our library trips lately have been fairly epic.
the new book section appears to be freshly stocked in the kids room the last few weeks and this means lots of stacks of books around the house....... and lots of "buuuk" aka book, "mowwww" aka more, and geeeen aka again. sometimes i am busy doing something when these requests are being made. sometimes i feel like reading something a little more compelling than that of "go dog go". but i never ever turn down a request for book reading. books have proved to be a source of comfort, inspiration, entertainment, and education for me throughout my life, and i feel that taking the time to read anytime i am asked too is one of my more important roles as a parent.
some of the happiest times in my childhood came on library day. where i lived, the library was in a small little mobile building, it might have had 600 books total. it stayed there until i was in middle school, and then they build a big nice library beside our school. my dad took me once a week and i remember filling up my bag full of books, going home, and reading late into the night. i read a lot of good books and a lot of fluff books, baby sitters club anyone? i remember discovering period novels about girls my age or older and being enthralled by the ways of life, i never felt like i could get enough, and still cant! little house on the prairie is still one of my favorite series.
my goal is to constantly capitalize on crosby's curiosities and interests anytime i am able. slowing down and enjoying "go dog go" or "curious george goes to the library" 3 or 4 times IN A ROW is a small price to pay, truly.
here are a few newly released kids books from our library that crosby is loving:
Train Man by Andrea Zimmerman
this is the book for kids who love trains. it describes the imaginations of this little boy, and the book is from his perspective. it is also a great book for discussions about younger siblings. in the book, the narrator, a little boy, has a little brother who isnt yet able to play with the trains, but he cant wait for them to share that passion. he describes his dreams of being a "train man". he says "all aboard" and "choo choo" several times, so for that alone, crosby gives it two thumbs up. he has even figured out which pages those words come on, and will now "read along" with me. i think this book could appeal to children from 16 months up to 4 years old. it is simple, but the subject matter is well loved by sooooo many children! crosby has become the train addict so this book has been a recent favorite.
Monkey's Friends by Ruth Brown
monkey's friends has become a favorite. i have been scouring used book stores looking for a copy for us to own. in this book, monkey is on a journey and meets lots of friends along the way. every other page is a half page for the reader to guess which friend he has met next before turning the half page. the writing has a good cadence and rhymes as well, which really meets the needs of so many readers who are in between the ages of 1-3. the art is also really nice, and would be a great book to attempt to recreate as an art project!
Otto the book bear by Katie Cleminson
i just love love love this book. crosby likes to have this one read to him but it isn't a repeat book- meaning it doesnt get an again or more, but then again, i think it is really a book for ages 3-6. otto is a book bear who comes alive at night. something happens, and he has to set out on a journey to find his place in the world. the idea of characters coming alive at night is magical to any child (or adult). the illustrations are perfection. i must own this book asap. seriously...........
i was inspired to write this post by bird and little birds, library mondays. ahhhhh! i love that blog!
but, seriously, along with some knitting, some canning, and lots of mountains/ outside time, books are whats goin on in our land at this moment.
oh! and i will link up with yarn along from small things on wednesday to let you know what i am reading (and knitting!) these days.