DIY – Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.

Saying Good-bye with Mrs. McBee

Peachtree Publishers — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan, author of Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3, knows the bittersweet of saying good-bye to a lot of people and places, which was part of her inspiration for writing Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3. In the book, the students of Room 3 find out Mrs. McBee will not be returning to the school for the next year. As each student helps their teacher prepare the classroom for next year’s students, the children each find their own way of saying good-bye by celebrating their beloved teacher and remembering the wonderful memories they have together of that year.

Along with her debut picture book that encourages readers to acknowledge and celebrate transitions like the end of school, McLellan prepared an activity guide for anyone who is preparing to say good-bye. With the end of the school year looming, and Teacher Appreciation Day just around the corner, these activities can help make saying good-bye to your favorite teacher more sweet than bitter.

Make a Memory Box with everyone who helped make a certain place special. Each person can contribute their favorite memory, and then the best of a classroom or building or house is preserved in the box.

Pictures are one of the best and easiest ways to preserve good memories. By creating a place or people-specific book, the story or narrative of time spent together will be easy to see and easy to enjoy all over again.

Every person has their own way of helping to say goodbye! Make everyone an “expert” certificate to designate jobs and responsibilities in cleaning and preparing to leave a classroom or building.

Get the full activity guide on Pinterest or download it here! Get to know the author and creator of the activity guide and Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3 in this Q&A.

You can find Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3 at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble.

Make Your Own Kite!

Peachtree Publishers — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 16:00:00 +0000

So Big Wind Day is a thing. And it’s today! It certainly comes at the right time of year, with all the lovely spring breezes ushering in some warm weather. Of course, with lots of windy days, kite-flying should be at the top of everyone’s to-do list.

If you need some literature to get you in the mood for windy days and kite-flying, be sure to check out Elizabeth Spurr‘s latest board book In the Wind. Perfect for toddlers, the simple, evocative language describes a girl’s experience on a windy day; the lovely illustrations by Manelle Oliphant could even give you some design ideas for your next kite project or kite-flying outing!

In case you don’t happen to have a kite handy, we’ve collected a few kite-making tutorials so that everyone can join in the fun of Big Wind Day.

This one is for the kite-flyers who like the more natural, neutral look for their kite.

Style Me Pretty

This one has streamers galore, with more simple ingredients for a bright and beautiful end product.

Inner Child Fun

This one removes all excuses for not being able to fly a kite. All the components are right under your nose!

2 Little Hooligans

This one is for any kite-makers who want to break out of the usual kite box with some fun designs!

Red Ted Art

This one leaves the design up to the kite-flyer but provides all the necessary blueprints for the perfect kite.

Squawk Fox

Find In the Wind at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble!

A Bumpers Thanksgiving

Peachtree Publishers — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 21:30:00 +0000

What’s the best part of Thanksgiving? The food, of course! The creamy mashed potatoes, the savory crescent rolls, and not to mention the delicious golden turkey! At least, that’s what I thought growing up. When I got older, I began to realize how the holiday brought loved ones together, and I was reminded the importance of spending time with family. Luckily, Charlie Bumper learns this important life lesson much earlier than I did, but his adventure toward this discovery is one crazy ride!

In Charlie Bumpers vs. the Perfect Little Turkey—the fourth installment of Bill Harley’s Charlie Bumpers series—middle-schooler Charlie should be spending his Thanksgiving break without a care in the world, watching superheroes on TV. Instead, Charlie has to deal with not only his stubborn big brother and his bothersome little sister, aka the Squid, but also the 10 people invited to dinner, including his annoying “turkey” of a cousin, Chip. On top of that, he has homework to do: a paper about his definition of family. But this Thanksgiving, Charlie gets into all sorts of trouble while ultimately learning how cool it is to have your family by your side.

Want to see what mess Charlie gets into this Thanksgiving? Check out Charlie Bumpers vs. the Perfect Little Turkey at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. It’s a book the whole family will enjoy!

Speaking of family, Charlie and his family recommend creating these awesome crafts and crazy cool experiments together this Thanksgiving.

The Hand Print Turkey

*Squid Approved*

Via: http://lizoncall.com/

You can’t let this Thanksgiving pass without making the classic turkey craft. All you need is colorful construction paper, empty toilet paper rolls, scissors, and some glue. With these ingredients, you can make some creative and unique place settings for your dinner table. You can find the step by step guide at Liz on Call.

The DIY Bottle Rocket Launcher

*Charlie Approved*

This experiment will make your family fun time rocket sky high! With parental supervision, kids can build their rocket out of a soda bottle and some cardboard, and use a pump to create water pressure, just like Charlie, Chip, and Uncle Ron. The water pressure will send the rocket soaring! To get the complete directions and learn the science behind it all, head on over to Science Sparks.

The Indoor Bottle Rocket

*Mom Approved*

Via: livewellforless.sainsburys.co.uk

To avoid a similar fiasco like Charlie Bumpers’, this indoor rocket can get anyone’s imagination fired up, without destroying the living room or your Thanksgiving feast. Using a soda bottle, paint, and a few other items you can find around the house, building this rocket is all about creativity, and it’s a creation you are going to want to keep for years to come. Find everything you need at Sainsberry’s Live Well For Less.

What’s your favorite part about Thanksgiving? Do you have any special crafts you like to do with the family over the holiday? We can’t wait to hear!

Countdown to Halloween!

Peachtree Publishers — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 15:00:00 +0000

The best way to wait for Halloween is obviously with picture books and fun arts and crafts! Check out our Halloween-related book round up featuring all of your favorite characters, monsters, and ghouls—good ones and scary ones alike!

Trick or Treat on Monster Street

Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
978-1-56145-465-5

A boy’s dread of things that go bump in the night fills his head with monstrous thoughts. So when he is separated from his older brothers on Halloween night and finds himself alone on Monster Street, he fears the worst! Lightning flashes. Bats flap overhead. Doors squeak open. Hairy arms and tentacles drop spiders into his sack. The boy is relieved when he finally meets up with another trick-or-treater. That is, until his new friend removes his mask…

The Monster Who Ate My Peas

Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
978-1-56145-216-3

What do you dread eating the most? For the hero of this story, it’s peas. A young boy thinks he’s discovered a way to avoid eating his peas—he makes a bargain with a fiendishly funny monster. First the deal is simple: the monster will eat the boy’s peas in exchange for his soccer ball. But with each new encounter, the monster’s demands escalate. Eventually, our hero faces a daunting decision—can he conquer his loathing for peas or will he lose his most prized possession?

The Monster Who Did My Math

Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Bill Mayer
978-1-56145-420-4

A math-phobic boy faces another dreaded evening of multiplication when a monster suddenly appears in his room and offers him a deal he cannot refuse. After a quick signature on a contract, the boy’s problems are solved, and his homework is ready to turn in the next day. At first, everything adds up perfectly. But when the boy’s math knowledge is tested at school, his troubles begin to multiply. What did the fine print on that contract read?

13 Monsters Who Should Be Avoided

Written by Kevin Shortsleeve
Illustrated by Michael Austin
978-1-56145-146-3

Come along with Professor LeGrand as he warns readers about the outrageous habits and appalling behavior of thirteen mischievous monsters whom the creature teacher hopes the readers never have to meet. There’s the Scarce Sissyfoos, Mess Monsters, and the Hedge-Standing Snit, just to name a few!

Clatter Bash!

Written and illustrated by Richard Keep
978-1-56145-322-1

At dusk on the holiday known as Day of the Dead, a Mexican family has set out fiesta offerings in the graveyard in hopes that departed loved ones may return to visit. Graveyard skeletons shake, rattle, and roll in this spirited Day of the Dead celebration.

When Edgar Met Cecil

Written and illustrated by Kevin Luthardt
978-1-56145-706-9

When Edgar’s family moves to a new town, everything seems strange and scary. The kids look different. They dress weird. They listen to bizarre music. They eat strange food. And the biggest, weirdest looking kid keeps staring at Edgar. What does he want? As Edgar soon learns, sometimes you have to rise above your fears to make a new friend. And sometimes that friend may be the last person – or alien – you’d expect.

Charlie Bumpers vs. the Squeaking Skull

Written by Bill Harley
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
978-1-56145-808-0

Charlie and Tommy have big plans for Halloween. They’re going to trick-or-treat and sleep over at Alex’s house. But when Charlie finds out that the entertainment at the party will be the “Scariest Horror Movies Ever,” he is struck by panic. Charlie loves candy, he loves sleepovers with his friends, but he absolutely hates horror movies. Can Charlie face his fear of horror movies and enjoy Halloween?

Claude in the Spotlight

Written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith
978-1-56145-895-0

Claude and Sir Bobblysock join a dance troupe and head to the theater to perform their act. But being backstage gives them the heebie-jeebies! It’s so dark and spooky…could the legend of the theater ghost be true?

My Life and Death by Alexandra Canarsie

Written by Susan Heyboer O’Keefe
978-1-56145-387-0

Everything in fourteen-year-old Allie Canarsie’s life has gone wrong until she finds meaning investigating the circumstances behind a young boy’s unexpected death.

Giving Up the Ghost

Written by Sheri Sinkykin

978-1-56145-572-0

“That’s the first step, you know. Admitting you’re afraid. But when there’s love, there can be no fear.”Davia is afraid of many things, and everything about her elderly great-aunt Mari and her spooky-looking plantation home terrifies her. And when she encounters Emilie, the tortured ghost of a well-to-do adolescent girl from the nineteenth century, she is even more frightened.

Want to grab these spooky titles before All Hallows’ Eve? You can find them at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. Feeling inspired by some of our titles and looking to include some fun crafts in your Halloween plans?

Via www.babyrabies.com

We thought this Monster Wreath would be the perfect addition to any Halloween décor; Baby Rabies has a simple tutorial for you to follow.

Via craftsbyamanda.com

You could even create a paper monster for your own little monster to take on his or her trick-or-treating adventures! There are tons of ideas out there, but these examples from Crafts by Amanda look great for parents and children to do together!

Via growingupbilingual.com

Light the pathway to your door with these Glow in the Dark Lanterns to celebrate Día de los Muertos; you only need some glow-in-the-dark sticks, a black marker, some mason jars, and your creativity! Growing up Bilingual also gives more lantern ideas geared towards younger children, like using LED tea lights and plastic cups instead.

DIY: Cardboard Car

Peachtree Publishers — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 20:00:00 +0000

With the holidays fast approaching, you’re bound to have two things in abundance: empty boxes and rambunctious kids.

Put them both to use by making cardboard cars to take into Stanley’s Garage!

via laughpaintcreate.blogspot.com

Supplies:

– 1 large box
– Colored duct tape and/or hot glue
– Construction paper and/or paint
– 4 Paper plates
– 2 Solo cups
– Wide colored ribbon

via mumsgrapevine.com.au

Directions:

First, cut off the bottom and top flaps of the box so that it fits over your child’s head.
Glue or tape two paper plates on either side of the box to make wheels.
Glue or tape your two Solo cups on the front of your box to make headlights.
Finally, cut two strips of ribbon and attach them to the front and back of the box to make straps. Measure them so that the box hangs from your child’s shoulders.
Give that car a custom paint job! You can finger-paint it, glue on construction paper patterns, or even make designs from your colored tape. Be creative!

Beep! Beep! You’re ready for the open road!

Storytime Snack: A Recipe for GOLD!

Peachtree Publishers — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 17:33:00 +0000

You’ve heard the expression, “put your money where your mouth is.” But what if we literally did that?

Check it out:

This…

Looks a little like this…

Right?! And who doesn’t love caramel popcorn?

Here’s a recipe for edible gold to snack on while reading about the Alaskan Gold Rush in Alison Hart’s Murphy, Gold Rush Dog!

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
½ cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 quarts popped popcorn (microwave or stove-top is fine!)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F

2. Put popped popcorn in a large bowl.

3. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

4. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.

5. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Then, boil without stirring for 4 minutes.

6. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla.

7. Pour in a thin stream over popcorn, stirring to coat.

8. Place in two large shallow baking dishes and bake in a preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour.

9. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Just try to only eat a serving size. I double-Murphy-Gold-Rush-Dog-dare you.

Ha. See what I did there?

DIY: Clothespin Animals

Peachtree Publishers — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 18:00:00 +0000

Brian Patten’s Can I Come Too? is full of creatures that you may never see in the wild (I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t come across whales and tigers in my daily outings). But who says you can’t make them at home or in the classroom?

Photo via Molas & Co

Supplies:

A pack of clothespins
White card stock
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
Glue
Scissors

Photo via Molas & Co

Directions:

Start by tracing or drawing animal pictures onto your card stock. Make sure the mouth is horizontal and will line up with the clothespin openings.
Color or decorate the animals in whatever way you choose. Be creative!
Cut out the animals and glue them to the sides of the clothespins. Make sure you have two different pieces to cut out, like in the pictures.
Put on a show with your animals or hang them up around your room!

Have fun! And if you do the craft, share it on social and tag us!

How to Tell a Scary Story

Peachtree Publishers — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 19:30:00 +0000

There are SO MANY scary stories out there. In fact, there are entire books and movies and magazines dedicated to them.

It may seem like spinning a spooky yarn ought to be easy as pumpkin pie, but, like tight rope walking, writing a children’s book (Am I right, guys?), and drinking black coffee, telling a scary story is a skill that must be honed with years of careful study.

But, since Halloween is just a few days away, consider this Scary Story Bootcamp.

(via duplexproductionblog.com)

Props:

The only true necessity is a flashlight. Shine it under your face in the dark and give your audience a ghoulish grin. Works every time.

Other props might be things like a scary mask, a storyteller’s costume (cape? tophat? pipe?), maybe some fake snakes or bugs, or spooky music to play in the background.

Setting:

You might think the setting in which you tell your creepy tale story isn’t important. Wrong. Atmosphere is vital. Here are some tips on working your audience into maximum fright before you even open your mouth.

Indoors:
- Make a blanket or pillow-fort. First off, they’re awesome. Second, they’ll hide all the light from outside the fort, leaving your flashlight as the only source of light. And third, forts are awesome.
Outdoors:
- Do you have an outdoor fire pit? The eerie light will flicker; the fire will crackle; and creatures of the night will skulk and slither in the shadows just out of sight…

(via stellarfour.com)

The Story:

You’ve selected your setting and collected your props; now it’s time for the main event.

Speaking in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking. But just remember: it’s important to seem confident in the story you’re telling. Whatever the story is, it is true. If you believe it, your audience will believe it too.

But how do you pick one?

The best thing to do is to learn a few on your own, improve them, and then swap them with your friends. Pretty soon you’ll have a good collection built up! Here are a few tried and trues to get you started:

(via nypost.com)

Not Very Scary/Kinda Funny:

Moderately Scary:

(via marydoodles.deviantart.com)

Super Scary/Proceed with Caution:

The Best Original Scary Story Ever:

The Long Fingered Man

Okay, that last one might be biased, but it is a great spooky story and you can read it (or hear it!) yourself in Bill Harley’s third Charlie Bumpers book, Charlie Bumpers vs. the Squeaking Skull!

Did we miss any of your favorite stories? Have you made up an awesome one that you’d like to share? Do you have any more tips on how to tell them? Leave a comment below!

DIY: Claude Sock Puppet

Peachtree Publishers — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 15:52:00 +0000

Do you ever wonder if Claude gets jealous of Sir Bobblysock?

Think about it: Sir Bobblysock is both a sock and quite bobbly. I mean, talk about a double threat.

What if we leveled the playing field a bit? What if we made Claude into a sock?

There’s a whole world of puppetry arts that we could explore… Claude could have his own adventure vlog…

That’s it. This is happening. Go grab your supplies and meet me back here in five.

Supplies:

1 white sock
1 black pom-pom
1 red pom-pom
1 piece of black felt
1 piece of red felt
2 googly eyes
Scissors
Hot glue gun

Directions:

Warm up your hot glue gun.
Stick your hand inside the sock. Create the indent where Claude’s mouth will be in the space between your forefinger and thumb.

3. Cut out Claude’s ears and beret using shapes like this:

4. Using the hot glue gun, put a dab of hot glue in the following places:
tip: Adhere the pieces immediately and press firmly. Hot glue dries quickly.

a. On the top of his head; attach his ears

b. on the top of his ears; attach beret

c. in the center of the top of the beret; attach the red pom-pom

d. on Claude’s nose; attach the black pom-pom

e. where his eyes will be; attach the googly eyes

TA-DA!

We’d love to see your Claude or Sir. B sock puppets! Post your sock puppet theater videos on social and tag us, or send them to publicity [at] peachtree [dash] online [dot] com!

Claude’s Picture Adventure: au revoir!

Peachtree Publishers — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:00:00 +0000

via claudebooks.blogspot.co.uk

Greetings from Claude and Sir Bobblysock!

Today, the first day of Autumn, marks the end of Summer (can you believe it?!), which means this wandering duo is trading their water shoes for plaid shirts and their beach trips for bonfires.

It’s been quite a summer. Check out all these fun places they went with you:

But this isn’t the end!

Adventures don’t stop just because the school bell rings. Hold onto your Claude and Sir Bobblysock cut-out and bring the gang along on your school trip or holiday vacation. (Don’t forget to tag us!)

Read all about Claude and Sir Bobblysock’s trip to the snowy ski slopes in Claude on the Slopes, out October 1!