• HOME
  • {A}’s Chipmunk Training Archives

 Homepage

  • The Homestead
    • Home Projects
    • Home Improvement
    • Home Decor
      • Seasonal Home decor
        • FALL Home Decor
        • WINTER Home Decor
        • SPRING Crafts and Creations
        • SUMMER Crafts and Creations
    • Our Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Organization
    • Re-Purposing
    • Furniture Refinishing
    • Budget
  • Crafts & Creations
    • Seasonal Home decor
      • FALL Crafts and Creations
      • WINTER Crafts and Creations
      • SPRING Crafts and Creations
      • SUMMER Crafts and Creations
    • DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Project
    • Kids Arts and Crafts
    • Homemade/Handmade Gift Ideas
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Fan Pulls
    • Free Printable/Downloadable
    • Sewing Projects
    • Giveaways
    • Business Features
  • Recipes/FoodFun
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Main Dish
    • Sandwiches
    • Appetizers
    • Slow Cooker
    • On The Grill
    • Side Dishes
      • Soups
      • Salads
    • Baking
      • Breads, Rolls and Muffins
    • Snacks
    • Treats
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
  • Homeschooling
    • Elementary Homeschooling
      • Elementary Homeschooling READING
      • Elementary Homeschooling MATH
      • Elementary Homeschooling LANGUAGE ARTS
      • Elementary Homeschooling SCIENCE
      • Elementary Homeschooling HOME ECONOMICS
      • Kids Arts and Crafts
    • Middle School Homeschooling
      • Middle School Homeschooling SCIENCE
      • Middle School Homeschooling HOME ECONOMICS
    • Language Arts
    • Math
    • History / Social Studies
    • Geography
    • Foreign Language
    • Field Trips
    • Games
    • Nature Study
  • The Big Picture
    • Life In General
    • Celebrations
    • Faith
      • Into the Light; The Series
    • Giveaways
    • Reviews & Sponsors
  • Photography & Lettering
    • Photography
    • truck lettering
    • vehicle graphics
    • Newborns
    • Kids
    • Engagement
    • High School Senior Pictures
    • High School Senior Pictures Sneak Peeks

The Joy of Reading – Elementary Homeschooling – 4 Recommended Chapter Books

November 1, 2009 By Laura 6 Comments

I thought we’d talk a bit today about elementary reading, for homeschooling kids or not. Last March I blogged about our then six year old triplets reading their first chapter book, Nicholas – A Massachusetts Tale.  Since then, they have continued to do lots and lots of reading, in the forms of shorter books, magazines, game directions, and what books their big sister has had in her gigantic collection for their age.   Since March though, our library trips have consisted of other exciting and urgent items on our reading or viewing list.  So just recently did we come around to getting back to the wonderful travels and tales of Nicholas, which is the series of books written by our local, gifted children’s author, Peter Arenstam.

Book One of the Nicholas series…. Nicholas – A Massachusetts Tale.

nicholas-a-massachusetts-tale

Book Two of the Nicholas series…. Nicholas – A Maine Tale.

Layout 1

nicholas-a-maine-tale-author-peter-arenstam_b

The adventures and New England travels continue in Book Three, Nicholas – A New Hampshire Tale.

nicholas-a-new-hampshire-tale-peter-arenstam

nicholas-a-new-hampshire-tale-peter-arenstam_d

….and there are yet still  more to the Nicholas series to request, and wait for that exciting phone message, ‘This is the library calling….the books you have requested are in, and we will hold them for you.    Please pick them up at your earliest convenience. “

We also picked up another charming children’s chapter book, Poppy and Ereth, by Brian Floca, which the kids found as much entertainment and amusement in.

poppy-and-ereth-brian-floca

It’s easy to understand why!  Just the cover alone entices me enough to want to curl up on the couch with some cocoa, and read it…if I had time for such a thing this time of year.  Here is a description of the book, Poppy and Ereth.

Poppy, a deer mouse, and Ereth, a grumbling porcupine, have been the best of friends for as long as the animals of Dimwood Forest can remember. An unstoppable pair ever since they defeated the tyrannical owl, Mr. Ocax, Poppy and Ereth have enjoyed many happy adventures together. But when a swirl of bitter winter storms buries Dimwood Forest in snow and Poppy’s husband, Rye, dies suddenly, all Poppy wants is some privacy. “Dancing doorknobs,” Ereth mutters to no one in particular, “how can she not want to see me?” As he waddles back to his log, Ereth fears he may have lost his dear friend forever.

But Ereth has not lost Poppy, at least not yet. As the ground begins to thaw, life returns to Dimwood Forest and Poppy ventures out in search of excitement. Suddenly, swooped up by Luci the bat, Poppy is flying high over the forest and unexpectedly embarks on her greatest adventure. Meanwhile, Ereth, left to his own devices, manages to convince himself that Poppy has died and, as only the old porcupine can do, sets about to give her the best memorial service the forest has ever known.

The last episode of the Poppy stories, poppy and ereth is a rousing adventure befitting one of the great heroines of children’s literature as well as a final, heartwarming celebration of the life, love, and friendship of two most unlikely companions.

poppy-and-ereth-brian-floca_f

There is a follow up book to this one, titled Poppy Returns.

good-elementary-reading-books-recommended

All 3 chapter books, were eagerly consumed, page by page, by all 3 of the little ones, even in time to be returned for their first due date!  No need to renew, because they were all done. Which says something, because with the Nicholas series being books by a local author, their regular ample time is not allowed for the books to be out!  Regardless, they really, really enjoyed not only reading them, but discussing the adventures of this charming mouse, the predicaments he finds himself in, and the friends he meets in his travels to reclaim his family’s journal.   Lots of chatter about Nicholas and his friends, as well as Poppy and Ereth.  It’s like having our own In-House Kid’s Book Club!!

I am all about kids getting lots (and lots) of exercising….running and jumping, swinging and swimming,  climbing and shooting (hoops, that is),…… but you’ll never hear me complain for a moment about a kid sitting around and reading for awhile either.  I am so glad our kids find SO MUCH JOY and THRILL OF ADVENTURE and wonderment, within the pages of books, the way they do.

These books are truly delightful reads, for any children, anywhere. But if you are from New England, as we are, they are all the more special. Wishing your children hours of enjoyment, lost in their vivid  imaginations through these beautiful and adventurous, fun-filled tales.

Save

Save

Filed Under: Elementary Homeschooling, Elementary Homeschooling READING, Homeschooling, Reading / Writing Tagged With: author-Peter-Arenstam, elementary-books, elementary-reading, homeschooling, homeschooling-elementary, Nicholas A Massachusetts Tale, Nicholas-A-Maine-Tale, Nicholas-A-New-Hampshire, Poppy-and-Ereth, recommended-reading-books-for-New-England-elementary-kids

A Quiet Dr. Seuss Day Celebration

March 2, 2009 By Laura 12 Comments

We just wanted to share with you a peek into our quiet Dr. Seuss Day celebration.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

~  Dr. Seuss


dr-seuss-day-ideas_1

Earlier today, we celebrated the 105th birthday of Dr. Seuss.  It was a much quieter celebration, than our usual fanfare, because most of our kiddos (6 years old triplets) are a bit under the weather.  Low grade fevers, little coughs and headaches, and a big dose of the ‘Quiets’.  That’s just who they are today. Actually, 1/4 is recovering, 2/4 are pretty down and out by this time of the day, and 1 was out playing in the new-fallen snow.   But late this morning and early afternoon, they were up for a little quiet fun and reading. We did some Dr. Seuss – themed face painting for them, for the occasion.

triplets-kids-reading-dr-seuss-book
Dr. Seuss was a man of wise words.  One of my personal favorite quotes from him is:

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

That’s one I try to keep in the forefront of my mind, because we need to remember it frequently!  It’s so hard for us to understand why some people are the way they are.   So what to do?  Well,  another Seuss quote comes in handy as well:

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

Enough said there. lol


We’re blessed in that all 4 of our kids truly do love reading. They just love books, and always have. And we know that will take them a long, long way in life.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

The little ones are quite beyond their grade level in reading, so the Dr. Seuss books are at this point, way too simple for them.  They are reading chapter books now. But today, as we celebrate this gifted author and artist, for his great contributions to children’s literature, we honor the value of his non-sensicals, that are so cleverly woven with his words of wisdom, which even an adult can gleam advice from.   So we all enjoyed his books today, none-the-less.


dr-seuss-day-ideas_2

dr-seuss-day-ideas_3

It was the perfect activity, for a day that called for quiet and rest.


fun-mismatched-socks

Here’s another great quote, that simply must be a Pro-Life declaration!:

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”


triplets-dr-seuss-day_4

They were somewhat smiley this morning, as quiet as they were. But as you know how fevers go….as they day wore on, they were feeling less and less their best.  I sure hope they feel better tomorrow. Meanwhile, we’ll keeping enjoying the quiet, and  giving cuddles.  Things could be worse!  lol

Thanks for dropping in!  See you again soon, perhaps!

“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Filed Under: Elementary Homeschooling, Elementary Homeschooling READING, Homeschooling, The Big Picture Tagged With: Dr-Seuss-Day, Dr-Seuss-Day-ideas, elementary-books, elementary-homeschooling, elementary-reading, Green Eggs and Ham, homeschooling, homeschooling-Dr-Seuss-day, The Cat In The Hat, The Lorax, There's A Wocket In My Pocket, triplets, triplets-reading

A Word on Mem Fox

August 8, 2008 By Laura Leave a Comment

Mem-Fox-Sleepy-Bears author-mem-fox-books mem-fox-whoever-you-are

I’m happy to say, we’ve managed to somewhat keep up with our Author Fiesta journey. As I mentioned was up next, the month of July featured children’s author Mem Fox.

I think you will find in this post, that I repeatedly will manage to compare Mem Fox, with our previous author who we studied, Patricia Polacco. It was quite a transition for us, and the only 2 authors we have studies thus far. So my thoughts inevitably compare the two, though they are both very gifted in their own right, and have both blessed the availability of wonderful children’s literature, in their own distinct ways.

Our experience with studying Mem was completely different than our 2 months with Patricia Polacco. Reason being, they are very different in their style of writing. Each of Patricia’s stories were a good and long read. One book could take us up to 20+ minutes! But we loved the depth of the story to each one of them, and enjoyed every page immensely, both in text and illustration. Mem’s stories are very simple and very short, which was a welcome perk with July being a very busy month for us as a family. We did not manage to get EVERY one of Mem Fox’s book from the library, but certainly a good tall stack. Unlike the huddling and cuddling that took place with Patricia’s stories through the months of May and June, with Mem’s we had most story times out on our deck, and breezed through 4 or 5 at a time. It was too hot for cuddling anyway!! In addition to story time, the kids read many of the books over and over again on their own. They LOVE to read. It seems all out loud, with different books, all at the same time. But that’s ok!! As long as they keep on loving reading!

Another vast difference in these authors was the illustration work. We enjoyed Patricia Pallaco’s own unique style of her own illustration work that went with each story she wrote. The familiar style of the pictures seemed to make us feel closer to Patricia, perhaps make a better connection with her, if that makes any sense. The illustration work that went with Mem’s books were inconsistent, explained by the fact that each had a different illustrator. Being an educated illustrator myself, some of the work I really admired, and some I didn’t care as much for. For ME, the illustration work really helps is a crucial element to my connection, or lack thereof, to each story.

Nonetheless, many of Mem’s stories, like Patricia’s, had an effective message or moral of the story, in a more subtle yet right to the point way. {S}’s favorite storybook of Mem’s was The Straight Line Wonder, and it was the book he chose to do an assigned illustration of his own for. It’s a wonderful story that encourages one to follow their heart in what they love to do, or who they want to be, regardless of if doing so makes them different. In this story, a group of ‘straight line’ friends worry about one of their own, who decides he’d rather not be a straight line all of the time. He was not afraid of being different, as the following excerpt expresses:

“People will stare!” said the other straight lines. “I don’t mind” said the 1st straight line, and he kept on jumping in humps, twirling in whirls, and pointing his joints.”

Sometimes, being different makes you stand out, but that can serve to be a good thing!! Such is the case with The Straight Line Wonder, he became famous as a showman, and spent the rest of his life doing what he loved to do.

{O}’s favorites were Sophie, Wombat Divine, and Where the Giants Sleep. Yet her drawing was from the book Sleepy Bears, which was my absolute favorite. (I wish there was a link to that one on the Mem Fox web site, which seems to need updating.) To start, the illustration work, by Kerry Argent, is beautiful. Very much my style of work. But my love for this story went beyond the pictures, to the content of the story, although I do believe the illustration work drew me in deeper than might have happened otherwise. First of all, I love the whole image in real life and in this book, of the family bed. (Although it’s not something we practiced with our children, until morning anyway. lol) I just love the illustration of all of those adorable bears, under that beautiful, colorful quilt, which I want!! But this story of Mem’s is also sort of reflective of a concept I have always tried to use with my children. I have always told them to think about fun and wonderful things that they love to think about as they drift off to sleep, and they just may have wonderful dreams about the same, even beyond their imagination.

{J} especially enjoyed Wombat Divine, and also Particular Cow, (which all of the kids thought was a riot), but he did a beautiful line drawing of Time for Bed. {A} really liked her work in Hunwick’s Egg and Particular Cow, but did an amusing illustration for Boo to a Goose,…specifically for the excerpt: “Id skip across town, with my pants hanging down, but I wouldn’t say “BOO” to a goose!” If you can only imagine, you’re probably imagining correctly. She thinks that part is the funniest thing.

My least favorite book was Feathers and Fools. While I ultimately liked the ending, I just found the story a little disturbing along the way. Maybe I am alone in my surprise, but I didn’t expect such ‘bloodshed’ to be part of a children’s story book. (is it ok to critique? Too late. lol) On a more positive note, I really loved the message of Whoever You Are, confirming the truth in the fact that no matter how different each of us looks, dresses, acts, or how or where we live, we are all the same. We also all enjoyed Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge. It made me want to take my kids to do some visiting at the local nursing homes. (Can you do that anymore?) My children are still saying that line from the book “A memory is as precious as gold, young man, a memory is as precious as gold”. (Isn’t that the truth!!) I might add, more wonderful illustration work in that one as well, by Julie Vivas.

As I said, Mem Fox was a great fit for our busy month of July. We enjoyed her, but was still flying high from Patricia Polacco. This month we are behind already. While we are not at all familiar with Tasha Tudor’s work, I find her life story completely fascinating!! It’s virtually a dream I could go with; living on a farm and living the simple life as she did. Although I wouldn’t insist on roughing to quite the extent she did.  I think the interesting details, simplicity and hard work ethics of her life will lend itself well to the report {A} writes on this particular author. Also, I was delighted to learn that she, like Patricia Polacco, also illustrated all of her own story books. Unfortunately, Tasha very recently past away. So her spirit truly will live on in her works now. I am very much looking forward to spending some time with my children, and a great big pile of books, that is the the work of her life. Best get to that library again, before August is over!

 

Filed Under: Elementary Homeschooling, Elementary Homeschooling READING, Homeschooling Tagged With: author-Mem-Fox, childrens-authors, elementary-books, elementary-homeschooling, elementary-reading, homeschooling

Wrapping It Up With Patricia Polacco

June 20, 2008 By Laura 3 Comments

The other day, among a few other errands I needed to run, I returned our humongous pile of Patricia Polacco storybooks to the library. Let me set the humorous scene for you:

The parking lot to the library, and where I usually park the van, is RIGHT next to an emergency exit only door, which is RIGHT next the entrance door to the Children’s Library, inside the main library.  Because it’s not a door we can enter, we need to go all the way around to the centered door on the very long front of the building, and make quite a trek indoors to get to the Children’s Library.  It figures.  So here I am carrying almost 40 large hardcover books, with much physical effort — and manage to get to the Children’s Library with the books, only to be told they are returned at the front main desk (which I passed on the way.).  So all the way back to the front I went.  Once I got to the drop slot there, and placed the pile half my height on the floor in front of it, I found myself hesitating to deposit them.  Not only because I needed to catch my breathe, lol, but because I was so sad to return these books.  We enjoyed the stories so very much, and in reading them together, we were rewarded with so many gifts.  Wonderful stories, that prompted wonderful discussions, lessons, lots of laughter, longer huddling and cuddling, and the giving in to the pleas to read ‘another one’ together.

I have to tell you of the new funny little tradition our children have started with our Author Fiesta story time  .  Whenever I began reading each book, starting with the title first of course, the children would all follow in unison ‘by Patricia Polacco!’.  (Really loud I might add.)  And then they all giggle before they settle in to intent listening and the imaginary world of our story.

Patricia’s stories, though children’s books, are lengthy in story.  They are not quick reads, but they go by fast because they draw you in to a timeless place. They are the kind of books, which when done, you close, look at the clock and say “You are kidding!  It’s that time already!?”  There were far too many books to discuss one by one here, and I think it’s still particularly difficult for any of us to firmly name each of our favorite stories by this author. I tried, by asking each child separately to tell me their absolute favorite story, and they all had a small list.  But I think we can mention a few (or more) of the books which we collectively really, really enjoyed, following the ones we already have blogged about. For a more detailed description of the story itself of each book, please click on the titles of the books along the way. I may discuss more of what we liked or got out of each story.

Patricia Polacco

An Orange for Frankie is a wonderful (true of course) story of Patricia’s grandmother’s little brother, and one particularly special Christmas they had when they were little.  With the setting way back in time to the horse and buggy days, when Christmas was simple, this story warms the heart with a touching account about giving, and being all together.

The kids all loved the story for various reasons. For one, they love oranges (a lot relates to their love of food around here, lol).  Learning a bit about life in the old fashioned days, with only the kinds of transportation they had available to them back then, was fascinating to them, and probably hard for them to imagine.

What I loved was the lessons of once having to work so hard, and travel so far, for even the little things back then, and the immense appreciation and gratitude one had because of it. In this story, the 9 oranges were the treasured gifts of every Christmas, and they represented each child on the mantle until Christmas Eve. We can all well see in this world, that it is the things worked hard for that are held more valuable to oneself, than that which is just handed over to us.  In this materialistic world of greed and pride, it often takes one losing everything, to realize what really mattered the most. In An Orange for Frankie, it is the sacrifice of his siblings that comes around, after having sacrificed a treasured gift of his own, for a needy stranger, that brings what matters most to light.

And because I am so easily inspired, I now have an urgent desire to decorate the mantle I no longer have, with evergreens, pinecones, and oranges, come Christmas time. Figures, huh? I’m sure I’ll figure out a way to make it work. I’m creative (and desperate) like that.

Patricia-Polacco-post

Thank you, Mr. Falker was a story {A} and I particularly enjoyed. It is the very true story of Patricia Polacco’s own struggle in school, with learning disabilities that for some years, prohibited her from learning to read and write like all of the other children – which brought lots of embarrassment, teasing from other children, struggle and heartache to this innocent, confused child. That is, until a wonderful teacher crossed the path of her life, and changed everything – because he was a teacher that cared!  Cared enough to realize she needed special help, and took the time to give it to her, and help her help herself. To THINK that Patricia is now a famous child’s author!  This story is so representative of so many truths in this world…..like the power of a caring teacher, and how they can and do change the course of a child’s life.  Also, that just because one has a challenge to deal with does not mean they will not become personally successful, or find their own inner abundant joys in their life.  The personal struggles and obstacles in one’s life are often what drives one to celebrated accomplishments, living their purpose in life, and embracing them with passion all the more.

This story came at such an interesting time in my own life, at which I have confirmed a great amount of truth in my own personal challenges and natural strengths, and the big picture explanation as to why I have come to embrace my gifts as I have, and live my life with such passion and purpose.  It reflects itself in the way our whole family lives, and what I want for my children as they go about learning in their own life, in their own way! God is so good and amazing, as we witness time and time again, in people all over the world, the light, rewards and gifts that rise out of the most difficult and seemingly questionable struggles one has in life. I love that.

So yes, thank you Mr. Falker, and every other teacher out there, that truly ‘teach to reach’ each and every child they can, one on one, and make a difference in their life.  Because each and every child, individually, deserves all a teacher has to give.  They all have potential, and gifts of their own to find and live. They may just need to take the road less taken, or the longer one, to get there.  But it’s always well worth the destination, if their hearts are set on the right place, in time for the journey.

Patricia Polacco

Babushka Baba Yaga was one of the scarier stories, for my little ones, by Patricia Polacco.  But frankly, they enjoy a good thrill, and the snuggles just get a little closer, which can only be a good thing.  The wide eyes and tight grips were well worth the wisdom this story had to offer!

Baba Yaga was a lone creature woman of sorts, who lived in the woods.  People of the village were well aware of her presence, and naturally, their ignorance of truly knowing her well, or at all, led to horrid tales of who she was, what she was like, and things she did if you got too close! None of it was the truth, and she longed quite deeply for the love of a child, and to give love to a child, like so many of the Babushkas (grandmothers) of the village, whom she watched and listened to from the darkness of the forest.

Her wishes come true, when she manages to be the “Babushka’ to a little boy who does not have one, and wins the love of his heart.  But eventaully the heart-breaking talk of the village drives her back to the forest, until the boy she loves so much is in sudden danger, and only she can save him.  It is then that her beautiful true colors are finally seen, shining through the mistaken ugliness the whole village ‘chose’ to see for so many years.

It was a GREAT story, and one our children are still talking about. I think all of us (you, me, most everyone) knows what it is like to be so misunderstood, and to know in your heart the truth.  Sometimes, people just don’t want to know the truth, because it’s easier for them to believe what they want to. They may even find enjoyment, or at least engage in, gossip. Like the village and their misconceptions about Baba Yaga. But just like Baba Yaga, those who turn their cheeks are often missing out on more than they know. And those who come forth with open hearts, like the little boy and the love he developed for his Babushka, eventually realize their misjudgements, and find enjoyment, and maybe even a special relationship, that could have never been theirs.  It’s the complicated ones, that are often the most fascinating ones to get to know, and maybe cherish in your life.  I know our children embraced that lesson, in reading and getting to know Baba Yaga, and I pray they will always remember it.

Patricia Polacco

Rechenka’s Eggs, yet another wonderful story!  Though the lessons are not as deep, it was thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless.  The story begins with a goose being shot out of the sky by a hunter, which was a disheartening lesson for our little bird-loving children. But the tender loving care back to health that followed, along with the relationship that developed between the caregiver and and goose, had the children’s attention.  They especially loved the sweet surpise ending.

I was particularly drawn to the artisitic creative abilities that lent itself to the story.  The goose caregiver, is a detailed painter of eggs.  Beautiful, intricate, brilliant, fascinating patterns that just amazed me, and once again, inspired me. I truly closed this book, and started thinking about trying my hand at egg painting myself. And I just might!  You know, in between the gardening, sewing and quilting, I guess!!

~~~~~

All in all, this study of Patricia Polacco, was amusing, heart-warming, educational, and enjoyable all the way through.  The moments we have lived, with these open books in our laps, created memories, launched great discussions, and inspired new ideas to ponder, share, or experiment with.

What is especially special about Patricia’s writings, is how they are all based on her own true experiences, relationships and stories of her life!  None of the stories are particularly unusual in and of themselves.  But it is the way they are told. Patricia herself tells every little child she meets, in schools or on her tours, who is so wowed that she is ‘a real author’, that THEY TOO are a real author, when they tell a story!! And there lies the truth.  Though her stories are published, and she is so gifted in illustrating her stories as well, we are ALL authors.  Though the every day lives of our childhood that are filled with happenings, meetings, experiences and lessons, SEEM ordinary……they magically become fascinating tales many years later, when told to the children who want to hear them.  Our oldest daughter begs for more and more stories of ‘when we (her parents) were little’. She just loves to hear all about even the little things, the funny stories, the hard lessons, extended family members, and the now cherished memories we have. Suddenly, we as parents, are authors, with compelling stories children want to hear. And believe it or not, our children, who most likely think their childhood is ordinary, (because it is all they know), will one day realize the days of their childhood, are fascinating tales to tell some very interested listeners, too.  We are all the readers, the listeners, the authors, and even the characters in other’s stories (think about THAT for a minute)-whether we write them in story books or not.

Thank you Patricia Polacco, for all you offer this world through your books, including the learning disabilities you have faced, and used as an opportunity to teach, and stand as a living example of the fact that nothing is impossible if we want something bad enough, and if we follow our passions. Thank you for taking your ordinary childhood days, and presenting them to the world as the fascinating  and amusing tales that they are, created with and embellished with your gifts of storytelling and illustration.  You surely have 6 new fans in the world, and have created awareness in the authors we never knew we were.

Thank you too, Cay Gibson, for choosing such a talented and worthy author to kick off this Author Fiesta!

So although our study of this author has come to an end, with a bit of sadness, we embrace the excitement of the new author we will now begin studying and enjoying. In the next several weeks, as we gather together and begin each story with the title, the kids will shout in excited anticipation and perfect unison, “…by Mem Fox!”

Filed Under: Elementary Homeschooling, Elementary Homeschooling READING, Homeschooling Tagged With: author-Patricia-Polacco, elementary-reading, great-elementary-reading-books, homeschooling, Patricia-Polacco, Patricia-Polacco-books

We Went to the Children’s Library and Took Out a Few Books – Elementary Reading

May 27, 2008 By Laura 3 Comments

pile-of-elementary-library-books

I’m about to talk about children’s books, so I can guess right now that this will probably get long.

First of all, can I just tell you how much I have always loved books?? Like…really love books.  Picture books especially.  I love the smell of them, and the noise that thick plastic cover makes, or the slickness of those big glossy jacket covers. I always have. I recall as a child, the butterflies of excitement I would feel just walking into our town’s or school’s Children’s Library. Just knowing just about anything you wanted to learn about, was possible to find in that room.  Shelves upon shelves of books, filled with pages, which were filled with words, that when read, could take you to places you’ve never dreamed, or never even heard of, or may or may not ever want to go! In the pages of the most well written books, are where imaginations are poked and put into high gear.  And oohhh……the illustrations!  As a little budding artist, the pictures were almost the best part to me.

Now, I have developed a little germ-a- phobia of library books over the years,,,,as I am a little germ-a-phobic. Of many things, that make perfect sense to be germ-y.  : )  Not irrationally so.  I just really feel the need to wash my hands right away, and thankfully, so do my kids!

To feed the fire for my love of books, was my beloved Godmother — a 1st grade teacher for a ridiculous amount of years. When she retired, her former students from all over the country (in college, with their own families, etc) came back, or sent notes and gifts, thanking her for the love and beliefs in themselves that she had planted in their hearts as their 1st grade teacher.  She was never forgotten by any student who was ever blessed enough to land in her classroom.  Truly…she is a remarkable woman, with deep seated faith, a passion for teaching, and a such a gentle and patient way with children. She truly lived her vocation a a teacher. So she was a big part of giving me such a love for books, but also truly fed the fire of my faith from a very young age….through ALL of my stages…with her powerful examples of living, her gentle words of guidance, and always unconditional love. Anyway….I have such a vivid memory of being at her home as a high-schooler one day, when our discussion led her to the discovery that I had never read The Velveteen Rabbit.  WELL……she could NOT let that be.  She quickly disappeared into the other room, to her vast collection of children’s books, and pulled that storybook from the shelves.  She ushered me right to her kitchen table, handed me that large storybook, and instructed me to sit down and read it, and not get up until I was done.  And there I sat…..16 years old, reading The Velveteen Rabbit. It’s one of my children’s favorite stories now too. Of course the memory attached to the story must play a part too.

When my first daughter was born, my urge to buy every picture book I picked up and loved, kicked in.  I gave in quite a bit too, but tried to look in the discount book stores the most, knowing how weak I was around such things.  She and I cuddled and read a lot, and she became a book lover at a very young age, and to this day spends oodles and oodles of time, reading. My next 3 children became huge book lovers much the same way, and just sitting for hours surrounded by piles of books. Or, sometimes, all sitting on me, under me, and around me…as we all huddled and cuddled together enjoying a good story. (Oh how I love that!) Now that they are reading, they love books even more! As so many of you mothers know, there isn’t anything much sweeter than hearing your little child read a book, in those little voices that are so familiar to our hearts.  But for home schooling mothers, it has to be just a tad sweeter.  As a Mama of 3 kindergartners I am very blessed quite a few times a day, to hear 3 little voices reading different books, from there own little places in the house. Sometimes too, they take turns reading to each other, or help each other on a word someone is stuck on. Boy does all of it tug on my heart strings!

So all of this backstory leads to a point.  Imagine our EXCITEMENT when I discovered that a wonderful woman, homeschooling mother and author of A Picture Perfect Childhood, named Cay Gibson, decided to organize a way to feature, study and celebrate one children’s author a month.  It’s called an Author Fiesta! During that month, we find as many books by that author as we’d like, and read them to, or with our children, or even let them read them on their own. Cay also will be providing wonderful printables for each author, so the kids each have their own 3 ring binder.  Should I tell you how ECSTATIC the kids are to have their own notebook to keep their stuff in??  It has a cover of the beautiful bookworm too.  I’m even thrilled to have my own notebook. lol.  Our little ones will each have a list of the books they’ve read, they’ll be doing some copywork from the printables as well as whatever books they choose, drawings they’ve done based on the stories, and life-aiding quotes to learn.  {A} will be studying the author’s works, writing author research papers, and anything else creative she would like to add to her notebook.  I asked all of the kids if this was something they’d like to do together and all 4 were all for it and couldn’t wait to get started! In think there will be a new author featured every month for a year, but can be done at your very own pace. In the end, the kids will have a very informative collection of various children authors for keeping, treasuring as their own childhood work, and perhaps as a reference to use for great books to enjoy one day with their own children. (But we won’t go there now. I’m just saying. lol)

The kids have all been loving this book journey so far. Any time is a good time for another story you know! It isn’t anything we HAVE to do, and we can take or leave anything we want to along the way. This is just another thing we consider FUN, that happens to be so educational. And did I say, FUN?!

So the first month of May featured the child author Patricia Polacco.  We’ve discovered she writes from the heart, in a way that really reaches her readers hearts and minds as well.  Her works are based true stories, sprinkled with lots of fun imagination, based on her own family members, or other people she knows.  Each story is very interesting.  We have really loved the ones we have read so far.   Below are just some of the titles we have at the moment.

pile-of-elementary-library-books-close-up

I was not familiar with this author before.  So the very first book we happened to grab and read (almost as soon as we got home from the library) was The Lemonade Club. 

child-reading

OH MY!!  Maybe not the best one to start off with.  Very, very good, but very sad.  It’s about 2 little girls who are very good friends, and one gets Leukemia. Very touching and it did lead to wonderful discussion with the kids.  It ends well, and there are beautiful life lessons to take from the it, including the gift of friendship, expressions of compassion and support, the celebration of life itself, and the encouragement to make lemonade, when life hands you lemons. But there was a point in the story where the knot in my throat was so tight, as the tears spilled over my eyelids, that I couldn’t get the next word out. My children were very patient while I gained my composure.

The kids and I talked openly after about how sometimes people get sick, and how we get through these things. (With our faith in God’s greater plan, prayers, support of family and friends, etc.)  I love that they are able to learn about these things, with ME (or us), so I have the opportunity to help them sort their questions and fears.  My youngest daughter is the most inquisitive of them all, and likes to truly ponder and absorb these things thoroughly.  So she spent some extra time with the book.

chuld-reading-the-Lemonade-Club-Patricia-Polacco

We’ve read quite a few titles by now. I’ve read a few to them, and {A} has always loved reading to them as well, so she took it upon herself to do that. I’ll be blogging more about them.  None have been nearly as sad, but all very entertaining and very well written, filled with wonderful life lessons and messages for the children, and us! And naturally, amazing illustrations grace the pages. What I admire so much about Patricia Polacco too, is that not only does she write the story, but she also illustrates of all her own books as well!  What gifts God has given her to be so talented, and reach the hearts and minds of so many children through her work!

It won’t be long before June’s author is announced, but we’re in no rush.  We were late in the game joining, but are enjoying the ride at our own pace.  I am sure I will blog about this book or that as I am inspired, and keep you updated on this wonderful journey of our Author Fiesta!

Have you read a good book today??  : )

kids-reading

 

Filed Under: Elementary Homeschooling, Elementary Homeschooling READING, Homeschooling Tagged With: author-Patricia-Polacco, children-library-books, children-reading, elementary-reading, encouraging-reading-in-children, homeschooling, homeschooling-reading, kids-books

We are wicked happy to have you here! We hope you find much inspiration, help, humor and enjoyment here.




Archives



POPULAR POSTS

* * * * * *

SUBSCRIBE to House of Joyful Noise blog! Every new post, delivered right to your email box!


Privacy Policy

Amazon Affiliates

Never at any additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission for our endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products from our website. Your purchase through our links helps support our family, while sharing with you the products we authentically use and recommend, for various ideas, and letting you know where you can purchase them. Thank you for your support!

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright © 2025 HouseOfJoyfulNoise.com · Genesis Framework by StudioPress