RTL: Don't Worry Bear

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Book Title: Don't Worry Bear
Author: Greg Foley

Islamically Appropriate?: Yes

Genre: Fiction

Book Format: Picture Book

Age Group: 3 years and older

Book Review: It's time for Bear's friend Caterpillar to spin his cocoon. Bear won't see Caterpillar for a while and Bear is worried. Will Caterpillar be okay in there? When will Bear see him again?

Being a good friend, Bear checks on Caterpillar when it rains, when it's awfully windy and when it cold and snowy. Each time, Caterpillar reassures Bear that he is fine and that there is nothing for Bear to worry about but.....Bear is worried.

Mouse manages to help Bear stop worrying when he tells Bear that Caterpillar is just sleeping. Then Bear finds Caterpillar's empty cocoon on the ground one day and he starts worrying all over again.

Bear's worries come to an end when....

I won't spoil it for you but I will suggest that you visit your local library and check out Don't Worry Bear. But here is a hint: there is a beautiful silky moth at the end who helps bring the story to a comfortable satisfying end. 

Until the next read insha'Allaah....

RTL: Not a Buzz to Be Found: Insects in Winter

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Book Title: Not a Buzz to Be Found
Author: Linda Glaser

Islamically Appropriate?: Yes

Genre: Non- Fiction

Book Format: Picture Book

Age Group: 7 years and older

Book Review:The spring is gone and snow covers the ground. But there is something else that lets us know that winter is here....the air is silent. There are no buzzing or zipping sounds that tell us that insects are flying about.

In this book the author leads children on a wonderful journey of discovery that shows (and tells) what insect do in the winter. Such questions as: "Where do they go?", "What do they eat?", "Where do they sleep?" are answered before the last page of the book is turned. The illustrations support the text very well, showing what is happening above and below ground, and this will help engage children in the story insha'Allaah.

This may be a text you consider using just before winter arrives (or just as it arrives) to help teach children how the environment changes with the seasons by the Will of Allaah.

Until the next read insha'Allaah....

Storytime: Thank You Bear

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Thank You Bear is a gently rendered story that can be used to help teach children about speaking good or keeping quiet.

In the story, Bear finds a box and believes that it would make just the right gift for Mouse. Bear heads off to find Mouse and on the way he meets various other animals who each belittle the gift in some way. As a result Bear ends up doubting if his gift is wonderful after all. As Bear is considering this Mouse comes along and declares the gift to be "the greatest gift ever".

The story is easy for young children to relate to and can help open discussions about generosity, consideration, manners, and appreciating what others do for us.