Reporting For Duty: A Day at the White House ~ A Children's Activity Book Package Review and Giveaway!

Last week as I watched Oprah's White House Christmas special I was struck by the utter magic and fascinating history embedded in the walls and foundation of the U.S. presidential residence. Though I am Canadian I believe it is a significant benefit that children be given the opportunity to learn what they can about other countries, their histories, and their political and government systems. Washington DC is rich in history! I remember visiting the White House during a high school trip to Washington and I can still recall the awe it inspired.

Bo is not the only dog in the White House...oh no, there is also Barkley Reporting for Duty! H.K. Gilbert has dreamed of writing children's books and she has now written the wonderfully interactive activity book "Reporting For Duty: A Day in the White House" about a secret service dog named Barkley. Barkley has been assigned the daunting task of guarding the White House and protecting the American first family!

Barkley leads children through the busy life of the White House, and provides children with a tour of the inside workings of the White House! Filled with fun facts and history, Reporting for Duty miraculously makes learning important historical information entertaining, exciting and enjoyable. It is often rare to find a book which can hold the interest of all my children with their ages ranging from 5-9 but Gilbert has a gift. Gilbert has the gift of creating a story which weaves factual information with a lovable and exciting character attractive to children and provides children with colouring and drawing activity breaks avoiding long narratives!

H.K. Gilbert is an advocate for literacy and a strong believer, as I am in the power of reading with your children everyday whether it be 5 minutes or an hour the combination of bonding and exposure to print is irreplaceable! "Reporting for Duty" is the perfect sit-down-together activity book for parents and children or could be utilized as a fabulous classroom resource. I truly enjoyed sitting down with my children to read Barkley's story and work through the activities. I learned along side my children and we chuckled together at Barkley's canine references and antics.

"Next we have the Oval Office. This room is not only my favourite shape, but is also a very important room."

"I enjoy reporting for duty in this room because it's the coziest room in the White House. When I've had a "ruff" day, I like to end my secret service duties by shedding my coat and curling up by the fire." (Gilbert 2009: 16)

"The next room, which cats love, is the Fish Room. This room has also been called the Roosevelt Room because President Franklin Roosevelt displayed fishing mementos and an aquarium in here... I carefully count each and every fish to make sure they're still in the aquarium, but I must say, counting the fish sure does make a secret service dog thirsty! I also make sure the most important rule of all is followed: NO CATS ALLOWED." (Gilbert 2009:17)

Care to visit the White House with your children? H.K. Gilbert is offering one Northern Mama reader a book basket filled with a copy of Reporting for Duty, Free box of crayons, and other fun filled surprises that all have to do with the White House! But what you will really be winning is an activity that will create a special moment in time and learning between yourself and your child!
To Enter:

• Tell me your favourite book to read with your child/a child special to you {Required}
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Giveaway open to all! Giveaway closes January 5th 2010, 10:00pm CT. Read Giveaway Rules for further details.