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discover that book

a blog about usborne books & more

understanding politics and government

2/18/2018

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"Am I a citizen?" "Who decides what is legal?" "Can you trust the media?" "How can one person change the world?" These are just a few of the questions Usborne's new book Understanding Politics & Government sets out to answer.

In over 100 pages, the book sets out to explain what government is, how governments are run, how political systems have evolved, what different political ideologies stand for, and how to approach big questions - immigration, terrorism, feminism, war, freedom of speech. It provides context on how countries have ended up with the political systems they follow, breaks down difficult processes like elections, and offers different opinions on major topics.

Politics has never been a straightforward topic to introduce to kids, and I think it's safe to say the topic is getting more complicated now that information, mis-information, and endless perspectives are right at our fingertips 24/7. This book is a must-have for kids and adults alike!

For parents and teachers, it provides a jumping off point to start discussions, along with topics worthy of further research - and a collection of online resources to build that research. For kids, the book breaks down difficult topics into easy-to-digest nuggets and, most importantly, raises questions kids should be thinking about.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is the variety of perspectives it offers on difficult topics. It presents the good and bad side of media, of prisons, of free speech. It models debates about the environment, under-representation, immigration, and more. And, the book offers pointers on how to debate and argue effectively. Because yes, it's possible! These are conversations we need to be having - and we need to be teaching kids to ask questions, then search out various perspectives and sources to make informed decisions.

It's that book that makes you curious and excited about politics, rather than apprehensive or confused.

Book benefits:
  • The book combines history, civics, and debate with relevant facts in manageable chunks
  • Illustrations and graphics engage readers instead - no overwhelming pages full of tiny print!
  • Big questions are presented from multiple perspectives
  • Glossary defines important terms for easy reference
  • Internet quicklinks bring a whole new layer of information with quality websites and videos

Buy Usborne's Understanding Politics & Government here! ($12.99, flexi-binding, which is not quite hardcover but stronger than regular paperback)
  • written by Alex Frith, Rosie Here, and Louie Stowell
  • illustrated by Kellen Stover
  • politics experts: Dr. Huge Drochon and Dr. Daniel Viehoff
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the gateway series

11/25/2017

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"Obviously, she wasn't some silly, superstitious little kid who believed in ghosts or any of that nonsense but ... if ever ghosts did exist, this was exactly the sort of place they would be." Amelia, the protagonist of the Gateway series written by Cerberus Jones, is reflecting on her new home, a rundown hotel her parents just bought.

What Amelia doesn't know for much of The Four-Fingered Man is that the hotel her parents bought is a gateway for aliens, with a portal under the caretaker's house that opens wormholes to a variety of planets. Her father, a scientist, has been tasked with keeping track of these intergalactic travels, which are becoming more unpredictable.

Each story in the series has a self-contained plot but builds on the overarching storyline of life at this hotel. The books in this series engaging science fiction/mystery reads for late elementary or middle school students, with short chapters, fairly large text, and occasional illustrations. There are eight books in the series, ranging from 780-900 Lexile, each fewer than 160 pages.

They're those books that'll keep you turning pages, dreaming about life beyond our planet.

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Book benefits:
  • Engaging writing style and illustrations
  • Plot is creative, enticing you to keep reading
  • Series contains a continuous plot, but each book has its own central plot line

Buy the books separately here... (paperback, $5.99 each)
... or buy the series and save! (7 books, $35.99)
  • this set doesn't include the series finale at the moment, though

Here's a quick video review: 
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the usborne outdoor book

3/16/2017

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"Hmm... how about sand darts? that looks fun.... oooh, twig rafts! or made some wild art, like Andy Goldsworthy? Aww, or build a bird bath? WHOA, marshmallow cookie sandwiches!" That's my inner dialogue as I flip through The Usborne Outdoor Book, trying to decide which activity I want to try first with my boys this summer.

This book makes my heart happy. First of all, it's so beautiful: a hardcover book filled with detailed, full-spread color-saturated illustrations and simple handwriting-style fonts. Right off the bat, I want to pore over every page, soaking in the drawings and reading every caption. 

But beyond the design, every page contains a thoughtful, creative outdoor activity I am itching to go outside and try! 
​​As with all of the Usborne non-fiction books I have seen so far, The Outdoor Book (written by Alice James and Emily Bone) is an impressive balance of creativity and fascinating information. It starts with a couple pages on how to be safe when playing outside (dressing properly for the weather, drinking water, bringing a map, etc), then jumps into a compendium of ideas organized by surroundings (see pictures below of the table of contents).

And what are these magical activities I keep alluding to? Things like tracking the tide along the ocean, damming a stream, (and then breaking it up when you leave), making a hiding hole for a frog, examining leaves and seeds, tying knots, drawing a map, sending encoded messages... and did I mention making marshmallow cookie sandwiches over a campfire? 
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​One thing I love about this book is that it really is adaptable for kids of varying ages. My kiddos are toddlers, but there are already a bunch of activities within these pages I know they'll have fun with this summer. The activities are also well-suited to elementary school kids to do with families - but really, I can see middle school kids getting excited about so many of the ideas in The Outdoor Book. Heck, I would do them myself even if I didn't have kids!

And you're going to learn skills and interesting facts with each activity, which is even better. Talk about meaningful play! Ok, and one more thing: the book naturally will encourage interaction and collaboration, which is so important for kids. And adults. So many layers of goodness! Pick up a copy for you and your family... and get outside. :)
It's that book that will ignite a love for the outdoors wherever you are in life and in the world.
 Book benefits:
  • Outdoor activities will tug at your kids to get out of the house and engage in meaningful play!
  • Activities are organized by type and varied by location - so you're bound to find multiple ways to play, wherever you are
  • Illustrations and captions give detailed instructions for how to make and do whatever you're trying out
  • Activities are supplemented by helpful facts that will teach as well as entertain
  • Tips for safety and environmental thoughtfulness are sprinkled throughout (never look at the sun, wear an oven mitt when handling hot food, don't pick leaves while they're still on a tree, etc.)
  • The glossary and index at the back of the book help build educational processes with your kids
  • This book would make a fantastic gift! It's well-made, beautifully designed, and filled with thoughtful activities kids and parents will love.

Buy The Usborne Outdoor Book​ here and get ready to play! (hardcover, $9.99)

Better yet - want a free copy? Schedule a book party with me! I'll send you a copy of The Outdoor Book when your party reaches $200 in sales - on top of all the rewards books you'll earn. :)
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architect academy 

1/17/2017

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"Color in this grid to meet Harry, the Robot Architect. Nobody understands math as well as a robot! Harry is going to help explain 'area' and 'perimeter.'" This little blurb exemplifies what makes Architect Academy so great: it combines fun kid stuff with meaningful learning through actual tasks they get to complete.

And when they're done completing each task, they get a sticker! Who doesn't love getting stickers? (even my high school students like getting stickers on their work - no joke.) 

It's difficult to explain the depth and design of this book (a Kane Miller book written by Steve Miller) concisely, but I'm going to give it a try. It's a do-it-yourself primer on what it means to be an architect, what skills help you along the way, and what types of assignments architects work on. But what's brilliant is that every page contains an activity for the reader to do, either right on the page of the book or with everyday supplies around the house.

Design floor plans, residential areas, tree houses, pyramids... test boat designs, measure and build a 3D model house, match building materials to the function they provide in a building. This book is 64 pages of well thought out information, games, activities, and tasks that will make any young reader feel accomplished - because they really have accomplished something! Funny how that works. :) 

It's the book that tricks you into working and learning because it's disguised as really really fun play.

Book benefits:
  • Highly engaging problems to solve and tasks to complete on every page
  • Activities are scaffolded effectively, building complexity at a rate kids can follow
  • Stickers and certificates help young readers see their accomplishments
  • 3D pop-out bridge and board game, complete with tokens, add the cherry to the top of this awesome architect manual - seriously, that part is so cool :)
Want to see more? Check out my video!
​Added bonus: this book is part of a series! If your reader enjoyed becoming an architect, they can also become an astronaut or an engineer!

Buy Architect Academy here  ($12.99, paperback)

​Click these pictures to enlarge and see occasional captions:
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    author

    Hi there! I'm Christine - Usborne Books & More independent consultant, kids' book fan, English teacher, mom of two boys. 


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Mission statement of Usborne Books & More: "The future of our world depends on the education of our children. Usborne Books & More delivers educational excellence one book at a time. We provide economic opportunity while fostering strong family values. We touch the lives of children for a lifetime."
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Christine Bailey
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This website is designed by Christine Bailey, Independent Consultant with Usborne Books & More. Usborne Publishing Ltd and Usborne Books & More - EDC Publishing - Kane/Miller books have no connection with this web site and the pages therein and do not sponsor or support their content.
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