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 January greetings from Hedgehog Books!
Happy new year! This month we've gathered great books for your wintry reading pleasure. Remember to slow down, grab a good book and take some time to feed your imagination!
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Monthly Newsletter!
Recommended this month (for little ones) 
Counting Kisses How cute is this one?! Cuddle and count down from 10 to 1 with this 'kiss and read' book! But how many kisses does a tired baby need? You'll just have to read and find out! This is a wonderful bedtime book for little ones and their parents and grandparents. The illustrations are yummy, and believe me, you'll want to give this baby a few kisses yourself!
Recommended this month (for early readers) 
Goin' Someplace Special What wonderful messages are inside this story! When 'Tricia Ann ventures out for the first time on her own she realizes the importance of holding her head high and remembering her grandmother's words, it's neither easy nor comfortable. But for 'Tricia Ann it's worth it because the special place she is going is the public library where a world of learning and ideas and freedom are opened up to her.
Recommended this month (for fluent readers)
The Island of the Aunts What a wonderful message this story holds for anyone willing to venture to The Island of the Aunts! The idyllic island and its inhabitants offer a sense of belonging and rightful purpose for Minette and Fabio, the neglected yet kind-hearted children chosen to help the elderly aunts. To liven things up and make this a great adventure, Ibbotson throws in one horribly greedy character and his cohorts and a good dose of social/political outrage to make your blood boil. Fantasy lovers will eat this up like a homemade chocolate chip cookie. Personally, I am praying for a sequel.
Book Series of the Month...Featuring George and Martha! 
George and Martha. This appealing pair of hippos give kids lots of reasons to laugh and learn about the ways to be a good friend. Kids will appreciate the absurdness of the situations that George and Martha find themselves in and learn a few subtle lessons about honesty, vanity, and the value of a true friend.
Reading Tip from Hedgie:
Many parents make new year's resolutions to help their child become a better reader. Here are some tips to help you become successful:
1. Become a role model. Read in front of your child!
2. Change your mind set. Consider it an honor (rather than a chore) to help boost your child's reading ability. It is terrifically rewarding to help your child become a lifelong reader!
3. Read every day. Decide on a regular reading time, and stick to it.
4. Choose a regular (preferably cozy) spot to read.
5. Many children benefit from shared reading, where you each read a paragraph or page.
6. When reading time is over, ask your child what s/he just read. (This helps you understand whether or not your child is having difficulty comprehending the story.)
Don't You Just Love Those Book Reports?!
Our grade level reading lists can help you and your children choose the right books.
Great Books for me too??? 
Prodigal Summer This is the story of three women who confront the archaic farming traditions of rural Appalachia. It educates without preaching while helping us understand the misconceptions that pervade our notions of wildlife and agriculture. Barbara Kingsolver's women are closer to nature and can thus lead us to understand how we can live with, rather than against, our environment.
Have you got a question for Hedgie?
Don't forget our "Ask a Teacher" page. Hedgie's professional teaching staff is there to answer all of your literary questions. Check out the latest posts or add your own, Hedgie is there to help!
Hedgie's Friends
Be sure to visit all of Hedgie's friends. By shopping at www.ebates.com you'll get back cash with every purchase you make from Hedgehogbooks. At www.greatergood.com a percentage of your purchase can be donated to the charity of your choice including The Breast Cancer Site, Hunger Site, and The Rainforest Site. You'll also find us at the online shopping mall, www.mall.com. Take a look at us in the Kids' Corner under Courtyard Shopping.
Until next month,
Hedgie
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