TWO FOR ONE REVIEWS: Bringing the Outside In by Mary McKenna Siddals

Reviewed by Lynne Marie and Kayla Michelle

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN
by Mary McKenna Siddals
Illustrated by Patrice Barton
Random House, 2016



We're bringing the outside in, oh
Bringing the outside in...





And so begins this sing-songy rhyming romp which follows little ones as they interact with nature.

Siddals uses fund active verbs -- mopping, dumping, shaping, sweeping, digging and Patrice Barton draws splashing, jumping, skipping and romping to keep the action flowing as the adorable children enjoy the outdoors. Woven into this season concept book are threads that suggest fun ways for children to bring nature into their lives. There's so much fun to be had that a little bit always follows them into their home -- whether it be mud, sand or leaves.

I think the sing-songy simple but active text is perfect for toddlers to learn words and repeat. And Patrice Barton's sweet digitally-colored pencil illustrations are adorable and engaging! It makes a great Baby Shower Wishing Well gift, as well as toddler present.

Kayla and I both really enjoyed the art and illustrations, as well as the inspiration. Here is a list of outdoor activities that we have compiled to enjoy along with this book.

1. Collect rocks
2. Make a sandcastle
3. Make a sand drawing
4. Make a rock sculpture
5. Make a leaf scarecrow
6. Plant a seed and watch it grow
7. Let a snowflake land on your tongue
8. Let snowflakes fall on black paper and observe
9. Read Mary's Millions of Snowflakes book
10. Lay on the grass and look up at the clouds - find cloud animals!


More about Bringing the Outside In:

http://www.siddals.com/bringing-the-outside-in.html
Mary's Facebook page for the book: http://www.facebook.com/BringingTheOutsideInBook
Amazon link to the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0449814300/ 

Mary McKenna Siddals

http://www.siddals.com

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Bringing the Outside In (Random House)

Shivery Shades of Halloween (Random House)

Compost Stew (Tricycle / Random House)

Millions of Snowflakes (Clarion / Scholastic)

Tell Me a Season (Clarion)

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http://www.facebook.com/BringingTheOutsideInBook

http://www.facebook.com/ShiveryShadesOfHalloween

http://www.facebook.com/CompostStew

NOTE from REVIEWER: If you are an author or illustrator who is interested in having your book reviewed on this blog, please e-mail LiterallyLynneMarie@Gmail.com for hard copy address. We would be glad to review your book, and if possible, include an activity for readers. We are also interested in Guest Blog Posts and select Interviews. Thank you for supporting My Word Playground in it's goal to spread the Word about reading and children's writing.