Books: A Child's Best Friend

Wednesday September 15, 2010 I’m such a sucker for books. And my boys know that.

They always knew Mom would say no to a new game or Matchbox car, but she’d never say no to a new book.

Memories of stories and characters embed themselves in our hearts and minds and stick with us for a long time. What will be your child’s memories of storytime?

I asked my sons to give me their first impression when they heard “book from your childhood,” and the answers were interesting.

My oldest said immediately, “Hardy Boys!” He read every one he could get his hands on, working his way through Franklin W. Dixon’s series.

The next said, “That Richard Scarry book.” I can see the cover now – it’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go. They really all loved that book with its silly hot dog car, umbrella car, you name it. It was so creative and fun.

Son number three said, “That dragonfly book. The one about the dragonfly that was lonely and found his friends.” I responded, “What dragonfly book?” Then I remembered – it was a firefly. “The one that lit up at the end?” I asked. That was it. The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle.

And the youngest said, “That caterpillar book that lit up on the last page.” He was mixing his Eric Carle creations (Carle also wrote The Very Hungry Caterpillar), but he remembered the same firefly book that his brother had. I was surprised at first, but then I realized since they shared a room and bedtime rituals until he was 9, it’s not surprising their favorite book would be the same.

I was transported back to lazy summer days and sweet bedtime hours as I heard their answers. And I thought of my own favorites: Corduroy, Goodnight Moon, The Velveteen Rabbit and Is Your Mama a Llama (by Deborah Guarino).

I remembered sitting with one as we read the closing chapters of Where the Red Fern Grows, tears running down both our faces. He said, “Mom, this is sad. But it’s so good.”

I recalled the excitement and humor of Holes, a book that drew in one of my less eager readers. I loved to see the anticipation on his face as we opened the book together.

I remember having the boys choose two poems from the A Child’s Garden of Verses when I thought we were pushed for time. That early exposure to rhyme and rhythm, the lilt of verse, sometimes soothed the savage little beast and introduced them to a few of the finer things in life.

Magical moments, all made possible because of books.

Have you had those moments?
Which books will find a lasting place in your child’s heart?

A New Spin on Summer Reading

Wednesday July 7, 2010
Let's put a new spin on summer reading. You may already take weekly trips to the local library. If you don't, give that a try. Yes, there are DVDs there, but encourage the kids to come home with at least one or two great books.

Let them browse in the fiction and nonfiction areas. Many times a child who isn't interested in fiction will find a "how-to" book that fascinates him or her.

Some kids will find their own books and others will need your help and guidance, so be ready to guide.

You're already a regular library patron? Try these ideas.

Arrange a "book trade" with a friend and her kids. Let the kids choose a book to share, go visit your friend, and make a week-long trade.

Go buy a magazine for your kids. Or visit your pediatrician's office and see if they're discarding any old magazines and take home an armload.

Write your own book -- a family book. One can write, one can illustrate, everyone can contribute.

Drive across town to a different library. Book selection and programs can vary and maybe you'll find something new your kids love.

If you don't have this book, borrow or buy it!

It's chockfull of GREAT ideas for summer activities and summer reading.

Every boy needs one! (I hear there's a Dangerous Book for Girls, too.)

So put a new spin on summer reading. Read something with your kids, in a new way.

For the love of summer,