A Few Technical Issues and New Books for the Library

I have been fortunate, while others have dealt with technical issues here, I have be spared.  I suppose it is now my turn.  I am not for sure if the problems (photos not loading and publishing schedules)  are of my own doing or those of the powers that be, however, I am trying to correct them.  I know if you follow as many blogs as I,  when one reposts it can be bothersome.   I humbly apologize for the inconvenience. 

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When I began writing my last post I actually had planned on just recapping my favorite moments from our two days of open house.  As so often happens here, as I wrote I found myself led in a different direction.   I have learned to not fight the words, but joyfully tag along.

One of my favorite things about the beginning of school is adding to our school library.  A friend and I go to a bookstore and spend several hours perusing, critiquing, picking out possible books to be added to our school library.   The books are then displayed for the parents and children to look at and hopefully purchase for the school.  

When a book is chosen, we ask the purchaser to fill out a bookplate with their child's name.  Often times they will donate the book from the child in honor of a past or present teacher.   We are truly blessed to have generous parents.  This year we will be adding around fifty books to our shelves thanks to our moms and dads. 

I'm excited to share a few of my favorites.

I am a huge fan of Jan Brett.  I had the opportunity several years ago to meet her and her husband at a book signing.   The illustrations in a children's book are almost as important to me as the story.  Ms. Brett's art is beautifully detailed.  Her newest publication, Mossy, stands up to her reputation.   I was so excited when a new mom picked it out saying how much she loves Jan Brett.  A kindred spirit!

Do you remember Amelia Bedelia, the house maid who takes her instructions literally?  I couldn't pass up the fiftieth edition of this wonderful book by Peggy Parish.  The publisher's have done a fabulous job of taking a book originally written as an "easy reader" and editing it into a picture book for younger children to enjoy.

Of course, I had to add a copy of her latest adventure, Amelia Bedelia's First Library Card. You know how important the library is to me.   I can't wait to find out what trouble she finds.  She is certain to bring on some rib tickling laughter.

After the sudden death of Ameia Bedelia's creator, Peggy Parish her nephew Herman picked up the torch and continued the story of Amelia,  giving her a modern look and contemporary stories.   Thankfully he has kept the same old Amelia Bedelia spirit and literal mind.  How lucky for us and generations to come.

I selected If You Hold a Seed simply for the artwork.  I alway select at least one book which reminds me of my dear friend who teaches across the hall.  This was the book I picked for her this year.  When I realized the story was about planting a dream with a seed and never giving up, I knew I had made a good selection.

A Flower in the Snow is another beautiful and sweet book.  It is about friendship and what we do for our friends.   The soft and muted colors hint that this book might be read in a whisper.  Isn't it lovely?

 

While A Flower in the Snow may be for quieter moments, I suspect Too Much Glue will bring out the screams and laughter in child and teacher alike.   When I saw this book I was reminded of a recent news story on one of our local channels.   It was reported a local school had included on the Kindergarten supply list sixteen glue sticks.  A mother was complaining, saying she felt this was excessive.   While listening to the story I look at my husband and laughingly remarked, "Are you kidding?  They should double that number.  You have no clue how much glue children use.  There is no such thing as just a little."  Thus the reason for including Too Much Glue in our book selections.

By the way, I bought sixteen glue sticks for my class of ten.  We may make it through September.  Just sayin'... we love gluing.

These are just a few of the picture books exciting me this fall.  We are never too old to enjoy the funny stories and beautiful pictures found in children's books.   My favorite hour of the day is storytime.  Are you surprised?

“Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself.”

                                                                                                           George Bernard Shaw

Do you have a favorite children's book?  Do you still pull it out to look at or read?
I never tire of The Polar Express, The Mitten or The Library Mouse. 

I wonder if I will find a very favorite this year.

To all who will be celebrating Labor Day... Enjoy!

I'm going to disappear for a few days with a book.