Reading

https://www.facebook.com/MikvahCalendar/photos_stream

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.)

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.

Book Blitzing

 

Winter is a phenomenal time in Bookland.  (And it’s not only because chilly temperatures and long nights make curling up with a book even more enticing.)

It all starts in January, which has been designated Book Blitz Month.  Coincidentally (even though I believe many things are not merely the result of coincidence), this is the time when I am involved in my own personal book blitz.  My school libraries’ major materials selection of the year is well under way, as I have funds that must be spent in the near future.

So while the students at my school are reading with a frenzy to show that their grade can complete the most books by the end of the competition, I am taking part in a Book Blitz of a very different type: to select the best possible titles so that there will be great choices for future reading adventures.

February is not about to be left out.  The shortest month of the year goes by another, more distinguished name: Library Lovers Month.  It’s fitting: after a month of discovering marvelous books, it’s only natural that readers pay tribute to the place where they can be found for free.  So visit a library near you, show it your support, and take advantage of everything it has to offer.

But there’s another month to winter, and it comes with a commemoration of its own.  March is Read Across America Month, kicked off with the observance of Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2.  But since one day isn’t enough to fully appreciate the work of the master, the Seussebration continues until the end of the month.

So, by the time spring rolls around, the flowers bloom (even though our poor confused quince tree is already blossoming due to the warm weather we’ve had lately), and the sun stays high in the sky when our work day is done, we are all richer for the experiences of the previous three months.

If you are looking for some special books to share with the young people in your life during this book-loving season, visit http://bookandagarden.com.

Seussemania!

Yes, the lovely lady in the hat in none other than your friendly local librarian!  The second graders are obviously eager to hear One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.  The giggles started as soon as I opened the book.

These first graders are earning stickers by demonstrating their ability to rhyme words.  Who knows, perhaps a future Dr. Seuss is in the making!

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” (from Oh, the Places You’ll Go)

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