This book was very cute! The lesson of imagination in this book is wonderful and it is not limited to age. The relationship between Caspian and his grandfather and mother is very nice to see. I like how Caspian was a sceptic at first but his grandfather assured him that if he just used his imagination, he would enjoy his present.
Hansel and Gretel went on a picnic with there father. He taught them to leave crumbs for animals so the animals can lead them back. Well Hansel and Gretel hear a sound and go looking for what it is. Gretel puts into action what her dad told her about crumbs. After a lot of roaming around she finally finds her way back to her dad. Fast pace children’s book. I highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Diazhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Diaz2023-03-17 22:15:432023-03-20 09:22:19Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Renee Diaz
This book was really cute. It gives a great lesson for kids and shows how important and helpful friendship can be. Chicken Little is also teaching her friends about gravity without even knowing what it’s called. While they are learning about something new they are also learning that they are free to be creative and have different opinions about the same thing and none of them are wrong. The value of friendship, creativity, and lessons is prominent in this book.
I can never rave enough on how much I love Lois’s books!!!!! This one is the cutest play off of the original children’s story of Hansel and Gretal that I have ever read. I read this one out loud to my 18 month old daughter. And she just sat and listened. She also really liked the pictures. Kept pointing out the animals.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heatherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather2023-03-17 20:56:072023-03-20 09:15:12Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Heather Hoke
This book is very good for the little ones. The characters have a lot of curiosity and intend to find out the answer. The characters are very relatable to young children. I love how certain words are more artistic than the regular words. It makes the words more noticeable and very appealing to the eye.
Lois Wickstrom has done it again. Chicken Little investigates is a very cute tale. Chicken Little and his friends decide to investigate items falling and the sound they make. As they make their way to see the King, they pick up more friends with different sounding items. All that they want is for the king to name the sound for them. If you love cute children’s book, then this is the book for you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Allenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Allen2023-03-17 14:41:472023-03-20 09:04:28Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Allen
Chicken Little is out and something hits him in the head. She decides to investigate and with her entourage of friends she meets along the way comes up with a variety of ideas to call what hit her on the head.
Fun little adventure on a classic tale. I liked the illustrations and it had some really funny moments where I think children would laugh out loud.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2023-03-17 12:50:412023-03-20 09:03:32Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Emily H
This was a lovely take on the traditional tale Hansel and Gretel. Again as with other books by this author the story was well written, a nice pace and beautifully illustrated. This would be a great addition to read alongside the original tale and see how the two stories differ and how the characters were different in each one. This was a fun and engaging read and a great story for young children to enjoy!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2023-03-17 11:17:172023-03-20 09:03:26Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews
Chicken Little Investigates is the first book in the Science Folktales series by Lois Wickstrom. It is a cute children’s fantasy story- a reimagining of the classic fairytale, Chicken Little (aka- Henny Penny) with plenty of fun and adventure along the way. The story has humour, mystery, friendship, investigation, and a little drama to keep things interesting. It introduces children to the concept of gravity but doesn’t go into it or explain any further though, keeping things light and fairytale-esque. I wish the internal quality of the illustrations matched the quality of the ‘new’ cover picture- as the internal illustrations are a little naïve/simplistic, and ‘bland’. They just don’t grab and hold your attention like the cover image does, and I was left feeling a little let down because of it.
The Science Folktales Series contains (so far): -Chicken Little (Book #1) -Huff…Puff…Grind! The Three Little Pigs Get Smart (Book #2) -Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans (Book #3) -Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Book #4) -Little Red, the Detective (Book #5) -Just One More Egg (Book #6) -The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Book #7) -Saving the Gingerbread House (Book #8)
So, as you can see, there’s lots to explore in this series- plenty of adventures to take, and things to learn along the way. Looking forward to more from Ms. Wickstrom. Happy reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-03-16 21:28:552023-03-20 08:46:17Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales Series Book #1) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes
I love it! What a fun take on the original story. To investigate the sounds that things make is a really fun way to gain the child’s attention. I found the story entraining and fun. We enjoyed making sound effects with all the noises. I am a large fan of stories that can get the children interacting. Another winner for this author!
This story was absolutely adorable. When Caspian receive’s his unbirthday present from Grandpa, it’s nothing that he expects. The box is empty! When Grandpa explains that it’s an invisible wand and that it needs a name before he can start using it. He then learns that he can manipulate time and absolutely loves it. The times that he stretches out so he can enjoy them longer and how he can quicken time is a learning curve but he catches on pretty quickly. It is such a cute story, that my son loved reading and I’m sure he will be reading over and over again!
The characters investigate when things fall and make different noises. Then they go on their way to see the King. On their journey they get mislead but concur through. Then they go back on track in their journey. There the King decides what he is going to call the investigation.
Most of us are familiar with this popular saying by Chicken Little. This great little STEM focused book follows up on that saying with a physics lesson that also includes Turkey Lurky, Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, and Goosey Loosey. Foxy Woxy will also make an appearance but we all know how sly those foxes can be!
The illustrations are great in this book as well. The words appear to be interactive on the page which makes this one even more fun!
Add this to the list to share with a youngster in your life!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-03-15 19:52:462023-03-20 08:18:51Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson
Really a darling retelling of the folk tale “Chicken Little.” Attractive illustrations, great use of onomatopoeia and clever twist to the original story.
Younger children will delight in “what happens next.” At the same time, older children could experiment with the gravity experiments and see, if they were king, what they would call the stuff falling from the sky.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-03-15 19:48:542023-03-20 08:18:45Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain
With a twist on the classic Chicken Little tale, Chicken Little Investigates introduces kids to the world of science and learning has never been as fun. It is a bright and colourful story with humour that makes you laugh. Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey and Turkey Lurkey all make an appearance and try to outsmart the wily Foxy Woxy. With lovely illustrations by Francie Mion you can’t go wrong as the story draws in readers and opens their little minds. Is the sky falling? Well you will have to read it to find out.
When Chicken Little gets on the head, she thinks the sky is falling until she sees the acorn. With the help of her friend, Henny Penny, Chicken Little does experiments and learns about the power of gravity. On the way to tell the king of this new scientific discovery, they are captured by a sly fox and need to outsmart him before they become his dinner.
Lois is a former high school chemistry teacher and former head science teacher at Science in the City Summer Camp in Philadelphia. She has also been an adjunct science teacher at University of South Florida. Since retiring, she continues to take science classes. Her class in Forensic Biology led to Little Red, The Detective, in which Red is studying fingerprint identification, so she can tell that “Grandma” isn’t who she says she is.
Lois has taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales. She has invented what she calls Science Folktales. In each science-based tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending than the original because of learning scientific principles. She has turned some of these tales into plays.
She has also created a series of Mermaid Science stories, which make use of water science.
Lois is married to the love of her life. She has two children, four grandchildren and a dog.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chicken-little-cover.jpg12001200itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-03-15 00:01:452023-03-28 21:58:43Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom
This one wasn’t my favorite. However, I still enjoy Caspian stories so much! His grandpa is such a imaginative character! And I loooooooove the “unbirthday gifts”.
If you have never read Lois Wickstroms’s books you are definitely missing out. Caspain’s Unbirthday has arrived again and this year Grandpa forgot and gave him an empty box. Whether your child can read on their own or you are still reading them books, both of you will enjoy following Caspain on his Unbirthday and learn what magic can happen.
This is an adorable story about a kid who receives a magical unbirthday present. The illustrations are engaging and the story line keeps you wondering what trick Caspian is going to try next with his gift.
I enjoyed how much the author left the gifts to the imagination- things that may be possible, but haven’t been invented yet, which stretches mine (and any young reader)’s imagination.
From a social emotional stand point, the book offers readers a chance to discuss delayed gratification and disappointment at an age-appropriate level. The story line is realistic with a touch of magic.
Loretta’s Grandma arrives for a visit bringing her an orange tree. While Loretta is looking over the plant she sees some bugs which turn out to be aphids and she finds a most unusual way of how to get the aphids to stop doing damage to her plant.
I enjoy this series quite a bit. This explores the impact a Katydid can have on plants and bugs. Great reading for young readers to learn about science and nature.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2023-03-10 13:08:172023-03-10 15:08:35What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Emily H
Loretta gets an orange tree from her grandma. The tree had aphids on it, but also another surprise – an mantis and a katydid! She learns that the mantis takes care of the insects so that the tree stays healthy. This is a great young children’s book for kiddos interested in science and bugs. I love Lois Wickstrom’s books!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tanya Wallhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTanya Wall2023-03-10 09:09:212023-03-10 15:06:13What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, March 2023
This is my family’s 3rd Loretta book. This one is about the orange tree Loretta got and it has some insect problems. The steps that Loretta takes to make sure her orange tree doesn’t die before her science fair is amazing. It makes things easy for my 6 year old to understand and introduces him to other insects that are out there and what may be harmful to our plants and what we can do to help them stay healthy. The story was cute and very well written! I can’t wait to read more Loretta books to my kids!
What Loretta’s Katydid Did is the fourth book in the Loretta’s Insects series by Lois Wickstrom. This is a fun children’s illustrated storybook full of interesting facts about insects, educational elements, a school science fair, various insects, and an entertaining bit of an adventure. Loretta loves insects and this time her Grammie brings her an orange tree all the way from Florida. Loretta discovers that the tree has aphids which are killing the tree. But because Loretta loves all insects she just can’t bring herself to kill them. Then she finds a Katydid on her tree- and her aphid problem is solved. With her school science fair coming up, her new tree and her love of insects might just make a winning entry. What happens makes for a fun read. This is not just a cute story, it also encourages children to learn while they read. I read this story with my grandson, but we wish the illustrations were better, as they are very simplistic and aren’t as bright, bold, or eye catching like a lot of Ms. Wickstrom’s other books- so they didn’t grab or hold his attention like some of her others have done. As with the other books in the series, the ‘new’ cover is great, but unfortunately the illustrations inside the book aren’t up to the same standard. With better illustrations, this would have been an even better story, in our opinion. Loretta’s Insects series contains (so far): -Ladybugs For Loretta (Book #1) -Bee’s In Loretta’s Bonnet (Book #2) -Loretta’s Caterpillar (Book #3) -What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Book #4) Happy reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-03-09 18:42:332023-03-10 14:56:55What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects Book #4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes
Loretta is back with some more adventures and when she gets home from school this time, she has an unexpected visitor, her Grandma and she has not come empty handed, she has brought Loretta an orange tree and Loretta thinks that this is perfect, as she can use it for her science project. As her Grandma explains how to look after the tree, Loretta notices that it has some insects on it, her Grandma explain that they are aphids and that Loretta will need to kill them, or they will eat the tree, but Loretta doesn’t want to kill any insects and instead just watches them.
A couple of days later and the aphids have mysteriously disappeared, but Loretta can hear a strange noise “Katy did, Katy did” coming from the tree, when she goes to tell her Grandma, she is told that it is a Katydid, an insect which eats aphids, Loretta is happy about this, but not so much when the Katydid starts to feast on her tree instead!
What will happen to Loretta’s orange tree now the Katydid has moved in and will it survive long enough for Loretta to use it for her project? This is yet another charming and informative book for all ages, with lovely illustrations to go along with it.
What Loretta’s Katydid Did was a really cute story about a girl who gets an orange tree but has a few problems with insects that could kill it. Through the story, she learns a little bit about insects and how they can both damage and protect her plant. I thought this story was great. It was interesting enough to keep a child’s interest, but had some nuggets of information that can encourage questions which will motivate kids to find out more. I would definitely recommend this book.
This is an adorable rendition of Hansel and Gretel! The two are traveling with their father through the forest when they hear a strange sound. Curious Gretel investigates the sound, only to get them turned around in the woods. When trying to find their way back to their dad, they come across a beautiful house that smells delicious and is being eaten by animals! When the homeowner catches them, she insists they help her fix the home to win the most beautiful house contest. But is this the witch everyone fears? Can they finish the house on time? Will they find their way back to their dad?
This story captures the audience and draws them in with captivating illustrations. The story is easy to follow and fun for young readers. My son is seven and loves stories by this author. This is a great new telling of the adventures of Hansel and Gretel, perfect for kids to enjoy!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Nakyshia Legerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNakyshia Leger2023-03-08 17:58:412023-03-10 14:51:34Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nakyshia Leger
The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom 4 Stars
It’s Caspian’s unbirthday again. What will Grandpa give him this year? An empty box? No, an invisible magic wand! How cool is that? This is a cute story following Caspian and his adventures at school with his wand. This is a fun story filled with colourful illustrations and silly endeavours. Geared towards children aged 4-8. They will love it!
Loretta’s grandma gives her an orange tree that she can grow even though she lives in Colorado. When inspecting the tree, Loretta finds some aphids. Grandma tells her that she should remove them to protect the integrity of the plant. Loretta decides to leave them there and, ultimately, she’s glad that she did. Will Loretta’s orange tree help her to win the science fair at school?
Again, Lois Wickstrom has written another great children’s book! This one is a part of a series on bugs and has a science focus on it. This book would be inspiring to a child about to enter their first science fair!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-03-08 15:49:132023-03-10 14:50:55What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson
What Loretta’s Katydid Did is full of beautiful illustrations by Francie Mion. It is another story in the Loretta’s Insects series which is 6 books. It is for children aged 4 – 8 years or Preschool – 3. The stories in this series are original and fun and full of interesting facts. Loretta enters the science fair with her orange tree but first she must get rid of the pesky infestation that is threatening to ruin it all. How can Loretta cure the tree of its problem and still compete for the prize. The one thing I like about Lois’s work is that there is always something to learn and there is always a solution to a problem. It makes your imagination envision all sorts of outcomes and solutions. To find out how Loretta and her orange tree fair grab a copy and settle in with the kids.
Delightful story about Loretta and her orange plant. We got to learn about katydid’s and other insects that can help or destroy plants. Katydids can do both. This was fun to read to my grandchildren and learn about the insects we may find in the garden. This author does a fantastic job of writing fun books that teach interesting facts.
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