In My Backyard [Paperback]

Valarie Giogas (Author), Katherine Zecca (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Baby dogs are puppies and they belong to a litter, but what is a baby skunk and what is the name of its group? This clever, rhythmic story tells us just that! Counting from one to ten, familiar backyard animals are introduced by baby and family group name. Each stanza also tells a bit more about each animal by providing clues as to what they eat, how they sound or where they live. The For Creative Minds section includes more animal fun facts, information on keeping a nature journal and how to watch for wildlife in your own backyard.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In this rhyming fun-to-read counting book, young readers not only learn to count from one to ten, but also learn the baby names of various everyday backyard animals. This book offers a lot more than the typical counting book. RECOMMENDED." --Library Media Connection

"Sylvan Dell Publishing brings In My Backyard to the lineup of great children's books released in 2007. Akin to virtually all Sylvan Dell books, it is a teacher or home schooling parent's dream." --Breeni Books

"This book is a great change of pace from normal counting books. I definitely recommend this book for parents with preschoolers. I give this book a bright line of 5 stars." --Laura Williams' Musings

About the Author

Valarie Giogas has been writing since she was a young child. As a teacher, her favorite part of teaching was the books. She s been writing for children ever since she discovered that she could combine her love for children s literature with her passion for writing. The idea for In My Backyard began when her son was in preschool. They always drove by a gaggle of geese and he would giggle when she told him the group name. When the geese had goslings, the idea for this book was cemented. A member of the Society for Children s Book Writers and Illustrators, Valarie has also written articles for Hopscotch Magazine. Valarie and her family live in a suburb of Boston.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (June 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934359173
• ISBN-13: 978-1934359174
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,717,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A joy to page through while reading aloud its verses to children, September 5, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In My Backyard (Hardcover)

"Hopscotch Magazine" writer Valarie Giogas presents In My Backyard, a rhyming children's counting picturebook that, in addition to teaching young readers the numbers one through ten, also instructs them in the names of different types of baby animals that can be found in a typical backyard. "In my backyard I can see / a nest of five bunnies / twitching at me. / They've gotten through the garden gate. / Just look at all the plants they ate!" Katherine Zecca's beautifully realistic color illustrations of baby animals cute enough to snuggle make In My Backyard a joy to page through while reading aloud its verses to children, or encouraging children to read the verses themselves.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Story & Wonderful Learning Tool, January 8, 2010

By 

Stephanie G. (Plattsburgh, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: In My Backyard (Hardcover)

In My Backyard is a delightful story about baby animals that children might see when they look out the window. Author Valerie Giogas captures each young animal's sweet characteristics and uses rhyme to introduce them. But this isn't just a book about cute animals (which they are!) it's also a learning experience. Giogas expertly places the numbers 1 - 10 in the story. 1 fawn, 4 cubs, 5 bunnies, etc. She also uses a combination of easy words with some that are one step up. It's a chance for parents to introduce new words in a fun way. You'll also be impressed with the extras at the end of the story. Each baby is explained, for example "nymphs are baby grasshoppers." There are fun games to play and pictures of the signs animals leave when they've been there. (tracks, chewed pinecones, etc.) In addition a page of what to do if you find an injured animal. With those extras this is a book that your children will want to read again and again. They'll probably be inspired to go in your backyard looking for animal signs. Sylvan Dell made a great choice here. I'm looking forward to more of Giogas' work. And the illustrations by Katherine Zecca are wonderful.



In My Backyard

4.0 out of 5 stars Oh dear, what a sweet story, July 17, 2007

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In My Backyard (Hardcover)

Sylvan Dell Publishing brings In My Backyard to the lineup of great children's books released in 2007. Written by newcomer Valarie Giogas and illustrated by Katherine Zecca, this scientific adventure introduces children (and adults, admittedly) to the family names of a host of common animals found around rural and suburban homes.

The story uses a sing-song rhythm that typically delights the young reader with familiarity. It provides practice in basic counting skills from one to ten. This may be a book with a limited audience due to the strict scientific nature of the topic, but any child with an interest in animals and wildlife will find it fascinating. Akin to virtually all Sylvan Dell books, it is a teacher or home schooling parent's dream.

Also with all Sylvan Dell releases, the story is followed up by various activities and expanded teaching opportunities. In My Backyard includes a memory game that can be printed from the publisher's website, extra counting exercises, and helpful information regarding wildlife and caring for injured animals.

Katherine Zecca has written and illustrated various other animal-themed children's titles including River Song, A Puffin's Year, and Why Puppies Do That.

Armchair Interviews says: Another Sylvan Dell winner.