Every so often (emphasis on often) my son wakes up on the wrong side of life. It doesn't matter how much sleep he's gotten or how cheerfully I greet him with offers of food. He will grump and groan and be generally unpleasant for a good hour until his belly is full and he's realized the day holds good things in store. Dealing with this in a 4-year-old is tough, because I can't begrudge him feeling … [Read more...]
Listen, Buddy!
My sweet mother gave me this book when I first began teaching overseas. I stuck it on my shelf without reading it or really giving any thought to it. A few years later, I pulled it out and actually read it and immediately began using it in my classroom. It became another favorite and one of my "required readings" at the beginning of every year! This silly book is about a bunny named Buddy. He … [Read more...]
Terrible Monster or Wonderful Friend?
I bought Leonardo the Terrible Monster because it was written by Mo Willems. His books are basically my weakness. I can't NOT. If I had a Children's Literature author crush, it would be him. Anyway. I immediately fell in love with the book on its own merit. It stars Leonardo, a cute little monster who cannot scare a soul, no matter how hard he tries. He is quite determined to be scary and … [Read more...]
Off To The Zoo!
I bought this book because it was recommended to me based on the illustrations. (Did you know I have a Graduate Certificate in Children's Literature from Penn State? :)) I immediately fell in love with the spunky girl and her cooperative stuffed monkey. They remind me of Calvin and Hobbes in the scenes when Hobbes was inanimate. Who doesn't love that pair?! The story line of this book is based … [Read more...]