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Hilarious Floridian adventure – Hoot – Lesson plans, activities, trailer and more

Hoot

by Carl Hiaasen

This author has turned to children's books, and applied a wonderful quirky humour.  The story has new kids, bullies, alligators, eco-warriors, pancakes, and pint-sized owls .... a hilarious Floridian adventure!

Go to http://www.pivotalkids.com/hoot.htm to read about the book, and find links to these

  • The trailer for the movie
  • Hoot Study Guide
  • Vocabulary pre-test
  • Hoot Book Reviews
  • Hoot Quizzes
  • Book Report Alternative: A Character's Letter to the Editor
  • Hoot Teacher's Booklet
  • Lesson Plan
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Chaos and colourful creativity in Neil Gaiman’s “Crazy hair” for kids

Crazy hair

by Neil Gaiman

Illustrated by Dave McKean

The duo responsible for The Wolves in the Walls (2003) return with another chaotic picture book popping with bright collage and multimedia imagery.

... more

---Listen to the author, Neil Gaiman reading his poem

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Lots of fun and learning too – 1000 times no

“All right, Noah, dear. It’s time to leave,” says Noah’s mom. Noah has other plans. “No,” he says. And then says it again. And again. And each time, his nos get crazier and crazier.

It’s a lot of fun and will feel familiar to any parent up against a child’s tireless opposition, and kids (maybe) will  recognize their own silly stubbornness. The educational use of various languages extends the book’s age range a bit, too.

Watch a trailer of the book

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Today’s book is about babies, it’s funny and it’s great for older kids as well

lazy_littleLazy Little Loafers

by Susan Orleon

Ever experienced stroller envy? Ever wished you were applauded just for walking across a room? Ever wanted to loaf about the park on a blanket in the middle of a school day with nothing on your agenda but being relaxed and happy? Then you should be a baby. They’ve got it made.

In this charming, droll story, a world-weary older sister ponders the question, why don’t more babies work? Her answers, hilariously tinged with resentment, offer up a wickedly accurate picture of just how great babies have it.

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What happens if you give a cat a cupcake?

If you give a cat a cupcake

by Laura Numeroff

If you give a cat a cupcake, he'll ask for some sprinkles to go with it. When you give him the sprinkles, he might spill some on the floor. Cleaning up will make him hot, so you'll give him a bathing suit . . . and that's just the beginning!   ... more

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Children’s books win Funny Prize

Two books about witches and dancing bears have been awarded the inaugural Roald Dahl Funny Prize, which was announced today by Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen.

For children aged six and under, the winning book was The Witch’s Children Go to School by Ursula Jones, illustrated by Russell Ayto (Orchard Books). For children aged seven to 14, the winning book was Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear by Andy Stanton, illustrated by David Tazzyman (Egmont Press).   

See the complete shortlists here.