Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Spotlight on David Bouchard
David was born in Northern Saskatchewan and spent his youth at a private school called College Mathieu. He was a reluctant reader himself and started reading for pleasure at the age of 27. He wrote his first book at age 37. He struggled with dyslexia. He is now an acclaimed author, educator (former teacher/principal) and presenter. He is a champion of literacy and has written more than 50 books both in French and English. He combines poetry, prose, visual arts and now music. His topics includes the environment, history, and traditions and cultures of Canada's Aboriginal communities. He is a magnificent storyteller and sought after public speaker who promotes the importance of the joy of reading and writing. He lives in Victoria B.C. with his wife Vickie and his daughter Victoria. He has received the many awards and accolades and even is a member of the Order of Canada.
David's quote: "The greatest gift we an give our children is the gift of reading. There is no magic in giving it. There is no toy or program that will do the job for us. It takes time, commitment and most of all, fire...."
He has a great website where all his books are listed, detailed and for sale. Please check him out. Be inspired to read on.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
He's the man -- king of read-aloud
The King of read-aloud is most definitely Jim Trelease. His most famous book is "The Read-Aloud Handbook" and it came about when Jim started volunteering in community classrooms at the same time he and his wife were raising two small children and reading aloud to them every day. (Oh that all children, everywhere had that love and support of reading from their parents!) In his visits, he noticed differences in the amount of reading children did and started to wonder why some kids enjoyed reading and some didn't. He examined the research and found reading aloud to your child daily could make a huge difference in his/her life and future. The Read-Aloud-Handbook was published in 1979 and Jim dedicated the next thirty years travelling and talking to parents and teachers about the importance of reading aloud to kids.
Like Mem Fox he believes reading should be lots of fun, and to achieve that goal the kids should be read to every day, starting as early as possible. (I think the womb is good.)
Jim retired from public speaking in 2008 but maintains his website that is brimming with info about literacy, reading, books and the effects of TV on kids. His approach and vision is both encouraging and inspirational. Be sure to connect with this guy as he is one of the greatest voices in kid's literature today.
Read on.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Gurus of children literature
This week I am going to highlight some of the leading children's literature experts. They are amazing and impart wisdom, experience and "fun" when it comes to getting our little ones to read. the first one I am going to introduce you to is Mem Fox. Here is a little bio of her:
Mem was born in Australia, grew up in Africa, studied drama in England and returned to Adelaide, Australia in 1970. She lives there with her husband Malcolm and her only daughter, Chloe. She is the most highly regarded picture-book author in Australia. Her book "Possum Magic", was the best selling children's book ever in her homeland. She sold over four million copies there. In the USA her best books are "Time for Bed" and "Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge - both selling a million copies each. "Time for Bed" hit Oprah's book list weighing in as one of the best children's books of all time. Pretty impressive eh?
She has written over thirty children's books and five non-fiction books for adults including my favourite, "Reading Magic",aimed at parents of very young children.
She was the Associate Professor in Literary Studies at Flinders University in Adelaide, where she taught teachers for twenty-four years (oh that I had been one of them!). She took early retirement in 1996.
She has received multiple awards, honours and accolades, including two honorary doctorates (Wonder if she would give me one of them? Does she really need two?} She is a very influential international consultant on literacy. Her latest book is "Giraffe in the Bath." She is a one-of-a-kind and her books are above excellence. She is spontaneous, fun, hilarious and a true kid at heart. She is infectious and that is why people love her and her work.
Some of her books include:
Hunwick's Egg
Possum Magic
Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge
Time For Bed
Whoever You Are
Wombat Divine
Koala Lou
Boo To A Goose
Hattie And The Fox
Shoes From Grandpa
Mem's The Word
Radical reflections
English Essentials" the wouldn't=be=without=it guide to writing well
Green Sheep, Secrets
Hello Baby!
Ten Little Fingers
Be sure to check her out and read on.
Mem was born in Australia, grew up in Africa, studied drama in England and returned to Adelaide, Australia in 1970. She lives there with her husband Malcolm and her only daughter, Chloe. She is the most highly regarded picture-book author in Australia. Her book "Possum Magic", was the best selling children's book ever in her homeland. She sold over four million copies there. In the USA her best books are "Time for Bed" and "Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge - both selling a million copies each. "Time for Bed" hit Oprah's book list weighing in as one of the best children's books of all time. Pretty impressive eh?
She has written over thirty children's books and five non-fiction books for adults including my favourite, "Reading Magic",aimed at parents of very young children.
She was the Associate Professor in Literary Studies at Flinders University in Adelaide, where she taught teachers for twenty-four years (oh that I had been one of them!). She took early retirement in 1996.
She has received multiple awards, honours and accolades, including two honorary doctorates (Wonder if she would give me one of them? Does she really need two?} She is a very influential international consultant on literacy. Her latest book is "Giraffe in the Bath." She is a one-of-a-kind and her books are above excellence. She is spontaneous, fun, hilarious and a true kid at heart. She is infectious and that is why people love her and her work.
Some of her books include:
Hunwick's Egg
Possum Magic
Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge
Time For Bed
Whoever You Are
Wombat Divine
Koala Lou
Boo To A Goose
Hattie And The Fox
Shoes From Grandpa
Mem's The Word
Radical reflections
English Essentials" the wouldn't=be=without=it guide to writing well
Green Sheep, Secrets
Hello Baby!
Ten Little Fingers
Be sure to check her out and read on.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Happy reading everyone!
Weather is colder, apple cider is calling (or hot chocolate), good books waiting patiently for a reader.....what are you waiting for? Dig in. Enjoy this season with gusto.
Read on.
Read on.
Friday, November 25, 2011
My all time favourite kid's classic
The number one classic book for me is "The Velveteen Rabbit" by Margery Williams, written in 1922. I have numerous copies of the book plus the audio version. I secretly told my kids they were for them but really they were for me. I actually had a special friend who wrote a song based on the book. He came into my classroom and taught his song to everyone which made the book even more special for both me and them. Here is a short review of my all-time favourite:
This is a sentimental tale of the transformation power of true love. It is the original toy story. This little bunny was placed in the nursery shortly after Christmas anticipating the day that the Boy would notice him. The Velveteen Rabbit hangs out with the Skin Horse, who reveals how a toy can actually become real. This gives the little rabbit hope that maybe one day he will be loved long and hard enough to be transformed into a real, live rabbit. The book has all the elements of a great classic. Strong characters, amazing plot, agonizing anticipation plus a very happy ending. The book gives the reader hope and the knowledge that dreams can come true. You will be touched and teary-eyed as the Fairy turns him into a real bunny. Excellent. Excellent. Excellent.
What is your favourite classic? Be sure to share it with you child today. Read on.
This is a sentimental tale of the transformation power of true love. It is the original toy story. This little bunny was placed in the nursery shortly after Christmas anticipating the day that the Boy would notice him. The Velveteen Rabbit hangs out with the Skin Horse, who reveals how a toy can actually become real. This gives the little rabbit hope that maybe one day he will be loved long and hard enough to be transformed into a real, live rabbit. The book has all the elements of a great classic. Strong characters, amazing plot, agonizing anticipation plus a very happy ending. The book gives the reader hope and the knowledge that dreams can come true. You will be touched and teary-eyed as the Fairy turns him into a real bunny. Excellent. Excellent. Excellent.
What is your favourite classic? Be sure to share it with you child today. Read on.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Just saying.....
If you have a voracious reader in your home it is a noble thing to lead him/her to the classics. All through school, even in post-secondary, students and teachers refer to and quote passages from great children's literature. I encourage high school teachers to impliment storybooks into their lesson planning. Fabulous text plus rich illustrations always make a winning combination. Kids that have trouble reading will pick up a picture book and not only read it but actually understand it. A perfect example surfaced in my own child's life. He had been assigned projects on both the first and second world wars. We went to the library and borrowed many books on the subject but the books he found most helpful were the DK Eyewitness Book series. These books were absolutely magnificent. They were written clearly, were very concise, full of fabulous pictures and categorized so a young adult could understand the content fully.
You are never too young or too old to read a good picture book. One of the highlights of guest speakers at an event is when they approach the podium with a fresh story book in hand. Often graduating classes are read the story ,"O The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. There is no finer book to be read for that occasion. Please do not set an age limit, put down or demean picture books. The writing is amazing, the pictures high quality and they cater to the child in all of us. Let's embrace kid's reading books and celebrate by sharing these treasures with each other.
Read on.
You are never too young or too old to read a good picture book. One of the highlights of guest speakers at an event is when they approach the podium with a fresh story book in hand. Often graduating classes are read the story ,"O The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. There is no finer book to be read for that occasion. Please do not set an age limit, put down or demean picture books. The writing is amazing, the pictures high quality and they cater to the child in all of us. Let's embrace kid's reading books and celebrate by sharing these treasures with each other.
Read on.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
A welcome break
Quote by Emily Dickinson: If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me I know that is poetry.
Night Whispers
(intimate child/parent conversation)
How important is it that I read?
No other creature can.
Why do you care if I read?
It is a skill unique to man.
Why bother to make sense of words?
You'll unlock the mysteries of life.
They're hard. I stumble and fail...
I'm here to ease all your strife.
I love when we curl up together
Our books make our friendship run deep
Your voice makes the book much more special
Go choose one...I'll read you to sleep!
When we read our word is at peace!
Marilyn Panton-Nov. 2011
Read on
Night Whispers
(intimate child/parent conversation)
How important is it that I read?
No other creature can.
Why do you care if I read?
It is a skill unique to man.
Why bother to make sense of words?
You'll unlock the mysteries of life.
They're hard. I stumble and fail...
I'm here to ease all your strife.
I love when we curl up together
Our books make our friendship run deep
Your voice makes the book much more special
Go choose one...I'll read you to sleep!
When we read our word is at peace!
Marilyn Panton-Nov. 2011
Read on
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
More great classics to read....
Here are some great children's books to give you more exposure to classics in the age 3-8 age range:
1. The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear
2. Tootle by Gertrude Crampton
3. The Saggy Baggy Elephant by Kathryn and Byron Jackson
4. Eloise by Kay Thompson
5. A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
6. The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
7. Strega Nona: An Old Tale by Tomie dePaola
8. Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird
9. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
10. Love you Forever by Robert Munsch
11. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
12. Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag
13. The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack
14. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
15. Blueberries for Sal by Robert MCloskey
16. The Mitten by Jan Brett
17. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by John Archambault and Bill Martin Jr.
18. House Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh
19. Dinosaura, Dinosaurs by Byron Barton
20. The Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body by Joanna Cole and Brue Degen
Buy some of these delights for Christmas, borrow lots from the school library or the public library. Get reading and read on. Blessings to you as you take up this wonderful challenge to read classic stories to your kids.
1. The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear
2. Tootle by Gertrude Crampton
3. The Saggy Baggy Elephant by Kathryn and Byron Jackson
4. Eloise by Kay Thompson
5. A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
6. The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
7. Strega Nona: An Old Tale by Tomie dePaola
8. Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird
9. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
10. Love you Forever by Robert Munsch
11. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
12. Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag
13. The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack
14. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
15. Blueberries for Sal by Robert MCloskey
16. The Mitten by Jan Brett
17. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by John Archambault and Bill Martin Jr.
18. House Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh
19. Dinosaura, Dinosaurs by Byron Barton
20. The Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body by Joanna Cole and Brue Degen
Buy some of these delights for Christmas, borrow lots from the school library or the public library. Get reading and read on. Blessings to you as you take up this wonderful challenge to read classic stories to your kids.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Classic PIcture Books (ages 3-8)
Story and art are marriage partners in the world of picture books. Words and pictures work perfectly together to lead children (yes and adults) into the vibrant world of their imagination. Some books have no words at all, some a few, while others are totally words. Art can range from cartoons to abstract or formal paintings. This category is huge so I am only highlighting some of my favourites. Storybooks are highly personal so please find the ones that are tailor-made for your kids.
A kids classic is one that has been entertaining kids and parents for at least ten years and has no intention of being shelved.
1. The Snowman - Raymond Briggs
2. Curious George - H. H. Rey
3. The Little Engine that Could - Watty Piper
4. Make Way For Ducklings - Robert McCloskey
5. The Tale of Peter Rabbit - Beatrix Potter
6. Madeline - Ludwig Bemeimans
7. Harold and the Purple Crayon - Crockett Johnson
8. Corduroy - Don Freeman
9. The Snowy Day - Ezra Jack Keats
10. The Story of Ferdinand - Munro Leaf
11. The Poky Litte Puppy - Janette Sebring Lowrey
12. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish - Dr. Seuss
13. The Owl and the Pussycat - Edward Lear
14. Fox in Sox - Dr. Suess
15. The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle
16. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day - Judith Viorst
17. Where the Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak
18.The Story of Babar - Jean de Brunhoff
19. If you Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Numeroff
20. The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear - Don and Audrey Wood
Tomorrow I will give you more kids classics in this age category. As I listed them I felt a smile come to my face as I remembered how dear these selections are to my own heart. Classics are tucked in your heart to treasure for always. Read on.
A kids classic is one that has been entertaining kids and parents for at least ten years and has no intention of being shelved.
1. The Snowman - Raymond Briggs
2. Curious George - H. H. Rey
3. The Little Engine that Could - Watty Piper
4. Make Way For Ducklings - Robert McCloskey
5. The Tale of Peter Rabbit - Beatrix Potter
6. Madeline - Ludwig Bemeimans
7. Harold and the Purple Crayon - Crockett Johnson
8. Corduroy - Don Freeman
9. The Snowy Day - Ezra Jack Keats
10. The Story of Ferdinand - Munro Leaf
11. The Poky Litte Puppy - Janette Sebring Lowrey
12. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish - Dr. Seuss
13. The Owl and the Pussycat - Edward Lear
14. Fox in Sox - Dr. Suess
15. The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle
16. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day - Judith Viorst
17. Where the Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak
18.The Story of Babar - Jean de Brunhoff
19. If you Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Numeroff
20. The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear - Don and Audrey Wood
Tomorrow I will give you more kids classics in this age category. As I listed them I felt a smile come to my face as I remembered how dear these selections are to my own heart. Classics are tucked in your heart to treasure for always. Read on.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Perfect Christmas gifts
Looking for a perfect Christmas gift? Browse over the kid's classic book list and pick some of the titles that you are sure your child will love. Purchase those titles and then make a card, with a promise, to include inside your package. On that card declare that you will commit to read aloud, have the book read to you by your child, have another member of the family or even the whole family share in the reading of this book. Swear an oath that this book indeed will be used for "shared time". Your child can have a whole bookcase full of impressive books but if they are not read, discussed, and cherished they will lay silent where they are stored. Books are to celebrate, to learn, to become friends with, even to be treasured and passed on to the next generation of family readers. Classics are well on their way to being those coveted gifts that remain in families and are asked for by all ages to be read over and over again. The value and worth of a great book is timeless. Start this investment today and give expressions of your love through books. Christmas is the perfect time to get this tradition started. I made a point every Christmas to include at least one (or more) new Christmas titles in packages for each of my four kids. When two of my kids left the nest to go out on their own...guess what? They packed their private collections and included them in the move. I know my daughter is reading to her son those books she loved so much growing up as a young child.
Read on. The next generations are counting on you to pass the baton of reading on. Ignite the fire!
Read on. The next generations are counting on you to pass the baton of reading on. Ignite the fire!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Calling new members....
If you read and enjoy this blog and are not yet a member please think seriously about signing up and joining me. You can learn, become an active contributor, comment, or just enjoy what is going on here. Looking to boost my readership. If you stop by please take a moment and become a member. You are so welcome and I would love to get to see your picture and know a little bit about why you are interested in children's storybooks. Blessings to you.
One of my favourite "classic" book reviews....
This story about a garden that transforms the lives of a group of children was serialized and then published as a whole in 1911. Orphaned Mary Lennox, sickly child, is sent to live in England following her upbringing in India. At the house of her guardian Uncle, Mary discovers a neglected walled garden that no one is allowed to enter. Mary resolves to restore the garden with the help of her new companion, Dickon. Mary's guardian's son, Colin, another sickly and spoiled child, is also in on the secret. As the garden blossoms once more the characters hope to physically and emotionally heal themselves. Burnett's most acclaimed book was only popular after her death. That is so sad because the book is excellent and she never lived to see it blossom into a classic. There are several movies out made around this book. Remember....book first.....movie as a follow-up.
Read on and do make this book a priority. It is quality must reading for your child.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Top Ten "Classic" Acts.....
Here are the top ten classic children's books for you to pick up and enjoy:
1. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
2. The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
3. Grimmes Fairy Tales - Collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
5.The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien
6. The Winnie-The-Pooh Stories - A.A. Milne
7. Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie
8. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
9. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
10. The Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling
Many of these classics have been made into movies by Hollywood. Be sure to always read the book to your child before you present them with the movie. Movies should always be the follow-up. You will find that your child's imagination is much more creative and personal than some director in Hollywood can portray the plot/characters etc. I often find that I am disappointed with a movie because I had envisioned the story so much more differently than the vision and images that were portrayed on the big screen. Make picking up and reading some of these fantastic books a priority in your home for the next year or so. You will find your child's reading abilities and experiences of reading good, sound stories translate into vocabulary expansion and the ability to express him/herself in a more creative written form. These books will enrich and enhance your child's literature journey.
Read on.
1. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
2. The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
3. Grimmes Fairy Tales - Collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
5.The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien
6. The Winnie-The-Pooh Stories - A.A. Milne
7. Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie
8. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
9. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
10. The Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling
Many of these classics have been made into movies by Hollywood. Be sure to always read the book to your child before you present them with the movie. Movies should always be the follow-up. You will find that your child's imagination is much more creative and personal than some director in Hollywood can portray the plot/characters etc. I often find that I am disappointed with a movie because I had envisioned the story so much more differently than the vision and images that were portrayed on the big screen. Make picking up and reading some of these fantastic books a priority in your home for the next year or so. You will find your child's reading abilities and experiences of reading good, sound stories translate into vocabulary expansion and the ability to express him/herself in a more creative written form. These books will enrich and enhance your child's literature journey.
Read on.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
classic children's literature
What is a classic children's/adult book? It is a book whose qualities are: unforgettable characters, top-notch writing, outstanding artwork, over-the-moon silliness too. A book can be considered a classic by its staying power in the marketplace and its ability to remain popular with young readers generations after generations. I am going to break down the classic books by age catagories.
Baby and Toddler: Ages 1 -3
These books are perfect for a first library. Some are soft cloth, some are heavy-duty board books that can withstand drooling and chewing upon. They usually are the perfect size for little hands to turn pages and manipulate. They often have eye-popping, large, colourful artwork and sometimes are pop-ups or lift the flaps to engage your child further with the story.
1. Goodnight Moon - Margaret Wise Brown
2. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do YOu See? - Bill Martin Jr.
3. The Baby's Catalogue - Janet and Allan Ahlberg
4. The Snow Day - Ezra Jack Keats
5. Big Red Barn - Margaret Wise Brown
6. Pat the Bunny - Dorothy Kunhardt
8 Dr. Seuss' ABC - Dr Seuss
9. Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever - Richard Scarry
10. Hop on Pop - Dr. Seuss
11. The Touch Me Book - Pat and Eve Witte
12 I am A Bunny - Ole Rison
13. The Very Quiet Cricket - Eric Carle
14. Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks, Things That Go - Richard Scarry
15. The Real Mother Goose - Blanche Fisher Wright
16. Where's Spot - Eric Hill
17. Leo The Late Bloomer - Robert Kraus
18. Ten, Nine, Eight - Molly Bang
19. Sheep in a Jeep - Nancy Shaw
20. I want to be an Astronaut - Bryon Barton
21. Dear Zoo - Rod Campbell
22. Man's Breakfast - Rosemary Wells
23. Clifford, The Big Red Dog - Norman Bridwell
24. The Baby's Bedtime Book - Kay Chorao
25. Red, BLue, Yellow Shoe - Tana Hoban
26 Peek-A-Boo - Janet and Allan Ahlberg
27. Moo, Baa, La La La - Sandra Boynton
28. The Runnaway Bunny - Margaret Wise Brown
29. Go, Dog, Go - P.D. Eastman
Start collecting now and reading voraciously to your child. Read on and on and on. These are the cream of the crop storybooks for that age group.
Baby and Toddler: Ages 1 -3
These books are perfect for a first library. Some are soft cloth, some are heavy-duty board books that can withstand drooling and chewing upon. They usually are the perfect size for little hands to turn pages and manipulate. They often have eye-popping, large, colourful artwork and sometimes are pop-ups or lift the flaps to engage your child further with the story.
1. Goodnight Moon - Margaret Wise Brown
2. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do YOu See? - Bill Martin Jr.
3. The Baby's Catalogue - Janet and Allan Ahlberg
4. The Snow Day - Ezra Jack Keats
5. Big Red Barn - Margaret Wise Brown
6. Pat the Bunny - Dorothy Kunhardt
8 Dr. Seuss' ABC - Dr Seuss
9. Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever - Richard Scarry
10. Hop on Pop - Dr. Seuss
11. The Touch Me Book - Pat and Eve Witte
12 I am A Bunny - Ole Rison
13. The Very Quiet Cricket - Eric Carle
14. Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks, Things That Go - Richard Scarry
15. The Real Mother Goose - Blanche Fisher Wright
16. Where's Spot - Eric Hill
17. Leo The Late Bloomer - Robert Kraus
18. Ten, Nine, Eight - Molly Bang
19. Sheep in a Jeep - Nancy Shaw
20. I want to be an Astronaut - Bryon Barton
21. Dear Zoo - Rod Campbell
22. Man's Breakfast - Rosemary Wells
23. Clifford, The Big Red Dog - Norman Bridwell
24. The Baby's Bedtime Book - Kay Chorao
25. Red, BLue, Yellow Shoe - Tana Hoban
26 Peek-A-Boo - Janet and Allan Ahlberg
27. Moo, Baa, La La La - Sandra Boynton
28. The Runnaway Bunny - Margaret Wise Brown
29. Go, Dog, Go - P.D. Eastman
Start collecting now and reading voraciously to your child. Read on and on and on. These are the cream of the crop storybooks for that age group.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday mania
Hope your weekend was awesome and you got some down time to curl up and read. The quote of the week is by Mark Twain: Classic - a book people praise but don't read. There is a lot of truth in that statement, so much so that I intentionally looked up a book list of classic books and started buying them so I, myself, could say...."Yes I have read that." There are many, many classics out there for children to read too. This week I am going to be pointing to some of the "must read" storybooks/novels that should be introduced your child. We tend to go with the current, fad, television-based books and miss the true, all-time favourites for our child. If you know of a any book that you have come across that needs to be highlighted please comment and tell us about it. We need to expose these fantastic, tried and true pieces of literature to each other as well as our children. I did not want it to be said of me that such and such a book was a must-read and I did not read it or even know it existed. The older written books are full of poetic words, high morals and standards of family living and of course, unforgettable characters and plots. Stay tuned as we explore the world of children's (and probably some adult) classics this week.
Read on.
Read on.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Remembering what today is all about
Don't forget to remember today. Gather your family like you would a flock and bow your heads in gratitude. Be grateful for the service and sacrifice of thousands of men and women who fought for our country and to keep our country free. Not only be thankful for those by-gone days but remember and bless those brave men and women in uniform today. Pray for guidance and protection not only for them but for their families also. It is an awesome idea to find ways that you can tangibly bless a modern day armed forced serviceman/woman. Sometimes you can obtain a soldiers address while in combat and begin to write letters to him/her. You can send little care packages to our troops at Christmas time and Christian organizations take donations to buy and distribute bibles to our war-weary heroes. Remember they put their lives on the line daily for us so the very least we can do is remember, pray and bless them. Remember.....never to forget!
Read on.
Read on.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Love this book to bits.....
The Bear in War by Harry Endrulat and Stephanie Innes
Illtrustor" Brian Deines (gorgeous illustrations that enhance the rich text)
This book is told in Teddy's voice. Who is Teddy you ask? He is a little bear that was sent to the front lines of battle in World War 1 by a ten year old little girl to comfort her father. The little girl lived in East Farnham, Quebec and her father was Lieutenant Lawrence Browning Rogers.Teddy tells of his loving family and the hardships they are experiencing on the farm back home. The book includes WW1 memorabilia , the Lieutenant's medals, family photos and even his death certificate. In that grim 1916 war Teddy returned home alone....his friend died in the battle of Passchendaele. Somehow Teddy found his way back from France and into the Lieutenant's home.
Today Teddy lives in a special glass case at the Canadian War Museum. In 2002 Lawrence's granddaughter Roberta Rogers Innes found Teddy and other family treasures tucked inside a large family briefcase. She sifted through the precious family memories and decided to donate everything to the war museum. It is one of the most popular exhibits housed at the museum. This book has been nominated for Vancouver Children's Literature Round Table Information Book Award.
Informative, intimate and historical. The perfect book to share with your child on this Remembrance Day.
Read on.
Illtrustor" Brian Deines (gorgeous illustrations that enhance the rich text)
This book is told in Teddy's voice. Who is Teddy you ask? He is a little bear that was sent to the front lines of battle in World War 1 by a ten year old little girl to comfort her father. The little girl lived in East Farnham, Quebec and her father was Lieutenant Lawrence Browning Rogers.Teddy tells of his loving family and the hardships they are experiencing on the farm back home. The book includes WW1 memorabilia , the Lieutenant's medals, family photos and even his death certificate. In that grim 1916 war Teddy returned home alone....his friend died in the battle of Passchendaele. Somehow Teddy found his way back from France and into the Lieutenant's home.
Today Teddy lives in a special glass case at the Canadian War Museum. In 2002 Lawrence's granddaughter Roberta Rogers Innes found Teddy and other family treasures tucked inside a large family briefcase. She sifted through the precious family memories and decided to donate everything to the war museum. It is one of the most popular exhibits housed at the museum. This book has been nominated for Vancouver Children's Literature Round Table Information Book Award.
Informative, intimate and historical. The perfect book to share with your child on this Remembrance Day.
Read on.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Remembrance Day Part 2
Remembrance Day activities to do with your kids:
1. Rent an age appropriate movie with a "war theme" and watch it together. "Saving Private Ryan" for older viewing audiences is excellent viewing.
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2. Attend a Veteran's Day memorial service if you can together and watch the bands/wreath placing etc.
3. Practise the two minutes of silence around your kitchen table after talking about the contributions of the soldiers in the wars
4. Visit a war museum if there is one around your area...there is one in Ottawa
5. Plan to attend the Remembrance Day assembly at your local school if you can
6. Find a cemetery where soldiers are buried and discuss the dates/monuments etc. with your child
7. The internet is full of colouring pages, crafts to make, flags to colour. Print some off for your kids to use. dltk.com-holidays.com/remembrance/inndex.html is excellent
8. Print the words out from the poem. "In Flanders Fields" and read it together around your kitchen table as a family. Discuss its meaning.
9. Make sure each member of your family has and wears a poppy to signify knowledge and respect for the veterans and this special day to remember.
There are tons of articles/ clips/ stories/ poems available for you to read and enjoy with your emily.
Read on.
1. Rent an age appropriate movie with a "war theme" and watch it together. "Saving Private Ryan" for older viewing audiences is excellent viewing.
.
2. Attend a Veteran's Day memorial service if you can together and watch the bands/wreath placing etc.
3. Practise the two minutes of silence around your kitchen table after talking about the contributions of the soldiers in the wars
4. Visit a war museum if there is one around your area...there is one in Ottawa
5. Plan to attend the Remembrance Day assembly at your local school if you can
6. Find a cemetery where soldiers are buried and discuss the dates/monuments etc. with your child
7. The internet is full of colouring pages, crafts to make, flags to colour. Print some off for your kids to use. dltk.com-holidays.com/remembrance/inndex.html is excellent
8. Print the words out from the poem. "In Flanders Fields" and read it together around your kitchen table as a family. Discuss its meaning.
9. Make sure each member of your family has and wears a poppy to signify knowledge and respect for the veterans and this special day to remember.
There are tons of articles/ clips/ stories/ poems available for you to read and enjoy with your emily.
Read on.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Remembrance Day...a day to remember.an era to remember
Although your kids are too young to remember how horrible and cruel the world wars were it is a perfect time to teach them about the sacrifices made so that they could be free and experience the life that they now live. A good way to start is by buying a poppy for each member of your family. The lessons can start with that simple little red flower on a pin. Explain to them why we should purchase a poppy at this time and how important it is to keep these memories, wrapped up in the poppy, alive. "Lest we forget" is a mission we should all undertake in our families. Kids celebrate this day in school with knowledge, assemblies and visitors who are veterans. They learn the importance of being patriotic and the importance of our flag and country. They learn of the ultimate sacrifice of giving your life for your country. Honour and glory are words added to their vocabulary. Please get involved in teaching your child about war, fighting to protect and liberate others, about enemies, peace, unity, harmony and living together in our world. Emphasize "never again." As November 11th approaches I will be giving you the titles of some books that will help you carrying out this mission of awareness. Here are the first ones for you:
1. ***** Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion - Jane Barclay
2. A Poppy is to Remember - Heather Patterson
3. In Flanders Fields : The Story of the Poem by John McCrae - Linda Granfield
Read on. Be so thankful and grateful for our veterans.
1. ***** Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion - Jane Barclay
2. A Poppy is to Remember - Heather Patterson
3. In Flanders Fields : The Story of the Poem by John McCrae - Linda Granfield
Read on. Be so thankful and grateful for our veterans.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Yahoo Monday....
Want to have fun, save money and get an abundance of books for your kids to read? Well here are a few suggestions for you to check out. Did you know that Winners carry books? Well they do. Go into your local Winners store and shop around until you come to the toy/book section for kids. They have beautiful, current books that are a fraction of the price that local book stores sell the products for. Sometimes the books may have a little scratch or dent but mostly they are in perfect condition. With a little swipe of a cloth this can be the perfect gift to give or the perfect book to bring home for a cozy bedtime story. Another source for value is your local Salvation Army or Value Village stores. I have found so many treasure hidden on their shelves. Books that are in perfect condition for as little as 50 cents each. If you browse these latter places you can also look around and see if there is a toy that can go along with the theme of the book you have chosen. Garage sales in the summer are great finds and of course if you have no money to spend go and use your local library. The books are FREE at the library! You get a card and can borrow a bundle to share with your kids. There is NO excuse not to have books in your home. Books model the love of reading and the opportunity to spend quality time together with your child, engaged in a great story. Do not hesitate. Get going today and start your gathering of great literature to stimulate and teach your child the value of reading. Read on.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Friday rant
The ultimate way to help your child with his/her homework is to be present while the work is being done. It is a perfect time for you to help, converse, and give your child the extra encouragement and stimulation that they need to complete the assignments. Kids have a long, busy day and just like you the last thing they want to do at night is sit down and produce two or three more hours of school work. Personally I feel that much of the homework sent home is just busy work and sent to make your child look productive and give the school a good reputation of challenging that child even more. I feel most of the work that needs to be completed should be done in school time, with the teacher present so he/she is available to oversee the problems and convicts that arise from your child.They also are there to praise and encourage as they see improvements and success. Studies have shown that kids who come home "homework free" and have time to explore outside interests, read books that they like and spend quality time with the family fair much better in life. Think how we could impact our world if our kids (us included) were free to enjoy each other, help plan and pack nutritious lunches for next day and actually laugh and read our books together as a family at night. I think the system has it all wrong. Our kids scores are not up, most do not enjoy school and the illiteracy rate/drop out rate is staggering. How wonderful to change that old tired system and actually put together a great plan to make our kid's educational system work. Just saying.....
read on.
read on.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
New adult book review for you today
The Great Fat Fraud
Mike Schatzki
This witty, often humorous book tackles the problem of obesity in our society. The author believes we have been duped into thinking unless we diet constantly, exercise vigorously or even undergo high-risk surgery we are all doomed to endless health issues and an early mortality. Not so he vehemently says!!
In his search for truth he discovers how we can be fit at any size and do not have to succumb to the fitness/diet industry’s scare-tactics and ongoing sense of hopelessness. His solution? Get off your perch, lace up your runners, and step into the world of taking 10,000 steps a day. This easy, effective and life-changing shift will put you on the track to total health and wellness.
This book includes comprehensive scientific research, website recommendations along with opportunities to get personally involved in the war against fat.
Read on!
Mike Schatzki
This witty, often humorous book tackles the problem of obesity in our society. The author believes we have been duped into thinking unless we diet constantly, exercise vigorously or even undergo high-risk surgery we are all doomed to endless health issues and an early mortality. Not so he vehemently says!!
In his search for truth he discovers how we can be fit at any size and do not have to succumb to the fitness/diet industry’s scare-tactics and ongoing sense of hopelessness. His solution? Get off your perch, lace up your runners, and step into the world of taking 10,000 steps a day. This easy, effective and life-changing shift will put you on the track to total health and wellness.
This book includes comprehensive scientific research, website recommendations along with opportunities to get personally involved in the war against fat.
Read on!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The aftermath of Hallwe'en
When I was a school librarian or a classroom teacher in elementary school, post Hallowe'en, I always made sure I had the book, "Mousekin's Golden House" by Edna Miller at my fingertips to share with my kids. I went to look it up on Amazon to pass the info on to you today and to my surprise fiund out that you can purchase it from indepedent sellers only starting at $109.00 + dollars. This is so crazy and so sad. It was such a great story about a little mouse who found a disgarded carved pumpkin and decided because winter was approachinng would inhabit this thorw-away and make it her home for the winter. When the severity of winter decended upon her little house the pumpkin started to decompose, shrink and the happy smile and eyes melted into each other creating a warm, cozy, winterized home for the happy little mouse. The story is just perfect to read following Hallowe'en. How sad to take these precious stories which have gone out of print and withhold them from our kids. Such is our culture. I am sorry you cannot pick this book up for a reasonable price BUT if you ever run across it in some bizarre garage sale or in someone's attic be sure to scoop it up, share it with your kids and hold on to it for dear life. Read on.
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