tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62661914232387511502024-03-13T09:26:56.316-07:00Emmy's Book of the DayYou found it! A place for an amazed Mommy to record her twelve-year-old daughter's reading journey. I will post our favorite book of the day and any and all amazing discoveries on the road to literacy.Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-11182070012488082372016-10-10T18:08:00.002-07:002016-11-03T09:12:42.218-07:00Scarecrow Pete<div style="text-align: left;">
Autumn is my very favorite time of year. The cooler days, colorful leaves and pumpkin everything brings me so much joy! Emmy also enjoys this season, but it takes her a bit longer to make the transition from the hot summer days to the chillier weather. We both look forward to our town's Fall Festival every Columbus Day (or Indigenous People's Day) weekend. Our little New England town dresses itself up for the event. Market Square downtown is decorated with corn stalks, hay bales and pumpkins. Businesses in town participate in the festival by creating a scarecrow and attaching it to our lampposts. This is our favorite part of the festival. We enjoy seeing all of the creative ideas used to build the scarecrows as some represent the business while others showcase a favorite character. </div>
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Here are some of our favorite photos from the past several years.</div>
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Before we go to check out the scarecrows, Emmy and I enjoy reading ~ <b>Scarecrow Pete</b> by <a href="http://markkimballmoulton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mark Kimball Moulton</a>. Now, before you think that this is a book to read during Autumn, let us tell you otherwise. First of all on the opening pages, the reader is met with this quote, "<i>Why, I can go most anywhere by reading a good book." </i>These words set the stage for this most enjoyable book where a young boy discovers that the scarecrow in his family's cornfield can not only talk, but enjoys a good book! Moulton tells the story through rhyme in the form of a very long poem. It is delightful to read out loud as the words just roll right off your tongue. </div>
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<i>"Now this is nice," said Scarecrow Pete, "a beautiful fine day, </i></div>
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<i>a brand-new friend to talk to, and my belly full of hay." </i></div>
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<i>"A brand-new friend? Do you have more?" I asked my </i></div>
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<i>Scarecrow Pete. "If you are always tied up here, how do you ever meet?" </i></div>
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<i>"That's easy - I imagine them! I meet friends, near and far. </i></div>
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<i>I close my eyes and think of them, then poof! </i><i>Why, there they are!"</i></div>
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<i>"I do the same to travel," he continued, with a look. </i></div>
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<i>"Why I can go most anywhere by reading a good book." </i></div>
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And second of all, the young boy is on his summer vacation and doesn't think that he needs to read, but when the scarecrow asks him to read him a book from the suitcase by his knee, he hesitantly obliges. As the boy reads many classic stories such as Moby Dick, Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, he finds himself becoming a voracious reader.</div>
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<i>"I never forget those days, that summer long ago, for that was when I </i></div>
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<i>realized how much books can help you grow. They teach, enchant and captivate, </i></div>
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<i>enlighten and cajole. They inspire imagination and they touch your very soul!" </i></div>
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To go along with the beautiful verse are the gorgeous illustrations by <a href="http://karenhillardgood.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Karen Hillard Good</a>. Each page is filled from edge to edge with enchanting drawings in subtle colors. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Emmy is always delighted to see so many of her favorite books in Scarecrow Pete's suitcase especially another one of Moulton's books, </span><b style="text-align: left;">A Snowman Named Just Bob</b><span style="text-align: left;">,</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">which we read every winter. Emmy loves that the boy and the scarecrow become pen pals at the end and we both find ourselves loving the very last page in the book every time we read it. </span></div>
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<i>"You can do most anything, meet anyone you please, </i></div>
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<i>travel anywhere you like, and do it all with ease. </i></div>
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<i>Just find a place that's comfortable - a nice, warm </i><i>cozy </i></div>
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<i>nook - and lose yourself among the pages of a favorite book!"</i></div>
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Emmy and I would recommend any book by Mark Kimball Moulton, but since it's getting close to Halloween, be sure to read <b>Miss Fiona's Stupendous Pumpkin Pies</b>! <br />
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Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-28371529646642748002016-07-29T14:58:00.002-07:002016-07-30T14:24:52.040-07:00Where's Waldo?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Emmy and I are on the search for Waldo all around Newburyport. We have been having a blast visiting all of our local shops and searching and searching for a very small cardboard cut out of Waldo. It has given us the opportunity to talk to the shopkeepers, see all the new merchandise and just enjoy our quaint little town. A big shout out to <a href="http://www.hugobookstores.com/bookrack" target="_blank">The Book Rack Bookstore</a> for hosting this event in Newburyport. The search for Waldo is going on across the country during the month of July with chances to earn an I Found Waldo button, a $1 off coupon for a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=where%27s+waldo" target="_blank"><b>Where's Waldo</b></a> book as well as the opportunity to be entered in a drawing for a deluxe set of Waldo books as well as other great prizes. Contact your local bookstore to see if they are participating in <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/files/waldo/FindWaldoLocal_Brochure_2016pages.pdf" target="_blank">Find Waldo Local</a>.<br />
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Update: Here is the finished sheet. Emmy was very determined to find every Waldo!</div>
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And Emmy used her $1 off coupon to purchase this Waldo book with her own money! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLu1gBhnGYveH81xWrhKR2-LE7kTqGS79bkrDaycRnNJc6HUo52G9Tb5uYGP7KQf-ZZcPtdPYQfaRdRtbxzUPH8IrlaSpP7i0L-onnGNaVGBR2HI2s68EPkABG8i1Uv2-WcyfC4QgwaM/s1600/61Q6YN6BNQL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLu1gBhnGYveH81xWrhKR2-LE7kTqGS79bkrDaycRnNJc6HUo52G9Tb5uYGP7KQf-ZZcPtdPYQfaRdRtbxzUPH8IrlaSpP7i0L-onnGNaVGBR2HI2s68EPkABG8i1Uv2-WcyfC4QgwaM/s200/61Q6YN6BNQL.jpg" width="157" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTE0PCPg2yBrcOtk5nmiuio-NE0g1RtSom0gVlZfWzlah1klLIeiSBfCSq2gJ8D6X0wl_GQPOmSJy4Vu89Oo1q3jL3L9VyE6K156X-UIex371lbyypJilUT7hv-1MlCC4O65n5DHIlsRs/s1600/IMG_0660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTE0PCPg2yBrcOtk5nmiuio-NE0g1RtSom0gVlZfWzlah1klLIeiSBfCSq2gJ8D6X0wl_GQPOmSJy4Vu89Oo1q3jL3L9VyE6K156X-UIex371lbyypJilUT7hv-1MlCC4O65n5DHIlsRs/s200/IMG_0660.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Oh and have you heard about the construction worker who is playing Where's Waldo with the children in a hospital across the street from his construction site. See the article and video <a href="http://www.today.com/news/construction-worker-plays-live-where-s-waldo-kids-hospital-across-t101135" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-75028186375687981052016-07-19T17:30:00.001-07:002016-07-19T17:31:47.020-07:00Blueberries for Sal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">July is National Blueberry Month!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbdI9b1RC6nVZOvLEUs8wECA2YXfHuZC_454-Enxt4iilYbxL6-ZBA4WWuEsTX_iIlDgKZOXrPx0R1hP4QpF7PRSGzSd7czdQ5LzeyHhxzidfKw5AOU7ZEyHLZTcGURD7NvTtXUp_GCQ/s1600/blueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbdI9b1RC6nVZOvLEUs8wECA2YXfHuZC_454-Enxt4iilYbxL6-ZBA4WWuEsTX_iIlDgKZOXrPx0R1hP4QpF7PRSGzSd7czdQ5LzeyHhxzidfKw5AOU7ZEyHLZTcGURD7NvTtXUp_GCQ/s320/blueberries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If any fruit deserves its own special month of honorable recognition, this little blue beauty certainly does. Native to North America, blueberries are grown in 35 out of the 50 states which means that the United States supplies roughly 95% of the entire world's crop! With flavors ranging from puckery tart to mildly sweet, blueberries are in their prime in the month of July. And as they are full of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants, they definitely make the healthy food list.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA2o9-ptyx8LOf_IfaewW8JSimlD3ey8km2QQN70amqqVmJ4Wi2f_bTh-Zn5Wbc2QY3tBlBN6uxvypiObz9S1HrMvl2GTZA3b9EQNoJ9dP8Cw-1pUduCRCFP1WAmzjuk6ou02To68ERU/s1600/35264641-ripe-blueberries-on-a-blueberry-bush-Stock-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOA2o9-ptyx8LOf_IfaewW8JSimlD3ey8km2QQN70amqqVmJ4Wi2f_bTh-Zn5Wbc2QY3tBlBN6uxvypiObz9S1HrMvl2GTZA3b9EQNoJ9dP8Cw-1pUduCRCFP1WAmzjuk6ou02To68ERU/s200/35264641-ripe-blueberries-on-a-blueberry-bush-Stock-Photo.jpg" width="200" /></a>My little darling Emmy has an aversion to certain textures in food and blueberries are not often her fruit of choice. However, when given the opportunity to pick her own, Emmy is much more likely to try new fruits. Fortunately for us, there are many farms in our area that offer pick-your-own so blueberry picking is one of our summer traditions. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGUaAF53-_3vMskCz4tGm63oCR39tn34HIZ5zTV0th0MjJXiLk4TRFUY1OijkivxEM7Lik5uSBzpkOMMAM9cZZhze2ITOEYdDpdLUml6bk_asCvm9-Tuxf4IHT05qn-1UxcLIls311d4/s1600/Blueberries+for+Sal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGUaAF53-_3vMskCz4tGm63oCR39tn34HIZ5zTV0th0MjJXiLk4TRFUY1OijkivxEM7Lik5uSBzpkOMMAM9cZZhze2ITOEYdDpdLUml6bk_asCvm9-Tuxf4IHT05qn-1UxcLIls311d4/s200/Blueberries+for+Sal.jpg" width="200" /></a>Before Emmy and I head out to our favorite local farm (<a href="http://www.ciderhill.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Cider Hill Farm</span></a>) to pick our own blueberries, we read Robert McCloskey's book <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/014050169X" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Blueberries for Sal</span></a>.</b> This story is a classic as it has been enjoyed by generations of children and is still popular today. The endearing illustrations, rendered in dark blue ink reminiscent of the stain made by blueberries, was recognized with a Caldecott Honor in 1949.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScTKLJuKumT5zo3qn32lz_ZnYdkoGaaStzXPRo8unyWrBPTvYDirmhWcqP3_gDB7W1eIkjt5kfHSUrss6c7IkH3Xetd-dU5X2_pFXAc26mvQlSp4kEuGDvjgqDBF9fMA4hxoXoGeohN4/s1600/image_blueberriesforsal4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScTKLJuKumT5zo3qn32lz_ZnYdkoGaaStzXPRo8unyWrBPTvYDirmhWcqP3_gDB7W1eIkjt5kfHSUrss6c7IkH3Xetd-dU5X2_pFXAc26mvQlSp4kEuGDvjgqDBF9fMA4hxoXoGeohN4/s200/image_blueberriesforsal4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "times";">McCloskey tells two stories side-by-side in this
book, one of a little girl named Sal and her mother, who are picking wild
blueberries to can for the winter, and another of a little bear cub and his
mother, who are eating wild blueberries to prepare for winter hibernation.
Sal's and Little Bear's paths eventually cross and then each follows the wrong
mother around Blueberry Hill. When I share this book with Emmy, her
favorite part of the story is always the sound that the berries make when they
hit Sal's small tin bucket "kuplink, kuplnak, kuplunk!" This sound is
what makes Little Bear's mother aware that her bear cub is not behind her. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaCMpeVgh74i62G9qgX0S2_I3zs4LEEWcIZu4_nrZCu2S7Bt5aW_LdoJ2YJKqeESz_ywzijpdCtWIUyGYsAX1j0kWzHXPT3Lj5Wwxowu_qaE4hCNcFQHZO-UZI4_MTsbE5THi-1UyTCI/s1600/6598258338726213851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaCMpeVgh74i62G9qgX0S2_I3zs4LEEWcIZu4_nrZCu2S7Bt5aW_LdoJ2YJKqeESz_ywzijpdCtWIUyGYsAX1j0kWzHXPT3Lj5Wwxowu_qaE4hCNcFQHZO-UZI4_MTsbE5THi-1UyTCI/s320/6598258338726213851.jpg" width="320" /><span style="font-size: 18px;"> </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbFZFF93ULs9g4TbVYQOjmC_40TbrXHUv4oew3s7TA65ByEpcow-_rzrUl1GjLaZ3Gm7VZ70kUk_NMrGGemy0-XqlYvS0-2Qmh4jY91CMqcMVl6b9LbMGGYF5sJphxF85BnyDcQtd5X8/s1600/3486918859_fa9e19c3c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbFZFF93ULs9g4TbVYQOjmC_40TbrXHUv4oew3s7TA65ByEpcow-_rzrUl1GjLaZ3Gm7VZ70kUk_NMrGGemy0-XqlYvS0-2Qmh4jY91CMqcMVl6b9LbMGGYF5sJphxF85BnyDcQtd5X8/s320/3486918859_fa9e19c3c3.jpg" width="320" /></a>Something else that I enjoy about this story is its old fashioned concepts. Emmy and I talked at length about the end papers of the book that showed a 1940's kitchen and the process of canning fruit. I know that there are those that continue the tradition of canning in their home, but it is not something that is recognizable in Emmy's or my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After reading the story, Emmy and I were definitely craving a fresh pail of blueberries of our own so off we went to the farm on a very hot day! <span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi29B_44sxZnVzfBb8R-VbVQaFIfGhn-3g_eCy6rV4q9v7Y2y5cI0peLR0V_hUYH99f8CD5bRentUqCiR97Wqibb3CA1m6BBwL2CRj1Gz_TWnxFekLRc_i0BZ6_stl-7oNSJntLNLiG4A/s1600/IMG_0559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi29B_44sxZnVzfBb8R-VbVQaFIfGhn-3g_eCy6rV4q9v7Y2y5cI0peLR0V_hUYH99f8CD5bRentUqCiR97Wqibb3CA1m6BBwL2CRj1Gz_TWnxFekLRc_i0BZ6_stl-7oNSJntLNLiG4A/s200/IMG_0559.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySbCV6zdkEUwGtSRS_-Wk48wFiZRHZcOZxV4dlyl7fQ0U7fczKDG3Sm-RPIyl8f162u_d5H1h_V9h2845QB52c9kljVJ2g9TIK_zTokSPKA9DyQB7VczqMdL4yqOPJk0PtHWXgNuwC3I/s1600/IMG_0564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySbCV6zdkEUwGtSRS_-Wk48wFiZRHZcOZxV4dlyl7fQ0U7fczKDG3Sm-RPIyl8f162u_d5H1h_V9h2845QB52c9kljVJ2g9TIK_zTokSPKA9DyQB7VczqMdL4yqOPJk0PtHWXgNuwC3I/s200/IMG_0564.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6FADmE6Fj91GY_Up3WCIGVANkoieh40NT7LoyGNBevEN8OunWOzMmlrf_I3TQRE9uzrnXERgf5fRkP6tx6y83lsmPN2_0Uowdc-n3KzwguQCBQDoWU6kdqcN8u33ua4vVzntB1AO2RY/s1600/IMG_0574+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6FADmE6Fj91GY_Up3WCIGVANkoieh40NT7LoyGNBevEN8OunWOzMmlrf_I3TQRE9uzrnXERgf5fRkP6tx6y83lsmPN2_0Uowdc-n3KzwguQCBQDoWU6kdqcN8u33ua4vVzntB1AO2RY/s200/IMG_0574+%25281%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Emmy was thrilled with the picking, but sad that the bucket we received at the farm didn't make the same sound as Sal's tin bucket. She did eat quite a few berries right off of the bush, but there was no convincing her that this should be a favorite fruit. As for me, I ate many more berries than what I added to the bucket! Overall, the pick-your-own experience was a great time for both us and one that we will repeat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9E0ZKtDf-QX51AlwWHSEGo-qtB1y1Zx50NNaK6D2pA_dIr2rPkYVloirkZv5akh25Hqyzv0vuJwT1GYH4OyD0UqnvpN9CpnoahdANymJkAVb1OlqE8WEyM0ORSH8hszi8vvQtfiYjwU/s1600/51aCUfJtjnL._SY445_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9E0ZKtDf-QX51AlwWHSEGo-qtB1y1Zx50NNaK6D2pA_dIr2rPkYVloirkZv5akh25Hqyzv0vuJwT1GYH4OyD0UqnvpN9CpnoahdANymJkAVb1OlqE8WEyM0ORSH8hszi8vvQtfiYjwU/s200/51aCUfJtjnL._SY445_.jpg" width="141" /></a><br />
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When Emmy was younger, we very much enjoyed
watching many of our favorite picture books come to life through the Scholastic
Video Collection. If you have the opportunity, look for the DVD <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/B00023TG6Y" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Make Way for Ducklings...and More Robert McCloskey Stories</b></span></a>.
Included are the stories Make Way for Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal,
Time of Wonder, Lentil and Burt Dow, Deep Water Man. Although not
animated as the other stories in the DVD series, the narration and music makes
it a nice addition to the classic McCloskey stories. </div>
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Emmy and I are such HUGE fans of Robert McCloskey and we hope that his post inspires others to pick up his books and read them. We have a wonderful treasury of McCloskey classics titled <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Make-Way-McCloskey-Robert-Treasury/dp/067005934X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468972729&sr=1-1&keywords=make+way+for+mccloskey" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Make Way for McCloskey - A Robert McCloskey Treasury</span></a></b> that has 8 complete stories, including Blueberries for Sal, with an introduction by Leonard S. Marcus as well as photographs and original drawings by the author. <br />
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If you would like more of McCloskey, then check out our review of another one of his classics <b><a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2010/07/make-way-for-ducklings.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Make Way for Ducklings</span></a>.</b> Also, look for <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Morning-Maine-Picture-Puffins/dp/0140501746/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468974511&sr=1-1&keywords=one+morning+in+maine" target="_blank">One Morning in Maine</a></b> which is considered to be a sequel to Blueberries for Sal. <br />
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To continue to inspire all things blueberry, Emmy and I would also recommend the following books:</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blueberries-Grow-Bush-Fruits-Vegetables/dp/1429661836" target="_blank">Blueberries Grow on a Bush </a></b>by Mari Schuh</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXjc635AxwtN7N_nHIB-aIEMS0fSri2QZN6R_Uff57_UtYtvRFlF0do7L3mNOoseO7QIZQbL5_KoLWjEcg-zSHie_oIolCD72346KskbV1e92sF0EiuvMxWD0FKBTkU13LYrKEpWKdpk/s1600/510FEFF5S4L._SX455_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXjc635AxwtN7N_nHIB-aIEMS0fSri2QZN6R_Uff57_UtYtvRFlF0do7L3mNOoseO7QIZQbL5_KoLWjEcg-zSHie_oIolCD72346KskbV1e92sF0EiuvMxWD0FKBTkU13LYrKEpWKdpk/s200/510FEFF5S4L._SX455_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="191" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blueberry-Mouse-Alice-Low/dp/1593361114/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468682457&sr=1-1&keywords=blueberry+mouse" target="_blank"><b>Blueberry Mouse</b></a> by Alice Low</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/More-Blueberries-Susan-Musgrave/dp/1459807073/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468682488&sr=1-1&keywords=more+blueberries" target="_blank"><b>More Blueberries</b></a> by Susan Musgrave</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eNThyQz64CFDFV-WU4Hi8wh0iSEgZ_mXDplIoUlUSrOkLgGGJkExILHeMgBWf2f5f84udmdzvbrbB_QFDlkkiWCwr97_TSDUIJ9IZXR2Rh13JAEAySnbpNACKWzYebHe_4aoKaEttkw/s1600/513wm8v328L._SY379_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eNThyQz64CFDFV-WU4Hi8wh0iSEgZ_mXDplIoUlUSrOkLgGGJkExILHeMgBWf2f5f84udmdzvbrbB_QFDlkkiWCwr97_TSDUIJ9IZXR2Rh13JAEAySnbpNACKWzYebHe_4aoKaEttkw/s200/513wm8v328L._SY379_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Peter-Blueberry-Land-Elsa-Beskow/dp/0863154980/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468682524&sr=1-1&keywords=peter+in+blueberry+land" target="_blank">Peter in Blueberry Land</a> </b>by Elsa Beskow</div>
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And if you have any blueberries left after picking, there are many delicious treats that can be made, but since Emmy loves putting syrup on her pancakes and waffles (of course freshly picked blueberries can be added to these as well), I thought we might try this simple recipe for Blueberry Syrup!</div>
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1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup water</div>
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1/4 cup light corn syrup 1 tbs cornstarch</div>
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2 tsp lemon juice 2 cups of blueberries</div>
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Stir together all ingredients in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave on full power 5 minutes. Stir and serve warm. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2eiqlxSIpi7wKDXwbE0PrlDw31dNG1kJo5sDNb27FoYOCldI5btd61tyKz-uJHWpzkeN973-q7RkPiEhtcMdYfPrPIOR4M6CAjALSLlKvbiMrPhVnIpy0eZHNUkDtIHA0hC1VIAfG7A/s1600/img_5814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2eiqlxSIpi7wKDXwbE0PrlDw31dNG1kJo5sDNb27FoYOCldI5btd61tyKz-uJHWpzkeN973-q7RkPiEhtcMdYfPrPIOR4M6CAjALSLlKvbiMrPhVnIpy0eZHNUkDtIHA0hC1VIAfG7A/s320/img_5814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blueberry Deliciousness!</div>
Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-69552982488583982732015-12-11T09:15:00.000-08:002016-04-10T13:36:39.778-07:00A Visit With Jan Brett<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhWvp5OBKasWSLPG4X93aQuGmQu4HpqfBjkNRdAnabNGv9SMlOccmHzx0R1gU_1h5flF7PvPeExWRzSwP1CvikqcCqH5VtYajq4_htksd6uZGlwGbo1GO2UqQDuGt4OPep2CCpx7svrQ/s1600/IMG_8574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhWvp5OBKasWSLPG4X93aQuGmQu4HpqfBjkNRdAnabNGv9SMlOccmHzx0R1gU_1h5flF7PvPeExWRzSwP1CvikqcCqH5VtYajq4_htksd6uZGlwGbo1GO2UqQDuGt4OPep2CCpx7svrQ/s320/IMG_8574.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Emmy and I had the pleasure of meeting <a href="http://www.janbrett.com/index.html" target="_blank">Jan Brett</a> in Portsmouth, New Hampshire during her eighteen day cross country book tour. Jan was promoting her new book <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0399170707" target="_blank">The Turnip</a></b>, but to Emmy and me, she was promoting the love of books and art. Watching the tour bus pull into the parking lot was so much fun. We imagined traveling on this large bus with the gorgeous illustrations painted on the exterior and wondered what people's reactions were when they saw it on the road. <br />
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When Jan Brett stepped up onto the stage, the excitement in the crowd was electric. Seeing not only the children's faces light up, but also the adult's faces is a true testament to this woman's work as an artist. Jan's depictions of animals and human cultures are full of colorful detail. Through her extensive travels (from Scandinavia to Africa), Jan is able to vividly create artwork that makes the reader of her books feel as if they could walk right into the book page. As a matter of fact, Jan herself has said in several interviews that she keeps on painting until she can hear the sounds, smell the smells, and feel how soft the fur of the animal is. She has said that it takes her an hour to draw an inch! <br />
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Emmy and I were so grateful to Jan Brett for taking the time to connect with the audience through her quiet storytelling and drawing demonstration. Watching the Badger Girl come to life right before our eyes was absolutely amazing. <br />
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It was through Jan's travels in Russia, as well as a simple carved wooden toy of three people and a bear pulling up a turnip given to her by a friend, that the retelling of the story The Turnip was realized. For a more detailed review of this beautifully illustrated book, check out our previous post <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2015/10/jan-bretts-book-tour.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdu_m2-ch9rcpiZevRB96h9s4XzI3bJBA_MXr1a6B_LetHHMDvc7LiZ-q7r9z6BMglbhmtpkliXtt1DZJLTr8SsvGgVBZ-urYchPjtdjg0XGFebtbdCXYC02tzoSpg0xTHcPgpHXGA_8/s1600/IMG_8603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdu_m2-ch9rcpiZevRB96h9s4XzI3bJBA_MXr1a6B_LetHHMDvc7LiZ-q7r9z6BMglbhmtpkliXtt1DZJLTr8SsvGgVBZ-urYchPjtdjg0XGFebtbdCXYC02tzoSpg0xTHcPgpHXGA_8/s200/IMG_8603.jpg" width="181" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPSMAHxZlYsklMpwx31YwryWDY4IJY20YSMnx4yiUFUoVHsv9Yh9J5TEmwnTvgxsjIK-XaQ8MixHISwyd9C5-MwIWhj1x7fbz1qoCcJVU6vl_w8SUbJ2ZcJEAZbcNdlbafPT8DeSq4wQ/s1600/IMG_8636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPSMAHxZlYsklMpwx31YwryWDY4IJY20YSMnx4yiUFUoVHsv9Yh9J5TEmwnTvgxsjIK-XaQ8MixHISwyd9C5-MwIWhj1x7fbz1qoCcJVU6vl_w8SUbJ2ZcJEAZbcNdlbafPT8DeSq4wQ/s200/IMG_8636.jpg" width="200" /></a>Luckily for us, Jan brought back a pair of birch bark shoes from Russia and has been sharing them on her tour. These shoes served as a model for the shoes worn by the badger characters in the story. She also had a surprise for us...her beloved Dutch Bantams also came along on the tour ~ Rueben her rooster and Rilke her hen! Here is something new that we learned about Jan Brett ~ she raises chickens for show! She has been reading tons of books about poultry genetics to try to better understand the color patterns found on chickens. <br />
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There are so many wonderful retellings of this classic folk tale, some better than others. Emmy and I enjoyed Jan's take on this story especially with the addition of the bear family under the ground. We hope you will pick up a copy of <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0399170707" target="_blank">The Turnip</a></b> to see what you think of Jan's version. <br />
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Thank you, Jan Brett, for sharing your passion with us! </div>
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Emmy will never forget your kind words to keep her creative spirit always. </div>
Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-19617400416971271432015-10-18T12:44:00.002-07:002015-10-18T13:01:59.570-07:00Costumes Inspired by Children's Books - Part TwoIn my last post I shared how book characters can become very creative costumes for Halloween or for Children's Book Week. Since that time, I sat down with my little reader and asked her to remember some of her favorite picture book characters and then we discussed which of these characters would make interesting costumes. Here are seven of Emmy's choices:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtFNDBPJwjM7Is2QtlRAYZAotDkr_znHvol4vPgQRKeKEdxshX4CxzdCqE2BOnMQLdFr_vUFzWhMly5_sVD1ONlf90dyFI5u_Pjpc7hq3T7A8rUa6LsPSf08mJ4FBkQwCq5ycvEJ0s18/s1600/0321929b84b387d2c617fe01e30dc2b9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtFNDBPJwjM7Is2QtlRAYZAotDkr_znHvol4vPgQRKeKEdxshX4CxzdCqE2BOnMQLdFr_vUFzWhMly5_sVD1ONlf90dyFI5u_Pjpc7hq3T7A8rUa6LsPSf08mJ4FBkQwCq5ycvEJ0s18/s200/0321929b84b387d2c617fe01e30dc2b9.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>1) <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0064430227" target="_blank"><u>Harold and the Purple Crayon</u> </a></b>by Crockett Johnson<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJICh6Dv5WuRtmKg-NU2Cye9VwevGoZZyk78-tIsbmMy5wLrLbAQ38JINkVxtK37r1Y-IciRl_ciqrIJsQoB5v-4WtC6GhLuh41FLebV2jNUh47ndQG-qNPRXleyEibuQbbZPwDMAWYpM/s1600/Harold_and_the_Purple_Crayon_%2528book%2529-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJICh6Dv5WuRtmKg-NU2Cye9VwevGoZZyk78-tIsbmMy5wLrLbAQ38JINkVxtK37r1Y-IciRl_ciqrIJsQoB5v-4WtC6GhLuh41FLebV2jNUh47ndQG-qNPRXleyEibuQbbZPwDMAWYpM/s200/Harold_and_the_Purple_Crayon_%2528book%2529-4.jpg" width="159" /></a>Emmy has always loved the adventures that Harold went on through his purple drawings. She said that this costume would be easy to put together. "Well, just get a white shirt and draw on it with a purple fabric marker and then carry a purple crayon around with you." Here is a really cute image that I found on the web that shows how this could become a family costume.<br />
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2) <b style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0671666061" target="_blank">Strega Nona</a></b> by Tomie dePaola </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvM4aosRl9NREJcoVf0oPyNFOmG89P5Q6h962jkcvBGQHzL2DVNA8jqzUS7xHMMldRL3NAysbaW-KvLdc8d7Q17qH356wnaKuD_guMvWgiJCpwiny88iUM_rOu0bpxEVj5FfEKpHVmio/s1600/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvM4aosRl9NREJcoVf0oPyNFOmG89P5Q6h962jkcvBGQHzL2DVNA8jqzUS7xHMMldRL3NAysbaW-KvLdc8d7Q17qH356wnaKuD_guMvWgiJCpwiny88iUM_rOu0bpxEVj5FfEKpHVmio/s200/imgres.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinX9Q27eMX31jD6TJQtKJ9ub0DPLwfXS5fEH8AlaaKcIS2hv1YZiWjIE0lKC8HHbIvDIExSGVysk5VjoGmjdGxfI7-yoE_vccJbHFsfoEIt0RfxOPgODhP5Uw0kpBTej3IAUqp-dg9RQ0/s1600/enhanced-12075-1443026943-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinX9Q27eMX31jD6TJQtKJ9ub0DPLwfXS5fEH8AlaaKcIS2hv1YZiWjIE0lKC8HHbIvDIExSGVysk5VjoGmjdGxfI7-yoE_vccJbHFsfoEIt0RfxOPgODhP5Uw0kpBTej3IAUqp-dg9RQ0/s200/enhanced-12075-1443026943-1.jpg" width="142" /></a>Strega Nona has been a favorite character of Emmy's for a long time. When she was very little and we were cooking butter noodles or spaghetti for dinner, she would always say "Enough, enough pasta pot!" and would blow three kisses into our magic pasta pot. Emmy suggests wearing a long dress with an apron, a scarf on your head and carrying a pot with yarn for noodles. Here is the most adorable image of this costume idea!</div>
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3) <b><u><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0062422790" target="_blank">A Bear Called Paddington</a></u> </b>by Michael Bond</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTtNT3ddnlwP006zOAHd7KSYOdMnacH-QxEd1hetDL-OGdy7zQgtUp1tbsrfxTYbevgig19lr0y9lWJZxrsXu4XbpL3iC3eqxXT7gyLbJ13hL4Vm70UupungzTr3SFh_mol4VDGA4m78/s1600/bc1b415c34a81d747ba342dc07a8279c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTtNT3ddnlwP006zOAHd7KSYOdMnacH-QxEd1hetDL-OGdy7zQgtUp1tbsrfxTYbevgig19lr0y9lWJZxrsXu4XbpL3iC3eqxXT7gyLbJ13hL4Vm70UupungzTr3SFh_mol4VDGA4m78/s200/bc1b415c34a81d747ba342dc07a8279c.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0quOVHcxKdXFoTbANX0omUokvi89kheVfXtRmlvj5Ecz3SfnugtieuK91UsDKvYnd25HdjWIHp2y89eTUe3zCIgAd_qAoevKjkv6PcIiv2PB3HbFWYAGOGDZMGn3XalmziNKrYXa5hM/s1600/232542373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0quOVHcxKdXFoTbANX0omUokvi89kheVfXtRmlvj5Ecz3SfnugtieuK91UsDKvYnd25HdjWIHp2y89eTUe3zCIgAd_qAoevKjkv6PcIiv2PB3HbFWYAGOGDZMGn3XalmziNKrYXa5hM/s200/232542373.jpg" width="200" /></a>The friendly bear from deepest, darkest Peru with his battered suitcase and duffle coat would make a super cute costume according to Emmy. Grab a blue coat, a red hat and a some sort of suitcase and you are all set. Oh, don't forget to pack a marmalade sandwich!" Here are two inspiring images for this fun costume. </div>
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4) <b><u><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0920236162" target="_blank">The Paper Bag Princess</a></u></b> by Robert Munsch</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifq-LdUWeuuvKmp3PKNbqZk3RpfBTytLphJKfheilhstvuo6X_d2rTbwrqZEfojPfdXE9IPutLRAIM271kbAb-DCZaI1uIkzsLO9abC0lws41M8zWx34mm5ZRyVvSmKYxB2NaNLmPMzw0/s1600/imgres-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifq-LdUWeuuvKmp3PKNbqZk3RpfBTytLphJKfheilhstvuo6X_d2rTbwrqZEfojPfdXE9IPutLRAIM271kbAb-DCZaI1uIkzsLO9abC0lws41M8zWx34mm5ZRyVvSmKYxB2NaNLmPMzw0/s200/imgres-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZtYN7gx2bqJXXH0DW5HPmu75BPpDhUqZpiwKlnA963Zi1gEjB7-xwetiEm7K6Z4nxgzsSNYiDRgTGDXTH2IjvjnMS48A2V0blVH8rMj8zeTkNDF4rqc93OUJ55vrxqXrKHW_xvufgnA/s1600/0840474f214be09182a5bca9450dcc45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZtYN7gx2bqJXXH0DW5HPmu75BPpDhUqZpiwKlnA963Zi1gEjB7-xwetiEm7K6Z4nxgzsSNYiDRgTGDXTH2IjvjnMS48A2V0blVH8rMj8zeTkNDF4rqc93OUJ55vrxqXrKHW_xvufgnA/s200/0840474f214be09182a5bca9450dcc45.jpg" width="90" /></a>I love this book for its portrayal of a strong girl character who just happens to be a princess. Emmy loves the reversal of the princess and the prince role. After the prince tells the girl to go home and come back when she looks more like a princess, Emmy would always exclaim quite loudly, "That Ronald is a real bum! I'm glad Elizabeth didn't marry him." I agree! Here is Emmy's advice on how to create a Princess Elizabeth costume: wear a white or black long sleeved shirt and leggings then get a large brown grocery bag and cut out holes for your head and your arms and wear this over your clothes, be sure to make a princess crown out of yellow paper. Check out this cute image! </div>
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5) <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0689829531" target="_blank">Olivia</a></b> by Ian Falconer<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegEnuHrEYoXiYOQ5JrcfvP7dSL2aAotjg5yvyGl26zizqdeuq-fceohMV_W13C2E8bh9CZcIvx6AOdzqRG1jXm6uQebRP1kukZXL6kjEje-9nbsKb-XODbaUZM1PLpg6wbw06JjLhCqg/s1600/bc35b0189953b01d84500582488e9242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegEnuHrEYoXiYOQ5JrcfvP7dSL2aAotjg5yvyGl26zizqdeuq-fceohMV_W13C2E8bh9CZcIvx6AOdzqRG1jXm6uQebRP1kukZXL6kjEje-9nbsKb-XODbaUZM1PLpg6wbw06JjLhCqg/s320/bc35b0189953b01d84500582488e9242.jpg" width="172" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2GV0Tmr2SgNd2oJEV_UUX0lbhGp7hVE7N_u0Fx7jowLw0e0NOwhUfpdY2EvsSB84us35ok7PkI2NMHrNUlXr_3W2HeHyffx-l9C7RaISWJ-fT_Vaj1PKJZ7VETw3nPQ-WEdFTgqxSvc/s1600/imgres-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2GV0Tmr2SgNd2oJEV_UUX0lbhGp7hVE7N_u0Fx7jowLw0e0NOwhUfpdY2EvsSB84us35ok7PkI2NMHrNUlXr_3W2HeHyffx-l9C7RaISWJ-fT_Vaj1PKJZ7VETw3nPQ-WEdFTgqxSvc/s1600/imgres-2.jpg" /></a>When Emmy was little, we would read the book Olivia over and over again. Her favorite page was the one that showed Olivia getting dressed in all of her red outfits. Whenever Emmy wore red she would claim to be Olivia. If you are interested in this costume then Emmy suggests to get a headband and attach pig ears, paint your nose with a pink circle and two black slots to look like a snout, then wear black and white striped leggings, a red dress, black shoes and be sure to accessorize with a red bow and a red pair of sunglasses! Here's a picture for inspiration.<br />
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6) <b><u><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0064431436" target="_blank">Caps for Sale</a></u></b> by Esphyr Slobodkina<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkX0SVnjkyLkwlMaABRUc5_lXcHUEfcwLlDQRWZ0w5AO8LhGQQhRjwYB5GSIyHrx2oh5nhvZpmudkoJA1F9QhVA2Mb61AJ94jN_S1eCntNmbt_hZts5vlgdVRDXKzk8XcY9zxtb3LfYWk/s1600/775597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkX0SVnjkyLkwlMaABRUc5_lXcHUEfcwLlDQRWZ0w5AO8LhGQQhRjwYB5GSIyHrx2oh5nhvZpmudkoJA1F9QhVA2Mb61AJ94jN_S1eCntNmbt_hZts5vlgdVRDXKzk8XcY9zxtb3LfYWk/s200/775597.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtssG-XlfH_Re0tXtQes0OISGBhkomeI96jTULrF-8kV-lTWzPq5Y8nQDSLvtiQtNDJSmKcowU2Ho8QMlX5mitQl23Ek9Y9115IMx0osQhq0oXjiYgYwTH8XlnWXW8gXfiN0eWnvIcHgk/s1600/capsforsale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtssG-XlfH_Re0tXtQes0OISGBhkomeI96jTULrF-8kV-lTWzPq5Y8nQDSLvtiQtNDJSmKcowU2Ho8QMlX5mitQl23Ek9Y9115IMx0osQhq0oXjiYgYwTH8XlnWXW8gXfiN0eWnvIcHgk/s200/capsforsale.jpg" width="133" /></a>Emmy would laugh and laugh at the monkeys in this book. She loved to repeat the sound that the monkeys made and could often be found putting all of her hats on her head and saying rather loudly, "Caps, caps for sale. Fifty cents a cap!" Here is Emmy's idea of how to become the peddler in this story - wear grey pants and a black jacket with a bow tie, stack as many hats as you can on top of your head (use safety pins to attach them together), draw a mustache above your upper lip and carry a stuffed monkey or two around with you. <br />
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7) <b><u><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0316126446" target="_blank">The Jolly Postman</a></u></b> by Allan and Janet Ahlberg<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCB0NleAF1j1zSk-OpQ73McTbX2plbyqwSxEqkwQXr2h5fGDdZrBEGJxzAg25KXzf2EhwRRF9na2huvZ_ar5J1C0m_6khz5bcam-G2UteW2Q3xTYuWCHIhdiUDeVCT7GpJLGPe-5yP_A4/s1600/TheJollyPostmanCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCB0NleAF1j1zSk-OpQ73McTbX2plbyqwSxEqkwQXr2h5fGDdZrBEGJxzAg25KXzf2EhwRRF9na2huvZ_ar5J1C0m_6khz5bcam-G2UteW2Q3xTYuWCHIhdiUDeVCT7GpJLGPe-5yP_A4/s200/TheJollyPostmanCover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehiLXZH0wYx_EFz3Vok_koWIv_46h06yQ1nPBn3990hBClD75AZ1GcxH0IOGk5YwgCA8yzQMY-B83sCm9_0g2od8kr2hPFCsBrD0Rn3skjNmEf8v24TG1Nz2u37OvzJn2n0uHoJ0-tec/s1600/postman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehiLXZH0wYx_EFz3Vok_koWIv_46h06yQ1nPBn3990hBClD75AZ1GcxH0IOGk5YwgCA8yzQMY-B83sCm9_0g2od8kr2hPFCsBrD0Rn3skjNmEf8v24TG1Nz2u37OvzJn2n0uHoJ0-tec/s1600/postman.jpg" /></a>Delivering mail was always one of Emmy's favorite activities when she was little. She would find one of my purses and put it on like a mail bag and fill it with papers that she had drawn on. She would then pretend to deliver the mail all over the house. After we read The Jolly Postman, her play became a retelling of this story as she created letters to nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters and delivered them "all across fairy tale land" as she called it. Emmy suggests that you wear a big blue coat or shirt, a red and white striped scarf, a blue hat and boots. Be sure to fill a mail bag with letters and maybe even walk your bike with you! Here is a photo that should get your creative juices going. </div>
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We hope that you are inspired by our book character costumes and would love to hear your ideas, too! Leave a comment and let's see if we can grow this list of costume ideas! Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-23689042464385186382015-10-12T08:46:00.000-07:002015-10-12T08:46:29.893-07:00Costumes Inspired by Children's Books - Part OneHalloween is just around the corner and answers to the question, "What are you going to be for Halloween?" can be heard all around me. I have always been inspired by characters in books when it came down to creating a costume. When I taught elementary school, celebrating Halloween through book characters was the way to go. One year I was Ms. Frizzle from the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0590414313" target="_blank">The Magic School Bus</a> series followed by <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/1558580093" target="_blank">The Rainbow Fish</a> the next year, another year I was the tree in <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/B00I0YM14Q" target="_blank">Chicka Chicka Boom Boom</a> and even portrayed Miss Nelson from <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0395401461" target="_blank">Miss Nelson is Missing!</a> with a costume change midday to Miss Viola Swamp. Somewhere among my teaching memories are photographs of these costumes. As going through my storage unit in search of these photos is not on the agenda today, I am instead including some photos I found on the web that might inspire you to become one of these characters.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5WhXSbviDh4r9wJPWTWExzpMxETQb8XfucBfwHFqtVkjqrOBTnzMyjadc26wMcmct9P-VYGP8mHVLeMIlB-aU_bEwM5hd9A6E7vbtB0fh55WWVKJILlAPrRAAdCNm-svE0kG9ey_DI0/s1600/0b38d26617ab30dcee63f191e28f59e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5WhXSbviDh4r9wJPWTWExzpMxETQb8XfucBfwHFqtVkjqrOBTnzMyjadc26wMcmct9P-VYGP8mHVLeMIlB-aU_bEwM5hd9A6E7vbtB0fh55WWVKJILlAPrRAAdCNm-svE0kG9ey_DI0/s200/0b38d26617ab30dcee63f191e28f59e9.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEoq9FDaoD_KzHAXHTnZPbyHzjsPpvnyPJh4JxOSWTKVV4pGtiOPOeKGwYpEo5EifWDddnjqzbSaztaIO1ktCQvUobGso3VLD-kf7LbQfzJVkwj38hivLQsOKxuwBrgWjT8lcEOnWino/s1600/408_photo_1-028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEoq9FDaoD_KzHAXHTnZPbyHzjsPpvnyPJh4JxOSWTKVV4pGtiOPOeKGwYpEo5EifWDddnjqzbSaztaIO1ktCQvUobGso3VLD-kf7LbQfzJVkwj38hivLQsOKxuwBrgWjT8lcEOnWino/s200/408_photo_1-028.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu1j_ofBCvuomxSeo9KCaAOmUBvsn8SDpk5pvkGCBXd-IbkA8Yyxkk8VV2Z4wcFrkSmr3232qpqsgMBXWTJarKTZLNrYxjYAPkOOwSBCUpbcL5KveI8XTUjW590gZusCiiCevraqC4cY/s1600/images-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1fFSxtYjjluY2z03_CFeZrC1SzTzzovFPggqrcexnqTHVe-uDoNHkwyOWvCwJfmyRRu_2kuRjZO09uvT849OsOzeIBU8JbWlIfilWC2XqhRgUatFD9Ms4es9eiTE1ybcQmxTdExzL4Q/s1600/d2e835cb08ab63fc938ebee742750210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1fFSxtYjjluY2z03_CFeZrC1SzTzzovFPggqrcexnqTHVe-uDoNHkwyOWvCwJfmyRRu_2kuRjZO09uvT849OsOzeIBU8JbWlIfilWC2XqhRgUatFD9Ms4es9eiTE1ybcQmxTdExzL4Q/s200/d2e835cb08ab63fc938ebee742750210.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu1j_ofBCvuomxSeo9KCaAOmUBvsn8SDpk5pvkGCBXd-IbkA8Yyxkk8VV2Z4wcFrkSmr3232qpqsgMBXWTJarKTZLNrYxjYAPkOOwSBCUpbcL5KveI8XTUjW590gZusCiiCevraqC4cY/s1600/images-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu1j_ofBCvuomxSeo9KCaAOmUBvsn8SDpk5pvkGCBXd-IbkA8Yyxkk8VV2Z4wcFrkSmr3232qpqsgMBXWTJarKTZLNrYxjYAPkOOwSBCUpbcL5KveI8XTUjW590gZusCiiCevraqC4cY/s200/images-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Another great time to dress up as a book character is during <a href="http://www.bookweekonline.com/" target="_blank">Children's Book Week</a>. Usually celebrated at the beginning of May, it's a great time to to bring books to life in your classroom or at home. I remember one year when a little girl in my class came dressed as the main character in <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0439598389" target="_blank">The Bad Case of Stripes</a>. Her mom meticulously painted stripes on her face, neck and arms. She wore striped tights, a pink dress and a bow in her hair. It was awesome! Here are two inspiring photos found on the web of that idea. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfGleiLVYyUSSGW8TEDKDgEr8N4C51w_TpR031ycwrTxuCgwIJB6yscKslIMLo3P4wybEQ7_msJvHiF4rH40yZf1xVcbX-VFpVGuGOCWTGPGL5ThdJFbU_TlEkrOM7nAXzc_wnyFOnDk/s1600/805de6_0e2b6c22b2ee461288c58f1545ffc7a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfGleiLVYyUSSGW8TEDKDgEr8N4C51w_TpR031ycwrTxuCgwIJB6yscKslIMLo3P4wybEQ7_msJvHiF4rH40yZf1xVcbX-VFpVGuGOCWTGPGL5ThdJFbU_TlEkrOM7nAXzc_wnyFOnDk/s200/805de6_0e2b6c22b2ee461288c58f1545ffc7a1.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxPrBJtO14LPHTsNeAtnjuULGBSUGKwPrnSjJ4JKuncxZ_1FEr0voork4B7g_-3-twMeElNeE6he7H7Vb9mT2c5Gd4nIvlDOM_PcioGXsZH6el_8C5Sz2rNmCM8N8oYfa9x-iS1VQh5Q/s1600/Camilla-Cream-Halloween-Costume-637x850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxPrBJtO14LPHTsNeAtnjuULGBSUGKwPrnSjJ4JKuncxZ_1FEr0voork4B7g_-3-twMeElNeE6he7H7Vb9mT2c5Gd4nIvlDOM_PcioGXsZH6el_8C5Sz2rNmCM8N8oYfa9x-iS1VQh5Q/s200/Camilla-Cream-Halloween-Costume-637x850.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
Emmy's early Halloween costumes were inspired a bit by book characters as well as her personality. On her first Halloween she was Tigger. This was inspired by her bouncy time in Mommy's belly and her need to move throughout her early months as well as our love of all things <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0525457232" target="_blank">Winnie the Pooh</a>. Next up was a lion inspired by the book <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0553508504" target="_blank">The Happy Lion </a>(she loved exclaiming, "Bonjour Happy Lion" and "Au Revoir Happy Lion") as well as her ability to ROAR on command. On her third Halloween, Emmy was a clown inspired by a recent trip to the circus as well as the book <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0064437930" target="_blank">Circus Caps for Sale</a> (she loved the page where the clowns were using the caps in their act). Click <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2013/11/monster-needs-costume.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see photos of Emmy on Halloween as well as read our post about one of our favorite Halloween books - <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/1938063090" target="_blank">Monster Needs a Costume</a>.<br />
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Stay tuned for <b>Costumes Inspired by Children's Books - Part Two </b>which will highlight some more character costumes from our favorite children's books!<br />
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Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-2232380470660312382015-10-10T06:31:00.000-07:002016-04-10T13:36:58.621-07:00Jan Brett's Book Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcfSxdWV7wUFOfl1_R6GNbO2JbBhHfkD7GbH7snFOHZCZT8QJKsEoo4SVQJR4qlvFmqv-fuOCd17U6s62l53ZGYOjn1R0U2NTccNm38yRkZ8odnXV93FhcGsSRnY47UepFV6ouPJHAwI/s1600/images-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcfSxdWV7wUFOfl1_R6GNbO2JbBhHfkD7GbH7snFOHZCZT8QJKsEoo4SVQJR4qlvFmqv-fuOCd17U6s62l53ZGYOjn1R0U2NTccNm38yRkZ8odnXV93FhcGsSRnY47UepFV6ouPJHAwI/s320/images-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jan Brett is on tour and bringing her book bus to nearby Portsmouth, NH! Emmy and I are beyond excited to see one of our all time favorite authors and illustrators. We have quite a collection of Jan Brett books and Emmy often chooses these for her daily homework reading. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0ws0e3RYRtiYjugjyFxAQ6vx6p4DiGLOHSmftrZk2mfX9nURxHy4uzIYmsbYwMEgr5_8sDzpMxThD-At9fFUswr_9hnk7Oo0bYAOhgco8ztPCyn1GwK2Rwp1kltfZGXVKaijcMSX2ZE/s1600/12072836_10153231890093207_1626415451784214493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0ws0e3RYRtiYjugjyFxAQ6vx6p4DiGLOHSmftrZk2mfX9nURxHy4uzIYmsbYwMEgr5_8sDzpMxThD-At9fFUswr_9hnk7Oo0bYAOhgco8ztPCyn1GwK2Rwp1kltfZGXVKaijcMSX2ZE/s200/12072836_10153231890093207_1626415451784214493_n.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgutlWsY7uu4AhI-sRLhXVkdrQNrIKLv-zYKj6uTCNp9z9RyKBjSoBuVjw1-cvyLA0mXKvgJ7RHeCx95tzlywoqLXW-ViiqQRbbW60HX_j4xdTXFXdOUZonk96XzBuZGK1DGRT5KZjejw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgutlWsY7uu4AhI-sRLhXVkdrQNrIKLv-zYKj6uTCNp9z9RyKBjSoBuVjw1-cvyLA0mXKvgJ7RHeCx95tzlywoqLXW-ViiqQRbbW60HX_j4xdTXFXdOUZonk96XzBuZGK1DGRT5KZjejw/s200/images.jpg" width="170" /></a>Jan will be visiting 23 cities and towns to celebrate her new book, <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0399170707" target="_blank">The Turnip</a></b>. She will be giving a book talk and an illustration demonstration at each signing. When I told Emmy that we would be going to see Jan Brett, she immediately asked if Hedgie would be there! Yes, Hedgie will be there. I am so grateful that Emmy gets this excited about an author/illustrator and that we can share this experience together. Click <a href="http://www.janbrett.com/2015_fall_tour.htm" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you would like to see if Jan is coming to a town near you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7mtKy894n03Y7RKyys9V_bZbMycbqRsMKpU4S9T9vf-O-PfawW9JN4BTkCMyw4cBrsbbRS-HvY-dCPHqQcrw9RJKjLfQnpPGaT5YDnx3UHZ9QfWF9DA-VfHTEeSmf9gFh_hydzUOVqk/s1600/the_turnip_home_page_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7mtKy894n03Y7RKyys9V_bZbMycbqRsMKpU4S9T9vf-O-PfawW9JN4BTkCMyw4cBrsbbRS-HvY-dCPHqQcrw9RJKjLfQnpPGaT5YDnx3UHZ9QfWF9DA-VfHTEeSmf9gFh_hydzUOVqk/s200/the_turnip_home_page_400.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
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With the upcoming release of her book <b>The Turnip</b>, Jan Brett brings another original twist to a favorite folk tale. Jan, with her husband Joe, travels all over the world to get inspiration for her books. When they were in Russia, Jan was reminded of a simple carved wooden toy given to her by a friend. The toy showed three people and a bear struggling to pull up a large turnip. This was all it took for Jan to start imagining a story about a giant turnip.<br />
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Jan wondered if readers would believe a turnip could be as big as she wanted to make it. She remembered someone who grew pumpkins to be over nine hundred pounds and decided that it could definitely happen. Once again we see animal characters in beautiful clothes that show the culture of where this story takes place ~ Russia. And, of course, the borders on the pages are full of beautiful illustrations offering the reader a further peek into the story. </div>
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I haven't told Emmy the twist in this story yet, but I know it will give her lots of laughs! I'm not going to spoil it for you either. Look for the book <b>The Turnip</b> to hit book shelves on November 3, 2015. </div>
Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-72622876418620987002015-08-02T08:24:00.001-07:002016-02-14T14:02:31.923-08:00Penny Paperheart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Sharing happiness one heart at a time" is the sweet message from the adorable Penny Paperheart. Little Penny made her debut as a doodle on a greeting card for Hallmark, but is now a character in her own book <b><a href="http://shop.hallmark.com/penny-paperheart/" target="_blank">Penny Paperheart</a></b> that is followed by many "Hallmarkers" - apparently this is the term for people who shop frequently at Hallmark. Now you can find Penny merchandise, such as Penny Playsets, at all Hallmark stores as well as <a href="http://shop.hallmark.com/penny-paperheart/" target="_blank">online</a> that give a whole new feel to paper doll play. Also on Hallmark's website are cute videos starring Penny and her friends as well as downloads that include coloring pages, finger puppets and paper hearts to share. Follow this <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/penny-paperheart/" target="_blank"><b>link</b> </a>for some Penny Paperheart fun (the videos are about half way down the page)!<br />
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The book <b>Penny Paperheart</b> was left for Emmy a few months ago by the fairies who visit the little fairy houses that she makes around the house. Let me explain...Since we live in an apartment on the fifth floor, we don't have direct access to the outdoors, so collections of nature items can be found in Emmy's room. These items are often made into little fairy houses that cannot be taken down until evidence of a fairy visit are found. So, unbeknownst to her, I leave evidence of their existence. Sometimes I simply rearrange the little house, but other times I leave little trinkets hidden in her fairy houses. Trinkets such as a pretty rock, a polished stone, an interesting seashell, a handwritten note or something a bit bigger like this book. It brings me much joy that Emmy still believes in fairies and it is such a relief when the fairy house is put away and vacuuming can commence once more! <br />
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I must share the back story to Penny Paperheart, as stated at the end of the book, as it is one of friendship, collaboration and inspiration. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH7XAGBwNnzRll_WHncu2cxRyJVQWAPJjDXq9uph5bjXo5EZYiOWReEqiv51L83AGYLurzIchCaUC-dqdcblLyIJ1QX7N3Doe0nLmXk1o9nt3gTsrTpsI7P7sTViMWTiXjRvDI2o5SPM/s1600/penny-paperheart_482-hearts-and-souls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH7XAGBwNnzRll_WHncu2cxRyJVQWAPJjDXq9uph5bjXo5EZYiOWReEqiv51L83AGYLurzIchCaUC-dqdcblLyIJ1QX7N3Doe0nLmXk1o9nt3gTsrTpsI7P7sTViMWTiXjRvDI2o5SPM/s200/penny-paperheart_482-hearts-and-souls.jpg" width="200" /></a><i></i><br />
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<i><i>One day an artist named Terry Runyan drew a little doodle. She gazed at the little gril she sketched and then began to noodle. Isn't she cute? Who could she be? Terry continue to think, then showed her sketch to her talented friend whose name is Mary Fink. </i></i></div>
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<i>Mary thought Terry's charming sketch was oh so very sweet, so Mary designed the girl's paper town and when it was complete Terry and Mary thought to themselves, "It's time for her to be named" "Not just a name, she needs a story!" the two artists both exclaimed.</i></div>
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<i>Andre du Broc is a writer friend. Playing with words is his art. When he saw their little sketch he squealed, "She's Penny Paperheart!" The three friends loved their paper girl and that love just grew and grew. Penny Paperheart had a name but not a thing to do.</i></div>
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<i>That's when their dear friend, Stacy Lamb, offered a bit of advice: "She gives away her paper hearts - that's what makes Penny so nice!" And that's how four devoted friends all played a wonderful part in bringing to life a paper girl named Penny Paperheart. </i></div>
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After our first reading of Penny Paperheart, Emmy went off and gathered art supplies and began making hearts with notes on them to share with family members, friends and the neighbors in our apartment building. Emmy highly recommends this book to readers of all ages as she says, "Penny is so cute and when I read her story, I want to be kind to everyone." We hope that you will have a chance to get to know Penny and spread kindness to those around you. </div>
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Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-28574262011403971012015-05-10T07:58:00.000-07:002015-08-30T07:36:14.493-07:00The Children of All Lands Stories<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftAmQNKWvO29WnQSayIasbMtBvh_qUhZex0wwaAe4aq1oNuOqsWcg-Xt0faDgfLoQQ86ZjcyCw_fhfTx_C7VeeHuKQ9-BOLQaWJZll3nH2FEBbt6E9gToRsCUtG37Rq1Qe2Bxny8WZrM/s1600/44666_572273459456024_9872854_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftAmQNKWvO29WnQSayIasbMtBvh_qUhZex0wwaAe4aq1oNuOqsWcg-Xt0faDgfLoQQ86ZjcyCw_fhfTx_C7VeeHuKQ9-BOLQaWJZll3nH2FEBbt6E9gToRsCUtG37Rq1Qe2Bxny8WZrM/s1600/44666_572273459456024_9872854_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldface Books ~ Dover, NH</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fzIMABePxdWeoyJEwSmI9kMhZqpH7xBfKG85greWPfCicrUX42v6pdK2-UZkwQPWazPqfPOnfKKPgM-MbVSc3y7FqiQz7jIoA2_H0vhXe1FUFUKcuYtm3soNycrTUkrTgbB-X8kwmEg/s1600/IMG_6919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fzIMABePxdWeoyJEwSmI9kMhZqpH7xBfKG85greWPfCicrUX42v6pdK2-UZkwQPWazPqfPOnfKKPgM-MbVSc3y7FqiQz7jIoA2_H0vhXe1FUFUKcuYtm3soNycrTUkrTgbB-X8kwmEg/s200/IMG_6919.JPG" width="150" /></a>Just the other day I walked into a used bookstore and walked out with a treasure! I discovered the author Madeline Brandeis and brought home one of her beautiful books <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/B00005W9PA" target="_blank">Little John of New England</a></b> from her series The Children of America Stories. I would have liked to have brought home the entire collection found on the shelf as it also included books from her other series The Children of All Lands Stories, but the wallet only allowed for one this time around. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H0la65Rf1MbA46Z-gXKAp4TXVW9vqg6eY8RYM5rXAF5yG_7hS5CgmUHqKf0mU-PoKopDdmLwKfMvwxml18TuST18rKCwAoE25TsD_1L5py_4f2TVEbNUQQelHGcBkKekrfYcadISLac/s1600/300px-Madeline_Brandeis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H0la65Rf1MbA46Z-gXKAp4TXVW9vqg6eY8RYM5rXAF5yG_7hS5CgmUHqKf0mU-PoKopDdmLwKfMvwxml18TuST18rKCwAoE25TsD_1L5py_4f2TVEbNUQQelHGcBkKekrfYcadISLac/s200/300px-Madeline_Brandeis.jpg" width="156" /></a>With a bit of research, Emmy and I learned that Madeline Brandeis wrote works of fiction about children from the United Stares and from Europe that were interspersed with facts about these areas. Her inspiration for her writing about children from many lands came from reading books with her daughter Marie. They realized that many of these books were written many years ago and didn't portray children in modern times. With her daughter in tow, Ms. Brandeis took photographs on her reflex camera, nicknamed Ref, of the various regions as well as of actors who portrayed the characters she was writing about. Marie offered important insight to her mother. Brandeis said, "It was Marie who guided my footsteps along the right road towards child understanding while the trusty camera made possible the illustrations." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP1wDPqKHpk3KUnII3HkvvyNCD1u4VCn08HpLGVwr3Q6w2TT5RiA-YA3jHALPSA8NOM-1u5aeJywXk4emp5drPVWUeSpcUITHjx1wW6SFuc23moDe3836wqD2fzlJ4NsvWk8vgSU9xSc/s1600/IMG_7318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP1wDPqKHpk3KUnII3HkvvyNCD1u4VCn08HpLGVwr3Q6w2TT5RiA-YA3jHALPSA8NOM-1u5aeJywXk4emp5drPVWUeSpcUITHjx1wW6SFuc23moDe3836wqD2fzlJ4NsvWk8vgSU9xSc/s200/IMG_7318.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRB40d11FRBTSTDr0hhK315RMNFkjteyefxPLvf4SuPy1Qs9_R83-E_AFjVkGNE4lOTsb46klF4dVFaj4ULTRsW-Y4L4khEtJQP4Mu0DOH8whxe3AkIfTBJPx_jCmC2SGfDF-cK5DLW4/s1600/IMG_6918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRB40d11FRBTSTDr0hhK315RMNFkjteyefxPLvf4SuPy1Qs9_R83-E_AFjVkGNE4lOTsb46klF4dVFaj4ULTRsW-Y4L4khEtJQP4Mu0DOH8whxe3AkIfTBJPx_jCmC2SGfDF-cK5DLW4/s200/IMG_6918.JPG" width="150" /></a>Although the books in Brandeis' series were written in the late 1920's and the 1930's, we still feel their relevance. I chose to purchase the book <b>Little John of New England </b>since this is the area where we live. Emmy enjoyed hearing the story of John who lived in Boston, but was left to live with his Aunt and Uncle in Maine while his parents went on a "motor trip." The story includes letters from John's mother telling of her New England adventures with his father. Emmy and I were both thrilled whenever she talked about a place where we have been. We both enjoyed John's relationship with the teacher at the one room country school. Miss Wells helped John come up with a plan to keep his dog Pal close by when his Aunt and Uncle sent the dog away to live in town due to his mischievous behavior. <br />
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Whenever Emmy and I are in a second hand bookstore, we will look for Brandeis' books. It will be like a scavenger hunt to us and when we find one, we will celebrate! We hope that you, too, will look for her beautiful books especially if you are searching for interesting chapter books to read with your child.<br />
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UPDATE 8/30/15<br />
*We recently connected with Chris Otto who writes about all things <i>ephemera</i> on his blog <a href="http://www.papergreat.com/" target="_blank">Papergreat</a>. I must admit that I had to look up the definition of ephemera! Ephemera is any transitory written or printed matter not meant to be retained or preserved; items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term use. Chris' blog is full of beautifully illustrated post cards, recipe booklets and book covers from the past. My favorite sections on the blog are <i>School Days</i> where old basal readers can be found along with <i>Tucked Away Inside </i>where Chris features items he finds inside vintage books like a Dubble Bubble quiz tucked inside of an old school book. As a child, I loved reading the comics and the fortunes inside of Dubble Bubble gum!<br />
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After discovering that Emmy and I were also fans of The Children of America Stories, Chris sent us three books from his collection! To learn more about these vintage books with the beautifully illustrated covers, check out Chris' post <a href="http://www.papergreat.com/2015/08/children-of-america-stories-5-awesome.html" target="_blank">Children of America Stories: 5 awesome vintage covers</a>.<br />
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Thank you, Chris!<br />
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Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-64651008771434907852014-12-01T18:28:00.003-08:002014-12-01T18:28:46.211-08:00Christmas Books<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advent Calendar with Emmy's <br />
elf Graham Cracker</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuqqlrj9PM7KFWBPEtSgoW_qUfUKd0pHcElyPNdZZs2ocHBQ5uj1TAsdmTmIswlgBy5hFSTfhOjgkNIl8dnw4HCyWKiAp-piJiqKoa8lN-07A38aav3CrU6SRnRBxXRGROmrQ8LTU2q4/s1600/999214_608370559200199_394324915_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuqqlrj9PM7KFWBPEtSgoW_qUfUKd0pHcElyPNdZZs2ocHBQ5uj1TAsdmTmIswlgBy5hFSTfhOjgkNIl8dnw4HCyWKiAp-piJiqKoa8lN-07A38aav3CrU6SRnRBxXRGROmrQ8LTU2q4/s1600/999214_608370559200199_394324915_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening book #1</td></tr>
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As the seasons change, so do the books in the basket we keep in the living room. We have collected books about autumn, winter, spring and summer. As a holiday approaches, one of our favorite things to do is to display our collection of holiday books in a separate basket. Last Christmas we decided to made an advent calendar using our books. Emmy chose 24 books from our collection of Christmas books and then wrapped each one. We numbered each book as we wrapped and put them into a basket in numerical order. Each night we opened a book at bedtime and read it together as a family. We enjoyed this advent calendar better than any other that we have tried and plan on doing the same thing this Christmas. <br />
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We recently added two new books to our Christmas collection and Emmy asked that I share them with you. So here it goes...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3Zg_AVuQmO0XipwFn-CBaYnWkkuIFS5fegmbzkmOD5DJFu_NBTdIf2mPRKpTQjktIe6wCD8ekSTdMEVBgPIEP6viyNlr-HY5RX4y18C9xDsSjl5RYnIjFSSMpfBHknhkl7caE4BDWD4/s1600/16565.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3Zg_AVuQmO0XipwFn-CBaYnWkkuIFS5fegmbzkmOD5DJFu_NBTdIf2mPRKpTQjktIe6wCD8ekSTdMEVBgPIEP6viyNlr-HY5RX4y18C9xDsSjl5RYnIjFSSMpfBHknhkl7caE4BDWD4/s200/16565.jpeg" height="200" width="165" /></a><b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0061990337" target="_blank">Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas</a></b> by <a href="http://www.juliarawlinson.com/" target="_blank">Julia Rawlinson</a> illustrated by <a href="http://www.mbartists.com/cgi-bin/iowa/artists.html?artist=37" target="_blank">Tiphanie Beeke</a> (2010)<br />
Emmy and I first fell in love with Fletcher, or Ferdie as he is known in the United Kingdom, when we read <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2012/11/fletcher-and-falling-leaves.html" target="_blank">Fletcher and the Falling Leaves</a>. Rawlinson has created four Fletcher stories - one for each season. Each of these stories about Fletcher and his forest friends has an underlying theme of true friendship and how giving brings just as much joy as receiving.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu07KCxqLpEkgo-B9nx3_y3tStdRfw47uSvBR0zhyphenhyphen4denI691odY6NYrb-MKEh0sNsQkyqU4xjmrMDSfmm15Wt9d7R7huFLFJCYH50ce2I7PtxeCfS-p-c781kh8IV7p3c0zntJTIrlig/s1600/fletcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>In the story <b>Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas, </b>Fletcher is worried that Santa Claus will not be able to find the rabbit family's new home and so he works with his friends on creating a stick path leading from their old burrow to their new burrow. They are invited into the Rabbit's home to share blackberry pie and sing Christmas Carols. While they are enjoying the Christmas Eve festivities, snowflakes begin to fall and the sticks are buried under the snow. Fletcher worries all the way home and decides that there is only one thing a true friend would do - stay awake all night to tell Santa the news. Fletcher settles down to wait but can't help falling fast asleep. <br />
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When Fletcher wakes up on Christmas morning and sees the gifts left for him under his tree, he rushes to the Rabbit's burrow to apologize only to find them opening their Christmas gifts. Santa found his way! <br />
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<b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0399245065" target="_blank">A Christmas Tree for Pyn</a></b> by <a href="http://www.olivierdunrea.com/index.html" target="_blank">Olivier Dunrea</a> (2011)<br />
It's no secret that Emmy and I LOVE Olivier Dunrea whose series of books about some adorable goslings are still read around our house (read our post about <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2008/11/ollie-stomper.html" target="_blank">Ollie the Stomper</a>). We admire his illustrations that are simple yet full of emotion. When we came across <b>A Christmas Tree for Pyn</b>, we knew that we had to add it to our Christmas book collection. This book isn't about Santa Claus or presents, it's about the true emotion of the season ~ that Christmasy feeling that we all look for. With each rereading, this book endears itself to me and Emmy more and more. <br />
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Oother, and his small daughter Pyn, live in a cottage <i>"on top of a steep, craggy mountain." </i>Oother is a <i>"big, gruff man"</i> who doesn't say much and when he does, it usually sounds like this,<i>"Umphf." </i>Oother loves his daughter very much, but he is a <i>"bearlike mountain man who did not soften for anyone. Not even Pyn." </i>Pyn's <i>"Good morning, Papa" i</i>s always followed by <i>"My name is Oother."</i> And so she would correct herself and say <i>"Good morning, Oother."</i> Pyn is cared for and is happy as is evident in the work she does around the cottage as Oother goes into the woods to work, but you can sense a loneliness admist the text and illustrations. Dunrea enlightens us to this feeling when Oother thinks to himself, <i>"How very much like her mother she is." </i>There is no mother around and it is now evident that Oother is still adjusting to her absence. When Pyn suggests getting a Christmas tree, Oother gruffly responds, <i>"No Christmas tree." </i> </div>
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With gentle determination, Pyn keeps asking until she gets a <i>"We'll see."</i> response. Pyn finally sets out on her own to chop down a tree, but finds herself stuck in the snow. Oother is there to rescue her and they then set off together to find the perfect tree. Emmy and I both love how Oother and Pyn bow their heads to give thanks to the tree before they cut it down. Once the tree is home, Pyn dashes around the cottage finding all of the special things that she has been collecting from the forest (acorns, berries, abandoned birds' nests and birds' feathers) and adorns the tree with her treasures. Reluctantly, Oother begins to help Pyn place the items amongst the tree branches and when they are finished they stare in amazement at their beautiful tree. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5ZcKBjzqz5r8Osl5LjWtPkA3ED5Mr7B3Vf3Sk9Hvy6DP6l2MoW6bG25Yo2i6ogPrXcyQHvp8G4-Oj5tL9Fwaiy29OF4bkUBwtEILSUuINQXMNAy-EN8gUCl6dVtrXCTQnpKM5nMrlCU/s1600/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5ZcKBjzqz5r8Osl5LjWtPkA3ED5Mr7B3Vf3Sk9Hvy6DP6l2MoW6bG25Yo2i6ogPrXcyQHvp8G4-Oj5tL9Fwaiy29OF4bkUBwtEILSUuINQXMNAy-EN8gUCl6dVtrXCTQnpKM5nMrlCU/s1600/imgres.jpg" height="179" width="200" /></a>The finishing touch...Oother goes into the cellar and brings up a small package and says "<i>For your Christmas tree. It belonged to your mother."</i> Inside the package is a beautiful handmade bird for the top of the tree. Now that space has been made in their lives for Pyn's mother, Oother's heart softens and when Pyn thanks him "Thank you, Oother." He corrects her and says "My name's Papa." <br />
Emmy admires Pyn's determination to bring a Christmas tree into her home and calls Oother "A big softy."<br />
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This very gentle reminder of the spirit of Christmas is just what Emmy and I need. With all of the hustle and bustle, the meaning of Christmas is often forgotten. We will pause and appreciate the beauty of the season from the twinkling lights to the smell of pine to the festive music. And we will be mindful to bring peace and happiness to those that we meet. With that thought, we will end this post with these words from Longfellow's poem Christmas Bells.<br />
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<i>"I heard the bells on Christmas Day</i></div>
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<i>Their old, familiar carols play,</i></div>
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<i>And wild and sweet</i></div>
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<i>The words repeat</i></div>
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<i>Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</span></div>
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Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-32994926334967105322014-11-26T10:03:00.001-08:002014-11-26T12:50:17.657-08:00Thank You, Sarah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The pen is mightier than the sword." </i></div>
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Edward Bulwer-Lytton</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDpBgAv_a-1AutwGZfFo35voqs7CA1-vIr4fsewKzJsjvOdAgoIWA4KlXRaVRtmjb_Ey5SsFM_ChzQN6muOBwlhOGaI48L1KQSDh5vUXsYemUWjfRTbY7_VmDqIechbDnxaToHKxRvGc/s1600/bc-thankyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDpBgAv_a-1AutwGZfFo35voqs7CA1-vIr4fsewKzJsjvOdAgoIWA4KlXRaVRtmjb_Ey5SsFM_ChzQN6muOBwlhOGaI48L1KQSDh5vUXsYemUWjfRTbY7_VmDqIechbDnxaToHKxRvGc/s1600/bc-thankyou.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a>Emmy and I recently discovered a very persistent woman in history who helped to save Thanksgiving for all Americans - Sarah Josepha Hale. This discovery was thanks to author <a href="http://madwomanintheforest.com/" target="_blank">Laurie Halse Anderson</a> and her funny and inspirational book <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/068985143X" target="_blank">Thank You, Sarah The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving</a>. </b> Anderson has written many children's and young adult books based on American history with an upcoming book in the works about one of her heroes Abigail Adams. With lively illustrations by <a href="http://www.mattfaulkner.com/" target="_blank">Matt Faulkner</a> that often resemble caricatures, the story of Sarah Hale comes to life as a woman who means business.<br />
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<i>"Way, way back, when skirts were long and hats were tall, Thanksgiving was fading away. </i></div>
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<i>Sure, the folks up in New England celebrated it. They'd roast a turkey and invite </i></div>
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<i>the relatives when the harvest came in. But not in the South, not in the West, </i></div>
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<i>not even in the Middle Atlantic states. More and more, </i><i>people ignored the holiday. </i></div>
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<i>Thanksgiving was in trouble. It needed...A SUPERHERO! No, not that kind. </i></div>
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<i>Thanksgiving needed a real superhero, someone bold and brave and stubborn and smart. Thanksgiving needed Sarah Hale." </i></div>
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I love the message that putting pen to paper is a way to create change by getting others to hear your point of view and perhaps persuade them to change their way of thinking. It took Sarah Hale thirty-eight years and thousands of letters to persuade our top leaders to declare the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving. Four presidents denied Hale's request, but not Abraham Lincoln. In the year 1863, President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. <br />
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If you are interested in reading Hale's letter to President Lincoln, you can find it <a href="http://womenshistory.about.com/od/thanksgiving/a/sarah_hale_letter.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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And so Emmy and I give thanks this Thanksgiving to Sarah Hale for using her pen to stand up for what she believed in and creating change. Sarah Hale's life has made a tremendous difference in the culture of our country. Both Emmy and I have enjoyed getting to know who she was. These are the facts that Emmy would like everyone to know:<br />
* She was the first American female magazine editor. The <i>Ladies' Magazine </i>was where she published fashion, household and educational articles alongside poems and short stories that she wrote as well as some of the most famous authors of her day...Edgar Allan Poe, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Nathaniel Hawthorne to name a few. She then went on to become editor for the magazine <i>Godey's Lady's Book </i>where she worked for forty years.<br />
* She wrote the popular nursery rhyme Mary Had A Little Lamb in the year 1830 after a lamb followed one of her students to school one day.<br />
* She pushed hard for the education of girls and for women's colleges and helped found Vassar College<br />
* She strongly believed in play and physical education and helped to build playgrounds<br />
* She raised money to preserve and build monuments honoring historical figures and events such as George Washington's Mount Vernon plantation and Bunker Hill in Boston, MA. <br />
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We both highly recommend the book <b>Thank You, Sarah</b> as it helped Emmy to realize that children have a great deal of influence. By writing letters to the head of school, the city council, the mayor and newspaper editors, she can make her opinions heard and perhaps create change. <br />
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To give you a little taste of the book, here is Emmy reading the first few pages. Enjoy!<br />
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To read our other posts about Thanksgiving click on the following:</div>
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<a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2009/09/strega-nonas-harvest.html" target="_blank">Strega Nona's Harvest</a></div>
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<a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-books.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Books</a></div>
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<a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2010/11/and-winner-is.html" target="_blank">One is a Feast For Mouse</a></div>
Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-44415374467636540952014-09-14T19:19:00.002-07:002014-11-26T13:09:54.538-08:00Amazing Sunflowers<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Keep your face to the sunshine </i></div>
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<i>and you cannot see the shadow. </i></div>
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<i>It's what sunflowers do." </i></div>
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<i>Helen Keller</i></div>
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Emmy and I recently explored an amazing sunflower field at <a href="http://www.colbyfarms.com/">Colby Farm</a> in Newbury, MA. This field is planted annually and tended to by the Colby family. The sunflowers were absolutely gorgeous. Emmy couldn't believe how tall the flowers were and how many of them were in the field. We estimated in the 1,000's. There were so many honey bees busy at work collecting pollen to take back to their hives and beautiful butterflies resting on the sunny heads of the flowers. We spent a long time exploring this field taking in the beauty and relishing the quiet.</div>
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After our visit, I was inspired to show Emmy Vincent Van Gogh's paintings of sunflowers. This allowed us to talk about Van Gogh's technique of using vibrant colors and swirling brush strokes (post-impressionism) as well as still life painting. Emmy and I will be working on our own still life paintings of a vase of sunflowers and will share them at a later time. <br />
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<i>Still Life: Vase With Twelve Sunflowers 1888</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cTgggNomqkoWsTm0rEScXkySLAKHyG3D3ZS4sjZD4tURnRmOOv4TlfLYWe0i5AsIhoqeWCiCSovF6vFXJs3Bj0mecJzqf5kj55gWi3unuMQLHB2aoni1k78BKPBa_p5HrxhBQm6kQFE/s1600/jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cTgggNomqkoWsTm0rEScXkySLAKHyG3D3ZS4sjZD4tURnRmOOv4TlfLYWe0i5AsIhoqeWCiCSovF6vFXJs3Bj0mecJzqf5kj55gWi3unuMQLHB2aoni1k78BKPBa_p5HrxhBQm6kQFE/s1600/jpeg.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a>Emmy has always been interested in Van Gogh's paintings especially his most famous work <i>The Starry Night (1889)</i>. In a previous <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2009/04/for-love-of-art.html">post</a>, I talked about how we kept a picture frame in Emmy's bedroom that held a different postcard each week of a famous painting. She always wanted <i>The Starry Night</i> to be in the frame. With our renewed interest in Van Gogh, we decided to check out a book about Van Gogh from our library. I had learned of a series of books by Laurence Anholt (<a href="http://www.anholt.co.uk/anholts-artists/">Anholt's Artists Books For Children</a><b>)</b> that focused on stories of real children who had actually met famous artists. There are nine books in the series and we would like to read them all, but we began with <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0764138545">Van Gogh and the Sunflowers</a>.</b> <b> </b>This story focuses on Van Gogh's time spent in Arles, France. A young boy named Camille befriends Van Gogh when he moves into the yellow house at the end of his street. Camille brought sunflowers to his new friend and watched him paint. Others in the town thought that Van Gogh was odd and that Vincent and his paintings didn't fit in with the town. Emmy and I appreciated Camille's father's explanation,</div>
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<i>"People often laugh at things that are different, </i></div>
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<i>but I've got a feeling that one day </i></div>
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<i>they will learn to love Vincent's paintings." </i></div>
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Not only are Anholt's illustrations wonderful to look at, but the book also includes reproductions of works by Vincent Van Gogh. For another recommendation of a book about art, check out this <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2010/09/bridgets-beret.html">post</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT9NT9qzmWDz5wfLt7cW-O5F6thZR-Q9XGJGiVaEdWhhwCyzyeO0zib-8vkcI28WrY-SGEgmzeQhpgLdcuR797gP_sWvchAEp-xKSriDzFpN_bJIOh2M6NsZUL3WdV7i4ZyIy8Us13Ts/s1600/51+ieWg313L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT9NT9qzmWDz5wfLt7cW-O5F6thZR-Q9XGJGiVaEdWhhwCyzyeO0zib-8vkcI28WrY-SGEgmzeQhpgLdcuR797gP_sWvchAEp-xKSriDzFpN_bJIOh2M6NsZUL3WdV7i4ZyIy8Us13Ts/s1600/51+ieWg313L.jpg" height="170" width="200" /></a></div>
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A wonderful book celebrating sunflowers is Eve Bunting's <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0152019529">Sunflower House</a></b>. This story shares the lifecycle of the sunflower beginning with a boy planting sunflower seeds into a circle which creates a sunflower playhouse to the flowers wilting and the seeds dropping to the ground. The story is told in rhyming verse and the illustrations, by <a href="http://www.kathrynhewitt.com/">Kathryn Hewitt</a> (who also illustrated Bunting's book <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0152023720">Flower Garden</a></b>), are exquisite. Emmy's favorite part is when the boy and his friends sleep in the sunflower house. She is determined that she will plant a similar house and have her friends over to sleep among the giant flowers. </div>
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Whenever the topic of gardening with children comes up, I always suggest Sharon Lovejoy's books as resources. In her book, <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0761123865" style="font-weight: bold;">Sunflower Houses: A Book for Children and their Grown-Ups</a>, the pages are filled with terrific suggestions of flowers to plant and projects to make and also with Lovejoy's beautiful drawings and whimsical poems. I remember making clover chains and firefly lanterns when I was a child. I also remember picking dandelions for my mom. Emmy and I enjoy stringing dandelions together to make crowns to wear and bouquets to give. Gardening is not something that is easy for us as we live in an apartment building in town, but I am determined to create an indoor garden with Emmy. If you are interested in other books about gardening, check out the following posts:<br />
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<a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2009/08/childs-garden.html" target="_blank">The Child's Garden</a></div>
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<a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2011/05/in-garden-whos-been-here.html" target="_blank">In the Garden: Who's Been Here?</a></div>
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<a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2008/11/bumpety-bump.html" target="_blank">Bumpety Bump!</a></div>
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Here's a song that Emmy and I have been enjoying since our visit to the sunflower field...</div>
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<i>Sunflower ~ </i>written by Neil Diamond and recorded by Glen Campbell in 1977. </div>
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Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-49376635202466802902014-08-09T09:03:00.001-07:002014-08-11T14:06:25.717-07:00Celebrating Poetry and the Outdoors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYnt5EbqpkrLErHhm7mcwqJsrnKmWBOjhIx77a9-u-N2fuvrAltr4dFJxHemhg7Wp5z1qEgoS5zHjOSi9uhUQ_BqBuSxc6syr9TC8NMSIxZK5_TodZfbDbVhIYWrL92w6RD3M651SXhw/s1600/3405_136424_13_28829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYnt5EbqpkrLErHhm7mcwqJsrnKmWBOjhIx77a9-u-N2fuvrAltr4dFJxHemhg7Wp5z1qEgoS5zHjOSi9uhUQ_BqBuSxc6syr9TC8NMSIxZK5_TodZfbDbVhIYWrL92w6RD3M651SXhw/s1600/3405_136424_13_28829.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg84mw8L3_hJ4A_AZWfv3SZ6nf2942HE6TjdkefAkUzqcZ4cJgsZZGKCRU3CjC6B-W2Bwt2_jhbizcDIH-ILId4xxw4VVdsd0Db0_0OcSjoArr01xsC7Wjl6cDhIg-PWeFLTcFVjSNP-M/s1600/3405_338278_12_25592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg84mw8L3_hJ4A_AZWfv3SZ6nf2942HE6TjdkefAkUzqcZ4cJgsZZGKCRU3CjC6B-W2Bwt2_jhbizcDIH-ILId4xxw4VVdsd0Db0_0OcSjoArr01xsC7Wjl6cDhIg-PWeFLTcFVjSNP-M/s1600/3405_338278_12_25592.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_30yyZvdIAxeMBLKOSirVZSDjfeNb2M5hx2emmTpvjkHxurqQ5xAPnL_jFNdqOEaojRedMwb-_t1XKoUlegnl7Sc74zKf1F52WVoHEkGVBPoW4DySDOGxy7cpe3oLEYpTixiRBZ5GL8/s1600/3405_110504_13_22643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_30yyZvdIAxeMBLKOSirVZSDjfeNb2M5hx2emmTpvjkHxurqQ5xAPnL_jFNdqOEaojRedMwb-_t1XKoUlegnl7Sc74zKf1F52WVoHEkGVBPoW4DySDOGxy7cpe3oLEYpTixiRBZ5GL8/s1600/3405_110504_13_22643.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Being outdoors has always been Emmy's favorite thing to do. From a very young age, her curiosity led her to explore nature in wide open spaces and in little nooks and crannies. Today Emmy still enjoys being outside, but I am starting to see a difference in how she relates to nature. The magic of fairies and gnomes hidden amongst the flowers and leaves is disappearing and in its place is more of a scientific approach to life around her. I hear things like, "Did you know that sand is made up of millions of tiny rocks? Did you know that the anther is the part of the flower that produces pollen? Did you know that there are more than 1,500 active volcanoes on Earth?" I know that these facts are important and am grateful that she is interested in learning these things, but I am a believer that life is magical and will continue to encourage her to look at things in a variety of different ways (not black or white). For example, we know that an orb web is made of spirals and is used to catch prey, but seeing an orb web in the early morning mist is magical as the first rays of the morning sun hit its spirals and creates shimmers of gold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Emmy has attended a Montessori school for the past six years (pre-school through second grade). Going out and exploring nature has always been a part of her school day. It is understood that fresh air along with children's natural desire to explore their surroundings is beneficial to their growth and learning. Montessori believes that to delight in the wonder of the natural world at a tender and impressionable age is to become a steward to the earth in the years to come. I will be forever grateful to all of her Montessori teachers for gifting Emmy with the awareness that nature doesn't belong to us, but rather that we are responsible for its care. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This
past school year, Emmy spent a lot of time immersed in poetry. It wasn't
just a unit to teach, a box to be checked off, but rather a time to delve into
the beauty of words - sweet, juicy, interesting words. Through read
alouds, the poems came to life begging Emmy to dive in. Through writing,
poetry became a way for Emmy to express herself. By using mentor texts,
Emmy began to understand the different ways that poets put words together.
Through reciting poems, Emmy realized that the rhythm and rhyme of poetry was a
fun way to play with words. Through drama, Emmy took her love of poetry
to a dramatic level by creating little skits to go along with the poems.
In the spring, the children helped to organize a Poetry Tea as a
celebration of all that they had learned. From the invitations to the set
up of the classroom, the children were involved in the process. It may
have been lacking a smoky atmosphere and the adornment of berets, but it felt
very "beatnik" anyway. The children each took a turn reading
from their hand sewn poetry books where they had written five types of poems
such as a couplet and a diamante. The look of pride on their faces as
they stood before a large group of adults and read their poems was a joy to
witness. Also part of the Poetry Tea was food and drinks. When we
arrived, Emmy greeted us and showed us to our table. She then went and
got the snacks and served us hot tea with honey, lemon and/or sugar.
It was such a sweet celebration. Emmy continues to find poetry
wherever we go from noticing words that rhyme to making very poetic remarks
such as, "Doesn't the color of the sun have a shade as deep red as a beautiful
Poppy in spring." When she carries what she has learned in school into
her day to day life, I know that learning has really occurred. A love of
poetry has truly been instilled in her being and I, again, thank her teachers for helping to facilitate this love. Please take a moment to watch this video of Emmy as she reads her poems at Inn Street Montessori's Lower Elementary Poetry Tea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ever since her work with poetry at school, Emmy has become interested in books that hold collections of poems. We have quite a collection of poetry books including Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Shel Silverstein and Mattie Stepanek. Stepanek has been described as a peacemaker, a philosopher and a prophet. He suffered from a rare form of muscular dystrophy and died in 2004 at the age of thirteen. His poems are full of messages of peace and love. Stepanek called his poems <i>heartsongs</i>. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"A heartsong doesn't have to be a song in your heart, " he said. "It doesn't have to be </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">talking about love and peace. It can just be your message. It can be your feeling. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Some people might even call it a conscience."</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At a very early age, Stepanek developed his personal life philosophy summed up in the following quote, <i style="text-align: center;">"Remember to play after every storm." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can read more about Mattie Stepanek and his books of poetry and essays titled, </span><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/1598596829" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;">Heartsongs</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, (all NY Times bestsellers) on his </span><a href="http://www.mattieonline.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">website</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">With Emmy's love of the outdoors, I searched for poetry books that focused on nature. These two books stood out as winners.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfEtONWQUUFKvrYh0kyIZp-xK26MNtgOTBbKtIuguOYY34mo8LeFija5OEDvgUVUEsxHwOC2GFJqrXcUdn8YzgrJrOko0qIdBqNfhUFe1qtJIdrDYqbaL1u4g_aId1ZQRYgsqftqshs4/s1600/9780547124933_xlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfEtONWQUUFKvrYh0kyIZp-xK26MNtgOTBbKtIuguOYY34mo8LeFija5OEDvgUVUEsxHwOC2GFJqrXcUdn8YzgrJrOko0qIdBqNfhUFe1qtJIdrDYqbaL1u4g_aId1ZQRYgsqftqshs4/s1600/9780547124933_xlg.jpg" height="200" width="182" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The first one is <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0547124937">A Stick is an Excellent Thing</a></b> (poems celebrating outdoor play) by <a href="http://marilynsinger.net/">Marilyn Singer</a> with illustrations by <a href="http://www.leuyenpham.com/">LeUyen Pham</a>. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This book of poetry celebrates universal types of play that are timeless and engaging no matter what generation is participating. From organized games like jumping rope, hop scotch and hide-and-seek to imaginative games like making mud soup and turning sticks into magic wands, the poems held within these pages invite children to join in the fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>A Stick is an Excellent Thing</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A stick is an excellent thing,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>If you find the perfect one.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It's a scepter for a king,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A stick is an excellent thing.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It's a magic wand, It's yours to fling,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>To strum a fence, to draw the sun,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A stick is an excellent thing,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>If you find the right one. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(Click <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2009/05/not-box.html">HERE</a> for our post about the book <b>Not a Stick</b>)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9HZY_FGDEa_a6WAtLLTuBFDvw-iJYZDWzpwKrRuyfVcyG8MZT826hObpKzz7IY4HB9eYztDLfCK5Dt-XYij6LXxtfgGNRCoc_5HA1dV26sfDjjej7VYRNjOEuDVJC0e0epu1LmWASjU/s1600/jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9HZY_FGDEa_a6WAtLLTuBFDvw-iJYZDWzpwKrRuyfVcyG8MZT826hObpKzz7IY4HB9eYztDLfCK5Dt-XYij6LXxtfgGNRCoc_5HA1dV26sfDjjej7VYRNjOEuDVJC0e0epu1LmWASjU/s1600/jpeg.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The second one is <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/076365549X">Outside Your Window</a></b> (a first book of nature) by <a href="http://www.nicola-davies.com/">Nicola Davies</a>, illustrated by Mark Hearld. Hearld's juicy layered collages bring the poems to life. Davies, a zoologist and best known for writing books about science, finds a way to bring amazing facts and fun things to do in her poetry writing. The book cycles through the seasons with a good number of poems focused on each one. I like that the poems do not always follow a rhyming format, but instead bring about vivid images through colorful language. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Honey</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Buzzzzzzz zzzzzzzz</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It's coming from the beehive</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It sounds like sweetness</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>And the sleepy, sleepy summer</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Hmmmm mmm</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The bees bring nectar from the flowers</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>For miles around and in the hive,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>They make it into honey.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Buzzzzzzz zzzzzzzz</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Hmmmmm mmm</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The sound of sweetness and the smell of flowers</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Of sunny, sleepy summer -</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The sound of honey.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Emmy and I hope that we have inspired you to enjoy the poetry of nature! I leave you with a quote by one of my favorite philosophers and the person that my Emmy is named after, Ralph Waldo Emerson. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." </span></i></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OfMVnFB5yKY%2FU-ODndTDXgI%2FAAAAAAAACzk%2FLz7xJZauigo%2Fs1600%2F3405_136424_13_28829.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYnt5EbqpkrLErHhm7mcwqJsrnKmWBOjhIx77a9-u-N2fuvrAltr4dFJxHemhg7Wp5z1qEgoS5zHjOSi9uhUQ_BqBuSxc6syr9TC8NMSIxZK5_TodZfbDbVhIYWrL92w6RD3M651SXhw/s1600/3405_136424_13_28829.jpg" -->Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-33678608238457293772014-07-27T10:38:00.001-07:002014-07-29T05:58:34.602-07:00Summertime<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>It's Summertime!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoyKpuN-fDvy3-LGuCjEXtRk1MgACWIn_rIy8sjBAMvDu99mOSVLSRIATtuU2cJSFtQ9sNXEPxCZdJx0TXyDFd83MndFPfvrPX_IZCSzmorLkd_DvgraNUQveUXZN4MwluAe03PqtOfg/s1600/IMG_4983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoyKpuN-fDvy3-LGuCjEXtRk1MgACWIn_rIy8sjBAMvDu99mOSVLSRIATtuU2cJSFtQ9sNXEPxCZdJx0TXyDFd83MndFPfvrPX_IZCSzmorLkd_DvgraNUQveUXZN4MwluAe03PqtOfg/s1600/IMG_4983.JPG" height="150" width="200" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgKmwPLEn7fznMwQ0pXxXVKUwMBhkl73cIZn1yypWz_Cv7Z2yYmVdCkr_zDscWfBEIUyfhn9H1v_LkO27ZFwNTOLN3fXHrU4Iowyi9t_lefz5_w0EXX7r0A2b5vMpiikDBa4I3YYNUXg/s1600/Emmy+Plum+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgKmwPLEn7fznMwQ0pXxXVKUwMBhkl73cIZn1yypWz_Cv7Z2yYmVdCkr_zDscWfBEIUyfhn9H1v_LkO27ZFwNTOLN3fXHrU4Iowyi9t_lefz5_w0EXX7r0A2b5vMpiikDBa4I3YYNUXg/s1600/Emmy+Plum+Island.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<i>Plum Island ~ Massachusetts</i></div>
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What Emmy loves about SUMMER...lazy days, flip flops, </div>
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chocolate ice cream, juicy watermelon, swimming pools, walks in the woods, bike riding, </div>
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the ocean: the smell of the warm sea breezes, the sound of the crashing waves, </div>
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the warm sand between her toes and so much more. SUMMER! </div>
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With more time spent outdoors during the summer, we find ourselves working to create moments in the day for reading and creating indoors (quite different from wintertime when we work on creating moments to be outdoors).<br />
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When we first wake up and right before bed seem to be the best times for reading and creating in our household. I recently restocked Emmy's paint supplies and set up her art table with an "invitation to paint." When she woke up the next morning and saw her table, she was so surprised and very motivated to get back to painting. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLzxwtoKPvMT_cr2o7AUvF4kbieaxf0cAsQ9YSNyZl5Zlbxaj7LQrL7GBjPrc3Q7T-9rmvAkZC-CZij91A9t13MXmhkPn-yeiBSQyhyB15cGZrAgrk0aIk46KoQCx4JMTbXXof61DkR8/s1600/IMG_4986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLzxwtoKPvMT_cr2o7AUvF4kbieaxf0cAsQ9YSNyZl5Zlbxaj7LQrL7GBjPrc3Q7T-9rmvAkZC-CZij91A9t13MXmhkPn-yeiBSQyhyB15cGZrAgrk0aIk46KoQCx4JMTbXXof61DkR8/s1600/IMG_4986.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrY0Zp995avfMPLZ6sr7mSJhY2ngU1rdM58D34kkQanvRceUmCDfZv0XIY24WCea3VE5xFuiRaBdh-zHAjiSENcHJHnDjZk6xM50xjUokFi_7ww2c5_A9wySy_T3GeFJ4QISyOv5-9dk/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrY0Zp995avfMPLZ6sr7mSJhY2ngU1rdM58D34kkQanvRceUmCDfZv0XIY24WCea3VE5xFuiRaBdh-zHAjiSENcHJHnDjZk6xM50xjUokFi_7ww2c5_A9wySy_T3GeFJ4QISyOv5-9dk/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Emmy's art table and her painting of a sailboat at sunset </i></div>
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<i>inspired by the view outside of our living room window. </i></div>
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We've also been motivated to keep reading thanks to our local bookstore and library. Both have fun summer reading programs going on right now. At <a href="http://hugobookstores.com/bookrack">The Book Rack</a>, children are given a passport to <i>Find Waldo in Newburyport</i>. Local businesses have a small cutout of Waldo hidden somewhere in their store and it's up to the child to find him. Emmy is much better at this seek and find game than I am. She gets so excited when she can ask the shopkeeper to sign her passport. We have two more Waldos to find and then we can enter our name into the grand prize drawing (a set of <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0763645257">Where's Waldo</a> books).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2gu40CfDnVC1pnMP1ki6Oj2Ve_bXxXEK2iUc2nkndPxzrVHeeX6xW_6XStwaolxn0fmf2AwDs1N5gDz7mx005beWd7SCXhSqoAAt-Ts9cS7td2ArXvzA8x3X4JryOLGP6gl0GM5_V5Y/s1600/IMG_4988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2gu40CfDnVC1pnMP1ki6Oj2Ve_bXxXEK2iUc2nkndPxzrVHeeX6xW_6XStwaolxn0fmf2AwDs1N5gDz7mx005beWd7SCXhSqoAAt-Ts9cS7td2ArXvzA8x3X4JryOLGP6gl0GM5_V5Y/s1600/IMG_4988.JPG" height="148" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0k3l7jBlgSRRuOLmquY4pTvepZxmtqpKShAIlRUrmG9fQxt41kPIIb47Ar9FKO3LbWi94TP8GHLL5LJ3icG2lO-kqPTFlrsyyIKaVGf4kq5UDNyg2rD-sgwnyiXrFjvbR1l81EJTxeI/s1600/IMG_4990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0k3l7jBlgSRRuOLmquY4pTvepZxmtqpKShAIlRUrmG9fQxt41kPIIb47Ar9FKO3LbWi94TP8GHLL5LJ3icG2lO-kqPTFlrsyyIKaVGf4kq5UDNyg2rD-sgwnyiXrFjvbR1l81EJTxeI/s1600/IMG_4990.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
The library's <i>Fizz, Boom, Read</i> program has Emmy reading books for prizes like a coupon to her favorite frozen yogurt shop - <a href="http://www.orangeleafyogurt.com/">Orange Leaf</a>, a free book (she choose <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0399251618">Gingerbread Friends</a></b> by one of her favorite authors Jan Brett) and a free <a href="http://www.topsfieldfair.org/">Topsfield Fair</a> ticket! Emmy fractured her wrist six weeks ago so I've been helping her to fill in her reading log with the titles of the books. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyUDep6Qx7ejB5lpspbQ_begBGsfZy8DMTWYI3zvMdffrlpTZkjNTDs1iErPxasmAegZw8b6xFJVUMi6LkWNBQxY-a-9YIRH-2GTTRdCM_l2wlHwXJO-Voq6cPGh8O81Z2aG4xyYfMZA/s1600/IMG_4802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyUDep6Qx7ejB5lpspbQ_begBGsfZy8DMTWYI3zvMdffrlpTZkjNTDs1iErPxasmAegZw8b6xFJVUMi6LkWNBQxY-a-9YIRH-2GTTRdCM_l2wlHwXJO-Voq6cPGh8O81Z2aG4xyYfMZA/s1600/IMG_4802.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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Here are a few books that we've been reading to celebrate the season of SUMMER! (books are listed from a more difficult reading/listening level to an easier one)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54Syh9NSYdztym0iKHO5FqlJP-w71ykb4ZOu17Q364r_eKQWTpfePEj-U9wuxJr3G8nWJwSaNo1FScHmMtSyG2cZXqJVx2M7CJmU9FpCxPlEMLiykACU3DZGe5EzxeygvDdkQmbOXnf4/s1600/IMG_8261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54Syh9NSYdztym0iKHO5FqlJP-w71ykb4ZOu17Q364r_eKQWTpfePEj-U9wuxJr3G8nWJwSaNo1FScHmMtSyG2cZXqJVx2M7CJmU9FpCxPlEMLiykACU3DZGe5EzxeygvDdkQmbOXnf4/s1600/IMG_8261.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8emhhvMoLV1qv3125Tg9JYRxTGdM1pniKDTmo8mAvGv2zo0kSMCcXpsUcxcwaQ134mL3hFKhGf4KRufmzBwKHiMC1-hg2zoQzd6A3YMzVsu9JKkUsGnMe9ZZGgWW_AgrR371QCnqpejM/s1600/29290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8emhhvMoLV1qv3125Tg9JYRxTGdM1pniKDTmo8mAvGv2zo0kSMCcXpsUcxcwaQ134mL3hFKhGf4KRufmzBwKHiMC1-hg2zoQzd6A3YMzVsu9JKkUsGnMe9ZZGgWW_AgrR371QCnqpejM/s1600/29290.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzYO-yimvE4AVEPs58aQOmX5Bf3z3RxoYCvASq-sPyqTyaAg8c0Z45nEz74xHvSWTq6kfI_C3DHocqIhKpOmM8j48AhgQgT2KHWVeqqd5050Qn6Fh-Nt0RM4j4DZkONAYx7Y-GThhEZo/s1600/981463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzYO-yimvE4AVEPs58aQOmX5Bf3z3RxoYCvASq-sPyqTyaAg8c0Z45nEz74xHvSWTq6kfI_C3DHocqIhKpOmM8j48AhgQgT2KHWVeqqd5050Qn6Fh-Nt0RM4j4DZkONAYx7Y-GThhEZo/s1600/981463.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a><b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0140502017">Time of Wonder</a>,</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey, won the Caldecott Medal in 1958 for the gorgeous illustrations which depict the Maine landscape in summer. This is </span></span>McCloskey's second Caldecott award the first being for <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2010/07/make-way-for-ducklings.html">Make Way For Ducklings</a>. Time of Wonder revolves around two sisters who spend the summer with their family at the seashore. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYwYH6_HeHZLO71C01UUQfUt8zk94ey7pHCKfhulfXI35aHTfVtFrpee2RHiz4_wxGxXmZHpris6rpHwxkDdCt6cFbngim_9xOcShkmu5f-wOZ-Uo73ZhbedFNIBjtNmMsOo3waOWnn0/s1600/5-18-The-Relatives-Came-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYwYH6_HeHZLO71C01UUQfUt8zk94ey7pHCKfhulfXI35aHTfVtFrpee2RHiz4_wxGxXmZHpris6rpHwxkDdCt6cFbngim_9xOcShkmu5f-wOZ-Uo73ZhbedFNIBjtNmMsOo3waOWnn0/s1600/5-18-The-Relatives-Came-image.jpg" height="200" width="177" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0689717385">When the Relatives Came</a></b> </span>by <a href="http://www.cynthiarylant.com/">Cynthia Rylant</a> illustrations by Steven Gammel You can just feel the family love as soon as you open this book about distant relatives coming to stay for the summer. Many people will relate to the connection one has with relatives that you only see once or twice a year ~ you make the visit worthwhile filling each other up to last until the next gathering.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuf9wO3nZ82Uh1K6WJLlRFDZBEthaNehKiLfjjPn-FiqhNtQj1YqB_nnSkknWZNDBNuN8GAh0GV9lnqTAOGs_3MsTT00xNSB5sVbtITSlkLWkujpazZahbmbwiqlxQx9Edd7Ms6aaVq_I/s1600/jpeg-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuf9wO3nZ82Uh1K6WJLlRFDZBEthaNehKiLfjjPn-FiqhNtQj1YqB_nnSkknWZNDBNuN8GAh0GV9lnqTAOGs_3MsTT00xNSB5sVbtITSlkLWkujpazZahbmbwiqlxQx9Edd7Ms6aaVq_I/s1600/jpeg-1.jpg" height="200" width="187" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRyDBBQ56WcPgeRUVKLeV1pgI6NTDoRlburAA7Zo8cN-FuDTN6i3i_5dnp3z96DD84vD6e1WoLEi5cyrJEcBRAxAH-HE_hUBPjHBpBgBZzM10Yqtlo8Ob7_g1WIFPau8KrJMSY7i3D7E/s1600/jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRyDBBQ56WcPgeRUVKLeV1pgI6NTDoRlburAA7Zo8cN-FuDTN6i3i_5dnp3z96DD84vD6e1WoLEi5cyrJEcBRAxAH-HE_hUBPjHBpBgBZzM10Yqtlo8Ob7_g1WIFPau8KrJMSY7i3D7E/s1600/jpeg.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0060292679">Summersaults</a></b> and <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0688075649">A Summer Day</a></b> by Douglas Florian...the first is a collection of poems that shares the joys of summer and the not so joyful things - annoying flies! The second is the story of a family that leaves the sweltering heat of a summer day in the city to spend time exploring in the country. Emmy and I love it when a book shows a family that lives in an apartment since that is home to us. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk8e1f06VR6FGFOhs5i3hMaJdrv_tc7I8WdAqv3ClaH6iU7t81MHRfIylx-tKtszpSrWQdeFanbFkwLnFXQom00Mez53Eisx24e096hDYyoZ1yX90ig0IIRTlRxnEfevagSzT_eUawoI/s1600/SummerDays1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk8e1f06VR6FGFOhs5i3hMaJdrv_tc7I8WdAqv3ClaH6iU7t81MHRfIylx-tKtszpSrWQdeFanbFkwLnFXQom00Mez53Eisx24e096hDYyoZ1yX90ig0IIRTlRxnEfevagSzT_eUawoI/s1600/SummerDays1.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc8y8UnkiqXVxAvmt4Z6HR-1RDAC9x7C_99p4jK3vFip97FP0v1U2iUgCooHaT9se0WPc-pmISgbKv4PuYdAP8MmKmY98L2sjxMOjlRBzfcNLtkrm1gqTmZmqCXSJCCQvjdwDvnMW1Fo/s1600/51RziDMM2jL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc8y8UnkiqXVxAvmt4Z6HR-1RDAC9x7C_99p4jK3vFip97FP0v1U2iUgCooHaT9se0WPc-pmISgbKv4PuYdAP8MmKmY98L2sjxMOjlRBzfcNLtkrm1gqTmZmqCXSJCCQvjdwDvnMW1Fo/s1600/51RziDMM2jL.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a><b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0805090789">Summer Days and Nights</a></b> by <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/wongherbertyee/">Wong Herbert Yee</a> I love the nostalgic feel of this sweet story. Emmy loves that the main character is the same little girl from one of our favorite winter books <b>Tracks in the Snow</b> (check out our post <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2010/01/winter-books.html">here</a>). Yee creates a summer day that is full of wonder and magic from sun up to sun down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qVrxNWY8vISLCPJpJKYxKfOpRZ2sqHxi7-fBl4g_mlOQCfKI_6ss840paPOSiTjwBRf-39E6z3JLBKzF9jof2OOqE_fs7QFK8wzeL8mAuJnjRdZFpcjsZo1w4XQMil9XVqypmYAf7ag/s1600/10397_2038032-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qVrxNWY8vISLCPJpJKYxKfOpRZ2sqHxi7-fBl4g_mlOQCfKI_6ss840paPOSiTjwBRf-39E6z3JLBKzF9jof2OOqE_fs7QFK8wzeL8mAuJnjRdZFpcjsZo1w4XQMil9XVqypmYAf7ag/s1600/10397_2038032-1.jpeg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEzrvkPt0V0DmCXbI4fGbcPKHgH2tBRMCLXZLIAqdaT6Q16rRGKIVrAJ3VfzZTfmyrc2QPX-msK4qmryyDtJmGoSeujGz_bBnalpETO05T4wdrErlIlOBZ1wHT-dqP9epPB2OVpRSNjI/s1600/9781404868526_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEzrvkPt0V0DmCXbI4fGbcPKHgH2tBRMCLXZLIAqdaT6Q16rRGKIVrAJ3VfzZTfmyrc2QPX-msK4qmryyDtJmGoSeujGz_bBnalpETO05T4wdrErlIlOBZ1wHT-dqP9epPB2OVpRSNjI/s1600/9781404868526_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" height="200" width="197" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh310L_Uzdm61qO8H03ypuKSphRS7W8-hy5WowfztR-CQV4d0GmH65oKLio90YoRg2Juvwkn2zAeQOPp8dWgedWKZHwKD9wxr4SqrwhHvvkidMh28q-oIkX6tk6Z8DSYDCvTP237qAO8MY/s1600/jpeg-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh310L_Uzdm61qO8H03ypuKSphRS7W8-hy5WowfztR-CQV4d0GmH65oKLio90YoRg2Juvwkn2zAeQOPp8dWgedWKZHwKD9wxr4SqrwhHvvkidMh28q-oIkX6tk6Z8DSYDCvTP237qAO8MY/s1600/jpeg-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/1404868526">I See Summer</a> </b>by <a href="http://www.charlesghigna.com/">Charles Gigna</a>, better known as Father Goose, thrills us with his lyrical rhymes. This book is one of four in a series of books about the seasons. Emmy's favorite part is when the children are chasing fireflies in the dark. Such fascinating little creatures. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh310L_Uzdm61qO8H03ypuKSphRS7W8-hy5WowfztR-CQV4d0GmH65oKLio90YoRg2Juvwkn2zAeQOPp8dWgedWKZHwKD9wxr4SqrwhHvvkidMh28q-oIkX6tk6Z8DSYDCvTP237qAO8MY/s1600/jpeg-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh310L_Uzdm61qO8H03ypuKSphRS7W8-hy5WowfztR-CQV4d0GmH65oKLio90YoRg2Juvwkn2zAeQOPp8dWgedWKZHwKD9wxr4SqrwhHvvkidMh28q-oIkX6tk6Z8DSYDCvTP237qAO8MY/s1600/jpeg-2.jpg" height="200" width="169" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubb737gZNdyv9Ytij6qlkqo-jdTjf1YPQaKv6mqGtcNyOVq0bTgSok49nFNaiGiFx5rAAyuNgkgDJ9nfyrCsZUmJkFjBd7iDebGS8zL7CTSiQH8fPbqOm2aAArsIjzuXajEkEiwzccEs/s1600/IMG_5674_zps67835cd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubb737gZNdyv9Ytij6qlkqo-jdTjf1YPQaKv6mqGtcNyOVq0bTgSok49nFNaiGiFx5rAAyuNgkgDJ9nfyrCsZUmJkFjBd7iDebGS8zL7CTSiQH8fPbqOm2aAArsIjzuXajEkEiwzccEs/s1600/IMG_5674_zps67835cd1.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0863151949">Summer</a></b> by Gerda Muller - This book is one of four in a series of wordless picture books about the seasons. We have enjoyed this set of books since Emmy was a baby first talking about what we saw as we slowly turned the pages to telling a different story each time we opened the book using the beautiful detailed pictures. Now we use the books to inspire creative writing about the seasons. Here's an example of a recent poem inspired by the book...</div>
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<b>Summer</b> </div>
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<i>by Emmy</i></div>
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hot and sweaty, sunny and rainy, </div>
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biking and swimming, chilly and juicy</div>
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splashing and diving<br />
SUMMER!<br />
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<i>We wish everyone a summer full of fun adventures and relaxing days!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIJ3Rje53QqiQtq0lWuXxjGTVX7VJA20O-1Xnu78Cn9Mo8fc1yKnO4sWDiLJe7InPUj4Oc-Kj_mrnX3If0Bij3Zepnh669QrWENa-JnUPeV6hGWn6HKW-IY_zgJ6sc5SYZ107hrK9lLA/s1600/IMG_4641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIJ3Rje53QqiQtq0lWuXxjGTVX7VJA20O-1Xnu78Cn9Mo8fc1yKnO4sWDiLJe7InPUj4Oc-Kj_mrnX3If0Bij3Zepnh669QrWENa-JnUPeV6hGWn6HKW-IY_zgJ6sc5SYZ107hrK9lLA/s1600/IMG_4641.jpg" height="181" width="200" /></a></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-8BkdnFIrTA0%2FU8vSlPPVlKI%2FAAAAAAAACwA%2FPbveNp1p6Ko%2Fs1600%2Fjpeg-2.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh310L_Uzdm61qO8H03ypuKSphRS7W8-hy5WowfztR-CQV4d0GmH65oKLio90YoRg2Juvwkn2zAeQOPp8dWgedWKZHwKD9wxr4SqrwhHvvkidMh28q-oIkX6tk6Z8DSYDCvTP237qAO8MY/s1600/jpeg-2.jpg" -->Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-87201242906831402402014-07-15T14:42:00.003-07:002014-07-16T12:19:48.502-07:00Raffi<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Y0OpsdTZ6Enh27k9lNn4nS3Q6Fsvbk3xB8WxDYwFeOi50BbZzO95psiXzhimVURK3aOKFarQ0TeiFSOOrV68r5SomGK-W_zlI3ecE6DbcqHvWo5_KfJFYrQJ7aFIr1EptaMy30scENg/s1600/raffi_h291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Y0OpsdTZ6Enh27k9lNn4nS3Q6Fsvbk3xB8WxDYwFeOi50BbZzO95psiXzhimVURK3aOKFarQ0TeiFSOOrV68r5SomGK-W_zlI3ecE6DbcqHvWo5_KfJFYrQJ7aFIr1EptaMy30scENg/s1600/raffi_h291.jpg" height="200" width="169" /></a><a href="http://www.raffinews.com/">Raffi</a> is the most influential children's entertainer of all time. He has created top notch music for kids and their parents since the beginning of his career as a musician for children. It was his commitment to honoring his young fans that changed the way we came to view music made for children. Through his own record label, Troubadour, Raffi recorded quality music that resonated with parents. Four decades later, Raffi continues to inspire millions of families worldwide through his music. His lyrics spread messages of love and caring with infectious melodies. From Raffi's songs grew a purpose much larger than performing music for children. Raffi has worked to create a philosophy of living called <a href="http://www.childhonouring.org/">Child Honouring</a>. This is a children first approach to healing communities and restoring ecosystems. It views how we regard and treat our young as the key to building a humane and sustainable world. </div>
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Raffi's music has touched my life both as a parent and a teacher. When Emmy was a baby I would sing <i>Baby Beluga</i> to her during feedings and diapering. As she grew, she joined in and together we belted out our rendition of this very popular song. Whenever a good laugh was in order, I would start singing <i>Shake Your Sillies Out </i>and before you knew it the two of us would be dancing all over the house. I used both of these songs in the classroom. <i>Baby Beluga</i> was always a favorite song when we learned about ocean life and whenever we needed to get up and move, <i>Shake Your Sillies Out</i> was our go to song. No matter the age, children (and adults) always LOVE Raffi. </div>
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Here is Raffi performing Baby Beluga.</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CDx9zqDpSik?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUSvggPq-x6uFd_ZRDzCZR9vYZiBqkJ5h9R79dERDfzo-zy9hQnocKYBByubk7-juLHqC32Xq7Rz6UakIP2LffM9HZbi2fUyUOYv4hoGNjmc0yiCdpQ3YdvxyLTl_fqkVY8I0kTq8wKc/s1600/21f8729fd7a090bc67c3f010.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUSvggPq-x6uFd_ZRDzCZR9vYZiBqkJ5h9R79dERDfzo-zy9hQnocKYBByubk7-juLHqC32Xq7Rz6UakIP2LffM9HZbi2fUyUOYv4hoGNjmc0yiCdpQ3YdvxyLTl_fqkVY8I0kTq8wKc/s1600/21f8729fd7a090bc67c3f010.L.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a>A wonderful way to connect music to reading is by sharing books based on familiar songs, such as the <b><a href="http://www.raffinews.com/store/childrens-books/#.U8WVAY1dV9o">Raffi Songs to Read</a></b> series. Of course we owned the board book <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0517709775">Baby Beluga</a></b> and Emmy always enjoyed turning the pages in the book as we sang the words together. As she became more aware of frequently used words and letters and their sounds, she began to actually read this book with great enthusiasm. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE3BdXBpPKwy3qyuDpuB8_YOknpQYGFrcxSZoiBw_g0eYSSDqcAV7UPL-bLnk2fqy_Ape_o68AifS1Z2yoTjobmZkbNUNH0WBjuZFSH5U5grTjfvRdVC2LQwE3XEejSJ4D8YSko9N3W4/s1600/252488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE3BdXBpPKwy3qyuDpuB8_YOknpQYGFrcxSZoiBw_g0eYSSDqcAV7UPL-bLnk2fqy_Ape_o68AifS1Z2yoTjobmZkbNUNH0WBjuZFSH5U5grTjfvRdVC2LQwE3XEejSJ4D8YSko9N3W4/s1600/252488.jpg" height="191" width="200" /></a>When Emmy was around two years old, she was obsessed with trains. We sang many songs about trains including <i>Little Red Caboose</i>. I created a book for her using a three ring binder. I typed the words to her favorite train songs, added some clip art, printed them and slid them into plastic sleeves and then added them to the binder. Voila - we had a homemade book. We also took this idea and used it for gift giving. We would find out the child's favorite song and either buy the corresponding book with the CD and a trinket to go with it (like a stuffed beluga whale to go with Baby Beluga) or we would create our own. Several years ago we put together a tractor gift for a boy in Emmy's class. We included the book <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0399252487">Otis</a> </b>by Loren Long (a wonderful book of friendship), a toy tractor and a plastic cow. We happened to have the song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj_odhwo81s">Driving My Tractor</a> so we made a CD of the song and typed out the lyrics into a little book. All of this was placed into a drawstring bag. This gift was a huge hit. </div>
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Back to Raffi...It's been 12 years since Raffi recorded an album for children! No need to wait any longer as he just released a brand new album <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/B00K6D1O42">Love Bug</a></b> and it is awesome! </div>
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Here is a video of the single <i>Love Bug</i>.</div>
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You can download this song for free from his website by signing up for his newsletter. Check it out <b><a href="http://www.raffinews.com/store/childrens-music/lovebug#.U8WeSI1dV9o">HERE</a></b>. <br />
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I am going to end this post by using Raffi's words...<br />
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<b>"Beauty. Tranquility. The Arts. In these may your life be rich." </b><br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2519334/?claim=haadjcjp7ce">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></div>
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Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-31932544112075023572014-07-12T13:41:00.000-07:002014-07-12T13:53:29.620-07:00Too Many Frogs<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Rabbit lived by himself in </i></div>
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<i>the hollow of an old tree.</i></div>
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<i>He cooked for himself.</i></div>
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<i>He tidied up after himself.</i></div>
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<i>And at the end of each and every day, </i></div>
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<i>he read himself a story.</i></div>
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<i>It was a simple way of life - </i></div>
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<i>No fuss, no clutter.</i></div>
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<i>And Rabbit liked it.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKtvBovV8R2hpVULGs4dhdVOxctS5RfQCuXL64awjyzjntrMA5x1ZCOeniV02QnZMwxP6ygkDCV0bNu5-D0nz4Bj1IHlJmXyvfDzPbT1TiRRUlYfCUdfhxAGgEZ1MnsYaxW2x9xDhyphenhyphenkE/s1600/9780399239786_p0_v1_s260x420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKtvBovV8R2hpVULGs4dhdVOxctS5RfQCuXL64awjyzjntrMA5x1ZCOeniV02QnZMwxP6ygkDCV0bNu5-D0nz4Bj1IHlJmXyvfDzPbT1TiRRUlYfCUdfhxAGgEZ1MnsYaxW2x9xDhyphenhyphenkE/s1600/9780399239786_p0_v1_s260x420.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a>Or did he? <a href="http://usawrites4kids.drury.edu/authors/asher/">Sandy Asher</a> and <a href="http://www.keithgravesart.com/main.html">Keith Graves</a> have paired up to create the book <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0399239782" style="font-weight: bold;">Too Many</a> <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0399239782" style="font-weight: bold;">Frogs</a>, a heartwarming tale of two unlikely friends, a loner rabbit and a pesky frog, that celebrates the joy of reading aloud. <br />
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This book was given to Emmy on her birthday several years ago and is one of the most read picture books in our home. <b>Too Many Frogs </b>begs to be read aloud with funny voices for the characters and funny sounds for the actions. From Froggie's knock-knockety-knocking on the door followed by his croak <i>"It's Froggie!" </i>to his goodbye, <i>"Thanks for your kindness. Toodle-oo!" </i>readers will love the interaction between the two characters. <br />
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Emmy laughs and laughs as Froggie brings noise and clutter to Rabbit's quiet and tidy world. She especially enjoys when Froggie makes the two of them a snack.<br />
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<i>Rabbit opened the door, "I was about to read myself a story." </i></div>
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<i>"I know!" Froggie cried, and hopped right inside. </i></div>
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<i>"Love to listen! But first, let's fix ourselves a snack - or three! </i></div>
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<i>Don't mind, do you?" </i><i>"I suppose not," Rabbit said. </i></div>
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<i>So Froggie hopped - and popped - and whipped - and flipped - and mixed - </i></div>
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<i>and fixed a snack. Or three. Too much fuss! Rabbit thought. </i></div>
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Graves' illustrations are full of color and seem to pop right off the page. Whoever heard of a bright blue bunny, Graves did and it's PERFECT. There are many fun details to find on the page spreads. Emmy's favorites...the ladybug lamp, the umbrella with a crooked handle and the rug that looks like grass. But most especially, Emmy likes the facial expressions on Rabbit. <br />
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We both highly recommend this book! Such fun to read and talk about. Emmy often interrupts me when I am reading so I will remind her of Froggie and Rabbit. She just giggles and offers to go get us a snack or three! We have been on the lookout for these two follow up books that are sure to entertain us as well. </div>
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Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-85893182877053491982014-06-08T07:41:00.000-07:002014-07-13T08:30:07.109-07:00For the Love of Rocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-XxO7B7_VI945L4JJv0v-2y7ciPRa851dtv2hwzWeTaYB2KgBZftS_Tr9XEFQ2cNx5LhLXOZlEozrwoVIxuVLpftayLQlMfnyp2XgvM7FY0uxaNeHkNIWwd_Gjn_zQuxGfnKbn7ilbs/s1600/IMG_4966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-XxO7B7_VI945L4JJv0v-2y7ciPRa851dtv2hwzWeTaYB2KgBZftS_Tr9XEFQ2cNx5LhLXOZlEozrwoVIxuVLpftayLQlMfnyp2XgvM7FY0uxaNeHkNIWwd_Gjn_zQuxGfnKbn7ilbs/s1600/IMG_4966.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOR8J4OIpNciN3wo-PslxECiRCHnKPBSKL7mWLrFeiZsnypKmpONGXC2i7OyWCqCjO_JoWnNPf7iKGBM1-tFnH-t2piqPaM4T2LbugqhZME8LjzXyvg8m36mmqO96YPqWcf_eEazoZew/s1600/IMG_4967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOR8J4OIpNciN3wo-PslxECiRCHnKPBSKL7mWLrFeiZsnypKmpONGXC2i7OyWCqCjO_JoWnNPf7iKGBM1-tFnH-t2piqPaM4T2LbugqhZME8LjzXyvg8m36mmqO96YPqWcf_eEazoZew/s1600/IMG_4967.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>Like many children, Emmy loves to collect items from nature -especially rocks. Ever since she could walk, treasures from nature have come into our house. Emmy has a nature tray in her bedroom where she keeps all of these treasures. To this day, it is rare for her to come home without a rock, shell or acorn in her pocket (or in my purse). Emmy also enjoys going to stores and museums that have polished rocks. A recent find, from the <a href="http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/">Harvard Museum of Natural History</a>, is a piece of Chalcopyrite <i>KAL-kah-PIE-rite</i> (shown on the left in her hand above). It is also known as peacock pyrite because of its shiny iridescent qualities which is what drew her to this rock right away. </div>
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Along with collecting rocks, Emmy and I love to read books about rocks. Here are a few that we have added to our collection of rock books. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEdHvKg2XOsmiyZpDC3BEFA0RAVuLBuHxJ73FMDAfJfVcQ7VGefIY2s5jwXxPnVkqtPoO8zBDEYgRDWHnk-1SjAN4EfR5ue_h9efm5IqlUGTYTbUUIrShKBIrLnf_RLOJcFDr8hT9Yqk/s1600/9780152063542_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEdHvKg2XOsmiyZpDC3BEFA0RAVuLBuHxJ73FMDAfJfVcQ7VGefIY2s5jwXxPnVkqtPoO8zBDEYgRDWHnk-1SjAN4EfR5ue_h9efm5IqlUGTYTbUUIrShKBIrLnf_RLOJcFDr8hT9Yqk/s1600/9780152063542_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" height="182" width="200" /></a>In the photo essay style book, <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0152063544">If You Find a Rock</a></b> by <a href="http://www.peggychristian.com/">Peggy Christian</a> with photographs by Barbara Hirsh Lember, children are finding different kinds of rocks that aren't classified by mineral or structure, but rather by use: skipping rocks, splashing rocks, climbing rocks, resting rocks. </div>
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<i>Maybe you find a soft white rock - </i></div>
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<i>a rock that feels dusty in your fingers. </i></div>
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<i>Then you have a chalk rock and you use i</i><i>t</i></div>
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<i> to make pictures on the pavement. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SvSqUHzE3T1sq4tRXados8GoBAKLsMW32dJr2nUqy164BaLWT7EMME6xtQJDA0d87kWQIg9jbtQkE-i905DxuLfF0a3HuTdsR7V-FExey_qEg5cWuV1aJoqcV9pwHXKbeyfRf3oP1WM/s1600/images-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SvSqUHzE3T1sq4tRXados8GoBAKLsMW32dJr2nUqy164BaLWT7EMME6xtQJDA0d87kWQIg9jbtQkE-i905DxuLfF0a3HuTdsR7V-FExey_qEg5cWuV1aJoqcV9pwHXKbeyfRf3oP1WM/s1600/images-1.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a>Emmy's favorite classification from this book is a wishing rock. This is a rock with a line all the way around it. Trace the line, whisper what you want and then throw it. Here is an example of a wishing rock from our collection. <b>If You Find a Rock</b> is the perfect beginning to a more formal classification of rocks. I love that it focuses on observation and appreciation for rocks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHR4lB2DTf1hS8KSNwLEER36ZruuM7XBA5lLhKKOflsYABRxooLp80nBT9Gh9Qyae03kjRpJhep9WQlDbKOp2Dj2Ck-5tXB8sxe3oWh5Kz0_vcOdNbZklasq-Ch1x9-PpTfy76Ny03V6M/s1600/9780689710513_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHR4lB2DTf1hS8KSNwLEER36ZruuM7XBA5lLhKKOflsYABRxooLp80nBT9Gh9Qyae03kjRpJhep9WQlDbKOp2Dj2Ck-5tXB8sxe3oWh5Kz0_vcOdNbZklasq-Ch1x9-PpTfy76Ny03V6M/s1600/9780689710513_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" height="163" width="200" /></a>Next up is a book by one of my favorite authors Byrd Baylor. Baylor lives and writes in an adobe house powered by solar energy in the Sonoran desert of Arizona (she refers to a technical glitch as one where her pen runs out of ink). She presents images of the Southwest through beautiful prose that illustrates vividly the value of simplicity, the natural world and the intense connection between the land and the people. Baylor's book, <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0689710518">Everybody Needs a Rock</a></b> with illustrations by Peter Parnall, outlines ten rules for choosing the absolutely perfect rock for you. The specifications will make you smile... </div>
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<i>Rule Number 1 </i></div>
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<i>If you can, go to a mountain made out of nothing </i></div>
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<i>but a hundred million small shiny beautiful roundish rocks. </i></div>
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<i>But if you can't, any place will do even an alley, even a sandy lake. </i></div>
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Emmy's favorite rule: <i>Rule Number 6...The size must be perfect. It has to feel easy in your hand when you close your fingers over it. It has to feel jumpy in your pocket when you run. Some people touch a rock a thousand times a day. There aren't many things that feel as good as a rock if the rock is perfect.</i> </div>
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I'm going to be sure to reread this book with Emmy because I know that we can use Baylor's idea of ten rules to make lists for other nature items such as, ten ways for choosing a shell, a leaf, a horse chestnut or perhaps even a friend. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq2LStzPxEdTAIqDBBPWKUtptiBQ3Kh4dKOZw82Rk_9K_NrOmqSmzPiFHX9QiVJK60Vguv98DGE488jDxTBrvIRY-EZsqmxdm6G1fQUJ8lIy-2JF9xEmOFS5fJ1LpyXgchK4DuEQmIg0/s1600/On-My-Beach-There-Are-Many-Pebbles-9780785770312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq2LStzPxEdTAIqDBBPWKUtptiBQ3Kh4dKOZw82Rk_9K_NrOmqSmzPiFHX9QiVJK60Vguv98DGE488jDxTBrvIRY-EZsqmxdm6G1fQUJ8lIy-2JF9xEmOFS5fJ1LpyXgchK4DuEQmIg0/s1600/On-My-Beach-There-Are-Many-Pebbles-9780785770312.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
Last is a book by Leo Lionni that is quite different from his signature color and collage work. <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0688132847">On My Beach There are Many Pebbles</a> </b>provides us with a whimsical look at rocks. Part realism and part fantasy...there are fishpebbles and goosepebbles and peoplepebbles and letterpebbles to admire and talk about. Emmy and I get very excited any time we find a rock that looks like the shape of a heart. <br />
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<i>On my beach there are many pebbles </i></div>
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<i>Most are ordinary pebbles but </i></div>
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<i>some are strange and wonderful. </i></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">I want to mention two items that Emmy and I use when we are on the hunt for a special rock or something else found in nature. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">(1) We love this mesh bag that was given to Emmy as a birthday gift a few years ago. It is perfect for holding lots of special items and keeps them from ending up in my purse! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">(2) We also love this little book, </span><b style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/B000MU9FXQ">Dig Into Rocks, Minerals & Crystals</a></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">, that we found at the shop in the Harvard Museum of Natural History. It is simple in text with real photographs of a variety of rocks like the Chalcopyrite. Emmy often refers to this book when she comes home with a new rock. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">One last thought before I end this post...using rocks to create art is one of Emmy's favorite things to do. She will often move rocks around to create a picture or stack them to create a sculpture. Sorting them is another thing that she does naturally without any nudging from me. I love that we can create art anywhere using items from nature! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">Happy Rock Collecting!</span> </div>
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</span>Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-33684474287755987262014-02-25T14:45:00.000-08:002014-02-25T16:00:59.995-08:00Sammy in the Sky<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"My sunshine doesn't come from the skies, it comes from the love in my dog's eyes."</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFwguLsqK9GMo3zJFts6GZ4GIdt5a3cMe12oS3_CtlCqdWgZeKEFHwiKnEJ6RyNEL__G4Culvh0DrNnbDABK9UWlFdlJlHQIWErJ7e5KOfgkgmcyt_jstqv6oNkad4pqqkwvwVXOq91E/s1600/DSC00566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFwguLsqK9GMo3zJFts6GZ4GIdt5a3cMe12oS3_CtlCqdWgZeKEFHwiKnEJ6RyNEL__G4Culvh0DrNnbDABK9UWlFdlJlHQIWErJ7e5KOfgkgmcyt_jstqv6oNkad4pqqkwvwVXOq91E/s200/DSC00566.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>This is Connick (named after Harry Connick, Jr.). He was part of our family for 15 years. He passed away in October 2007 when Emmy was 20 months old. She doesn't remember him, but I do because he filled my heart with joy every single day. It is this joy as well as the happy memories that my husband and I share with Emmy that allows her to talk about Connick like she remembers him. She loves to tell others how Connick liked to chase tennis balls, how he let her climb into his doggy bed and snuggle with his blanket, how he stood by her from the day she was born and watched over her with a protective eye. <br />
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The loss of a pet is an extremely difficult experience and only those that have had this experience can truly understand the emotional pain. I am thankful that Emmy was so young when Connick left us because she was spared this pain. However, I know that loss is inevitable and I know that a dog will join our family again soon. When it's time to say goodbye, I will be very thankful that we came across the book <b>Sammy in the Sky </b>and that we shared this book with Emmy many, many times. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCuVBfdvEvYA_uV_oWsILZvoxZ-YE71G-FP-os6A9e_yp6DJC93LwaLYEhIzQs9ARgp5c-qw2qLVnmdZti0burobxis2i22I6MzgQZd0ZZ6DqD5OO2Rxv0Z23lWSa0hyBttzdt1tT08o/s1600/Barbara+Walsh+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCuVBfdvEvYA_uV_oWsILZvoxZ-YE71G-FP-os6A9e_yp6DJC93LwaLYEhIzQs9ARgp5c-qw2qLVnmdZti0burobxis2i22I6MzgQZd0ZZ6DqD5OO2Rxv0Z23lWSa0hyBttzdt1tT08o/s1600/Barbara+Walsh+II.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5x5cYA9GJ-fyopT7RZeDY328XNr7pVa6IF4kIRoUQFi1FWMryDLkAMgaMHJ5hnQVzSY6cvxO0-G1FMAiNDKhPWzX65IgadxSeDa4EFvjCxcD9nm1z-E4Pq6JJlBBOakp3hWlNwd93OA/s1600/Sammy+in+the+Sky.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5x5cYA9GJ-fyopT7RZeDY328XNr7pVa6IF4kIRoUQFi1FWMryDLkAMgaMHJ5hnQVzSY6cvxO0-G1FMAiNDKhPWzX65IgadxSeDa4EFvjCxcD9nm1z-E4Pq6JJlBBOakp3hWlNwd93OA/s200/Sammy+in+the+Sky.jpeg" height="200" width="171" /></a><b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0763649279">Sammy in the Sky</a></b> is beautifully written by <a href="http://barbarawalsh.net/">Barbara Walsh</a> with exquisite watercolor paintings by <a href="http://www.jamiewyeth.com/default.html">Jamie Wyeth</a>. The story was inspired by Walsh's family's first dog, Sam - a loyal and loving hound dog. <br />
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We were very fortunate to meet Barbara Walsh at our local bookstore in the summer of 2011. We had her autograph our copy of the book. She wrote,<br />
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<i>"To Emerson, With dog licks </i></div>
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<i>from Connick."</i> </div>
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and signed her name. Emmy was delighted and so was I!</div>
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Walsh wrote <b>Sammy in the Sky</b> in a way that allows the reader to imagine herself as the main character since the character remains unnamed. The little girl can be any child who has ever lost a dog. The story takes us through all the joy and love that Sammy brings to the family, to the announcement that he is sick, on to his death, and to a celebration of his life. <br />
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<i>"Then we blew bubbles into the wind. They floated higher and higher toward </i></div>
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<i>a cloud that looked like a dog running in the sky. I could see its paws, </i></div>
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<i>floppy ears, and tail. It's Sammy!" I yelled. "He's chasing the bubbles! </i></div>
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<i>Sammy's with us!" </i></div>
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Jamie Wyeth's paintings are the perfect match to Walsh's story. Absolutely extraordinary! Wyeth's love for dogs is evident in his thoughtful illustrations and his understanding of the beauty of the Maine landscape, where the story takes place, is captured dreamily in the pale colors of the paintings. The illustrations evoke every emotion (love, joy, grief) of the unconditional love between a dog and his human. Emmy and I fell in love with Sammy on the very first page. Just take a look at his eyes!<br />
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<i>"My dad said Sammy was the best hound </i></div>
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<i>dog in the whole world. All I knew was </i></div>
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<i>that I loved Sammy </i><i>and Sammy loved me."</i></div>
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Emmy's favorite part of the story is when the little girl finds the cloud shaped like Sammy in the sky. To this very day, Emmy will look up into the sky and squeal with delight when she finds a special cloud shaped like Connick. <b>Sammy in the Sky</b> shows us that our love and our memories is what keeps our loved one with us forever tucked inside our hearts. This message is an important one to pass along to a child and a great reminder to adults. Anyone, young or old, would treasure this book, and its message, forever. </div>
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Most recently, Emmy and I came across a fantastic book of poems that celebrates the uniqueness of the human/canine relationship. <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/1594204780">Dog Songs</a>, by well known poet <a href="http://maryoliver.beacon.org/">Mary Oliver</a>, contains 35 simple poems and prose that capture the wholehearted devotion of dogs and is enhanced by the simple pen and ink drawings found throughout the book. One of our favorite poems is <i>Little Dog's Rhapsody in the Night</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJCkPWt-kGd3uS96liJpDhpnH_SURRvMSmC9i8j-LWJnA81i-GbovUxHNRgyhLe4NzgBywsJlv7W76sabZD4I2fZ4_BGuMNDgWQSS4CI7bByhT74GrINoQlFAFBGkhPAUDwTeHrTUUNE/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJCkPWt-kGd3uS96liJpDhpnH_SURRvMSmC9i8j-LWJnA81i-GbovUxHNRgyhLe4NzgBywsJlv7W76sabZD4I2fZ4_BGuMNDgWQSS4CI7bByhT74GrINoQlFAFBGkhPAUDwTeHrTUUNE/s1600/books.jpg" /></a><i>Little Dog's Rhapsody in the Night</i><br />
<i>He puts his cheek against mine</i><br />
<i>And makes small, expressive sounds.</i><br />
<i>And when I'm awake, or awake enough</i><br />
<i>He turns upside down, his four paws in the air</i><br />
<i>And his eyes dark and fervent</i><br />
<i>"Tell me you love me," he says</i><br />
<i>"Tell me again."</i><br />
<i>Could there be a sweeter arrangement?</i><br />
<i>Over and over he gets to ask.</i><br />
<i>I get to tell</i><br />
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Please listen to Mary Oliver read<i> Little Dog's Rhapsody in the Night:</i><br />
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Emmy would love to have a dog as her buddy again and my husband and I would love to have a dog as a part of our family again. Unfortunately, we live in an apartment building where the policy is "No Dogs Allowed" which always makes me think of the Charlie Brown episode when Snoopy gets kicked out of the library and a very deep voice says, "No Dogs Allowed!" How can they kick a dog who LOVES to read out of the library? CRAZY! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzssNYUU2R6vol1QN8FfwHyfjp22xOj98YY0ZOBzLy5hA8fByXok9PV4v8gannfXrK1N8-EPlLIgn78pmpA7FpgOD7SdM9Zv6Ug3-ZCJ-CGlv97Zyb9fddS5iyjewzdoB1el0SVslYbQ/s1600/IMG_4150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzssNYUU2R6vol1QN8FfwHyfjp22xOj98YY0ZOBzLy5hA8fByXok9PV4v8gannfXrK1N8-EPlLIgn78pmpA7FpgOD7SdM9Zv6Ug3-ZCJ-CGlv97Zyb9fddS5iyjewzdoB1el0SVslYbQ/s1600/IMG_4150.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>We did want Emmy to experience the joy, as well as the responsibility, of a pet so we decided recently to add two guinea pigs to our family - Fluffy and Lightning. They are the sweetest little things! We love to hear them squeak and whistle whenever we come home. Emmy is such a wonderful caretaker of her little "piggies." Her favorite thing that her guinea pigs do is hop about in their cage. When she found out that this is called "popcorning" she loved it even more. <br />
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Emmy and I hope that you have the opportunity in your life to experience the love of a dog (or a guinea pig). The affection and wholehearted devotion of a pet, who loves us unconditionally, is amazing. While in the process of caring for a pet, he teaches us such an important lesson...TO LOVE. By letting us see ourselves through his eyes, we allow ourselves to believe what he sees, to believe that we are worthy of love - that we ARE love. <br />
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<i><b>Thank you for being our teacher Connick! We keep you tucked inside our hearts every day. </b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjafjbw_37GNaMZxtaWlSVXysYXj3Au8RhqbBylR30knVGOF_TMQ842iklgghMTiUX8Zda7ke_6piCrIogZOSkONoVQ5pBEGHsNWRzk4ZJq6_cfi0Tq6LwG1ZyGJ4vzCWFEsCIiZt4K0/s1600/3405_254790_13_46528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjafjbw_37GNaMZxtaWlSVXysYXj3Au8RhqbBylR30knVGOF_TMQ842iklgghMTiUX8Zda7ke_6piCrIogZOSkONoVQ5pBEGHsNWRzk4ZJq6_cfi0Tq6LwG1ZyGJ4vzCWFEsCIiZt4K0/s1600/3405_254790_13_46528.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-ZUUsKpJpWtwMqrlaLqyWyQ5lj9uXEkNngsW7VfUJOFwNf1qQAAyjiWOJr_mcIfz3yjWcmnYjctgs5-QfduqxwTS2fqFjG3vWwHVmEavgqKa4Ac7nD1ufy2SOqqVbEpcSxDKFXZ4-y8/s1600/3405_254763_13_46512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-ZUUsKpJpWtwMqrlaLqyWyQ5lj9uXEkNngsW7VfUJOFwNf1qQAAyjiWOJr_mcIfz3yjWcmnYjctgs5-QfduqxwTS2fqFjG3vWwHVmEavgqKa4Ac7nD1ufy2SOqqVbEpcSxDKFXZ4-y8/s1600/3405_254763_13_46512.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>"What we have once enjoyed</i></div>
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<i>we can never lose;</i></div>
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<i>All that we love deeply,</i></div>
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<i>becomes a part of us."</i><br />
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<i>~ Helen Keller ~ </i></div>
Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-52930320323535518872013-10-21T11:25:00.000-07:002013-11-11T16:58:10.296-08:00Monster Needs a CostumeAutumn is here! The trees are exploding with color, there is a chill in the air and apples and pumpkins are everywhere. This is our favorite time of the year. Halloween is just around the corner, so the question "What will you be for Halloween?" is on Emmy's mind. Each year we go back and look at all of her Halloween photos. We giggle and reminisce about days gone by. After Halloween this year, we plan on putting the photos into a book with a little description under each written by Emmy and adding to it each Halloween. We will be sure to share that with you when we are finished. For now here are photos of Emmy in her costumes from the past eight years.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXidrALl0vjxLbZoY4yTxlalXwirFvIDcmcfiis0FO1fYvwERznQfGP1oF2OuCdCa7QEJzudcgbUdidUcX6qy2ivOlaHq0kMerNrZKpd0KxY-JpA0slf5LuR8qyUczueDou1NsrbIU6No/s200/2006+First+Halloween.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="136" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Halloween<br />
Tigger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRBcVHoOMuZBV8DgV8Oaydu86LgDXTVm75AWU8kyWPmV9-dNcwfiuY6lHMDhYGllwNTrNWZldoD5wluIDLxYLDk3nd1H5NkBy5WejfPpluPXgklwTG_OAXJTdWORfbZosFlxl_RwfL3E/s1600/2007+Second+Halloween.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRBcVHoOMuZBV8DgV8Oaydu86LgDXTVm75AWU8kyWPmV9-dNcwfiuY6lHMDhYGllwNTrNWZldoD5wluIDLxYLDk3nd1H5NkBy5WejfPpluPXgklwTG_OAXJTdWORfbZosFlxl_RwfL3E/s200/2007+Second+Halloween.JPG" width="116" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Halloween<br />
Lion ROAR</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZu1TF0eV7huIf25bfLPfjySh72zeGjuZKSzOqnbp0QPewsLM4H-Wg5Vr5iHFmq4vN84CUDm-bPvmjgkZwjI38TFzkVyjpCiPta-prnThmkyzHo1fWR6v1LQ2moXfwj3WZAPG8UWOFUE/s1600/2008+Third+Halloween.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZu1TF0eV7huIf25bfLPfjySh72zeGjuZKSzOqnbp0QPewsLM4H-Wg5Vr5iHFmq4vN84CUDm-bPvmjgkZwjI38TFzkVyjpCiPta-prnThmkyzHo1fWR6v1LQ2moXfwj3WZAPG8UWOFUE/s200/2008+Third+Halloween.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third Halloween<br />
Silly Clown</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fourth Halloween<br />
Dancing Princess</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDdupRbPwcE7-9SBZZN2BJxU6MBTjcWUkg3YJcUJbLUmH4h7Yt7t01EHmW6VBbyp4v6d_-FA9CqtJ4vYo2kyyBlALlC-mHX9HbAwVeqgmRlXiZZvbZNYEa1ROsXD3kDsbSK3oCeddWkM/s1600/2010+Fifth+Halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDdupRbPwcE7-9SBZZN2BJxU6MBTjcWUkg3YJcUJbLUmH4h7Yt7t01EHmW6VBbyp4v6d_-FA9CqtJ4vYo2kyyBlALlC-mHX9HbAwVeqgmRlXiZZvbZNYEa1ROsXD3kDsbSK3oCeddWkM/s200/2010+Fifth+Halloween.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fifth Halloween<br />
Fairy Princess</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sixth Halloween<br />
Snow Fairy Princess</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seventh Halloween<br />
Ladybug</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eighth Halloween<br />
Dark Ninja</td></tr>
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I love looking back at her sweet face and seeing the changes that have occurred with each passing year. This year was the first one to move out of the princess/fairy world and enter into a spookier world - Dark Ninja! She has already told me to be prepared for next year because she is planning on being a vampire.<br />
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We have no trouble at our house deciding on what to be for Halloween and have never changed our minds, but I have heard of children that come up with at least ten different costume ideas and have trouble choosing just one. Well if this sounds like your child, we have the most perfect book recommendation for you - <u><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/1938063090">Monster Needs a Costume</a></u> by <a href="http://paulczajak.com/">Paul Czajak</a> illustrated by <a href="http://www.wendygrieb.blogspot.com/">Wendy Grieb</a><br />
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Emmy and I recently attended the Book Launch for this wonderful book at our local bookstore - <a href="http://www.jabberwockybookshop.com/">Jabberwocky Bookshop</a>. We had a great time making a monster mask, talking with the author, listening to the story being read aloud and enjoying some yummy cake. <br />
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Czajak uses rhythm and rhyme to tell the story of a Monster who can't make up his mind on what he wants to be for Halloween. I LOVE the way the boy takes care of Monster in the story as a parent would take care of him. Emmy LOVES all of Monster's ideas and can relate to wanting to wear the costume every single day. Grieb's humorous illustrations add plenty of playfulness to Czajak's story. <br />
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I am always inspired when I meet a children's book author especially when he is celebrating his very first picture book. Emmy and I love to hear how an author gets his idea for a book and Paul's story was interesting indeed as his idea came straight from his daughter. Listening to his daughter play in the back seat of the car, he heard her say to her doll, "My monster needs a haircut." From those five words began a series of books about Monster.<br />
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Take a peek at this very endearing book. We hope it finds a place in your hearts as it has in ours...<br />
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Emmy and I are very excited for book two in the Monster & Me series, <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/1938063260">Monster Needs His Sleep</a>, coming out in April 2014.<br />
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Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-55938591491609034162012-11-17T11:21:00.004-08:002014-07-14T12:34:57.126-07:00Fletcher and the Falling Leaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0061573973">Fletcher and the Falling Leaves</a></b>, written by Julia Rawlinson and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke, is a favorite Autumn book in our house. In the story a tiny fox named Fletcher is extremely concerned about the leaves changing colors and falling off of his favorite tree. So concerned, in fact, that he tries desperately to keep the leaves on the tree even though his mother keeps telling him "<i>Don't worry. It's only Autumn."</i> In order to keep the leaves on his favorite tree, Fletcher tries catching them, tying them to the tree and even holding on tight to the very last leaf, but nature wins and the last leaf dries up and pops off of the tree. Fletcher mournfully carries this leaf home and takes it to bed with him. The next morning the tree has a surprise waiting for him...it has been covered with sparkling ice. Fletcher is amazed and relieved! Emmy and I love the ending of this story as Fletcher begins to understand that seasons come and go and with each comes such beauty. <br />
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When Emmy was three and a half, she experienced her first New England Autumn. She loved watching the tree outside of her bedroom window change from bright green to a vibrant red. Emmy liked to say that the tree was all dressed up and ready to go to the Ball. When she asked me how the leaves changed color, I could have told her the science behind the transformation, but instead told her that the fairies came during the night and painted the leaves all of these beautiful colors. Her response was why didn't the fairies use pink paint! Just like Fletcher, Emmy became sad when the leaves started to fall off of the tree. She, too, thought of ideas to keep the leaves on the tree including tape and glue.<br />
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This year's Autumn performance was once again absolutely gorgeous. Everything burst with its last beauty as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale. Now most of the leaves have fallen off of the trees and we have begun to see a very different landscape. There are many things we have noticed in our urban neighborhood since the leaves have fallen such as, the bright blue dome of the Greek Orthodox Church two streets away and the calm, emptiness of the Merrimack River as the boats have been brought onto land. <br />
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Emmy and I welcome each season with such enthusiasm. Most of the people around us are already complaining about the cold and the snow that will fall very soon. There are no complaints from us. We are eager to wear our puffy coats and warm boots, drink hot cocoa under cozy blankets and see the snowflakes settle on the bare branches of the trees.<br />
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We hope all of you are enjoying Autumn wherever you may live.<br />
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"Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.</div>
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Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.</div>
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Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.</div>
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Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance." </div>
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--Yoko Ono</div>
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For a few more Autumn books check out our post about <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2009/09/apple-farmer-annie.html">Apple Farmer Annie</a> written in September 2009, our <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2009/10/favorite-autumn-books.html">Favorite Autumn Books</a> written in October 2009, and our post about author <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/search/label/autumn">Zoe Hall </a>written in October 2010.<br />
<br />Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-63038092889838582282012-06-11T16:06:00.001-07:002014-07-14T12:33:45.785-07:00Satchi and Little StarLiving in the town just next to ours is author<a href="http://www.donnaseim.com/index.html"> Donna Marie Seim</a>. Emmy and I had the honor of meeting her awhile back at our local toy store where she signed copies of her heart-warming book <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0982823673">Satchi and Little Star</a></b>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHqBkiEtBNbp7X8TWk-DIVUAmFL219HxIlNgcnoWzFA5fXXZ5dT2aBt_gG1jtWxNs-w_eA5gDblRLt8Cclit3jbctb541dU7Ey9MAuL6wbFfKzrbCW9kxIYDGo7_pumicbxBPQcV7hXo/s1600/Satchi_cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHqBkiEtBNbp7X8TWk-DIVUAmFL219HxIlNgcnoWzFA5fXXZ5dT2aBt_gG1jtWxNs-w_eA5gDblRLt8Cclit3jbctb541dU7Ey9MAuL6wbFfKzrbCW9kxIYDGo7_pumicbxBPQcV7hXo/s320/Satchi_cover.jpeg" height="320" width="265" /></a></div>
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Along with Seim, we also met <a href="http://www.suespellmanstudio.com/">Susan Spellman</a>, the illustrator who brought Satchi and her beloved horse to life. Seim and Spellman were so delightful and made Emmy feel so very special. Along with signed copies of the book, each child received a small plastic horse that looked just like Little Star! Emmy keeps her horse on her bedside table. <br />
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Seim, who spends much of her time in the Caribbean, was inspired by the beautiful wild horses that roam the island of Grand Turk. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">In the book, Satchi sees the wild horses run past her house every day and wishes that she could catch and tame one. The horse that catches her heart is the littlest one with a white star on his forehead and one white sock. Satchi is determined to make this horse her own despite her mama's and papa's wise words that <i>"wild horses are meant to be wild."</i> </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Beginning with cool water, Satchi attempts to lure Little Star close to her gate. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>"Oh, little one with the white star, I am Satchi, island girl! </i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>I will be your friend! If I could tame you, I would name you Little Star!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">When that doesn't work, she tries crunchy carrots. Since the horse was not interested, Satchi saves her sweet jelly bread from lunch and gives that a try. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>"Little Star stepped forward, sniffing the sweet jelly. </i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>His nose tickled Satchi's hand. </i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Then, as quick as quick could be, the jelly bread was gone!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Satchi continues to bring jelly bread to Little Star every day for a whole week. One day, Satchi tosses a rope around the horse's neck in the hopes of taming him. This was met with much disagreement by the horse and he quickly pulls loose and gallops away. </span><br />
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When Little Star is not seen for several days, Satchi goes off in search of him and finds the horse in a thicket of thorny briars with the rope laced around a bush full of thorns. Satchi frees the horse, tends to his wounds and lets him go understanding that Little Star is meant to live in the wild. </div>
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<i>"Oh, Little Star, wild horses are meant to be free! </i></div>
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<i>I am Satchi, island girl. I will always be your friend!"</i></div>
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This story is absolutely loved by Emmy. She has such empathy for the horse and will tell Satchi to let him be free every time we read it. With barrettes and pony tail holders, Emmy likes to make her hair just as beautiful as Satchi. Sadly, I don't have a photo of her with her Satchi inspired hairstyle, but believe me it is adorable!</div>
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When Emmy was three years old, we spent a week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina where we saw <a href="http://www.outerbanksguidebook.com/horses.htm">wild mustangs</a> roaming free. It was a magical experience for me as we watched these powerful horses grazing on sweet grass. </div>
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If you'd like to learn how you can help save our wild horses, check out the work of <a href="http://www.awha.info/index.htm">America's Wild Horse Advocates (AWHA)</a> whose mission is to promote the preservation, protection and welfare of wild horses and burros on Public Lands. </div>
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<i>"The horses paw and prance and neigh,</i></div>
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<i>Fillies and colts like kittens play,</i></div>
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<i>And dance and toss their rippled manes</i></div>
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<i>Shining and soft as silken skeins;..."</i></div>
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<i>~Oliver Wendell Holmes</i></div>
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**Emmy and I would also like to recommend two more books by the duo Seim and Spellman**</div>
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<b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/1933002735">Where is Simon, Sandy?</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfifz6r_3FivDon4HL0o_mFFwJsHic2ZRoso7yGUCuiKzIxUrVgLVN0NQ0UGKR2eQe-TH9AX1terrkvboM5Xi4vb8wSmKNsXV3AkE_CcbXycoh6osVGOqBQkna7vqIgyewMVXyypzmsM/s1600/ref=dp_image_0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfifz6r_3FivDon4HL0o_mFFwJsHic2ZRoso7yGUCuiKzIxUrVgLVN0NQ0UGKR2eQe-TH9AX1terrkvboM5Xi4vb8wSmKNsXV3AkE_CcbXycoh6osVGOqBQkna7vqIgyewMVXyypzmsM/s1600/ref=dp_image_0.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0982691106">Hurricane Mia: A Caribbean Adventure</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitURBsnS4FJb6xU9LL-vSonNb0_ly1OmZWJCwvCjEt1M-6RpAP25VPFBHEHC08asVoyLqoagPPJcPshCzZfAhapj1op_JvSxm6Wa8869GW8cFvVMVifDg5hhB0P-MspBNOp3OdgDtXAaM/s1600/ref=dp_image_0-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitURBsnS4FJb6xU9LL-vSonNb0_ly1OmZWJCwvCjEt1M-6RpAP25VPFBHEHC08asVoyLqoagPPJcPshCzZfAhapj1op_JvSxm6Wa8869GW8cFvVMVifDg5hhB0P-MspBNOp3OdgDtXAaM/s1600/ref=dp_image_0-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-64284912191535889322011-11-26T12:21:00.000-08:002011-11-27T09:22:52.009-08:0010 Little Rubber Ducks<div style="text-align: left;">Dear Readers,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Life has gotten in the way of this blog lately. It's been four months since I posted last. I've never been away from this blog for that long! Emmy and I have continued to read wonderful books and I have a nice pile of books on my desk which I've been meaning to write about and share. SIGH! I have added two jobs (playgroup instructor and curriculum writer at Play Makers Family Enrichment Center and substitute teacher/floater at my daughter's school) to my life which has taken away a lot of my time to blog. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to carve out some time for blogging each week. I really enjoy sharing the books we read and writing about them. Emmy and I have gone to three book signings in the past couple of months and we are both excited to share these experiences with you. </div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive me for my absence from the blogging world! I hope you will continue to read Emmy's Book of the Day and share it with your friends!</div><div><br /></div><div>All my best,</div><div>Amy<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Now onto the post:</b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Emmy and I recently received a wonderful gift from my best friend and Emmy's "fairy" godmother. The gift was presented in a book bag from <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/">Strand Book Store</a> in New York City where my friend recently visited at my suggestion. Emmy and I were both delighted at what we found inside the book bag!<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For Emmy, the book<b> <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0060740752">10 Little Rubber Ducks</a></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">written and illustrated by <a href="http://www.eric-carle.com/home.html">Eric Carle</a>.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6icpTcwf0jkcFHT4jfobk2u8nkHgX4tTMAlYkUigYuBTe7PkSkI9_WTdLZH98bbh8Kc9xYjQhvJKWRHt79h2vFmJAwFfbORfvuJauzHguW9_baoT0zy4403xxgePAHW2y56zSuySD58/s1600/10+Little+Rubber+Ducks.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6icpTcwf0jkcFHT4jfobk2u8nkHgX4tTMAlYkUigYuBTe7PkSkI9_WTdLZH98bbh8Kc9xYjQhvJKWRHt79h2vFmJAwFfbORfvuJauzHguW9_baoT0zy4403xxgePAHW2y56zSuySD58/s200/10+Little+Rubber+Ducks.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679716597571891426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emmy's favorite illustration is of the rubber duck with the whale. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Eric Carle continues to amaze us with his unique illustrations!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplDGAGdCP1cY1viza2o1Mln3A96Lr7WdTw8GizOg1ydXq9oRkak0Igu-92a06o-_SWV536pkdL70mOEvIM0Z7jSzK_g0RigWtn7NlTR7cls_IgzqM0htb0U3mvy9I1NxgElLpqfRqAxE/s1600/IMG_0037.jpeg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplDGAGdCP1cY1viza2o1Mln3A96Lr7WdTw8GizOg1ydXq9oRkak0Igu-92a06o-_SWV536pkdL70mOEvIM0Z7jSzK_g0RigWtn7NlTR7cls_IgzqM0htb0U3mvy9I1NxgElLpqfRqAxE/s200/IMG_0037.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679717978781300450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 144px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to this book's focus on ordinal numbers, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Emmy can be found lining things up and counting them</div><div style="text-align: center;">first, second, third, fourth, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For me, the book <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0670022195">Moby-Duck</a></b> written by <a href="http://www.donovanhohn.com/Home.html">Donovan Hohn</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUFMInFExysXZZC0I3lRFoxKiK9arPv3eh-TmSNg6YFZEbcMN50hfxnW_I5W7kp8TEYik6TCbdXgZAsCe-q1NMN5rFM7Lf7xt45C6nS4wQJqacHkafgz1NJmCODgN5FytHCyt4io_hmc/s1600/Moby-Duck-+The+True+Story+of+28%252C800+Bath+Toys+Lost+at+Sea+and+of+the+Beachcombers%252C+Oceanographers%252C+Environmentalists%252C+and+Fools%252C+Including+the+Author%252C+Who+Went+i.jpeg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUFMInFExysXZZC0I3lRFoxKiK9arPv3eh-TmSNg6YFZEbcMN50hfxnW_I5W7kp8TEYik6TCbdXgZAsCe-q1NMN5rFM7Lf7xt45C6nS4wQJqacHkafgz1NJmCODgN5FytHCyt4io_hmc/s200/Moby-Duck-+The+True+Story+of+28%252C800+Bath+Toys+Lost+at+Sea+and+of+the+Beachcombers%252C+Oceanographers%252C+Environmentalists%252C+and+Fools%252C+Including+the+Author%252C+Who+Went+i.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679718852651302850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hohn tells the true story of what happened to a large number of rubber ducks when they mysteriously start showing up on several beaches. Eric Carle's book is based on this incident.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emmy loves "reading" my grown up books. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She enjoys marking her place with a bookmark.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here she is reading Moby Duck.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIfr3fbr4DCPRnjmNwq8XEqLO4-gs3STk_u1ZCvWUpfoDGi6w0d8k9Pyx4Gtc_W77LeRuBVB-9uVcDfra76qm00KjwOqPeVcERcRpDs1AFtVRTKwYXu5CBe6-xrlwbKpk6KmTd4zt7VU/s1600/IMG_0921.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIfr3fbr4DCPRnjmNwq8XEqLO4-gs3STk_u1ZCvWUpfoDGi6w0d8k9Pyx4Gtc_W77LeRuBVB-9uVcDfra76qm00KjwOqPeVcERcRpDs1AFtVRTKwYXu5CBe6-xrlwbKpk6KmTd4zt7VU/s200/IMG_0921.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679719628885334786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For more about the book Moby Duck, check out this book trailer:</div><div><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cmoaHMJoYnk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />And for both of us...rubber ducks!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUsgHislPQCb-Yk5D0bCLYPE1_WmYsH3mPAhMg92fI-dsKTbMPW4fHLOPj_VR54tnvpAMACZDwQqb4hXTiRARTUIHxNa5y6z3ixaQT3TcCd0y1NKlV0AXjJaeTGYQqxBOOOXW-0A6lms/s1600/IMG_0036.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUsgHislPQCb-Yk5D0bCLYPE1_WmYsH3mPAhMg92fI-dsKTbMPW4fHLOPj_VR54tnvpAMACZDwQqb4hXTiRARTUIHxNa5y6z3ixaQT3TcCd0y1NKlV0AXjJaeTGYQqxBOOOXW-0A6lms/s200/IMG_0036.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679720360412734786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 111px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This was just the perfect gift for the two of us! Themed gifts are such a wonderful idea. It's a way to showcase your own personality and that of the intended recipient or in our case recipients.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_12SSW7z40GaUyoAIAAXGzcxlgVjwraXCNSsnUKC6tSizPSs4_2c-sA-z8arTLafeaFWqbf3RxpgOq94BlaEfzHaKLT1PLcsX7SWW-wayLYEZpGvoqNMTniQa5seLyBwKjU5CJNzjHM/s200/IMG_0039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636718922392382946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Here are a few of our gift ideas using a book theme:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">The <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2009/04/for-love-of-art.html">Art Series Books</a> along with colored pencils and a sketch pad all tucked inside a zippered portfolio type of bag (add a beautiful coffee table book by a favorite artist for the adult).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Tuck the book <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2010/09/bridgets-beret.html">Bridget's Beret</a> into a basket with a beret, sidewalk chalk or watercolor paints and paper (add a beret for the grown up and a travel book about France or a loaf of french bread and a bottle of Beaujolais).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/search/label/ballet">Ballerina Books</a> tucked inside a cloth bag with ballet slippers and a tutu (for the adult, add a framed print of one of Degas' works such as Dancer With a Bouquet of Flowers and a CD of music from a favorite ballet such as Swan Lake).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/search/label/beach">Beach Books</a> tucked inside a pail with a shovel and a beach towel - if it's too chilly to visit the beach, add a small bag of sand and some seashells for some fun indoor play (add a pair of silver starfish earrings or a pretty seashell necklace for the adult).</div><div><br /></div><div>Tuck a few <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2008/11/goodnight-moon.html">Night-Night Books</a> inside a pillowcase with a stuffed animal and a nightlight (for the grown up, lavender hand/foot lotion with a pair of comfy socks).</div><div><br /></div><div>Put this <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2011/05/in-garden-whos-been-here.html">Gardening Book</a> or one of these <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2009/08/childs-garden.html">Gardening Books</a> in a gardening tool bag with kid sized gardening gloves and tools as well as a couple packets of seeds or bulbs - if the weather is not suitable for gardening, pack the book into a pot with soil and seeds for planting indoors (add a potted plant or a few grown up tools as well as a flower or vegetable planting guide).</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">For someone who lives far away, place this <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2010/08/giant-hug_14.html">book</a> about sending a letter into a large mailing envelope with paper, envelopes, stamps and colored pens (include a box of blank cards and a nice pen for the adult). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I hope these ideas spark some wonderful book themed gifts for the upcoming holidays!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-52656385404055591842011-07-27T03:00:00.000-07:002011-07-27T16:58:54.365-07:00The July 2011 Carnival of Children's Literature<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Welcome to the <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">July 2011 Carnival of Children's Literature</span>!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">My childhood memories of carnivals are filled with warmth and joy. From our church carnival to the county fair, games of chance, exciting rides, delicious food, foot tapping music and smiling people were always guaranteed. Emmy has already acquired quite a few carnival memories and looks forward to the Topsfield Fair (America's oldest agricultural fair) every year. She likes to see the animals especially the mama pigs with their piglets, but her favorite thing to do is experience the rides and she is willing to try just about anything.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "> </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVxOY9NFEbyb9zHNcM4itvnzncL6hqp66olP1AqL7gJN7JJTVAJB3Lfo6WseI70860DKr7OubGRzU974JOw3qF2a3T_83pLznYhFqadnZfuPgNGxTPxH8doL5KySPx7O7f0_xxKMSNrU/s200/IMG_0036.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632904356145705650" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;">Emmy at the Topsfield Fair October 2010</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I hope your memories of carnivals sets the mood as <span style="font-style: italic;">Emmy's Book of the Day</span> hosts this month's <i>Carnival of Children's Literature</i>. There are exciting books, great tips and wonderful projects. You cannot help but leave this carnival with a smiling face! Emmy likes to be in charge of the tickets for the rides, but she is willing to share them with you. So grab your tickets and get ready to explore some wonderful posts by some very talented bloggers!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: left; "></div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><b><br />Ali B</b> at <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://ali-fantasticreads.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Fantastic Reads</b></span></a> starts us off with a wonderfully titled post: <a href="http://ali-fantasticreads.blogspot.com/2011/07/nannies-and-grannies-and-governesses-oh.html">Nannies and Grannies and Governesses, Oh My!</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. Did you see the movie Nanny McPhee? Be sure to check out this review of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nurse Matilda</span> books which the movie was based on. There's of course <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mary Poppins</span>, but new for me was <span style="font-weight: bold;">Granny Nothing</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Amy Broadmoore</span> at <a href="http://delightfulchildrensbooks.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Delightful Children's Books</span></a> presents <a href="http://delightfulchildrensbooks.com/2011/07/08/birds/">12 Children's Books About Birds</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(non-fiction)</span>. This post showcases 12 favorite picture books (a mix of fiction and non-fiction) about birds. In addition, there are recommendations for three fantastic websites for young bird watchers and their parents and teachers.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Amy Pertl-Clark</span> (that's me!) at <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/">Emmy's Book of the Day</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> </span>(you're here) presents <a href="http://emmysbookoftheday.blogspot.com/2011/07/fairy-tales-with-modern-twist.html">Fairy Tales With a Modern Twist</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. Rapunzel living in the 1970's, Cinderella living in the Jazz Age and Little Red Riding Hood living in Colonial America??? A terrific twist on three classic fairy tales.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Anastasia Suen</span> at <a href="http://chapterbooks.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Chapter Book of the Day</span></a> presents <a href="http://chapterbooks.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/who-what-wear/">Who What Wear</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(Book Projects)</span>. The author, Olivia Bennett, of this novel about a teen fashion designer (in disguise) has created a DIY project for you to try.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Angela</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Craft</span> at <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://bookishblather.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bookish Blather</span></a> presents <a href="http://bookishblather.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-thoughts-why-im-not-worried-about.html">Book Thoughts: </a><a href="http://bookishblather.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-thoughts-why-im-not-worried-about.html">Why I'm Not Worried About Boys (or Men)</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(book projects)</span>. This post addresses the problematic nature of the "boy book" question.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-weight: bold;">Carmela Martino</span> at <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://www.teachingauthors.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teaching Authors</span></a> presents <a href="http://www.teachingauthors.com/2011/06/book-giveaway-and-guest-teaching-author.html">Book Giveaway and Guest Teaching Author Interview With Deborah Halverson</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(interviews)</span>. Although the giveaway contest is over, stop by to read an interview with editor and YA author Deborah Halverson, author of the new craft book <span style="font-weight: bold;">Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies</span>.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Carol Hampton Rasco</span> at <a href="http://www.rascofromrif.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Rasco From RIF</span></a> presents <a href="http://www.rascofromrif.org/?p=18409">A Bell for Ursli</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. Read about one of the most revered folktales in Switzerland about a young boy and a festival that continues to this day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Catherine Nichols</span> at <a href="http://thecathinthehat.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The Cath in the Hat</span></a> presents <a href="http://thecathinthehat.blogspot.com/2011/07/interview-with-stephanie-barden.html">An Interview With Stephanie Barden</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(interviews)</span>. A fun interview with Stephanie Barden who is the first-time author of the novel <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cinderella Smith</span>, the story of a girl who is always losing her shoes!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Danielle Smith</span> at <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://www.theresabook.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">There's A Book</span></a> presents <a href="http://www.theresabook.com/2011/07/book-review-i-want-my-hat-back-by-jon-klassen/">I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klasser</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. A bear's most prized possession, his hat, is gone! Danielle's children "Turkeybird" and "Littlebug" do a great job recreating this story!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gail Gauthier</span> at <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://blog.gailgauthier.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Original Content</span></a> presents <a href="http://blog.gailgauthier.com/2011/07/loved-it.html">Loved It!</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. Gail writes a review of the book <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dust City</span> by Robert Paul Weston. The back cover of this book states, "When your dad is the wolf who killed Little Red Riding Hood, life is no fairytale." I'm intrigued!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeff Barger</span> at <a href="http://ncteacherstuff.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">NC Teacher Stuff</span></a> presents <a href="http://ncteacherstuff.blogspot.com/2011/07/aggie-gets-lost.html">Aggie Gets Lost</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(early literacy)</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aggie Gets Lost</span> is a terrific early reader chapter book. Ben's beloved dog Aggie doesn't come back after chasing a ball. Will he ever find her? Young readers will easily connect with this book.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen Robinson</span> at <a href="http://jkrbooks.typepad.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Jen Robinson's Book Page</span></a> presents <a href="http://jkrbooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/07/forever-maggie-stiefvater.html">Forever: Maggie Stiefvater</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. A review of the final book in Maggie Stiefvater's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wolves of Mercy Falls</span> trilogy. Sounds like this one will not disappoint her fans!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jennifer Wharton</span> at <a href="http://jeanlittlelibrary.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Jean Little Library</span></a> presents <a href="http://jeanlittlelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/07/finding-books-for-boys-at-library.html">Finding Books for Boys at the Library</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(book projects)</span>. The logistics behind why there are more books for girls than boys in the library.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Josh Hanagarne</span> at <a href="http://worldsstrongestlibrarian.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">World's Strongest Librarian</span></a> presents <a href="http://worldsstrongestlibrarian.com/6494/book-review-goodnight-moon/">Book Review: Goodnight Moon</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(early literacy)</span>. There is a reason why parents have been reading Goodnight Moon to their kids since 1947. The combination of words and illustrations create a lovely, irresistible mood.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kathy Stinson</span> at <a href="http://www.kathystinson.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Turing the Pages: Kathy Stinson's Blog</span></a> presents <a href="http://www.kathystinson.com/2011/06/29/reading-liberia-june-2011/">Reading Liberia - June 2011</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(book projects)</span>. Reading Liberia is a program through which books for Liberian children are being written by Liberian authors and Liberia’s teachers are being trained how to use them effectively in their classrooms.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Katie</span> at <a href="http://sharingsoda.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Secrets & Sharing Soda</span></a> presents <a href="http://sharingsoda.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-one-day-and-one-amazing-morning.html">Review: One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street by Joanne Rocklin</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. A contender for the 2012 Newbery Medal, this book captures and distills exactly what it means to be a kid.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Katie Gilbert</span> at <a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://www.bestonlinecolleges.com/blog/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Online Colleges</span></a> presents <a href="http://www.bestonlinecolleges.com/blog/2011/15-insightful-blogs-for-book-club-leaders/">15 Insightful Blogs for Book Club Leaders</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(book projects)</span>. Leading a book club can be hard work but very rewarding at the same time. Check this post out for some great blogs that will help get your book club started or breathe new life into it.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Laura</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Grace Weldon</span> at <a href="http://lauragraceweldon.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Laura Grace Weldon</span></a> presents <a href="http://lauragraceweldon.com/2011/07/21/the-state-of-library-addiction/">The State of Library Addiction</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(interviews)</span>. Children's lifelong literary connections to knowledge, awe, even awakening to other languages often have to do with libraries. Here are 9 reasons for developing a library addiction.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">LH Johnson</span> at <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Did you ever stop to think and forget to start again?</span> presents <a href="http://didyoueverstoptothink.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/the-very-curious-tale-of-the-british-boarding-school-story/">"Gosh, odds bodkins!" expostulated Jemima: The very curious tale of the British Boarding School story</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. There is a very distinct identity given to the genre of boarding school stories and Johnson gives her thoughts on some of her favorite ones.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lisa</span> at <a href="http://shelf-employed.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Shelf Employed</span></a> presents <a href="http://shelf-employed.blogspot.com/2011/07/dear-hot-dog.html">Dear Hot Dog</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(poetry)</span>. In <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dear Hot Dog</span>, Mordicai Gerstein brings us three friends and the mundane, but infinitely wonderful things that bring them joy and for which they are thankful.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Liz</span> at <a href="http://www.childrens-books-to-love.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Children's Books to Love</span></a> presents <a href="http://www.childrens-books-to-love.com/ladybug-girl.html">Ladybug Girl</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ladybug Girl</span> is a book about creativity and imagination. Everything in it is real, and more than that, rings true.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Margo Tanenbaum</span> at <a href="http://fourthmusketeer.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The Fourth Musketeer</span></a> presents <a href="http://fourthmusketeer.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-sylvia-aki-by-winifred.html">Book Review: Sylvia & Aki, by Winifred Conkling (Tricycle Press, 2011)</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(historical fiction)</span>. This is an excellent novel about a little-known landmark civil rights case in California, Mendez vs. Westminster, that helped pave the way for school desegregation. A must for California libraries in particular.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mary Ann Scheuer</span> at <a href="http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Great Kid Books</span></a> presents <a href="http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/2011/07/sidekicks-by-dan-santat-superhero-pets.html">Sidekicks by Dan Santat - Superhero Pets Take Over a Graphic Novel (ages 7-12)</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. This graphic novel has it all - superheroes, pets, friends loyal to the end, and illustrations with enough POW to knock your socks off! Lots of fun!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Myra</span> at <a href="http://gatheringbooks.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Gathering Books</span></a> presents <a href="http://gatheringbooks.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/here-comes-the-end-of-july-a-round-up/">Here Comes the End of July: A Round Up</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. Gathering Books celebrated their one year anniversary! This post gives a summary of things that have happened, over at Gathering Books, in the month of July in connection to children's literature and the kidlitosphere. Check out their bi-monthly Fractured Fairy Tale theme.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Pat Zielow Miller</span> at <a href="http://patzietlowmiller.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Read, Write, Repeat</span></a> presents <a href="http://patzietlowmiller.com/2011/07/09/kid-review-faith-finds-lunch-lady-and-the-summer-camp-shakedown-funny/">Kid Review: Faith Finds "Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown" Funny</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. Young guest reviewer, Faith, gives her two-cents about this book in Jarrett Krosoczka's lunch lady graphic novel series.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rachel Yap</span> at <a href="http://nurturingkids.zymichost.com/Nurturing_Kids__How_One_Mom_Did_It/home.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Nurturing Kids: How One Mom Did It</span></a> presents <a href="http://nurturingkids.zymichost.com/Nurturing_Kids__How_One_Mom_Did_It/early_reading.html">When Did I Start Reading to my Kids?</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(early literacy)</span>. Rachel shares how and when she started reading to her children and mentions the first books she read to them. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: left; font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Read Aloud...Dad</span> at <a href="http://www.readalouddad.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Read Aloud Dad</span></a> presents <a href="http://www.readalouddad.com/2011/06/1-way-to-excite-children-about-reading.html">The #1 Way to Excite Children About Reading</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(early literacy)</span>. Do you want your kid(s) to love reading and learning? Ahhh, yes...the ultimate parental fantasy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roberta Gibson</span> at <a href="http://blog.wrappedinfoil.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Wrapped in Foil</span></a> presents <a href="http://blog.wrappedinfoil.com/2011/07/sarah-emma-edmonds-in-the-spotlight/">Sarah Emma Edmonds in the Spotlight</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(non-fiction)</span>. A wonderful comparison between two picture book biographies about Sarah Emma Edmunds that came out this spring.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sam</span> at <a href="http://www.parenthetical.net/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Parenthetical</span></a> presents <a href="http://www.parenthetical.net/2011/07/20/harry-potter-schmarry-potter/">Harry Potter, Schmarry Potter</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. Would the Harry Potter series have been more interesting if it had been about Hermione? Interesting question.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sandie Mourao</span> at <a href="http://picturebooksinelt.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Picturebooks in ELT</span></a> presents <a href="http://picturebooksinelt.blogspot.com/2011/07/fishy-exuberance.html">A Fishy Exuberance</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(early</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">literacy)</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hooray for Fish</span> by Lucy Cousins is a great choice for young children and always a favorite!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shirley Duke</span> at <a href="http://simplyscience.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Simply Science Blog</span></a> presents <a href="http://simplyscience.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/rah-rah-radishes/">Rah, Rah, Radishes!</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(non-fiction)</span>. Visit the vegetables in this rollicking chant book by April Pulley Sayre to learn their names and see the gorgeous photographs used to illustrate the text. (<span style="font-weight: bold;">No Bows</span> is one of Emmy's favorite books. Thanks, Shirley, for autographing it for me many years ago in Austin, Texas.)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Susan Stephenson</span> at <a href="http://www.thebookchook.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The Book Chook</span></a> presents <a href="http://www.thebookchook.com/2011/07/our-garden-our-library-guest-post.html">Our Garden, Our Library - Guest Post</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(book projects)</span>. An Australian mum, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Holly Cardamone</span> of <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://adventuresinthelandofcherubs.blogspot.com/">Adventures in the Land of Cherubs</a>, shares her delight in children's literature and the garden - a wonderfully creative combination!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toni</span> at <a href="http://wifelysteps.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Wifely Steps</span></a> presents <a href="http://wifelysteps.com/2011/05/23/a-is-for-adobo-b-is-for-bagoong/">A is for Adobo, B is for Bagoong</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(illustration)</span>. "Don't read this book on an empty stomach!" The alphabet and Filipino food - YUMMY!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wendy Braun</span> at <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Good Books for Young Souls</span></a> presents <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2011/07/happy-birthday-to-secret-garden-2011-is.html">Happy Birthday to THE SECRET GARDEN - 2011 is its Centennial Year!</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. Loved seeing all the book covers of <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Secret Garden</span> over the years.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieXPTRDUAfZD3sRXPYqfoloSSWyKGrf0NHiaBqyjzhI005zkmmuzPeRQ33i8zQ6RGWi6NgqTGX_Io_Im9pCBJbxhReAKvRjFgVADPF1uhSYTB-qFHcCYWzZaPG-nBy1p41aZ23wXInjQ/s200/17314919v1_225x225_Front.jpeg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 104px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633080568291087074" border="0" /></div><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Zoe Toft</span> at <a href="http://www.playingbythebook.net/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Playing by the Book</span></a> presents <a href="http://www.playingbythebook.net/2011/07/11/the-perils-of-pet-sitting/">The Perils of Pet Sitting</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(fiction)</span>. Leaving a pet in the care of someone else? Present the book, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thank You for Looking After Our Pets</span> by Tim Hopgood, to show your appreciation.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Emmy's Book of the Day</span> and may I recommend...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Finale</span><br /></div>Our carnival is ending soon,<br />As all things must in time.<br />The music's almost over -<br />We approach the final rhyme.<br />In moments all the animals<br />Will take their parting bow.<br />We hope you'll visit us again,<br />But say farewell for now.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.dsokids.com/listen/composerdetail.aspx?composerid=30">Camille Saint-Saens</a> composed <span style="font-style: italic;">The Carnival of the Animals</span> in 1886 to express in music some of the silly habits his friends shared with animals. To compliment this composer's work, many acclaimed modern poets have created poems to go along with each animal.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf21Rd_j7uxXPBzx1hr5v8RXjdKGKx59skiM8WNiS8wHS_pLR9QyJTpkRpeMosdJL2jHSvzzdK7GILf2V-ZUqZa8a61cAZHCYKVByxyW7grOed6DRszyEthh-pfUKUPf5QZP6BJjbdgw/s1600/The+Carnival+of+the+Animals.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 103px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf21Rd_j7uxXPBzx1hr5v8RXjdKGKx59skiM8WNiS8wHS_pLR9QyJTpkRpeMosdJL2jHSvzzdK7GILf2V-ZUqZa8a61cAZHCYKVByxyW7grOed6DRszyEthh-pfUKUPf5QZP6BJjbdgw/s200/The+Carnival+of+the+Animals.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634076654904083282" border="0" /></a>Emmy's choice is <a href="http://www.jackprelutsky.com/">Jack Prelutsky</a> - America's first Children's Poet Laureate. Beautifully illustrated by Mary GrandPre and accompanied by a CD featuring Prelutsky reading each poem followed by the musical piece and ending with the entire musical score. Children will delight in moving with the rhythm of the music and imitating the sounds. They'll walk like an elephant, swim like a fish, hop like a kangaroo, and so on. Older children will begin to hear and identify the various instruments used to exemplify the animals. <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/037586458X"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Carnival of Animals</span></a> is a definite winner!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFcF-R55RQzqGtkyDDVka7ERoGMnZ_OMKTk-jqNUXLUeQQlOmiG0R-9uJPI5sSJW5OF2k19PndF6L5mDB1UUaTTExq_udpWHL8HZ8f9KYhOJaCWwLJWlA9j1RN7UwU9hTYozetMR8W3Q/s1600/61CGMWZRZNL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 99px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFcF-R55RQzqGtkyDDVka7ERoGMnZ_OMKTk-jqNUXLUeQQlOmiG0R-9uJPI5sSJW5OF2k19PndF6L5mDB1UUaTTExq_udpWHL8HZ8f9KYhOJaCWwLJWlA9j1RN7UwU9hTYozetMR8W3Q/s200/61CGMWZRZNL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633475352934329554" border="0" /></a>Also worth looking for is this <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/076362960X">book/CD package</a> featuring eleven poets and riotous illustrations by Satoshi Kitamura.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">That concludes this edition of the Carnival of Children's Literature. Submit your blog article to the next edition of <b>Carnival of Children's Literature</b> using our <a target="_blank" title="Submit an entry to “carnival of children's literature”" href="http://blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_209.html">carnival submission form</a>. Next month's Carnival will be hosted by Mary Anne Scheurer at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/">Great Kid Books</a>. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our <a target="_blank" title="Blog Carnival index for “carnival of children's literature”" href="http://blogcarnival.com/bc/cprof_209.html">blog carnival index page</a>. (Yes, we have been around since 2006!) For an email reminder of the location of the next carnival and announcement when it is posted, subscribe to the <a href="http://kidlitcarnival.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Carnival of Children's Literature Round-up Information</a> blog.<br /></div></div></div>Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-91087558872247169212011-07-20T08:32:00.000-07:002011-07-25T05:31:14.164-07:00A Tree for Emmy<div style="text-align: center;">Emmy's name is in a book!!!!!!!!!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUf7rdOxXPg8R1EeaYy3d9IFawSkSpCI8wWmXdAmvQTPS-1EYMAEIpRH15_CpAZyPvm2SivoiIC0q3nTNuIyQkXhOfU44c4TWfPRCM-ZkDQXXPtVwkGxs8Q_TLgWm3-mu6zgRDLeXzmM/s1600/33556913.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUf7rdOxXPg8R1EeaYy3d9IFawSkSpCI8wWmXdAmvQTPS-1EYMAEIpRH15_CpAZyPvm2SivoiIC0q3nTNuIyQkXhOfU44c4TWfPRCM-ZkDQXXPtVwkGxs8Q_TLgWm3-mu6zgRDLeXzmM/s200/33556913.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633265583171598002" border="0" /></a></div><div>How exciting to be given this book by a very special girl and her just as special nanny. Thank you Sydney and Lauren! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The book, <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/1561454753" style="font-weight: bold; ">A Tree for Emmy</a>, couldn't be more perfect for my little Emmy. She has always loved trees and the little girl in this book does too.<br /><br /></div><div><i>"Emmy loved all kinds of trees. Oak trees with acorns. Pine trees with cones. Willows with long, swishy branches. But best of all, Emmy loved the mimosa tree in Gramma's pasture."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This story is told through the words of <a href="http://www.teachingauthors.com/">Mary Ann Rodman</a> and the gorgeous illustrations of <a href="http://tatjanawyss.blogspot.com/">Tatjana Mai-Wyss</a>. The two of them have created a book that showcases the beauty of nature all around and encourages us to cherish our special dreams.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div><div>Emmy's favorite character in the book is of course the little girl Emmy. She can be seen doing lots of things that my Emmy likes doing, for example, collecting pine cones, having a tea party, swinging on a tree branch, dancing in a tutu, playing on a hippity-hop ball, and eating cupcakes on her birthday. When the Gramma declares, <i>"That ol' tree is a lot like you. Stubborn and strong and a little bit wild." </i>I also knew that my Emmy had much in common with this delightful character.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5oZD3aggBNdPXhgQVR0pcloBLxW0Bd0ftrd4Q-8Wops5DLdPM3rWHD17CQaLm4Tu9i-3apqyg6JX_9YnL6pByNiyf-oeUHVdwAnusp4wehBaVWj7OWjsR0IpdtzrnUR4StbltdQZuws/s200/Emmy4-5.jpeg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 120px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632731022654315634" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> </div><div>In the story, Emmy wanted a mimosa tree for her birthday, but no one sold the wild trees with fuzzy pink blossoms and seed pods that sounded like maracas when shaken. Emmy was about to give up when she discovers a small mimosa sapling growing in Gramma's yard. With Gramma's help, she carefully digs up the tiny tree, wraps the roots in wet newspaper and puts the mimosa in a big tomato can. Once home, Emmy plants the tree right under her bedroom window, but then realizes that this little tree won't have pink blossoms and seed pods for quite some time. This is disappointing until she realizes that if she keeps it safe, loves it and waters it, the tiny tree will grow up tall one day.<div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> </div> </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30YrI2nWAhCEHcXQzdWBhvh-xsMad4mHELkdA65GtJxoJjtKe-BJk7s9761Yy5xaKPePc9P83fbah_0Ea6WKdGEEe88MATrwFWYuIBof2ehM7HhebxSPJsSZLOfcr4LBPQ-cVZJ93L7c/s200/Emmy30.jpeg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632733149532981842" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> </div> <div>My Emmy wishes that she could see a Mimosa Tree, but the best that I can do for her are photographs of these beautiful trees like this one showing the fuzzy pink blossoms.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKx9-d6FUGsfm863JKCBRH5x3zJvlorqscPSg44SVY7d_XEjyr8KiCGdw-JibCa5zES5olPnQbGqjl8rA7yMXayyCqcnpfiLzQPZ5_foiFq8Y4AH0NlMYT5arcvsPRfQSyyNYlRI3KBg/s200/mimosa_tree.jpeg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 180px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632733866012502578" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> </div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Let's Plant a Tree</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eileen Fisher</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's time to plant a tree, a tree</div><div style="text-align: center;">What shall it be? What shall it be? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> </div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's plant a pine - we can't go wrong:</div><div style="text-align: center;">A pine is green the whole year long.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's plant a maple - more than one,</div><div style="text-align: center;">To shade us from the morning sun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's plant a cherry - you know why:</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's nothing like a cherry pie!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's plant an elm - the tree of grace,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where robins find a nesting place. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> </div> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's plant an apple - not too small,</div><div style="text-align: center;">With flowers in spring and fruit in fall. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's plant a fir - so it can be,</div><div style="text-align: center;">A lighted outdoor Christmas tree. <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> </div> </div> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's plant a birch, an oak, a beech,</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's something extra nice in each...</div><div style="text-align: center;">In winter, summer, spring or fall.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's plant a...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why not plant them ALL?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42zXLoH9CXodgu8ZArIeVbe4yL3ScPlajqD06eQivLM_qBzZEyeFqxAOleiP0uI7eHWzFChKyyltSdDtTv-yIv7cseZiq3B8LCKRbv0UJ1LwXbDTfW1BcvE7ODZTmOiB_DhRpq9W0QbA/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42zXLoH9CXodgu8ZArIeVbe4yL3ScPlajqD06eQivLM_qBzZEyeFqxAOleiP0uI7eHWzFChKyyltSdDtTv-yIv7cseZiq3B8LCKRbv0UJ1LwXbDTfW1BcvE7ODZTmOiB_DhRpq9W0QbA/s200/IMG_0019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633264851044682994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Prescott Park - Portsmouth, NH 2011)</span><br /><br /></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6266191423238751150.post-29647101682911142492011-07-18T07:28:00.000-07:002011-07-23T17:52:36.263-07:00Fairy Tales With a Modern Twist<span class="Apple-style-span">Albert Einstein once said, </span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4cQ2dSBT4wWD16ixxbaCV0a1vi1T1I5M5kavjrwqD3nrr-nOwPnVuNovPjx8N6Bp67y69GHHPDmHpz1L1iXJGvfMfxV_tP48l4uzJKc-C2W_3GIdMplNrESD-Iy-0KgUiZLhnltg56w/s200/albert-einstein1.jpeg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631434079173609506" /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black; ">"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. </span></i></span><div><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black; ">If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales."</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black; "><br /></span></i></div><div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium; font-family: Georgia; color: black; ">I definitely agree and have shared many</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Georgia; color:black"> </span>fairy tales with Emmy as well as with the students that I once taught. I have quite a collection of fairy and folk tales written by amazing authors each putting his or her own twist on the classic tales. I will be sure to share these books in many upcoming posts, but for now Emmy has three favorites that she would like me to share with you. All three are written by Lynn Roberts with illustrations by her brother <a href="http://www.davidrobertsillustration.com/home.html">David Roberts</a>. If you are a fan of revamped fairy tales with a modern twist and a bit of nostalgia thrown in, then these books are for you!<div><br /><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p8YLeHVFi24Gn-nxKuigIGwfb7sr_Fe2KS4LQzV5xK01yruK7WyMrXV63-LuGZAduVimeGFCNw1XNz8ZHX0VesbKthpPy_7_T6ggnAvGtF2VVyDBM2zpU-tF-HnOnMjlg6ppfhmgG_g/s200/Rapunzel%253A+A+Groovy+Fairy+Tale.jpeg" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 128px; line-height: 13px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622537955106784914" /><div style="text-align: left;">We'll begin with <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0810942429"><b>Rapunzel: A Groovy Fairy Tale</b></a> since Emmy is fascinated with long hair and would like her hair <i>"to grow so long that it trails behind her for 1oo miles." </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i></i>With bell-bottomed trousers, frilly cuffs, gaudy ties and platform shoes worn by Rapunzel and the "prince" character, Roger, the 1970's are in full swing in this adaptation of the classic tale. Rapunzel's tower is a deserted high rise apartment in the middle of a big city and keeping Rapunzel locked away is her Aunt Esme. Emmy thinks Aunt Esme is just silly and mean because she doesn't let Rapunzel leave the apartment, uses Rapunzel's braid, thrown over the balcony, to enter and exit the apartment and rides to work on a motorcycle. We both like Roger who is the lead singer in the high school band and notices Esme, who is the mean lunch lady at school, climbing down the long red braid. Of course, he climbs up and Rapunzel and Roger immediately become friends. I like the ending of this retelling. Rapunzel is not a damsel in distress, but rather a girl who is able to find her way in the big city and make it on her own. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a-N4PBkqcM25s2ppb-1KGax_JnvcJoTBz-S7p97lRjPqZR9QmW5hxZUTGiJkoOIgk4z4_eTI48L4cQDFoH0yeEIcpWqP27WexA3YudL91ACpSY2NwBdEDG6FgVRqMgIHOiUiFvHEwUs/s200/Cinderella%253A+An+Art+Deco+Love+Story.jpeg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 131px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622554789687714514" /><div>Next is <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/1843650134">Cinderella: An Art Deco Love Story</a> </b>Set during the Jazz Age of the 1920's and 30's, this version of Cinderella is full of flapper fashions and art deco style. Emmy loves the updated carriage - a silver roadster! I love the stepsisters dancing the Charleston at the Royal Ball which Greta, aka Cinderella, found out about on the radio. After reading this book, we cranked up the phonograph (OK - iTunes) and practiced the Charleston with much enthusiasm! Here's a clip of Ginger Rogers doing her thing in a deleted scene from the movie Roxie Hart (1942).<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Myq6hg2gcWw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhyjZS4OAm9o9mhmx4PytTvd8QjQxJAeNPF4z48KdHdTKDjKKErnvkY4NqI_HiRLeTA8bPZ1pu9TYwkLu18RAFkFBKCH8SBvBK4j5P3vU2ku5PkM6_q413KfZ4NeSL0NDmS2jfRlqApg/s200/Little+Red%253A+A+Fizzingly+Good+Yarn-1.jpeg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 125px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622555235030069506" /><div>And finally <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/0810957833">Little Red: A Fizzingly Good Yarn</a>. </b> With its setting in 18th century America and Little Red being a young boy with a red coat, this retelling is full of fun references to Colonial America. Little Red is the hero of this story, not the huntsman, as he saves his grandmother from the wolf with a fizzy jug of ginger ale. The gigantic belch that erupts from the wolf after drinking the ginger ale is Emmy's favorite part. It sends grandma hurling through the air like a cannonball! A deal is made with the wolf, who has acquired quite a taste for the fizzy drink, that he will leave grandma and the rest of the family alone if Little Red keeps a steady supply of ginger ale coming his way. Emmy has never had soda, but after this story, we had to give ginger ale a try. Her nose wrinkled up at the taste and she tried very hard to burp, but that didn't happen. Instead we just giggled and were reminded of Charlie and his grandfather drinking the fizzy lifting drink in the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lynn Roberts gives us such wonderful retellings of these three classic tales, but I must say that David Roberts really fills in the details with his illustrations. Look carefully at the pictures and take a trip down memory lane! Look for the poster of John Travolta on Rapunzel's wall, the hand-cranked wringer used by Greta to launder the stepsisters' silk stockings, and the reference to Ben Franklin on the front page of the newspaper in Little Red. </div><div><br /></div><div>One more quote to end this post by my favorite film star, Audrey Hepburn, as well as one more book suggestion. </div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkCXiEOhcrGk5odv1do3_f4rgLVCUU0UKLkOVMVXpvFBO9CJYAraUWvHylfszeoYB2d4riWmQY_v5kSNUaKCTHT4_s6sSqTy_CMhpq17qRfZOL8OOQ7UcoFuCZsC1GhPiZbgzWCDFvq4/s200/Audrey+Hepburn.jpeg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 50px; height: 66px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622541185907780914" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>"If I'm honest I have to tell you I still read fairy tales and I like them best of all."</i> </span></div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dt2Q3fY3OpRk9ee1QWCHYlUJFQWlghyphenhyphenjr4UyO_etkJOXIxcmk9ovRcLTyWQaoL5uFD6AcdPcB6tCy_9zTEprOKc7b5DbmW7LnqLAS_iAEQn3vqPcx5FdilEdV1-V6OoZRB65gRcoN20/s200/catalog.jpeg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 55px; height: 80px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622548984891160098" /><div>I have always admired Audrey Hepburn and her sense of self. I recently read a picture-book biography of Ms. Hepburn titled <b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/emsboofthda-20/detail/006185283X">Just Being Audrey</a> </b>which shows how her experiences as a young girl in Nazi-occupied Europe shaped her being, making her one of the most giving, inspiring and kind starlets of her time.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing all of you a <i>"happily ever after!"</i></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Amy Pertl-Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03961965689839256604noreply@blogger.com2