I Am the Book

 I Am the Bookis a new book by Lee Bennett Hopkins, just released this past March. It is a collection of poetry by thirteen different well-known children’s authors and poets. All of the poems celebrate books and the joy of reading. Through wonderful figurative language, the authors convey how they feel about the magic of reading. Each poem has a different form and different voice depending on which author wrote that particular poem. If a child loves to read, this is also a good book to introduce them to poetry since it’s all about what they love best—books! For any child that likes artwork, the whimsical pictures are interesting, too, and help add to the meaning of the poems. In every illustration, Yayo uses books as part of the scene. In one picture the book is the dog’s nose and whiskers, in another the boat. Although I enjoyed reading this entire book, and recommend it as an addition to everyone's collection, I especially loved the following poem, “Don’t Need a Window Seat,” by Kristine O’Connell George.

Riding home from the library, 

don’t need a window seat.

Got a great new book to read,

eleven more beneath my feet.

Bus’s wheels are turning fast,

I’m starting Chapter One,

hoping I won’t reach my stop

before this book is done

Riding my imagination,

Flying down city streets.

Got this great new book to read––

who needs a window seat?

Summer Reading

With school out and summer in full swing, libraries across the country have started their summer reading club. In 1987, ten Minnesota Regional Library System workers started The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), a summer reading program for children. They chose themes and created artwork that other public libraries in the region could utilize. This grassroots movement spread throughout the country. Today, most libraries have a reading program to help keep children reading through the summer. This year's theme is One World Many Stories.

The U.S. Secretary of Education (Arne Duncan) stated in 2009 that summer learning loss is “devastating.” By joining a local library's summer reading program, learning loss can help be prevented. Many studies have shown that if I child continues reading they will have better writing skills and a larger vocabulary. 

No matter what the medium, reading is important, but I think a good old fashioned book is vital in a young person’s life. It creates a tactile experience and deepens the child’s connection to the written word. Reading helps develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. It teaches children responsibility and how to resolve conflict. It also allows children to dream, to use their imagination, and to travel to different places and other cultures in their minds. 

Although e-books and the internet can also foster better reading skills, it takes away the magic of reading a “real” book. Unfortunately, readily available access to books may become more difficult. I was just contacted by an owner of a bookstore. He has been calling people to bring attention to the fact that that there are still privately owned bookstores, and the importance of reading. Years ago, small bookstores were upset with the opening of chain bookstores such as Borders Books and Music and Barnes and Noble. Now, these chain stores are also being hurt by people turning to the internet to read and buy books.

Please encourage your child to read, not just during the school year, but also in the summer when important learning skills can be lost. And don’t forget to support your local bookstores and libraries!

I Knew You Could!

“Different tracks wind around, over, under, and through. So pick out the one that works best for you. Though the track you start out on will feel like 'the one,' you might take a few more before you are done.” – I Knew You Could!

In 2003, author Craig Dorfman published a sequel to the much loved story The Little Engine That Could—which I reviewed in my last blog—called I Knew You Could!: A Book For All the Stops In Your Life. The whole book is a metaphor for life as the Little Blue Train gives helpful advice on the journey that is your life, starting with the fact that you must find your own track. No one can choose it for you. In rhyming verse, the book goes on to talk about the different emotions, obstacles, and events that you might face in life, and sneaks in some motivational advice on how to stay on track and be happy with yourself. It reminds you that you might sometimes need to change direction in your life. This isn’t considered failing, but a reason to move on and try new things. This book is typically recommended for children 4–8. The story will help teach and inspire older children lessons about life, though, and younger children will find this another fun adventure story with the Little Blue Engine. Many adults are also struck by how powerful the message in this book is. Overall, a very good book. I would highly recommend it for any age, especially for those facing life changes, such as graduation.

“Just trust in yourself, and you’ll climb every hill. Say, “I think I can!” and you know what? You will!"