Reading

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This says it all.  As the great Dr. Seuss says, “The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”  (I Can Read with My Eyes Shut)

Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss!  (Interested in reading about some of the best of Seussiana?  Check this out: http://bookandagarden.com/?s=seuss.)

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.

Happy Birthday, Authors!

I believe there is a good reason National Poetry Month is in April.  With the proliferation of breathtakingly beautiful new plant and animal life, balmy days, and spectacular thunderstorms, it is easy to wax poetic!

But there is more to take note of this time of year.

If you have an upcoming birthday, you are in illustrious company.  Some well-known authors were born in late April and early May.  A few of them are:

Ludwig Bemelmans, April 27, 1898

For generations, children have read and enjoyed the timeless Madeline stories.

Harper Lee, April 28, 1926

The incomparable Harper Lee only wrote one novel, but the unforgettable To Kill a Mockingbird catapulted her to fame and ensured her a well-deserved place among literary giants.

Patricia MacLachlan, May 3, 1938

Patricia MacLachlan’s successes are almost too numerous to mention.  Some of her special treasures include Arthur, for the Very First Time, What You Know First, Sarah, Plain and Tall and sequels, Cassie Binegar, Tomorrow’s Wizard, and Word After Word After Word.

Beverly Butler, May 4, 1932

Beverly Butler originally planned to be an artist; however, when her eyesight began failing when she was fourteen, she typed stories to improve her skill.  This practice led her to write her own stories and novels, two of which–Light a Single Candle and Gift of Gold–are based on the author’s own experience.  Two other notable works are Ghost Cat and Witch’s Fire.

The best of both worlds!

March into a Great Book

March is finally here!  It’s the birthday month of some phenomenal authors, in addition to the incomparable Theodore Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, whose life and work we are celebrating this month.  Check these out:

Patricia MacLachlan, March 3

She’s the author of such unforgettable books as Arthur for the Very First Time, Cassie Binegar, Three Names, and Word After Word After Word.

Jackie French Koller, March 8

Picture books Baby for Sale and No Such Thing and novels including The Keepers series and Someday demonstrate Jackie French Koller’s versatility as an author.

Sid Fleischman, March 16

Sid Fleischman’s passing last year makes his delightful books even more special.  Some treasures are The Dream Stealer, The Midnight Horse, the classic The Whipping Boy, and his autobiography The Abracadabra Kid: a Writer’s Life.

Kate DiCamillo, March 25

In addition to the beloved The Tale of Despereaux and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, she has penned such gems as Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken and Bink & Golly.

Doreen Cronin, March 28

Kids will find themselves learning about creepy-crawlies from the author’s very funny Diary of a Fly, Diary of a Spider, and Diary of a Worm.  Young readers (and grownups too) have a blast with the barnyard antics that abound in Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type and its sequels.

Visit http://booklovinggrandma.wordpress.com for reviews of books you won’t want to miss!

No matter what weather March may bring, it’s always perfect for curling up with a book.

There’s a Seuss on the Loose!

March 2 is the birthday of Theodore Geisel, better known as the incomparable Dr. Seuss.  We booklovers are starting to celebrate early!

After graduating college and beginning a career as a commercial artist and political cartoonist, the young illustrator quite literally embarked on his children’s literature journey.  Geisel was on a ship and thinking that the rhythm of the vessel’s engines would fit well into verse.  The result?  And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, published in 1937 (after being rejected 27 times).  Even while continuing to pen editorial cartoons and taking time out for a stint in the military producing training films, Dr. Seuss continued writing for children.

What is perhaps his most well-known story came about as a result of a 1954 report suggesting that boring books were contributing to youngsters’ difficulties in mastering reading.  Dr. Seuss’ publisher gave him a list of 400 words and asked him to write a story containing 250 of them.  The Cat in the Hat was born.  The rest is history…

Visit http://bookandagarden.com throughout March to learn about more Dr. Seuss books.

And remember…

You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild,
To pick up a book and read with a child.
You’re never too busy, too cool, or too hot,
To pick up a book and share what you’ve got.

In schools and communities,
Let’s gather around,
Let’s pick up a book,
Let’s pass it around.

There are kids all around you,
Kids who will need
Someone to hug,
Someone to read.

Come join us March 2nd
Your own special way
And make this America’s
Read to Kids Day.

http://www.nea.org