Planning Grandma's Party

Lenka Chytilova was drawn to books and writing from a young age. It was no surprise, then, when she got a degree in Czech Language and Literature and German Translation. She has always tried to connect books and reading, her greatest hobby, with her work; she worked part-time in a bookshop for many years and she also worked as an editor and proofreader. Lenka likes classic Czech fairytales, and she loves Večerníček, the Czech television program for children’s bedtime stories. She grew up in a village in East Moravia.Helena Harastova is a writer, translator, and mother. She graduated in Dramaturgy from the Janacek Academy of Music and Performing Arts, having previously worked for the National Theatre in Brno, Czech Republic. Her most unusual pastime is proofreading texts for errors in spelling, grammar, and style.Xiana Teimoy is an illustrator from Vigo, in the far northwest of Spain. After graduating in fine arts with honors, she completed a master’s in design and illustration. So far, she’s worked mostly on children’s books and kid’s magazines. She loves illustrating stories for kids and reading children’s books, wondering what the illustrator’s own creative process was. She works from her lovely and cozy studio located in sunny Valencia, Spain, where she develops her work using digital media. She also teaches illustration at the University of Valencia.

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Selected for the CBC Winter 2024 Showcase: Boredom BustersSelected 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