3 Kiddo Kindle Picture Books to Inspire Imaginations

Admittedly, I never thought electronic reading would be as successful as it has been. And I always believed that books with actual pages would be better than any e-reader – for both kiddos and adults; however, after seeing the amazing ways e-readers have revolutionized reading, I have done a complete 180 on my point-of-view.

With the benefits of an e-reader and my new-found appreciation in mind, I have compiled 3 of the best Kindle picture books for kids. Each e-book is beautifully illustrated and written with an amusing flair – perfect for enticing and inspiring the imaginations of young’uns.

_____________________________________

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

Duncan loves coloring! He colors every day for hours on end with crayons that seem to never break. But Duncan is in for a surprise when his overworked crayons go on strike. With signs expressing their protests, each crayon explains what will make them happy.

For example, blue has colored too many lakes and oceans, and needs a break. Beige wants to be used more over Brown. And orange and yellow are in a war over who is the truest color of the sun. To get his coloring tools back, Duncan must solve each crayon’s dilemma and make them all happy again.

_____________________________________

The Red Book by Barbara Lehman

A curious little girl has opened the window of her imagination, diving into the deep seas of her creativity – all with a red book.

Without words, this story weaves a beautiful tale of pictures and actions. Each illustration is vivid and bold with one thing in common for every page – an amazing, gorgeous, bright red book.

Traveling across the world on an adventure of exploration and imaginative discovery, the book collects a never-ending story of pictures – each a part of the curious little girl’s imagination.

_____________________________________

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

Did you know dragons love tacos? Me neither! But apparently, they are huge fanatics of everything taco. Chicken, beef, vegetarian – all tacos are accounted for when it comes to the tastes of hungry dragons. However, fiery hilarity ensues when dragons get hold of super-spicy tacos with extra hot sauce. When the massive, winged reptiles eat too many Salsa Tacos, no one is safe from their flaming belches and upset tummies.

Inspired by the author’s super-cool imagination, this book tells a story in vibrant pictures about dragons and their obsession with crunchy, delicious, sometimes too-toasty cuisine.

The Best Kids' Magazines for Curious Little Learners - 2014

Image credit: http://www.momondealz.com

Youngsters have an innate sense of adventure that (in my opinion) parents should nurture and encourage.

Instead of making up reasons why the sky is blue and where the biggest mountain in the world is, the following best kids’ magazines offer scientific fact on anything your kiddos will have a question for. Their imaginations will flourish, and their thirst for knowledge will be quenched with recurring subscriptions to child-oriented magazines, arriving in the mail every month with your young’un’s name on the address label. Exciting!

I have picked a trio of inspiring magazines – each brimming with amazing, full-color photographs, dozens of kid-friendly, learning activities, and stories galore. 

________________________________

National Geographic Little Kids

With their sponge-like minds, children will love learning and grasping new concepts about their favorite animals. Every month is a different animal-themed focus, detailing the cool behaviors, markings, and habitats of each creature – all in ways youngsters can comprehend.

Don’t be surprised if your kiddo suddenly wants a tiger one month, then a monkey the next!

Not only are there pages that overflow with information and fun facts, there are also beautiful photographs and games to keep your kiddie entertained and engaged.

________________________________

Ask

Ask is the perfect name for this magazine because each page encourages your children to do exactly what the name suggests… ask! Natural curiosity is something that thrives in youngsters, and there are hundreds of facts, poems, stories, illustrations, and contests in this magazine that satisfies the aforementioned curiosities. Every avenue of learning is covered – arts, animals, science, music, and so much more.

Described as oh-so-much-fun and super-cool by magazine-loving kiddos, Ask gives kids something to look forward to, striving to ignite an early passion for learning and exploring.

And how many issues can your youngster expect over a 12-month period? 9!

________________________________

Cricket

There are dozens of explorers in every profession, and the meaning of exploration can mean almost anything – which is why I’m including Cricket in this top 3 list. For aspiring writers and young’uns who love storytelling, each issue of this magazine is packed completely with amazing stories told by professional authors and like-minded tykes. There are opportunities to send in custom poems and stories, as well as games and activities associated with each tale.

9 issues are spread across 12 months, and each publication is filled with child-friendly literature and intriguing puzzles. This is the kind of magazine I would have LOVED as a kid.

________________________________

There are more magazines for kids for this year that are pretty amazing to expand on kids' imaginations - find them here:

http://top-10-store.com/top-10-kids-magazines

3 Disney Books about Friendship & Family in 2014

The best Disney books for kids this year focus on friendship and family – two of the most important things that assist in the amazing, intelligent development of a healthy, happy child.

And friendship and family don’t have to be separate. You can be best friends with your sometimes-annoying siblings, or consider all close friends your family. It can be anyone – no matter size, shape, color, or gender – because you can love and cherish anyone. This is the message that Disney strives to send to youngsters, eliminating the prejudice of today’s society and accentuating the positivity of having people you care for who care for you.

3 of the best Disney books 2014 to convey this message are:

________________________________

Disney Bedtime Favorites Storybook Collection

In my humble opinion, bedtime is the best time for Disney! Kiddos can drift to dreamland with awesome life lessons and sweet stories on their mind, making for the best dreams. This collection has 19 original Disney stories in one book, complete with beautifully gilded pages and over 250 brilliant illustrations. Characters range from the noble Mufasa to the curious Nemo and everyone in between.

Plus, each story says something about friendship and the power of family.

________________________________

Disney’s Frozen (Little Golden Book)

Anna is a young dreamer with a penchant for flights of imaginative fancy. She’s a fantastical beauty and hopeless romantic who has grown up with visions of the proverbial sugarplums and happiness dancing in her head. Whereas, her sister Elsa is the polar opposite. She has a wintry gift – a magical ability that allows her to turn everything around her into an icy realm of chills and snowflakes. And she despises it.

This tale is one of the best from Disney – EVER. The songs have stilled the world, and the movie is amazing. The story embellishes the bond between sisters, and how love can overcome the coldest heart.

________________________________

Disney Cars Storybook Collection

Direct from the Pixar studios, Cars was an instant favorite amidst adorable fans the world over. This storybook puts the speedy friends in over a dozen tales of fast-blooming friendship. There are movie retellings, silly shorts, and a few bedtime stories, featuring the always goofy and loveable Tow-Mater. I suggest trying to read Tow’s stories in his voice. Youngsters will love it!

As with all the Disney collections, this book has amazing gilded pages, each brimming with beautiful illustrations in lustrous colors.

________________________________

Find the complete top 10 list for the current year - Disney children's books:

http://top-10-store.com/top-10-disney-books-for-kids/

Encouraging Kids to Read with Chapter Books in 2014

I began reading at a very young age, and as a result, I still love reading everything I can get my hands on. Yes, this includes cereal boxes and shampoo bottles. I also strive to instill a love of reading and learning in youngsters. I want them to have the love of adventure and curiosity for education that can only be fulfilled through learning from through reading. Because that is an amazing feeling!

With this in mind, I’ve compiled a list of 3 of the best chapter books for kids 2014. These can be read to children as bedtime stories, during classroom time, or any time in between. Get your kid excited about reading!

These books are unique, innovative, and satisfying for thrill-seekers and little explorers alike.
And those 3 are:

____________________________

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Grown-ups will certainly remember this one! Pippi Longstocking is a quirky, amazing, red-headed little girl with adventure brimming in her heart and hope in her eyes. She’s intelligent and savvy about everything – from sailing the seven seas, to tending to exotic animals, and exploring the whole world.

This book has several different focuses, as Pippi Longstocking takes the reader on weeks through her life. She makes friends (and a few enemies), and impresses everyone with her sense of exploration and ability to overcome any obstacle.

____________________________

Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book #2: Amelia Bedelia Unleashed by Herman Parrish

You might recognize this one, as well! However, Amelia Bedelia has been revamped for modern youngsters. She’s still a thriving, imaginative beauty who takes everything literally. And her parents have just agreed to a pet!

Amelia wants a puppy – but not any puppy. She wants the best pup in the world. And this tale follows her from one adventure to another until she finds her ideal doggy.

____________________________

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson

James Patterson is a name that grown-ups will certainly remember (especially if you’re a reader of thrillers and suspense). He’s well-known in the adult world, but this story is his way of trying out youth fiction. And he nails it!

The “about” portion of this tale is all in the title. A young boy is headed to Middle School, and he documents every day of misadventure. With laugh-out-loud moments, he makes friends, finds crushes, does tons of homework, and discovers that Middle School might not be so bad.

____________________________

Here is a cool slideshow - giving the top 5 picks based on popular demand, for the "best of" chapter books for kids in 2014:

Educational Books for 10-Year Olds That Love History

Reading is awesome! And History is one of the greatest subjects ever! When combined, these 2 make an excellent hobby for young bookworms.

The following best books for ten year olds in 2014 are all about historic events (usually told from the point-of-view of other kiddos). There are biographies and true-to-history stories that are super-education and ultra-entertaining for miniature reading buffs.

Some are blatantly historical, and others document personal actions that have been done by youngsters in the past – such as kids who have overcome adversities to find hope, happiness, and uniqueness.

________________________________

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

This book is actually on several classroom readings lists in both homeschools and public schools. Set in 1943 during Nazi-held Denmark, this story follows a little girl named Annemarie Johannesen.

Her best friend, Ellen Rosen, is hiding from the Nazis, and on the eve of the Jewish round-up, Annemarie’s family helps Ellen and her parents escape the country.

Told from the point-of-view of a 10-year old little girl, this story is both tragic and riveting, as Annemarie doesn’t understand the actions of politics – only the feelings she has to protect her best friend.

________________________________

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Melody is an 11-year old with an extremely photographic memory. She remembers everything in alarming detail! However, no one else knows. Melody has an ailment that makes it impossible for her to communicate, both verbally and with body language. She’s an absolute genius, but no one knows because she cannot tell them. Until she discovers a way to communicate her thoughts and feelings.

This story is based on an actual invention in history! Over time, it has helped people, like Stephen Hawking, speak without actually saying anything. And Melody is this tale’s beacon of hope!

________________________________

Locomotive by Brian Floca

“A new road of rails – made for people to ride.” – This sentence began the Transcontinental Railway in 1869; a transportation idea that flourished and has since spawned hundreds of advancements in railroad travel.

In well-paced rhythms, this poem explores the concepts of train stations and vintage transportation in prose. Beginning with how the road was built, and ending with the upgrades in modern times, the story provides train buffs and history fans with an outlet for their imaginations. The illustrations are amazing and realistic, matching the greatness of each melodic verse.

________________________________

Following is a video presenting the author of "Number the Stars," Lois Lowry (a fascinating woman):

Board Books to Inspire Imaginations in 2014

The best board books this year are inspiring to the imagination of each reader. They’re evoking of fantastic mental imagery, and grown-ups (those secret kids-at-heart) will absolutely love every telling and retelling of the stories because they are guaranteed to make youngsters giggle. And that laughter is worth all the gold in the world to a parent!

I’ve pinpointed a trio of amazing board books that are best for curious toddlers and their doting caregivers. Each of these books are unique in their own way, teaching kids life lessons that assist with their brain development and early sense of self-confidence.

And those 3 are:

________________________________

First 100 Words by Roger Priddy

Some words are need-to-knows – commonly referred to as sight-words. These are compilations of letters designed to give your toddler a mental image each time the word is uttered. This book has 100 of those – all simple and easy to read and learn.

They’re combined in a tough board-book that is soft enough for baby to grasp and hold on their own. And it can easily withstand the years of wear-and-tear that comes from being man-handled by an excited toddler.

________________________________

Peek-A Who? by Nina Laden

Colorful and beautiful, this book combines simple rhyming words and amazing illustrations. The format of this story is straightforward and effortless to grasp. Die-cut holes show what lurks in zoos, farms, and rainforests – from owls, to cows, to cheetahs, and tons of other awesome animals. There’s also a creepy (but not-so-scary) green, grinning ghost hiding amidst the pages.

MOO! BOO! ZOO! These are words that your child will learn to read and mimic over-and-over again. It’s sure to become a tried-and-true bedtime favorite for your kiddos, their future youngsters, and generations to come.

________________________________

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This story is timeless, scientific, and beautiful! A very hungry caterpillar is hatched at the beginning of a week. And as that week progresses, the caterpillar eats holes through the days, growing fatter and fatter as his hunger grows. He finally becomes so large and full that he has to wrap up in his cocoon for a much-needed nap to digest.

However, when he wakes up, he discovers that he has transformed into a gorgeous butterfly with impressive, colorful wings that take up an entire 2 pages. He flutters away with a satisfied feeling in his heart – no longer hunger and completely fulfilled.

________________________________

Get more info on the top selling board books (updated each year to provide current info):

Best Board Books 2014

________________________________ 

Video reading of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle...

The Best Reads for 8-Year Old Bookworms in 2014

It warms my heart when kiddos are self-proclaimed bookworms! And for those reading-loving cuties the world-over, I’ve compiled an awesome short-list of 3 books for 8-year olds in 2014.

These stories make memories by being fascinating, captivating, and overall great reads. They’re told from different points-of-view with unique themes and attention-grabbing storylines. Plus, there are riveting illustrations in vivid, vibrant colors!

Each of the following books was picked because they evoke strong emotion, creating imagery that unveils a fantastic story within your child’s mind. And they’re all personal favorites that are must-haves in my home.

__________________________________

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

August Pullman (Auggie to his friends) was born with a deformity on his face – one that kept him out of public school until 5th grade. But entering mainstream education and social interaction isn’t that easy. Instead of making best buddies right away, Auggie finds himself the subject of cruel conversations, pranks, and insensitive questions.

However, persevering through the pain of being bullied, Auggie finds a group of close friends – ones that teach him acceptance, loyalty, and kindness.

This story is unique because the points-of-view constantly change from Auggie, to his sister and her boyfriend, to classroom peers, teachers, and tons of others that are seeing the situation differently.


__________________________________

The Giver by Lois Lowry

There are two editions to this book – one is the original released in 2002. The other is completely illustrated, described as a “gift” edition, and it’s totally awesome.

Both editions feature the same amazing story about 12-year old Jonas and his perfect world. His community is fragile and literally perfect – there’s no crime, war, or pain, and everyone has their job to do. However, every-so-often, life assignments choose who will learn of the world’s past, and Jonas is next in line to keep his community’s darkest secrets.

__________________________________

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Seuss has a way with words – obviously – and this book is his tribute to growing up. With rhymes and prose that kiddos can understand, Seuss tells his readers that they can do everything and be anything. The story’s little boy spreads his proverbial wings, traveling anywhere he wants to go to explore and discover brand-new things.

This book would be the perfect gift for graduates and 20-somethings who have decided to leave home. And it’s also a great present for youngsters with big dreams and high hopes.

__________________________________

More info - books for 8 year olds 2014 (updated yearly for future years too)

__________________________________

Vid - what should an 8 year old be able to read?