World Read Aloud Day 2012

Not only are we bibliophiles in the midst of Seussemania, today is World Read Aloud Day 2012!  What better way to begin the commemoration than to combine both, and read a book by the Doctor of Bookology to an eager group of 2nd graders.  The kids were so mesmerized by The Lorax that nobody even commented that they saw the recently released movie until I finished reading.  One student made a comment I was delighted to hear: she noticed the major differences between the motion picture and the Dr. Seuss masterpiece.  Her observation gave the teacher and me the perfect opportunity to point out the superiority of most books to their movie counterparts.  If only time had permitted, we could have had quite a discussion…

If you haven’t read to anyone yet, it’s never too late!  There’s always someone who would love hearing a story, poem, or anything else you care to share.  It doesn’t have to be today: any day can be Read Aloud Day!

What a Week It Was

Two funny things happened in the library that I feel like sharing.  (Readers know I love to toot my own horn.)

Story #1: As I was doing background research for a Dewey Decimal System lesson I was planning for a 4th grade class, I was struck by what I came to call a conspiracy of the computers.  The school ones were not operational because the powers that be were changing the system, and mine at home developed an uncooperative printer.  To make a long story short, I was still printing out the handouts for the class 20 minutes before class time, and begged the nice man who works in the copy room to provide enough for everyone asap.  As I was speaking to the class, I was simultaneously making out the activity cards (a Dewey number that the kids were supposed to match up with a book).  The students actually found books for many of them.  For the rest, I told the searchers that if there was none for their number, it might be checked out, and they should write down a nearby title.  I was uncertain how well the lesson went over until this past Monday (six days later), when students in the same class came in with the assignment to read nonfiction animal books.  Some kids actually asked me for the Dewey numbers, and when I told them, either found the books on the shelves or told me the book wasn’t there!  (The latter turned out to be a misshelved book, which I found.)  When I shared this story with the teacher, she was impressed.  I’ve been patting myself on the back all week.

Story #2: Several weeks ago, I promised a 2nd grade class that we would do a reader’s theater at their next visit.  In the meantime, the teacher and I thought that since the next session was scheduled for March 2, I might do something on a Dr. Seuss theme.  When the class arrived, as the kids were returning their books, they excitedly talked about the reader’s theater.  A promise is a promise, I thought, and dug out the scripts.  As we were about to begin, the teacher commented that 2nd graders are probably too old for Dr. Seuss books.  I mentioned that there are a number of titles that are definitely of interest to children this age, and handed her The Lorax.  After the “production,” which the kids enjoyed so much that they wanted to do it again next time, the teacher said there was time to at least begin reading a book.  I picked up The Lorax, which is what I had chosen (although Yertle the Turtle came a close second.)  Unfortunately, this was the end of the school day, and dismissal time arrived.  The kids were so disappointed, and begged me to continue next time.  (They might give their teacher no peace.)  And I think the teacher learned something today as well.

Postscript to I Speak for the Books

  

I was floored this afternoon.  There I was, in a radiology lab, waiting my turn for a diagnostic test.  A commercial about a new movie appeared on the TV screen.  The film was about a girl who wanted to see a tree.  The name of the movie?  The Lorax.

Perhaps I am a bit behind the times with regards to the latest flicks being produced, but at the time I wrote last night’s blog I was unaware of a new remake of Dr. Seuss’ magnificent story.  I only hope the filmmakers’ effort is a fitting tribute to the original.  However, from what I gleaned from the commercial and an online trailer, the movie is only very loosely based on the classic.  An entertaining and worthwhile family film it may be, but in my humble opinion (admittedly not having yet seen it), it does not–cannot–improve on the original.  But let’s go see the movie anyway.  There’s a whole new generation who needs to learn the importance of preserving our beautiful planet and all the wonderful plants and animals for whom it is home.

“I am the Lorax, and I’ll yell and I’ll shout for the fine things on earth that are on their way out!”  But they don’t need to be, if we do our job right.

You Can Never Get Enough Seuss!

At long last, my copy of The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories by Dr. Seuss has arrived!  I put all other pursuits on hold while I read this gem, and was–needless to say–so impressed I wrote a review on the spot.  The collection of stories, published in magazines but never before in book form, is classic Seuss.  There are tales that deliver a message, pay tribute to the ingenuity and imagination of children, and naturally feature an assortment of zany creatures.  Check out
http://bookandagarden.com
for my review of this treasure.  I wonder how many more undiscovered stories are out there…

Speaking of at long last, Inheritance by Christopher Paolini–the final volume in his blockbuster series that began with Eragon–is now available.  It promises to be a worthy continuation of the story that was begun when the author was all of fifteen years old.  I am already mesmerized, and looking forward to a magnificent conclusion to an extraordinary saga.

Seussemania in September?

Today is the day!  September 27 is the publication date of a collection of recently-discovered Dr. Seuss stories entitled The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories.  Needless to say, I pre-ordered a copy from Amazon as soon as I learned of the book’s existence, and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival.  When it comes, rest assured I will share my insights into this treasure with you.  Until then, visit
http://bookandagarden.com
for reviews of some of my favorite books by the Doctor (and a lot of other gems as well).

Until next time, remember: “The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

“You’re on your own, and you know what you know.  And you will be the guy who’ll decide where you’ll go.  Oh the places you’ll go.”