Mamafox Books

Children's Author Phoebe Fox

Mama Fox Books

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My First Science Textbook, Protons and Neutrons: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Today’s Storytime Saturday is the third and final book in the My First Science Textbook series. “Protons and Neutrons” was created by John J. Coveyo, written by Mary Wissinger, and illustrated by Harriet Kim Anh Rodis. It’s the story of an important friendship between subatomic particles Pete the Proton and Ned the Neutron. With its simple story and bright, colorful illustrations, this book makes chemistry interesting for even the youngest readers! 

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by Platypus Media.

 

 

 

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Animal Orchestra, Little Golden Book: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Originally published in 1958, Animal Orchestra is by Ilo Orleans, with pictures by Tibor Gergely. This story gives children the opportunity to be a part of the audience, as a variety of animals celebrate music by performing in an animal orchestra. The rhyming text of this Little Golden Book provides the perfect rhythm for an exuberant read-aloud!

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The Elephants Come Home by Kim Tomsic: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“The Elephants Come Home ~ A True Story of Seven Elephants, Two People, and One Extraordinary Friendship” was written by Kim Tomsic and illustrated by Hadley Hooper. “One day in 1999, Lawrence Anthony and Françoise Malby hear that a herd of wild African elephants need a new home. They welcome the elephants to their wildlife sanctuary—Thula Thula—with open arms. But the elephants are much less sure they want to stay. How will Lawrence prove to them that they are safe and loved? What follows is a gorgeously illustrated real-life story of a friendship . . . and the story of the miraculous way that love given freely will return—greater and more wonderful than it began.” This is Storytime Saturdays Episode #92 with Children’s Author & Librarian, Phoebe Fox.

Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Kim Tomsic.

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Pantaloon, Little Golden Book: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Pantaloon” is a Little Golden Book written by Kathryn Jackson and illustrated by Leonard Weisgard. This is the story of a bicycle-riding, hat-wearing Poodle with a sweet tooth. Pantaloon loves to eat cakes and cookies and believes he’s quite capable of making them. So when the baker in his town posts a “Help Wanted” sign, Pantaloon applies for the job. Will he be chosen to be the baker he has always dreamed of being? My Doodle, Hank (who looks an awful lot like Pantaloon), helped me with this deliciously fun read-aloud! Won’t you join us?

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Ajax, Bound for Glory: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox, Plus How to Draw Ajax!

Let’s celebrate Armed Forces Day with a reading of the children’s book, “Ajax, Bound for Glory,” and a demo of how to draw the main character with the illustrator herself! This picture book was written by Sarah E. Dautel and illustrated by her sister, Hannah E. Dautel. Ajax, the rabbit, has high hopes of being a valiant warrior, but tragedy strikes. With his new prosthetic leg, Ajax realizes he will never hop again. He must find a new way to contribute to the military he has always dreamed of being a part of. “Ajax, Bound for Glory” is a story of ambition and perseverance that celebrates the power of music! Following the reading of this book, Hannah E. Dautel demonstrates how to draw rabbits using a simple circles and shows her process for creating Ajax.

Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Sarah E. Dautel.

 

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The Light in Me Sees the Light in You by Lori Nichols: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

The Light in Me Sees the Light in You, a newly released picture book, written and illustrated by Lori Nichols, has made its debut at the perfect time. Last year was, sadly, a year of loss for many children. (There has been much to grieve for all of us during this pandemic.) With its simple, sweet story of friendship and beautiful watercolor and colored pencil illustrations, this book is a gentle introduction to the subject of loss. I am honored to share it as a Storytime Saturdays book and hope that it helps children everywhere.

Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the publisher, Nancy Paulsen Books.

 

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10 Ballet Dancers by Amanda Malek-Ahmadi: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

This unique counting book by Amanda Malek-Ahmadi is beautifully illustrated by Katherine Gutkovskiy. It is a perfect fit for young children interested in ballet, dance, and/or the performing arts. Authentic ballet terms are used throughout, and each one is explained in the book’s glossary, complete with pictures. Educational and fun, this book is a delight! 

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author, Amanda Malek-Ahmadi.

 

 

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Sofia’s Stoop Story, 18th Street, Brooklyn by Maria Leplaca Bohrer: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Sofia’s Stoop Story, 18th Street, Brooklyn was written by Teacher, Reading Specialist and Children’s Author, Maria LaPlaca Bohrer, who lives on Long Island in New York. The book’s illustrations were created by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, who have collaborated on over 50 books for children. “On a stoop in Brooklyn, in the 1960s, Uncle Frankie begins telling Sofia and her cousins a story about the day he met Carl Furillo. Meanwhile, Sofia’s Nana is next-door, preparing the Italian family’s Sunday dinner. Nana calls Sofia and sends her on errands to buy cheese, bread, and cannelloni. Sofia returns to the stoop, only to discover that Uncle Frankie’s story is over, and it’s time to eat. When uncle Frankie realizes Sofia is upset because she only heard bits and pieces of his story, he shares his historic tale from beginning to end, and he gives her keepsake that he’s saved since 1947.”
*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by the author,Maria LaPlaca Bohrer.

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Grand Canyon Reader Award 2022 Picture Book Nominees!

The Grand Canyon Reader Award is a reader award program for students in Arizona. Students vote annually on their favorite book in the following categories: Picture, Non-Fiction, Intermediate, Tween and Teen. In this video, you will get a glimpse of the 2022 picture book nominees, which include the following: Between Us and Abuela: a Family Story From the Border by Mitali Perkins, Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison, Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, How I Trained My Dog in 10 Days by Norma Lewis, Jasper and Ollie Build a Fort by Alex Willan, No More Naps!: a Story For When You’re Wide-Awake and Definitely Not Tired by Chris Grabenstein, Otis P. Oliver Protests by Keri Boyle, Ronan the Librarian by Tara Luebbe, There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach, and Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers. Voting concludes April 1, 2022.

 

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Three Billy-Goats Gruff: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

According to American Literature dot com, “The Three Billy Goat’s Gruff is a famous Norwegian folktale that will charm any child. A mean and hungry troll lives under a bridge. He’s hungry for a meal and would love to snatch and eat any goat attempting to cross his bridge. How can the three goats get across safely? They must be clever! A wonderful children’s story to read out loud in a classroom or before bedtime.” The retelling of this story in today’s Storytime Saturday was illustrated by Ellen Appleby and is “An Easy-to-Read Folktale” published by Scholastic Inc.

 

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Fast Freddie by Michael Hale: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Fast Freddie, The Legend in a Shell, was written and illustrated by Michael Hale. Fast Freddie is the story of Federico, a desert tortoise who decides that he does not want to live a slow and boring existence. Longing to explore his home in the Sonoran Desert, he does what no other tortoise has ever dared to do… He stands up and runs away. Able to run at incredible speeds, Fast Freddie, as he becomes known, encounters and befriends many of the residents of the desert and has wonderful adventures along the way. Once he has seen and done everything he wanted to do, he races toward the setting sun with buckets of paint that enable him to paint the vivid colors of the Arizona Sunset across the sky.” 

Here’s a fun art project to do with kids after reading this story!

Sunset Art

Supplies: squares of colored tissue paper, glue, unsharpened pencil or dry paintbrush, piece of construction paper or foam board

Instructions: Pour some glue on a paper plate. Using the pencil or paintbrush, twist the tissue squares around the end and dip into the glue one at a time. Place the squares on the construction paper or foam board so that the tissue sticks up like a flower. Create rows of different colors to look like the sky or a sunset!

This project is easy, good practice for fine motor skills, and yields a beautiful piece of artwork!

*Permission for the reading of this book in its entirety was granted by Michael Hale.

 

 

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Little Red Riding Hood: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Little Red Riding Hood” is a classic folk tale. This retelling of the story was illustrated and adapted from the original, written by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, by Caldecott Award-winner Paul Galdone. Despite her mother’s warning to go straight to Grandmother’s house, Little Red Riding Hood stops along the way to converse with a wolf, who seems kind and suggests she pick some flowers for her sick grandmother. When Little Red Riding Hood finally arrives at her grandmother’s cottage, she discovers the sneaky wolf is dressed as Grandmother and lying in bed, just waiting to gobble her up! A warning to all children to be wary of strangers, this folk tale has been enjoyed by families for over two hundred years.

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Bad Monkey Business by Michael Hale: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Bad Monkey Business” was written and illustrated by Michael Hale. “It’s a rainy, rainy day and Mrs. J.C. McGoody has just finished cleaning her house. She is about to have a cup of tea when she hears a faint knock on her door. When she opens the door, she finds a wet little monkey sitting on her doorstep. And he means business… Bad Monkey Business. Will Mrs. McGoody be able to stop this Bad Monkey from ruining her clean house or is there something else going on that she does not understand? This illustrated story, told in rhyme, is a humorous tale about an unsuspecting woman and monkey on a mission. A reminder as to why it is important to get all of the facts before you rush to judgement.”

*Permission for the reading of the book was granted by the author/illustrator, Michael Hale.

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Blue on Blue by Dianne White: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Blue on Blue” was written by Dianne White and illustrated by Beth Krommes (winner of the Caldecott Medal). “It’s a bright, beautiful, blue-on-blue day, but a storm is on its way, and soon… Thunder! Lightning! Raging, roaring! Rain on rain on rain is pouring. Will the sun ever be back?”

*Permission for the reading of the book was granted by the author, Dianne White.

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The Christmas Quail by J.S. Dwyer: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“The Christmas Quail” was written by D.S. Dwyer and illustrated by Michael Hale. Jamie can’t believe it when she finds out a quail is living in her family’s Christmas tree! But there’s an even bigger surprise in store for her as she gets to know Sidney, the Christmas Quail. This festive holiday picture book tells a story that is a sweet reminder that “the magic is in the giving.” After you listen to this story, maybe you could do what Jamie did and make a pinecone bird feeder with peanut butter and cereal!

*Permission for the reading of the book was granted by the author, J.S. Dwyer.

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From Chewing to Pooing by Lauren Gehringer and Natalie Gehringer: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“From Chewing to Pooing: Food’s Journey through Your Body to the Potty” was written by Lauren Gehringer with Dr. Natalie Gehringer and illustrated by Maile McCarthy. This simple rhyming picture book for young children introduces them to the hidden process of digestion. “By explaining what happens to the food they eat and taking the mystery out of why they poo, little ones gain a deeper, reassuring understanding of how their bodies work.” Don’t miss the Tips For Healthy Digestion and the high-fiber food chart in the back of the book!

*Permission for the reading of the book was granted by the author, Lauren Gehringer.

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Pirate Nell’s Tale to Tell: A Storybook Adventure by Helen Docherty: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Pirate Nell’s Tale to Tell was written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty. “The day Nell joined the pirate crew was full of hope; a dream come true! For great adventures filled her head from every tale she’d ever read…” First-time pirate, Nell, is thrilled when she discovers a treasure map is floating her way in an empty bottle. As she and the crew embark on a quest to find an island with craggy cliffs and a sandy shore, not everything goes according to plan. But with her adventurous spirit and trusty pirate’s almanac, Nell saves the day and leads the crew to a very special kind of treasure…

This book is a perfect introduction to teaching children about almanacs and other important reference books.

*Permission for the reading of the book was granted by the publisher, Source Books.

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This is How I Grow by Dia L. Michels: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Today’s Storytime Saturday is brought to you from Coronado Island, California! “This is How I Grow” was written by Dia L. Michels and illustrated by Wesley Davies. “All newborn mammals–whether they have hooves, claws, or wings–rely on mother’s milk to help them grow. In order to survive, every cub, calf, and kit must eventually figure out how to find their own food.” After you watch this video, you can download a free Teacher’s Guide from the publisher. It’s full of fun activities that build on the ideas presented in “This is How I Grow.” Just go to https://www.platypusmedia.com/educational-resources.
*Permission for the reading of this book was granted by the publisher, Platypus Media.

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My Milk Will Grow, Our Love Will Grow by Jessica Elder: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

My Milk Will Grow, Our Love Will Grow was written by Jessica Elder and illustrated by Sheila Fein. Weaning a breastfed baby or toddler can be an emotional time for both mother and child. This sweet, rhyming picture book conveys a message of love and reassurance to toddlers during this significant time of transition. Although mama’s milk will go, the love she has for her child will always be there, changing and growing, just like her baby.

*Permission for the reading of this book was granted by the author, Jessica Elder.

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Who Do I See in the Mirror? by Vese Aghoghovbia Aladewolu: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

Who Do I See in the Mirror? was written by Vese Aghoghovbia Aladewolu and illustrated by Irene Omiunu. “As Philly looks at her reflection in the mirror, she realizes that from her curly hair to her legs that love to dance, she is unique. But what makes her truly special is her good heart and curious mind.” This beautiful picture book for young children focuses on self-esteem and the importance of loving oneself.
*Permission for the reading of this book was granted by the author, Vese Aghoghovbia Aladewolu.

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A Flamboyance, a Crash, and a Dazzle by Susan R. Stotlz: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

A Flamboyance, a Crash, and a Dazzle: Children’s Book Read-Aloud with Phoebe Fox Welcome to Storytime Saturdays (Episode #69) with Children’s Author & Librarian, Phoebe Fox. A Flamboyance, a Crash, and a Dazzle was written by Susan R. Stoltz and illustrated by Melissa Bailey. This picture book for children in kindergarten through fourth grade, is full of clever rhymes and beautiful illustrations. And with a focus on animals and collective nouns (nouns we use to name a group of things, i.e. a flock of birds or school of fish), this book is a wonderful teaching tool!

Permission for the reading of this book was granted by the publisher, Pygmy Giraffe Publishing.

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Inky the Octopus by Erin Guendelsberger: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Inky the Octopus” was written by Erin Guendelsberger and illustrated by David Leonard. Permission for the reading of this book was granted by the publisher, Source Books. “Inky is bored with aquarium life – he wants to start a new adventure on the open sea! But just how can an octopus escape from a tank to the ocean?” This book is based on the true story of an octopus’ escape from the National Aquarium of New Zealand!

Did you know you can make your own octopus with just a few simple craft materials?

You will need:

•1 ballon

•8 pipe cleaners

•2 large stick-on googly eyes (or just make them out of paper)

Directions:

First, blow up and tie-off the ballon. Next, twist the pipe cleaners around the bottom of the balloon and bend them into whatever shapes you desire. Then, stick on the googly eyes. Don’t forget to give your octopus a name!

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Seven Bad Cats by Moe Bonneau: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

 

“Seven Bad Cats” was written and illustrated by Moe Bonneau. Permission for the reading of this book was granted by the publisher, Source Books. “Seven cats anywhere is probably too many. Seven BAD cats, all in one boat, is asking for trouble… When a band of very bad cats stows away on a little girl’s boat, she knows she’s in for a bumpy ride. But when they take their antics too far, they just might ruin her whole trip!” Can you find some materials around your house to create a toy boat? You might try using craft sticks, an empty water bottle, corks, or sticks. How much can your boat hold? Would it hold seven bad cats? Just kidding!

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Max and Bird by Ed Vere: Read Aloud with Phoebe Fox

“Max & Bird” was written and illustrated by Ed Vere. Permission for the reading of this book was granted by the publisher, Source Books.

“Max the kitten and Bird the bird have just become friends. But what is it that friends do? Max and Bird know one thing for sure: kittens chase birds, and birds get chased by kittens. But when Bird needs help learning to fly, the two discover a way to celebrate their friendship that is much more fun…”

Have you ever made something fly? Maybe you could try to fold a piece of paper into an airplane and see how far it can fly? Can your paper airplane make a loop-the-loop, just like Bird at the end of the story?