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Articles Archive for January 2009

Adventure, Ages 9-11, Boys, Chapter Books, Girls, Twelve + »

[31 Jan 2009 | No Comment]
<i>A Single Shard</i> | As You Wish

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Inspire your pre-teen to read and explore a fun art form. A Single Shard is a Newbery Award-winning book about a Korean orphan boy whose life is changed as he learns to create beautiful pottery from a master potter. After reading this exciting and beautiful book, try your hand at decorating and glazing pottery with your kids at As You Wish, the pottery painting place. With locations all around the Valley, a good time is a short drive away. Your child might discover a new talent, and you will have keepsakes to help you remember the adventure.

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Ages 3-5, Ages 6-8, Boys, Girls, Mystery, Picture Books »

[22 Jan 2009 | No Comment]
<i>Look-Alikes Around the World</i> | Recyclables Art Project

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Thanks to my brother-in-law, who is studying at ASU to become an industrial designer, my kids have a new favorite hobby – creating artwork from stuff in our recycling bin. My daughter loves crafts, and anytime she is bored she breaks out the recyclables and creates something fabulous! Its a great, super cheap way for her to express her creativity.
The formal and far more beautiful version of this art form can be found in a fantastic picture book. Look-Alikes Around the World spans many ages and sparks imagination in anyone. Artist Joan Steiner takes everyday objects in all shapes, sizes, and colors and combines them to make “postcards” that imitate snapshots of some of the most famous and recognizable destinations in the world.
So curl up at night and browse through the book with your kids, pointing out all of the buttons, vegetables, office supplies, candies, musical instruments, and more. Then on Saturday morning, pile your kitchen table with recyclables, boxes, glue, ribbons, and anything else you’re willing to part with and let your kids make their own masterpieces.

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Ages 9-11, Boys, Chapter Books, Girls, History / Historical Fiction, Twelve + »

[13 Jan 2009 | One Comment]
<i>Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry</i> | MLK Parade

Visual Guide

Growing up I had relatively little exposure to racism and hate. Perhaps it was largely a function of geography and time, as my childhood friends have expressed similar sentiment. Despite my lack of direct exposure, my parents and teachers made sure that I understood the history of racism in America and the damage any future racism could cause for individuals, families, and communities.

One tool my teacher used was the book Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. The fictional work had such an impact on me as a child that I read the whole series. I can even still remember the diorama one of my friends made as a school project. It’s imperative that we teach our children about history so that we won’t repeat mistakes of the past. This book will get discussion flowing in your family and help you tackle an issue that is often difficult for kids to understand. While you’re at it,take the opportunity to celebrate equality and civil rights this coming weekend at the MLK Parade in downtown Mesa.

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Ages 3-5, Ages 6-8, Boys, Fantasy, Girls, Picture Books »

[6 Jan 2009 | One Comment]
<i>Library Lion</i> | Scottsdale Civic Center Library

New Year’s Resolution:  Teach the family to open a book and have a blast!

Steps:

  1. Sign up to receive Book|Blasts by email.
  2. Get a library card (if yours has expired).
  3. Reacquaint yourselves with the children’s section of the library.
  4. Actively participate in the OnceUponAGoodTime.com community – leave comments, tell your friends about us, and enjoy the Book|Blasts!

If your kids need a little extra persuasion, make your next visit to the library be to the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. Their children’s section is one of the coolest around. Prime the pump a little by reading Library Lion . . . you’ll be sure to have a roaring good time.

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