Hi welcome back
There are so many fabulous books for
kids in the market. I don’t know about you, but I never walk out of a bookstore
with just one. My arms are stuffed with
books, ranging from picture books all the way to teen and adult. An expensive
habit I’ve learned to supplement with the library.
Friends have asked me how do I know
which books are good. How do I pick an appropriate book for my child? She/he
isn’t ready for the more advanced books, is frustrated with the words, language
and often times refuses to try.
I am a big believer that a book
should be enjoyed, not seen as a burden to read. What I’ve told others is not to be too
concerned by the age category of the book but how your child is enjoying the
story. Is it written simply enough where they can decipher the words? Is the story fun, exciting, full of
adventure, something they’ll want to revisit again.
PICTURE BOOKS
Picture books, are a child's earliest introduction to reading. Often the text is simple and uses every-day words. Stories
are short bursting with brilliant illustrations. Picture books are perfect for
kids who cannot yet read and the early readers. On every page is an
illustration, which complements the story.
Picture books have little text, often one to two sentences per
page. Fictional stories stretch to
the farthest of galaxies to the lowest ocean depths. Nonfiction follows the
same format, short clear concise sentences with visuals on every page.
A commonality found in many picture
books is family, neighbourhoods, school, and pets, all that is familiar and
part of a young child’s immediate world.
Stories are never scary or threatening, but often times reinforce
positive messages.
My personal favourites are those that
are silly, whimsical, goofy, and above all humorous.
Many years ago, I was a director of a
daycare. It was here that I could let down my inhibitions and participate in
the wonderful world of creative play. It
began with a simple cluster of blocks. In no time, our classroom converted into
a space station. The blocks now the rocket and prepared to launch. Placing on
our invisible helmets and space suits, we were ready to explore space. The kids
tiptoed, hopped and bounced on the moon, and with a giant leap catapulted into
another galaxy.
Stories that may seem completely
outlandish to an adult are filled with excitement to a child, one whose world
of make believe is at its peak without any inhibitions. The world is there’s to
explore.
YUCK, A LOVE STORY
YUCK, A LOVE STORY
BY DON GILLMOR ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARIE-LOUISE GAY
Austin Grouper does not like girls.
They’re yucky. He does like his best friend Sternberg, his dog, and his red
bicycle.
Reluctantly, Austin agrees to meet his
new neighbour. Not only is she a girl, but the same age as he. To make matters worse Amy has invited him to her
birthday party.
Returning home, Austin knows what he has
to do. He’ll give her the biggest present of all, the moon. Now he faces the
greatest challenge of all, how to capture the moon and deliver it to Amy at her
party.
DON GILLMOR WRITER
Canadian author Don Gillmor received the
Governor Generals award for Yuck, a Love Story. The book is humorous; a fun
read that is part fantasy and adventure.
He captured feelings of change and insecurity, and gently eased the
characters through their discomfort to a happy resolution in the end, the bond
of friendship.
MARIE- LOUISE GAY ILLUSTRATOR
Marie-Louise Gay is a Canadian artist
and writer. She has published sixty books. Some of her best-known titles are
Charlie and Max, and Stella and Sam, which are not only a series of books but
also now a very popular pre- school show. Her illustrations jumped off the
pages full of whimsy and fun a perfect complement to the story.
Happy reading
Bye Rosalyne
Happy reading
Bye Rosalyne
