I’m always looking for children’s books for my students and friends. I’m excited to say I’ve found two I think you’ll like:
- Amazing Matilda — A coming of age of a monarch butterfly; delightful
- Sir Chocolate and the Fondant Five story and cookbook
Amazing Matilda
by Bette Stevens
5/5
Bette Stevens Amazing Matilda: The Tale of a Monarch Butterfly (CreateSpace 2012) is the story of tiny Matilda, a round white creature born from an egg in Nature’s garden with a burning desire to fly. Without wings, though, she knows that can’t happen. Matilda has no idea that in her life, she will morph from the crawly leaf-bound creature to a gorgeous monarch butterfly. She tells her animal friends about her passion to fly and they offer their stories of growing up as well as sage advice any parent would be envious of. For example, her friend Sparrow suggests:
Another friend suggests:
She is frustrated by this good-natured advice because she has no idea how to do what they suggest:
“Sparrow said that I must have patience and that I must follow my instincts. Now, you say I must have wings. Where can I find all of those things?”
As Matilda grows, she changes from a larva to pupa to a gorgeous winged adult. Each stage in Matilda’s amazing journey is accompanied with wonderful drawings that show her progress, who she meets, and how she changes.
As a result, readers are not just entertained by the story but happily learn about the development of a butterfly. There are lots of cute lines, such as:
“Matilda crunched and munched and lunched, leaf after leaf, day after day.”
If you loved P.D. Eastman’s incomparable book, Are You My Mother, about a baby bird’s search for its mother, you must read this book. If Charlotte’s Web is one of your childhood favorites, I say, Move over Charlotte. Matilda is now here!
This is a short book. In fact. This review is almost longer than the story!
Sir Chocolate and the Fondant Five story and cookbook
by Robbie Cheadle
5/5
Robbie Cheadle’s Sir Chocolate and the Fondant Five story and cookbook (2019) is the next in the author’s delightful series of books that blend children’s stories with themed original recipes. This one is a clever story poem about the disappearance of zoo animals and how Sir Chocolate must figure out what happened.
“One day Sir Chocolate arrived, and not a sound could hear, he called long and loud, but no animals did appear. The animals had vanished, the zoo was empty and still,”
“The monkey is naughty, he likes to have fun, he plays tricks on the others, then away he does run.”
The story is written in the format of a poem and includes great photographs that help readers visualize the action. At the completion of the story, there is a cute poem to introduce an original collection of animal-themed recipes children can complete with their parents. Some of the recipes are:
- Sir Chocolate peppermint caramel pudding
- Cheetah Cheese scones
- Rino Soetkoekies
I have bought several of these books because I love the idea of blending a story with cooking and inspiring kids and parents to spend time together. I also love that Robbie writes these books with her son, Michael, each doing their part in writing, cooking, and photographing. Overall, this is another excellent book in a clever collection that not only entertains but brings parents and kids together.
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Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers, and the Man vs. Nature saga. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for TeachHUB and NEA Today, and a freelance journalist. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Quest for Home, Fall 2019. You can find her tech ed books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning
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That a nice book
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Which one?
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My kids are too old for these books–however, I work with students in the elementary schools so I’ll be sure to pass this info along! Thanks for the suggestions.
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I see Robbie’s as more for parents and Matilda as more for teachers. Both such great books.
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I hadn’t heard of either of these books before- so thanks for the introduction. I love butterflies- and that book looks adorable. 🙂
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There are so many new children’s books out there. I was thrilled to find these.
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Jacqui, a delight to read these reviews of children’s books. I read Bette’s s book a couple of years ago and it was a joy to behold, the words touching, the images wonderful … one that has stayed with me since! Robbie never fails to impress me with her range of genres and her children’s books stand out for sheer inventiveness and creativity! They sound like a great story and lots of fun! It is wonderful how she is writing this series in collaboration with her son and the recipes sounds divine! Thank you so much for sharing here!
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Ditto! Everything you said–If I was raising kids, or teaching kindergarten, I would have these in my library.
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HI, Annika. Thanks so much for your sweet words… Brightened a gloomy day! Hugs & blessings.
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I think I will never be too old to read children’s books and I’m always looking for recommendations. Thank you, Jacqui! 😄
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These are both great. If you have an active child, Robbie’s read-and-bake might be a great choice.
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Thank you again for this lovely post, Jacqui. It is great to see so much interest in books for children. I hope you had a wonderful Easter.
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It is wonderful–thank you, Robbie. I have been surprised how many teachers are among my writing audience. They’ll love these two books.
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Hi, Jacqui! Lovely review! I think these look like brilliant childrens’ books.
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They’re so unique from all others. I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews.
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Thank you so much for stopping by to check out our books, Kymber. ♥ Happy Reading!
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Great post of these two wonderful children’s books, Jacqui. I have both books and love Robbie’s story and recipes.
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I love Robbie’s focus on parents-with-kids. She takes it beyond reading to that tactile stuff that is so effective with learning (and bonding).
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Exactly, Jacqui. I remember doing things with my daughter such as taking a ceramic painting class together when she was 9 years old. To these days, we still keep up with the hobby separately but went to the shops to work on projects together.
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Thank you, Miriam. ♥
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You’re welcome, Bette. ❤
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Thank you, Miriam.
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You’re welcome, Robbie.
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Hi, Jacqui! Wonderful post about two amazing children’s books writers. Thanks for sharing the wonderful reviews. Have a happy weekend! 😀 xo
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They are both amazing. So good to know we’re getting great children’s books out there.
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You’re absolutely right. 🙂
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Thank you, Vashti. ♥
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Thank you, Vashti.
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Two wonderful books for children. Great reviews, Jacqui!
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Along with yours, Darlene. Children’s futures are bright!
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Awe, thanks!
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Darlene writes lovely books, Jacqui. I have read and reviewed a few of them. I still want to read Amanda in Spain myself.
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BTW, Darlene, I am going to Pre-purchase your new Holland Amanda for a wonderful young friend who loves to travel. She loves tulips!
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Thanks so much. It should be on NetGalley soon if you want an e-copy to review. I’ll let you know.
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Yes, let me know. I haven’t ordered from NetGalley in a while and they will soon forget me!
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Thanks so much for stopping by to check out our books. ♥ Happy Reading!
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Thank you, Darlene.
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I sent Sir Chocolate and the Fondant to my grandson. He’s going to love it. 😀
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Oh yes he is!
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Thank you, I hope your grandson enjoys it.
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Have a blessed and Happy Easter Jacqui!✨
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Thanks, Ann!
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You’re welcome Jacqui
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These sound absolutely wonderful for the children, and I have always thought combining a story with a cookbook was a very good way to create further involvement for the children that they will long remember. I love reading childrens’ books for myself too! Very good way to break the boredom from dry university books (sorry to say, but a lot of them are just that). If I were writing a university book, I would at least put some interesting things into it, and there are with every single subject.
Anne
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Hi, Anne. I love your idea of adding interest to university books! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit and adding to the book conversation at Jacqui’s. Happy Reading!
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They’re very G-rated and with skills kids would love (butterflies and baking–who doesn’t like either of those).
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Thank you, Anne. I think the boredom of text books is changing now. My sons have books with cartoon, map and other historical data analysis which are really fun and interesting. Thank you for you lovely comments and have a happy holiday period.
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Boy, that is great to hear, Robbie. I would like that for sure. I hope you had a good holiday period too. I am celebrating the spring here in all its glory.
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Thank you for the excellent reviews, Jacqui.
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Thanks for stopping by, Jennie. Great books for children!
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Indeed! Best to you, Jacqui.
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Thanks for stopping by to check out our children’s books, Jennie. Happy Reading!
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You’re welcome, Bette!
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Thank you, Jennie. Have a lovely Easter.
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You too, Robbie.
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They sound delightful.
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Ah, yes. Your kids would thank you!
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Thank you
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Reblogged this on Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author and commented:
Thanks so much for the lovely review feature on your blog today, Jacqui Murray! ♥ Bette & AMAZING MATILDA
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Definitely my pleasure, Bette. You bring back the joy of my childhood. I need to go find a monarch butterfly!
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Terrific reviews Jacqui and congratulations Robbie and Michael and Bette..
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I used to read a lot of children’s books but when I ended up teaching technology, I didn’t so much. These two were a joy.
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Great to hear Jacqui.. hugs
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Thank you, Sally! ♥
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Pleasure Bette.hugs
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Thank you, Sally. Hugs.
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Both of these books sound like wonderful additions to a child’s library. Great reviews Jacqui.- I’ve added them to my list.
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You won’t be sorry. They are perfect for different situations but all kids. Love them.
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Thank you, Sharon. Happy Reading!
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I hope you enjoy them when you get to them.
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What delightful and “sweet” reviews, Jacqui. My grandson still remembers that Monarch’s are named Matilda. 🙂
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That is such a compliment to Bette. It’s like all spiders are named Charlotte.
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Exactly! 😀
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Thanks so much to you and Tornado Boy too! MATILDA and I are smiling and sending lots of butterfly hugs and kisses to both of you… ♥
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❤
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I really enjoyed Bette’s book too, Diana.
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♥
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Both marvelous books, Jacqui – for kids AND adults.
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Isn’t that the truth? If you need a refresher on monarchs, Matilda is your gal!
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Thanks so much for your awesome shout-out, Pam. ♥ Wishing you and yours an amazing day!
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❤
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Thank you, Pam. I loved Bette’s book and beautiful illustrations.
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I don’t have children, but I read Bette’s book and I loved it!
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I confess, me too. It reminded me how beautiful nature is for kids. Between the words and images, just perfect.
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Dear Jacqui,
Thanks so much for your awesome review of AMAZING MATILDA. ♥ Nature is inspiring and filled with delightful stories and lessons for us all. It’s our delight to be featured on your blog today along with Robbie & Michael Cheadle and their wonderfully creative Sir Chocolate book and series.
Hugs and kisses,
Bette & MATILDA
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Thanks, dear Jill. ♥ Sending lots of butterfly hugs and kisses your way!
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These look like such good recommendations. I’ve passed them on to the librarian at the school where I teach. Thank you for posting this.
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They’re both great stories and Robbie’s book is a fun activity for parents to do with their kids (well, beyond reading the book together!).
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Thanks so much for your support, Kalpana. Teachers and libraries rock! ♥
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Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed this post.
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I am good to hear that
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Enjoy!
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Thank you, Rose. Have a lovely day! ♥
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Thank you for reading and commenting.
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a feel proud have daughter as admiral of US NAVAL
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I am proud. She’s a LT CDR, a few steps below Admiral, but loves what she does. I don’t think I could wish more for my kids than to do what they love.
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Oh, for the love of our kids loving what they do… Our hearts are beaming.
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Hi Jacqui, I was thrilled to find this post lovely and early on Good Friday. Thank you for your review and recommendation.
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Your books are like no other, Robbie. I wish my kids still cooked with me.
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Thank you, Jacqui
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Hi, Robbie. It’s an honor to appear with you and Michael and your Sir Chocolate on Jacqui’s wonderful blog today. How wonderful that you work so beautifully as Mom and Son creating a unique and magical series of children’s books. Congrats and best wishes. ❤
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Thank you, Bette. I was delighted to be featured with your lovely book too.
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Thank you, Robbie. Happy Easter! xo
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