Planning Grandma's Party

Selected for the CBC Winter 2024 Showcase: Boredom Busters

Selected for 2025 CBC Best STEM Books - Winner

"Gr 1-4–The Bright family uses a wall calendar. Cooper sees his mother’s notation about Grandma’s birthday and announces it to his family. A family discussion follows about what they should do to celebrate. Cooper wants to throw her a party. His mom is worried that they may not have enough time to get everything done. They come up with a plan, and if everyone does their part, it will be a great party for all to enjoy. Author Chytilová, with fellow author Haraštová and illustrator Teimoy, have created an information-packed STEM book in a fun, family-friendly way. Parents can use this book to plan a party for their parents or other family members or friends, and reinforce what children are taught in school. It is a combination of reading skills with text features and a pattern of introducing facts, which can be hands-on learning for students. It’s a great way to build children’s vocabulary as they master mathematical and scientific facts and procedures. It is also designed to support differentiation instruction. VERDICT This book is an excellent resource for teachers who can plan an entire thematic unit around it." —Laura Ellis, School Library Journal

"Prepping a party, a cartoon family cheerfully introduces several core STEM concepts in this installment in the Everyday STEM series (2 titles). Each two-page spread briefly describes a party-related math or science application: baking a cake spotlights time measurement, while balloons showcase density. Each topic is explained with a few sentences, and colorful sidebars feature examples, units, measuring devices, and the occasional “Try It Yourself” guide. The wide variety of topics results in a very light treatment of each, and some young bakers may be confused by the notion of weight versus volume for measuring ingredients. The enthusiastic family and bright colors, however, provide an upbeat framework for what could otherwise be a dry collection of basic information. Readers may enjoy dipping in to see a STEM application in context or for a quick refresher on fundamentals." —Booklist

"Gr 2-4--These titles feature the Bright family (mom, dad, son, and daughter), as they encounter STEM topics during their everyday activities. Each spread focuses on a question that the kids might ask. For instance, as they go camping, they wonder "What's the weather going to be like?" Other topics that come up include how to filter water and where the sun goes at night. Discussions about fractions, symmetry, and forms of measurement come up as they plan a birthday party for Grandma. Each question is followed by an explanation, observation or comparison, and an additional point or even suggestions to "Try It Yourself." Cartoonish illustrations capture the family in action. Diagrams, charts, and other visuals further support the text. To help extend the learning there is a suggested reading list and a "Learning Check" with five review questions. VERDICT A relatable way to introduce STEM content to young science learners." —School Library Journal

"It's never too early to start children learning STEM information, and this is a great picture book that offers a story along with a ton of math and science facts." —Karen Yingling, YA Books Central

"The book was beautifully written. The author made careful word choices that were very impactful. Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it." —Ally K., NetGalley-Reviewer

"What a phenomenal introduction to STEM. Both titles in the series do a superb job of illustrating the science that surrounds us each and every day in a child-friendly and accessible way." —Olivia the Librarian, IG