Boredom Blasters by Helaine Becker

Boredom Blasters by Helaine Becker
(Grade 2 and Up)

Though it may be tough to be bored now that school is in session, our library has a surefire solution for the bored blues on our non-fiction shelves: Boredom Blasters by Helaine Becker. Many of this book's fun ideas could also be used as part of a creative curriculum for elementary students or homeschoolers. Some are meant for one reader and some are created for larger groups. From Origami Toads, Bread Bag Tag Racers, sweet treat recipes, Brain Bogglers and games, there is something here for everyone. Each page is packed with colorful illustrations that are bound to capture the eye of even the most humdrum reader. Activities are neatly organized in the contents section and each is limited to only one page or a two-page spread so they are easy to begin (and end!) Early elementary age kids would benefit from a helpful family member's assistance but older elementary students could certainly manage most of these 'boredom blasters' independently. I attempted the 'Opticklers' or optical illusion pages and was easily inspired to try more. Much of Boredom Blasters is just for fun, but there is certainly the potential for learning as well. For instance, a lighthearted explanation of surface tension follows up the Bread Bag Tag Racers project.

Young readers looking for a great way to spend a long car ride, homeschooling families wanting to add some fun projects to their day, students with a day off from school or anyone feeling a little dull can find this book at our library by visiting www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Pete's A Pizza by William Steig

Pete's A Pizza by William Steig
(Preschool - Grade 1)

We all have our grumpy days. Wrong-side-of-the-bed, rain-on-your-parade, let's-start-over kinds of days. In Pete's A Pizza, young Pete's ball game with his friends is ruined by a rainy day, and he is none too happy about the situation. Pete's father is intuitive and comes up with a creative way to cheer up his son. Kids and parents alike will relate to Pete's mood and delight in the funny solution. This older book's layout, text and illustrations are simple with an old-fashioned feel. Author William Steig (who also wrote Shrek!) based the tale on a game he used to play with his daughter. My son and I laughed throughout and immediately decided we needed a grumpy day solution of our own. Pete's A Pizza is a little gem of a book and is a must read for relieving cabin fever during the rainy season.

To find this book at our library, visit www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff