Adventures of a Wandering Homebody
Library Log #2
Ahh, as sunlight streams through the window over the snow piled up outside I feel as though spring might truly be on its way. Just like the birds happily chirping to greet the newly warm day, a fresh start may be in order for me as well. Last week, we had such a successful trip to the library that I have renewed ambition to post those lovely books here to share with you.
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson: a very interactive picture book where the reader is invited to perform actions on the pages that seemingly affect the following page. If you touch the buds on the tree, when you turn the page they have magically blossomed. We enjoyed the simple nature theme as we helped the tree change through the seasons. It was sweet and simple, yet my 5 and 7 year old wanted to read it over and over again. If you have read and liked Press Here or Mix It Up by Herve Tullet you will enjoy this one.
The Old Woman Who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant: an old woman has lived longer than all of her friends and lives alone in her house where she names things like her chair and her bed presumably so that she won’t feel so lonely. When a stray puppy arrives at her garden gate she reluctantly befriends it but does not name it, presumable so that she won’t outlive it, too. When the dog goes missing, she realizes just how much he means to her and goes to find him and eventually give him a name. Beautiful pictures and a heartwarming story about the importance of companionship.
The Gardener by Sarah Stewart: a hands-down favorite of my first grader. This story, set in the 1930s, is told through a series of letters written by a young girl to her parents and grandmother while she is sent to live with her uncle. It traces her growing relationship with her unsmiling uncle and demonstrates the power and beauty of flowers. This book presents so many opportunities for conversation about feelings and relationships and how life was different so many years ago. Oh, and the pictures are so beautiful I was inspired to start my flower garden planning!
Nightsong by Ari Berk: an endearing story of a small bat sent on his first nighttime journey. He is nervous that he will not find his way, but his mother assures him that he should trust his senses. Of course, he does and flies further than he has before and is rewarded with a beautiful adventure. We found this book to be a lovely bedtime story.
I hope you enjoy some of these choices as much as we have! And please let me know of any of your recent favorite children’s books.
Health and Happiness,
Cerissa
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