One of These Days

Julie Douglas brought back a flood of childhood memories when she wrote about parents teaching children to write letters. I remember how Mom taught me to practice circles and strokes with a pencil and paper, just as she had learned. Wonderful stuff! Read it! -Michael Bouman

One of These Days
By Julie Douglas, Family Reading Specialist

One of these days,

I'm gonna sit down

and write a long letter

To all the good friends I've known

                                 ~ Neil Young

When was the last time you received a letter?  You remember a letter, right? Comes in an envelope, bears a colorful stamp.  In this age of instant communication through poorly punctuated emails and cell phones that we can wear right on our heads, the letter seems a bit old fashioned.

December is a natural time to think about letter writing. After all, December 7 was "Letter Writing Day." Perhaps you know someone who is busy composing a note destined for the North Pole.  Many of you may be preparing to write your annual holiday letter or looking forward to receiving the "year in review" from friends and family.

What do the children in your life know about letter writing? Do they correspond with a pen pal? Have they received a letter from a special friend or relative?

Think of letter writing as a tool for practicing storytelling.  Encourage your child to look at the events in his daily life as fodder for a story.  Awaken the muse with an assortment of colorful stationary and interesting stamps.  Help her broaden her vocabulary by moving beyond, "How are you? I am fine."  Each of us has a story to tell…many stories actually. 

Need a little inspiration?  Check out some of these children's books that focus on the theme of writing and receiving letters.



Mailing May by Michael O. Tunnell, illustrated by Ted Rand (HarperTrophy; New Ed edition, 2000)

When little May's parents can't afford to buy a train ticket for their daughter, they mail her to her grandparents' house.  Rand's warm and nostalgic illustrations add richness to this true story.





The Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg (L,B Kids; 20th edition 2006)

Favorite fairy tale characters get letters (in real envelopes!) in this clever classic.  The Jolly Postman is a delight for anyone who has ever secretly wanted to take a peek at someone else's mail.  (Check out The Jolly Christmas Postman by Ahlberg for more fun with letters.)




The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman by Darcy Pattison, illustrated by Joe Cepeda (Harcourt Children's Books, 2003)

When Tameka's Uncle Ray is unable to travel to see her, he sends a wooden man to California instead.  Luckily, Oliver K. Woodman makes many friends along the way.  The story of Oliver's trip is told through postcards sent to Uncle Ray from people who help Oliver reach his destination.  More of Oliver's adventures can be found in Searching for Oliver K. Woodman.






Dear Mrs. La Rue: Letters From Obedience School by Mark Teague (Scholastic Press; 1st ed edition, 2002)

Anyone who knows me knows this is one of my all-time faves (I have a stuffed Ike atop the bookcase in my office.)  Poor Ike pleads through a series of letters to be released from obedience school by describing the deplorable conditions that he is enduring. Ike's mistreatment continues in Detective LaRue: Letters from the Investigation.






Flat Stanley (picture book edition) by Jeff Brown, illustrated by Scott Nash (HarperCollins, 2006)

Based on the 1964 chapter book by Brown, this picture book version introduces young children to Flat Stanley.  Flattened by a falling bulletin board, Stanley finds himself able to do many new things…including traveling through the mail!






A Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats (Puffin, 1998)
Peter (of The Snowy Day and Whistle for Willie) sends a letter to a special friend.  Told in Keats' gentle voice and paired with his brightly colored collages, A Letter to Amy is another Keats classic.

On Family Reading: Why Does the Cat Look Guilty?

By Julie Douglas, Family Program Specialist

Insight can be found in the most unusual places. The other day I was manning a registration booth for a READ from the START program in a Head Start center. A handsome young man sauntered up and looked at the display of books spread out on my table. After a moment of serious consideration, he picked up a book, dragged a chair up next to me and announced, "You need to read this to me." With the confidence that only a four-year-old seems to possess, he settled into his chair and fixed his big brown eyes on the book cover.

Well, what could I do?

We dug into the story. We giggled at a potato-headed character together and tried to guess what might be hiding under each flap in the pop-up book. We had a very serious discussion about why the cat was always looking so guilty in each picture. The world around us fell away and we were discussing, well…literature. This was no great work of fiction, no Caldecott winner. It was Bob the Builder, if you must know. Poor Bob had misplaced his hammer and it was going to take my friend and me eight board book pages to help him find it. If someone had asked my opinion of this book before my little friend and I had explored it, I probably would have sniffed and snootily labeled it: So-so. Bright pictures and indestructible. It would do in a pinch if you were looking for something quick to read to a child.

This is where insight came in. I believe that what my new friend meant when he declared, "You need to read this to me" was that I was in need of what Oprah refers to as an "Ah-ha moment." (I don't believe in coincidences, you know. There was absolutely a reason this little guy and I crossed paths that day.)

I thought about our encounter the rest of the day and smiled each time I recalled our laughter and genuine joy as we shared a book. I marveled at this young child's logic about where Bob might have lost his hammer. And, SPOILER ALERT… by the time we had finally found Bob's hammer in his lunch box, I felt like I had made a new friend.

Ah-ha! He was right. I did need to read that book TO him. My "ah-ha" revelation, if you'll pardon my pun, hit me over the head like a hammer. What occurred to me was this; a book is tool. Some tools are beautiful and finely crafted, ergonomically designed and stylish. But sometimes, you just need a hammer. Any hammer. Yep, even that rusty one on the tool bench will do. Books are like that. Sometimes the real power of a book is not only in the carefully chosen words or the fanciful illustrations. Sometimes the real beauty of a book is in the sharing. When my four-year old pal and I shared the book, we cobbled together an experience that was rich with language and laughter.

This month, instead of recommending a list of books, here is a list of tips for sharing a book (any book!) with children.

1. Approach a book as if it is a big adventure (It is!! Who knows where it will take you?) Run your hand over the cover and ponder, "What could this be about?" Even the way you handle a book communicates a great deal to a child about how you feel about reading.

2. Read the title. Help the child understand that a title is really a clue. It gives the reader a hint about what is coming. Ask the child what she thinks the book might be about just by looking at the cover and title.

3. Read the author/illustrator's names. Remind the child that REAL people worked very hard to create this book. Does your child know this author through other books?

4. Read the dedication page. The author and illustrator often dedicate the book to someone. Again, this helps the child understand that the creators of this book are real people, just like him.

5. Now the adventure begins. Because, in all likelihood, you are not going to read this book just once, you can use several approaches to reading. Let the child be your guide here. Sometimes a child enjoys just listening to the story, soaking it all in. But more often, the child wants to be a part of the reading process. Take time to talk about the illustrations. They often tell a story. Ask the child what she sees on the page and what the characters are doing. Predict what might happen next in the story.

6. Don't be afraid to ham it up! Try out some character voices. Make sound effects. Change the inflection of your voice to create a mood. Your job as reader is to bring the words on the page to life.

7. Reading does not have to be a sedentary activity. Look for action words in the story and move. For example, in the book MOUSE COUNT, the little mice escape by rocking a jar "this way and that way." It's fun to rock side to side while reading this part.

8. Why did that happen? How did he do that? What will happen next? Try to answer your child's question with a question. Instead of giving an answer, give her an opportunity to think and express her thoughts.

9. Share books that you love with your child. Your enthusiasm will be contagious.

10. Read books that your child loves. Over and over. And over. Hearing a story many times is an important step in a child’s journey towards comprehension and listening skills. Find ways to keep it fresh when reading a book for the 10th or 100th time.

Happy reading!

On Family Reading: The Pleasure of a Good Scare!

By Julie Douglas, Family Program Specialist It was a dark and stormy night…. One of my fondest childhood memories is being about 10 years old and sitting on the front porch late at night trading creepy, spooky stories with my friends. Just beyond the amber glow of the porch light lurked ghosts and other assorted creatures of the dark. Every neighbor out on an evening stroll who passed by looked suspiciously zombie-like. The phone ringing inside the house was not a call from the other side of town, but from the Other Side. Everywhere we looked there was fodder for a tale of terror. Many of the tales we swapped were of the “urban legend” variety and usually began, “This really happened to my ___(fill in the blank with a relative, neighbor, or friend)." We would all sit knee to knee, clutching hands and barely daring to breathe. The storyteller would unravel the details slooooooooowwwly in a low, solemn voice. The events unfolded and the apprehension grew. Footsteps drew closer; chains rattled; whispering voices beckoned. Descriptions were vivid and over-the-top. Howling wind and diabolical laughter added to the drama. When the tension was almost unbearable, the storyteller would shout out the ending and be rewarded with shrieks and screams. Why do we love a good scary story? Psychologists suggest that when we identify with the protagonist in the story, we can experience triumph over fear. Horror allows us to confront our emotions and safely explore our dark side. Perhaps (gasp!) we even empathize with the monster on some level. Like those who love roller coasters and skydiving, fans of scary movies and stories enjoy the tension, thrills, and sense of relief they experience. Whatever the reason, many adults and children love a good scare. If you happen to be one of them, check out some of the books below. When choosing any book for children, use your own judgment and knowledge of what is appropriate for your child. A child’s age and temperament will determine if a book is right. In this genre especially, there is no “one size fits all.” Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a scratching noise coming from the attic and I need to go investigate. Where did I put that flashlight with the very low battery?

Scary, Scary Halloween by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Jan Brett (Clarion Books, 1988) Jan Brett's brightly illustrated Halloween costumes and Eve Bunting's wonderfully rhythmic verses pair up for a slightly spooky romp on Halloween. Appropriate for even the youngest audience.

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, illustrated by Megan Lloyd (HarperTrophy 1988) Bring this ghostly story to life by using props and sound effects when reading it to children. The little old lady will have listeners joining her in proclaiming, "I'm NOT afraid of you!"

Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Edward R Emberley (LB Kids,1993) Preschoolers will boldly send the monster packing while listening to this imaginative book by Caldecott Award-winner Emberley. Readers are treated to rich descriptions and vocabulary as they are introduced bit by bit to the big green monster.

Shake Dem Halloween Bones by W. Nikola-Lisa, illustrated by Mike Reed (Houghton Mifflin, 2000) Children won't be able to sit still for this one…and that’s a good thing! Perfect for an interactive storytime.

Spooky Hour by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees (Orchard 2004) Count on some spooky fun as the monsters make their way to a Halloween party. This not-at-all scary story might be a good way for young children to explore some of the costumes and decorations they will see during the holiday.

Mommy? by Maurice Sendak, Arthur Yorinks, and Matthew Reinhart (Michael di Capua Books / Scholastic, 2006) A small boy shows a houseful of ghoulish characters that he's in charge in this masterfully illustrated, nearly wordless pop-up book. Adults will enjoy the nods to well-known monsters such as Nosferatu and Frankenstein, while children will appreciate the youngster's triumph over them.

Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex (Harcourt Children's Books, 2006) With titles like "The Yeti Doesn't Appreciate Being Called Bigfoot" and "The Invisible Man Gets a Haircut," you know you are in for silly, scary fun with this collection of monster-themed poems. Even the dedications are good for a chuckle.

Oh No, Not Ghosts! by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Adam McCauley (Harcourt Children's Books, 2006) Rhythm, rhyme, and the repetitive phrase "Oh, no, not…" make this a frighteningly fun read aloud.

The Scary States of America by Michael Teitelbaum (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2007) Nine to twelve year olds are the target audience for this creepy collection of paranormal stories from each state, but younger listeners will enjoy them as well.

In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz and Dirk Zimmer. (HarperTrophy, 1985) Future fans of Stephen King can cut their teeth on the stories in this collection. Wonderfully creepy…but it would be prudent to preview them first before sharing with kids.

The Thrill of a New Book

Parlez-vous Français? My favorite moment in composing this newsletter comes when I open Julie Douglas's new column on family reading. She has such a gift for words, I read her piece even though I have no child to read to these days. Don't miss her new column on how she explored a new book in a language she doesn't speak! -Michael Bouman

When Love of Books Begins

On Family Reading, monthly column from Julie Douglas

This month Julie thinks about when children develop a love of books. Probably, they don't develop it in a classroom that is dominated by "No Child Left Behind." If not there, where? If not then, when?

(txt) On Family Reading: Humor in Children's Books

By Julie Douglas

As I headed to my car after a recent READ from the START program, I overheard one of the participants excitedly telling her son about one of the new books she had received. "You'll love this one!" she said.  "It's about a goat who only likes to eat healthy food. It’s SO funny!"



Most of us, regardless of age, like a good belly laugh. It's hard to resist something that makes us chuckle, whether it's a joke or a witty observation or a humorous story.  Children are no exception.  Besides being just plain fun, humor is actually good for developing minds!



Research has shown that when we nurture a child's emerging sense of humor, we also help them develop skills to deal with stress, interact socially, be creative, and problem solve.  Humor has been linked to healing and self-esteem.  Sharing a laugh over a book or story creates a bond between a parent and child.  And because much of humor is built on understanding wordplay and the sophisticated use of language, it is an important tool in becoming a good reader.



Luckily there is no shortage of humorous children's books from which to choose.  From simple knock-knock jokes and riddles, to picture books filled with parody and puns, there's a lot to tickle the funny bones of young children.



Because humorous children's books are a passion of mine, I have limited this list to my top 10 favorites lest the list get dangerously long! 

Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague (Scholastic Press, 2002)

Poor misunderstood Ike has been sent off to obedience school by his owner, Mrs. LaRue.  Not content to suffer in silence, Ike embarks on a mail campaign to guilt Mrs. LaRue into rescuing him from his "confinement."   The clever use of the text and illustrations telling two conflicting stories makes this book fun for both parent and child.

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Harry Bliss (Joanna Cotler, 2003)

If you think there can’t be anything funny about being an earthworm, think again! The wiggly narrator gives readers the real dirt about being a nightcrawler.

Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2000)

Stories about animals that outsmart humans make me laugh. When the inhabitants of this barnyard get fed up with their treatment, they take things into their own hands….uh, hooves.  Click Clack Moo is a delightful celebration of speaking up for oneself.

Wool Gathering: A Sheep Family Reunion by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Frank Ansley (Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, 2001)

Wooly puns and clever wordplay weave through this collection of poems about a family reunion. 

Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel (Harper & Row Publishers,1970)

As a former teacher and a parent, I have read Frog and Toad books so many times that I feel they are MY friends.  And who wouldn't want to get to know the often droll Toad and the sweet, cheerful Frog?  Lobel has written several books featuring the amphibian friends and all are well-loved by children (and adults!)

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems (Hyperion, 2006)

Seems like a reasonable request, doesn't it?  But the Pigeon is persistent in his pleas, with hilarious results.

The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith  (Viking, 1992)

Some of my very favorite stories are twisted fairy tales, and this one is at the top my list. Irreverent and slightly sarcastic, the stories in this collection will appeal to older children who are familiar with the fairy tales on which they are based.  Readers often either love or hate this one, but it is definitely unique.

Boney Legs by Joanna Cole (Scholastic, 1986)

When my daughter was little, we went through a period where we had to read Boney Legs every night. Cole's clever use of repetition and a story that begs to be acted out made this a favorite in our house.

And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss (Random House Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition, 1989)

Miscommunication and a wild imagination add up to giggles in this classic Dr. Seuss story.

Gregory the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat, illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey (Scholastic Paperbacks; Reissue edition,1989)

Gregory only wants to eat fruits and veggies, meat and dairy….you know, junk food. At least his parents see it that way. A young goat should be eating proper food like old tires and a piece of barber's pole.  Parents of picky eaters will recognize their family in this funny twist of a common problem.

(audio) On Family Reading: Fathers and Books

Volume 4, No. 6: June 2007
By Julie Douglas, Family Program Specialist, Missouri Humanities Council


A group of parents had just finished reading Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh. The story introduces readers to a snake who collects ten sleeping mice and drops them into a jar to snack on later. The mice eventually outwit the greedy snake and get away. One father closed the book and shook his head.

"I'd never read this to my little boy," he announced. His reason? The snake looked too "cute" and friendly. He wanted to make sure his child never viewed snakes as harmless. He explained that if his son thought snakes were cute, he might try to pick up one of the poisonous snakes that lived in the woods around their rural Missouri home. This insightful comment led to a conversation about fiction and nonfiction and helping children tell the difference.

Fathers often participate in READ from the START programs and add spontaneity, humor, and a unique perspective to the group. Often dads are the first to experiment with altering their voices when reading. They like to use sound effects to liven up a story. And during storytelling activities, the dads really let their imaginations soar!

Research shows that children greatly benefit from being read to by their father or other male caregiver. Not only does reading to a child help develop emerging literacy skills, but it also strengthens the bond between the parent and child, and serves as a way to express shared values. In our society, where reading to children is sometimes viewed as the mother’s "job," it's important to encourage fathers to read to their children.

In celebration of fathers, take a look at some entertaining stories about dads. Happy Father’s Day! (Here is a link to Freepledge.com, an internet site that connects retail vendors and their customers with non-profits. If you buy books on-line through the Freepledge portal, a percentage of the transaction is contributed by the vendor to the Missouri Humanities Council.)

My Father the Dog by Elizabeth Bluemle, illustrated by Randy Cecil (Candlewick, 2006)
A young girl suspects that her father is actually a dog, and sets out to convince the reader in this very silly (but fun!) picture book.

Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary (Oxford University Press, 2000)
Ramona Quimby faces a less-than-perfect second grade year and family dramas in Beverly Cleary’s Newbery Honor Book.

Daddy's Lullaby by Tony Bradman , illustrated by Jason Cockcroft (Margaret K. McElderry; 2002)
This beautifully illustrated story by British author Tony Bradman reveals the quiet bonding time between a dad and a not-so-sleepy baby while the rest of the house snoozes.

My Man Blue by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Jerome LaGarrigue (Puffin, 2002)
Told in a series of poems, My Man Blue explores young Damon’s feelings of mistrust and ambivalence and eventually friendship for his mother’s new friend, Blue.

How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon (Harcourt, 2003)
Sandcastle builder extraordinaire Jeremy Jacobs joins a band of pirates, leaving his parents behind on the beach. All is well until Jeremy begins to miss some of the often overlooked perks of living at home. Children and parents will laugh out loud at Jeremy’s adventure.

What Dads Can't Do by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Doug Cushman (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2005)
Dads and children will recognize themselves in this humorous look at all of the ordinary things that fathers can't do (such as sleeping late, or going fishing alone.)

My Dad! by Charles Fuge (Gullane Children's Books, 2004)
A little bear wildly exaggerates when describing his father and, in doing so, frightens off his playmates in this delightful tale of a father and his boastful cub.

And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, illustrated by Henry Cole (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2005)
Based on the true story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who raise a baby penguin, this book takes a tender look at a special family that is "just a little bit different."

Daddy's Little Girl by Bobby Burke, illustrated by Maggie Kneen (HarperCollins, 2004)

If you've attended a wedding reception, you've probably heard the song that this charming bedtime book is based on.

Daddy's Little Boy by Billy Collins, illustrated by Maggie Kneen (HarperCollins, 2004)
Here's another one adapted from a 1950s song about a special little boy.

My Dad by Anthony Browne (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2001)
This boy's dad can do it all from wrestling giants to walking a tightrope in Browne's cleverly illustrated tribute to a father.

When I Am Old With You by Angela Johnson, illustrated by David Soman (Scholastic, 1993)
The special bond between a grandfather and grandchild is explored as the child imagines a time when they will both be old together.

Baby Rattlesnake/Viborita de Cascabel told by Te Ata, adapted by Lynn Moroney, illustrated by Mira Reisberg (Children’s Book Press, 1999)
A baby rattlesnake learns about forgiveness in this warm Native American tale (in English and Spanish)

In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers illustrated by Javaka Steptoe (Lee and Low, 2001)
Thirteen poems in a richly illustrated picture book that pays tribute to fathers.

Shop and support the Missouri Humanities Council

Shop at your favorite online stores such as Amazon, Apple, Macy's and many more, and a percentage of what you spend will directly benefit Missouri Humanities Council. Buying books? Need a gift or more great music? Visit http://mohumanities.freepledge.com every time you want to shop online and donate to Missouri Humanities Council at no additional cost. No obligation, no membership, no hassle.

(txt) On Family Reading: The Gift of a Reading Mother

Volume 4, No. 5: May 2007
By Julie Douglas

You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be --
I had a Mother who read to me.
Strickland Gillilan from “The Reading Mother”

In a recent READ from the START session, a pregnant young woman shared that she had read one of her new books to her unborn child and the baby kicked. The mom-to-be took this as a sure sign that the baby liked the story. And she is probably right! Research shows that a child in the womb will respond to the sound of its mother's voice. What a lucky child; he has a mother who already recognizes the gift of reading to a child.

As a former teacher, I always have to smile when I see the bumper sticker that proclaims, "If you can read this, thank a teacher." As much as my "inner teacher" would like to take credit, I think the there should also be a bumper sticker that says, "If you can read this, thank your mom" (or dad, or other loving adult.) I know that I was blessed to have a mom who read to me and my siblings. She read to us, encouraged us to use the library, shared stories from the newspaper, and modeled a love of reading for us. I remember when I was a child she once told me that one of her favorite places on earth was the nightstand next to her bed. Confused, I looked to see what could possibly be so special about a nightstand. Of course, there sat a stack of books waiting to be read!

In honor of all reading and story-telling moms everywhere, here is a list of children's books that celebrate the special relationships between mothers and children. Happy Mother’s Day!

(For on-line ordering, the link below is a portal to the Missouri Humanities cubbyhole at an Amazon.com charity site named "Giveness." If you click the Amazon button and shop on line, the commissions generated by your shopping are donated to MHC.) http://www.giveness.com/mohumanities




A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying around the World by Emery Bernhard (Gulliver, 1996)

Children from a variety of cultures explore and learn while perched on a parent's shoulder or hip. Readers discover interesting facts, but also will recognize the special bond between parents, grandparents, and children that is a part of all cultures.

I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Keyana's mother gently helps her accept and celebrate herself.

My Mama Had a Dancing Heart by Libba Moore Gray (Live Oak Media, 2001)
Rich illustrations and lyrical text reveal the relationship of a young girl and her whimsical, dancing mother.

On Mother's Lap (board book) by Ann Herbert Scott (Clarion Books, 2007)
A young Eskimo boy discovers that his mother has plenty of love to share with him and the new baby.

Earth Mother by Ellen Jackson (Walker Books for Young Readers 2005)
Earth Mother considers the complaints of her "children" in this amusing and reassuring tale.

My Mother's Pearls by Catherine Myler Fruisen (Starbright Books, 2005)
A little girl learns about her ancestors as her mother tells stories about a string of pearls that has been handed down from generation to generation.

My Mother's Sari by Sandhya Rao (North-South Books, 2006)
Readers will discover how a long piece of fabric becomes a garment, as well as a prop for a child’s imagination.

Mothers are Like That by Carol Carrick (Clarion, 2007)
Mothers of all kinds, both two-legged or four-legged, care for their children in this quiet, cozy bedtime book.

A Chair for my Mother by Vera B. Williams (Harper Trophy, 1984)
A young girl and her mother and grandmother work together to recover from a fire.

What Do Parents Do? (When You're Not Home) by Jeanie Franz Ransom (Peachtree, 2007)
Young readers will laugh out loud at the antics of the parents in this delightful book by Missouri author Jeanie Franz Ransom.

Deep in the Swamp by Donna M. Bateman (Charlesbridge, 2007)
Swamp-dwelling mother animals and their babies are featured in this charming adaptation of "Over in the Meadow" by another Missouri author, Donna Bateman.

(txt)On Family Reading: Celebrate Poetry with Children 4/07

Volume 4, No. 4: April 2007
by Julie Douglas, Family Program Specialist

Poetry begins in delight and ends in wisdom.
Robert Frost

Have you enjoyed a poem today? Has your child? Hearing poetry is an important stepping stone on the path to learning to read. According to Mem Fox in her book Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever, "Experts in literacy and child development have discovered that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they're four years old, they're usually among the best readers by the time they are eight."

What is it about a simple poem that is so powerful? T.S. Eliot described poetry as being "the perfect words in the perfect order." For children, that seems especially true. Young children take great pleasure in hearing the rhyme and rhythm of poetry. Poetry provides a structure and orderliness to language, which is appealing to a little one who is just beginning to make sense of words. In Poetry Aloud Here, author Sylvia Vardell states, "Poetry is primal: it speaks to a basic human need for expression and is made from the basic building blocks of language."

Think of poetry as the superhero of language development. Where else can a child be exposed to such rich vocabulary and imagery? What can sharpen her phonological awareness better than a rhyme? Through poetry, the child is introduced to sophisticated word play that isn't found in our everyday conversations. Poetry invites the child to clap and move along to the beat, to imitate the rhythm and inflection with her own voice, and to eventually recite the words. A poem is meant to be heard and spoken.

Surrounding a child with poetry comes quite naturally. Singing lullabies to a baby, bouncing a child on our knee while chanting, and reciting nursery rhymes with a child are examples of how parents participate in the oral tradition of poetry. How can parents take that next step into the world of poetry with their children?

The Academy of American Poets recommends 30 Ways to Celebrate Poetry at www.poets.org. Several of their suggestions are easily adapted to the under five set.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Take a poem to lunch. When your child is perched in his high chair or booster seat and enjoying a meal, pull out a book of poems and read a few. Or let your inner poet loose and make up some rhymes about the food the child is munching.

Recite a poem to family or friends. Find a poem that you love and make it part of your child's daily routine. Read or recite a poem at bath time or to signal the beginning of the bedtime routine. Read a special poem as part of a birthday or holiday celebration.

Start a "commonplace book." A commonplace book is a book where one copies down favorite poems and quotes to keep as a personal anthology of words they love. Create a notebook of poems, song lyrics, chants, and wordplay that you and your child enjoy. Jot down funny rhymes that you create together.

Put a poem in your child's pocket (or book bag or lunch box). Surprise your young reader with a poem tucked into her pocket.

Participate in Young People's Poetry Week. Sponsored by the Children's Book Council, Young People's Poetry Week is held the third week of April. Visit www.cbc.org for ideas on how to celebrate poetry in your home, daycare, or classroom.

Read a book of poetry. Here a few to get you started.

Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young by Jack Prelutsky (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1986)

The Random House Book of Poetry for Children by Jack Prelutsky (Random House, 2000)

My Very First Mother Goose by Iona Opie and Rosemary Wells. (Candlewick, 1996)

Welcome, Baby! Baby Rhymes for Baby Times by Stephanie Calmenson (HarperCollins, 2002)

My First Action Rhymes pictures by Lynne Cravath. (HarperCollins, 2000)

The Baby's Playtime Book by Kay Chorao (Dutton Juvenile, 2006)

There's a Wocket in my Pocket! Dr. Seuss's Book of Ridiculous Rhymes by Dr. Seuss (Random House Books for Young Readers; Board edition, 1996)

Where the Sidewalk Ends: Poems and Drawings by Shel Silverstein (HarperCollins; 1st ed edition, 1974)

A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children by Caroline Kennedy (Hyperion, 2005)

Love to Mama: A Tribute to Mothers by Pat Mora (Lee & Low Books; Bilingual edition 2004)

Poems and Prayers for the Very Young by Martha Alexander (Random House Books for Young Readers,1973)

Splash! Poems of Our Watery World by Constance Levy. (Orchard, 2004)

Happy Reading!

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