I found Squirrel Nutkin to be very annoying. I guess that's typical of some squirrels, but I wondered why the owl put up with him for so long. This woI found Squirrel Nutkin to be very annoying. I guess that's typical of some squirrels, but I wondered why the owl put up with him for so long. This would be a fun one to read aloud....more
A great sequel to The Tale of Peter Rabbit! If I read it as I child, I don't remember. Glad to have read it now.A great sequel to The Tale of Peter Rabbit! If I read it as I child, I don't remember. Glad to have read it now....more
I had trouble figuring out for which age group this was written. It is quite short and the size of a picture book. Yet the text doesn't follow the forI had trouble figuring out for which age group this was written. It is quite short and the size of a picture book. Yet the text doesn't follow the format of most biographies written for children, containing many pages completely full of text. The first line of the forward says, "Why should someone who has seemingly outgrown tiny picture-books read about the life of Beatrix Potter?" So I thought it must be for older children or maybe even adults. Then I noticed that on the back it says, "A biography for young readers." With the amount of text, I don't think it would appeal to very many young readers. Either way, I enjoyed reading it and learning about the life of Beatrix Potter.
The first chapter gave a short history of picture books from the time before Potter's books, which I thought was a nice way to help me understand the world she lived in. I also liked that there were quite a few of Potter's illustrations shown through, and some photos of her as well. Now I need to figure out which of her books I've read in the past and read any that I might have missed!...more
I didn't expect to like this, which is why I haven't read it until now. I was surprised at how quickly I got used to the switching of letters. I thougI didn't expect to like this, which is why I haven't read it until now. I was surprised at how quickly I got used to the switching of letters. I thought it would bother me, but I found if I just relaxed and read it without thinking about it too much, my brain picked up on the meaning of most of the lines without the need to really translate it. It does feel like a lot if read all at once, but what's the hurry? This is nice to read for several days and enjoy the silliness of it.
I did have one question, though. Why are Runny Babbit's friends always so mean to him? I wasn't a fan of that.
I think this might be a very confusing book to younger children who are just learning to read. Older children who like silly word play and challenging themselves with creative word riddles should enjoy this. I know some adults who like spoonerisms, so this would be a fun book for them as well.
My book included a CD with Dennis Locorriere reading some of the poems. His voice went well with the poems, and I enjoyed listening to him read. I would have liked hearing the entire book read by him.
I love that Runny Babbit goes to the library:
RUNNY'S HEADING RABITS Runny lent to the wibrary And there were bundreds of hooks-- Bistory hooks, beography gooks, And lots of bory stooks. He looked them over one by one And guess which one he took-- A bience scook? A boetry pook? Oh no--a bomic cook!...more
Somehow a book of poetry by Shel Silverstein was published that I hadn't heard about until now! Of course I had to read it. The book contained:
Some poSomehow a book of poetry by Shel Silverstein was published that I hadn't heard about until now! Of course I had to read it. The book contained:
Some poems that were profound. A couple that give an interesting look at poetry writing. Some that would be perfect for reading aloud at Halloween. Quite a few that could be used to teach inference. Some that beg to be read aloud. A couple that would be fun to memorize and perform for a group of people. Some that made me say, "Ew!" Some that made me shake my head. Quite a few that made me chuckle. Some that made me smile. Very few that got no reaction from me at all. I think Shel Silverstein would be happy with that.
He wrote:
Although I cannot see your face As you flip these poems awhile, Somewhere from some far-off place I hear you laughing--and I smile.
In case I do want to use these poems in some of the ways listed above, here are the ones I marked as I was reading: Profound: Happy Ending? and Underface Poetry writing: Lizard, Not an Egg Perfect for reading aloud at Halloween: He Tried to Hide, Frightened, and Forgetful Witch Beg to be read aloud: Growing Down, Rude Rudy Reese Made me chuckle: Don't Change on My Account....more
I didn't expect to love this! There are so many bear books out there, but this one caught my attention when I saw that each bear had a name and a persI didn't expect to love this! There are so many bear books out there, but this one caught my attention when I saw that each bear had a name and a personality. I was completely hooked when I noticed some sly literary references. I knew then I needed to slow down and pay close attention. I read it several times - once for the story, once for the illustrations, and another time just to enjoy it again. Now I want to read it aloud to some children!
I'm adding this to my list of picture books that would work well to teach the adventure genre....more
Rosie has quite the imagination! She makes a day when nothing much is happening a lot more interesting for her friends. I think I would have enjoyed tRosie has quite the imagination! She makes a day when nothing much is happening a lot more interesting for her friends. I think I would have enjoyed this more as a kid, and wouldn't have noticed the lack of plot as much. As an adult, I enjoyed the illustrations, which are classic Sendak and evoked great memories.
This would be a great transition book for beginning readers who are ready for something longer. You can look at it as either a longer picture book or a very short chapter book....more
While this isn't the most well-written autobiography I've ever read, I did find the story very inspiring. I could definitely feel the bond between DicWhile this isn't the most well-written autobiography I've ever read, I did find the story very inspiring. I could definitely feel the bond between Dick and his son while reading this. And reading their story, as has happened to many other people, really makes me feel like I can do more! Can I get 10,000 steps in a day? Yes you can! Now I need to go find their videos on YouTube....more
This is a Shel Silverstein I hadn't read. On the cover it says that it was his first poetry collection. I can see a few flashes of his future brillianThis is a Shel Silverstein I hadn't read. On the cover it says that it was his first poetry collection. I can see a few flashes of his future brilliance here, but most of the poems just seem silly. They are fun to read aloud, though. I would like to read some of them with children and see the response. Here's one I liked:
THE WILD GAZITE
Late last night I'd a terrible fight With a wild Gazite With eyes of white And a fifty-foot height And he gave me a fright When he gave me a bite And then squeezed me so tight. But I fixed him, alright-- I turned on the light!...more