Online Storytime

I only recently discovered Barnes & Noble's Online Storytime.
This is a monthly (every first Tuesday) program from the book store where authors and celebrities read picture books for children ages two through six. Each video features pan-and-scan fade transition filming of the picture book with the author or celebrity narrating.

This is a great way to discover new books and check out their story and illustrations before purchasing - and all in the comfort of your own home!

Also on the plus side, Rachel Jarrett, Director of Kids and Lifestyle Products for Barnes & Noble.com says, "Children exposed to read-aloud storytelling at a young age develop language and literacy skills sooner than those who are not. We’re excited to bring some of our nation’s bestselling children’s authors and celebrities-and their stories-into America’s homes and help children learn and grow."

All their past storytime books are also made available on their site.

Ready for next month's read out loud book? It's a very appropriate choice: The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

2011 is Year of the Rabbit

Last week I was shopping around for a bilingual Chinese + English children's book for my future niece. It's technically my first cousin's daughter but in my family we call practically every female relation and non-relation 'cousin' or 'aunt'.

I came across a wonderful and unique story Monkey and Rabbit Together retold by Dr. Mike Lockett and illustrated by Ming-Jen Hsu.

The story is based on an African folktale about two friends faced with each other's bad habits. A monkey and rabbit have a contest to see who can sit still the longest without exhibiting any of their bad habits. Monkey has a bad habit of scratching while Rabbit sniffs constantly. While telling stories to pass the time, both Monkey and Rabbit can't help but fall back into their old behavior. By the end of the story the two friends learn to accept the other's 'annoying' habits with humor. The tale is a simple and genuine lesson about friendship.

Hsu's illustrations are wonderfully drawn. The animals' facial expressions crack me up. I especially liked his addition of animals joining in during their contest.

An audio CD comes with the book to help kids follow the story on their own. Monkey and Rabbit is in a bilingual format with English on one side and when flipped over, Chinese is on the other side.