We are getting more snow today so I pulled out one more book from the basement storage bins!
This was another favourite pick in the winter for my DaycaWe are getting more snow today so I pulled out one more book from the basement storage bins!
This was another favourite pick in the winter for my Daycare children and subsequently later on with my own as well. It was originally published in 1985. The author was born in New York City but became a Canadian citizen in 1973 so I think we can both claim him ...more
It's not our first snowfall of the year but it's out biggest! I dug this little gem of a book out of my basement and it's brought a smile to my face. It's not our first snowfall of the year but it's out biggest! I dug this little gem of a book out of my basement and it's brought a smile to my face. Oh the memories!
When I worked in Child Care this was a favourite book to pull out and read on the first day of a snowfall. It would sure get all the kids excited about playing in the snow. This 1962 children's classic and Caldecott Award winner is a delight. It's about all the excitement and imagination used to play in the snow. How cute when Peter sneaks a snowball into his coat pocket to bring inside his home! The illustrations are sweet and simple just like the snow play itself. It makes you want to go outside and just enjoy the simple pleasures of winter! ❄️⛄️❄️ ...more
I've chosen a Personal Reading Challenge close to my heart this year. I'm going to try to read and highlight TEN popular Canadian books. This is my fiI've chosen a Personal Reading Challenge close to my heart this year. I'm going to try to read and highlight TEN popular Canadian books. This is my first one.
This book was first published in 1974. It won the, "Book of the Year Award" in 1975 by the Canadian Library Association. It's a Canadian Children's classic. A fun and silly collection of poetry by Dennis Lee. The poems mention many cities, and locations all across Canada. Lots of mentions of hockey and a Prime Minister too! Probably one of the most famous short poems is, "Willoughby Walloughby Woo" that was later made famous as a song by the popular Canadian Children's performer, Raffi. Just take a look at that awesome cover too! Little children everywhere will delight with these bouncy and silly rhymes....more
A beautiful picture book that was originally published in 2004 and is very popular in Canadian schools. It helps to explain Remembrance Day and the syA beautiful picture book that was originally published in 2004 and is very popular in Canadian schools. It helps to explain Remembrance Day and the symbol of the poppy to the very young.
The words are simple but heartfelt. The book contains the ever-popular poem, "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae who was a Canadian soldier who fought in the First World War. This poem is read at every Remembrance Day ceremony across Canada.
The pictures in the book are by an award-winning illustrator and are bright and crisp.
There are additional notes after the story with much information about the poppy and how Remembrance Day is commemorated in Canada. It's a wonderful book to share with children in a school or home setting to help them understand about the day.
I will wear my poppy with pride and respect. Lest we forget ✚...more
A classic children's story that I enjoyed reading to my 3 kids when they were little. It's A classic children's story that I enjoyed reading to my 3 kids when they were little. It's ...more
This is one of my favourite novels ever! I've been meaning to try this dramatized full-cast production for so long. Why did I wait this long? It is abThis is one of my favourite novels ever! I've been meaning to try this dramatized full-cast production for so long. Why did I wait this long? It is absolutely FANTASTIC! Gosh, I so love Anne Shirley! ☺️
This is a star studded cast. Marillia, is portrayed by the legendary Catherine O'Hara. Matthew, by the fabulous Victor Garber and Anne is portrayed brilliantly by the wonderful Michela Luci. If you adore Anne of Green Gables this audio is a must!
Continuing to read some, "Christmas in July" books with my reading buddy Darla Continuing to read some, "Christmas in July" books with my reading buddy Darla ...more
Just in time for Easter I wanted to read this beloved Children's Classic story Just in time for Easter I wanted to read this beloved Children's Classic story ...more
This is a fun children's story for St. Paddy's! ☘️ It's one I'd never read before by the great Tomie dePaola so I decided to check it out from my locaThis is a fun children's story for St. Paddy's! ☘️ It's one I'd never read before by the great Tomie dePaola so I decided to check it out from my local library. It's based on an old Irish folktale that Tomie's Irish Grandfather would tell him when he was a child.
Jamie O'Rourke is a lazy farmer who makes his wife do all the work. One day she becomes ill and can't plant the garden. She tells Jamie he must. He comes across a leprechaun who makes a deal with him. Jamie has found the perfect solution or has he?
It's a funny little story but the moral is not quite what one would expect. I enjoyed it for the sheer charm. The illustrations are classic dePaola and I like them as as they are very colourful and child-like...more
I loved the Little Golden Books as a child. So much so that I started to collect them once again when I grew up and had my first child. I still continI loved the Little Golden Books as a child. So much so that I started to collect them once again when I grew up and had my first child. I still continue to read them every now and then as they always leave me in a happy place.
This was originally published in 1964. It's very cute as a Bear Family; Papa Bear, Mama Bear and the two cubs are taking a ride in their sleigh and the song is incorporated into the story. They meet some friends along the way (some are characters from Richard Scary's books!) At last they come across a big man in red with a sack. Why, it's Santa Claus and he needs some help!
It's a sweet story that young children will definitely love as they can sing parts of the lyrics on every page while the story is told. The last page is the sheet music to, "Jingle Bells." The accompanying illustrations are nice too ...more
A truly lovely story! I've been trying to get my hands on this book for a long time but none of my local libraries had a copy. Luckily, there's a wondA truly lovely story! I've been trying to get my hands on this book for a long time but none of my local libraries had a copy. Luckily, there's a wonderful reading of it on YouTube.
A heartfelt story about a girl named Rose who is sent to a new orphanage and the man that runs it is rather strict. When a local neighbour delivers oranges to the orphanage Rose is curious but gets herself into trouble and is punished. She will no longer be allowed her Christmas treat. Rose's friends all rally around her and have a special surprise for her.
In 2012 this book was made into a movie. Quite a touching and meaningful story for the season ...more
This is my seventh book selection for my personal challenge epic books of the 70's/80's
I am quite positive that this would be considered an "epic" reaThis is my seventh book selection for my personal challenge epic books of the 70's/80's
I am quite positive that this would be considered an "epic" read by all children everywhere! First published in 1985 this book had a comeback when it was turned into a movie in 2004. I took my children to see it and subsequently purchased the book.
At the time when I was reading books to my kids at bedtime this was a must-read every Christmas. My kids would get all excited as the train pulled up to take all the children to the North Pole. Today, when I re-read the story myself it gave me that same magical feeling. That anticipation and build-up is superb storytelling. I love how the silver bell represents believing in Santa. The illustrations are so lovely and compliment the story.
I am confident this will remain a Children's Christmas classic forever. The last line is truly epic.
"Though I've grown old the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe."...more
This is my sixth selection for my personal challenge epic books of the 1970's and 1980's
What an absolute delight this one was! This children's novel wThis is my sixth selection for my personal challenge epic books of the 1970's and 1980's
What an absolute delight this one was! This children's novel was originally published in 1971.
I was looking for a Christmas book from the 1970's for my challenge and this one kept popping up. I was lucky enough to get a skip-the-line audio of this from the library. Oh that narration put a smile on my face!
The shenanigans of the Herdman children made this a lot of fun! Does the pageant end in disaster or can the Herdman children bring something new and touching to the townsfolk? You must read it to find out!
The audio runs at exactly 1 hour and it's perfect for a morning or afternoon walk. It will be sure to brighten your day ...more
When I was a young child I cherished the few Little Golden Books I had. Later when I had my first child I started to collect them. This is a particulaWhen I was a young child I cherished the few Little Golden Books I had. Later when I had my first child I started to collect them. This is a particularly sweet one for young readers. It was first published in 1956.
A heartfelt story about a bunny looking for a home. He travels all around and finds different animals while trying to fit in. He finally finds the perfect home with the perfect animal.
This one is for young readers and I found myself reading it in the same sing song voice that I would read to my children in when they were very young! It just brings out that joyfulness! ...more
I saw this one and knew I just had to add it to my "royalty" collection! What an adorable book!
This story perfectly explains the life of the late Her I saw this one and knew I just had to add it to my "royalty" collection! What an adorable book!
This story perfectly explains the life of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a simple and easy way for children to understand. I think the lesson to be learned here is that life does not always go a certain way and people need to learn to adapt to different situations.
The best quote from the book that sums up the magnificent monarch is simple but so true.
"a good queen serves her people, not the other way around."
The illustrations that accompany the book are beautiful and remind me of ones from old children's books from my childhood.
I think this whole series is a great and fun way to introduce children to important and influential people from the past.
A gorgeous little story inspired by the classic, "The Hockey Sweater."
This is an important story about the sport of hockey and bringing inclusion, divA gorgeous little story inspired by the classic, "The Hockey Sweater."
This is an important story about the sport of hockey and bringing inclusion, diversity and accessibility to the game. It's written in a sweet way for children to understand that playing hockey and being a part of a team is like being part of a "family." I like how the story features girls and non-white girls enjoying the sport. Hockey is so much fun to play and watch and I'm glad to see the sport trying to grow and include everyone! The pictures are crisp and bright. I think any child who is starting out to play hockey should read this story!
I love the last page with the (blank) hockey jersey and the title, "This book belongs to:" On the bottom it lists: Write your name and number on the jersey to join the team....more