Cook, color, sing and learn with a child
These innovative, creative new books will inspire kids to use their imaginations, have fun and learn new things.
“That’s What You Think!” by Jan Von Holleben, Michael Madeja and Katja Naie; Little Gestalten; 183 pages; $24.95.
Subtitled “A Mind-Boggling Guide to the Brain,” this cool photo-filled, thoughtful book asks questions such as “Can plants think?” “Did Albert Einstein have a bigger brain than everyone else?” and “Why can little kids usually remember more than grownups?” Answers of a few paragraphs for each question are perfect for young brains to comprehend, and colorful photographs of real kids against clear backgrounds shows off the subject matter in a playful way.
This book explores 80 questions about brains, memories, development, what they’re made of and how they work. The answers are astounding, with fascinating information not only about human brains but also the brains of some animals.
Penned thoughtfully by a photographer/educator, a neuroscientist/doctor and a writer with degrees in biology and neuroscience, “That’s What You Think!” is a truly fascinating gray-matter guide for ages 11 and up.
“Rise Again Songbook” from Peter Blood and Annie Patterson; Hal Leonard Publishing; 300 pages; $27.50.
With a preface by Pete Seeger and foreword by Billy Bragg, this huge, spiral-bound songbook is perfect for musicians, camps and teachers. It’s packed with the words and chords to hundreds of songs. Best of all, the beloved songs are grouped by genre, from “Ballads and Old Songs” to “British Invasion and Rock,” “Home and Roots,” “Motown and R&B,” “Seas and Sailors” and “Surfin’ USA.” No stone is left unturned: there are gospels and spirituals, songs for healing and letting go, songs for traveling, seasonal classics, pub songs, bluegrass jams, lullabies and blues and farm songs. It’s all here, in one easy-to-use guide.
As the prolific Seeger says, “If there’s a human race still here in a hundred years, one of the main reasons will be that we found ways we can sing together.” Music doesn’t get any more powerful than that. This book is a celebration of that power.
“The Forest Feast for Kids” by Erin Gleeson; Abrams Publishing; 112 pages; $19.95.
More and more children these days are opting to be vegetarians. Parents worry, though, about whether all their nutritional needs can be met without meat. This beautiful cookbook shows off the rustic simplicity of kid-friendly vegetarian recipes that are quick, easy and fun to make. Author/photographer Erin Gleeson uses her own home in the woods as the setting for the photos in this gorgeous book, with real children cooking the dishes themselves.
The book conveys the importance of using local produce and safe kitchen practices. The natural feel and homegrown approach Gleeson uses reigns strong here.