift books, cookbooks, business and financial advice books, parenting advice books, and art instruction books, as well as learning materials on audiocassette, VCR, Compact Disc, and CD-ROM. On average, Barron’s publishes more than 300 new titles a year and maintains an extensive backlist of well over 2,000 titles. Barron’s books are instantly recognized for their variety, reliability, and quality by retailers, educational and institutional book buyers, and not least by the reading public everywhere.

You can find Barron's online at Barronseduc.com, see their 2014 online catalog, and visit them on Facebook & Twitter.

Our Thoughts
I love books!  We've talked about how if we ever build a house, it will need to have its own library.  Barron's 2014 online catalog is filled with books I'd love to read - with 15 different sections, there's something for everyone! The Hobbies & Crafts as well as the Juvenile sections are my favorites out of this 2014 catalog, and Barron's has so much more on their website!

For this review, Barron's sent us the Richard Scarry School Bus Box Set.

For more than 50 years, noted children’s illustrator Richard Scarry’s distinctive color illustrations have introduced preschoolers to basic learning concepts. In this attractive set of four board books, early concepts such as opposites and good manners are explored. Titles included are:

• Huckle’s Opposites
• Let’s Count to Ten
• All About Us!
• Huckle’s Good Manners

The books have six bright and busy two-page scenes, each scene is filled with Richard Scarry’s famous Busytown animals doing all kinds of silly things that will make toddlers giggle. Each book has a trim size of 5 1/2" x 5 ½," and all four books fit in a colorful illustrated school bus shaped case for easy portability and convenient clean up. (Ages 2–5)

About The Author:

Richard Scarry, the renowned author and illustrator of many beloved children’s books, was best known for his series about Busytown, where animals who act very much like people engage in all sorts of work activities. Many of Busytown’s favorite characters also appear in My First School Journal and My School Backpack, which teaches basic learning concepts to preschoolers. This book is also available in North America from Barron's.

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Richard Scarry books have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Growing up, we had one of the big books.  It was pretty well destroyed by us kids, so when I started buying books for any future children I might have, one of the first books I bought was another Richard Scarry big compilation book.  LOL, my son has already removed the cover - he loves paging through it because of all the bright bold colors!  We also have several Richard Scarry DVD's; more of my son's favorites. 

I particularly appreciate the School Bus Box Set; my son is right at that young age - learning about opposites, counting, and good manners.  I like the All About Us book, so I can remember who each character is when we're watching the DVD's!

A fun box set for all young children, the School Bus Box Set comes highly recommended by me - as does all of Richard Scarry's work!