What's In My Teapot?

One of the best tests for any children's book is to read it aloud to a group of, say, twenty children, and watch their reaction. I did just that with Lassie Come Home for my co-op class of around twenty 1-3 graders, and judging by their response, their laughter, their wide-eyes attentiveness, this books wins a blue ribbon.   The version of Lassie Come Home that I read is adapted by Rosemary Wells, and illustrated by Susan Jeffers, but of course the original version (which I would like to read sometime soon!) is written by Eric Knight. There are several reasons to love this particular book: 1. It is nice and big, making it perfect for reading to a group of children. 2. It is beautifully illustrated, adding power and feeling to a wonderful narrative. 3. The story is about a boy and his beloved collie, and that strikes a chord in many a child's heart. 4. Set in England & Scotland during the 1930's, the story holds a charm unique to that la...

One of the most wonderful things about being a mom is reading to and enjoying books with my children! It honestly is one of the best ways to save your sanity while having fun at the same time!!! Children bored? Read a book... Dad late coming home from work? Read a book... Want to teach your children something new about manners or octopuses? Read a book... Need a ritual to announce naptime/bedtime? Read a book... Siblings fighting? Read a book... Rainy day in November? Read a book... No food in the house for supper? Read a book... Someone broke their leg? Read a book while waiting for ambulance... Okay, so it may not be  that good, but still... where would we be without books? (You don't have to answer that- I really don't want to know!!!) I enjoy children's books in general, but storytime went up several notches once Elasa was ready to move beyond Curious George and Frances (no offense to these beloved characters, of course!) to what we refer to as ...