Want to read a sentimental tear jerker? Remember this book:
Enough said.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Don't Forget the Poetry of Shel Silverstein
As my oldest son prepares to graduate from high school and leave for college, I find myself a bit nostalgic about his childhood and the stories we read together when he was small. The Giving Tree was one of our favorites and we read it at least a hundred of times. I think I liked it so much because as a mother I identify with the tree who sacrifices everything she has for the child she loves. She desires only that he is happy and though she misses the boy during his numerous absences, his happiness brings her joy. In the end, though she feels she has little left to offer her loved one, he still needs her. (Sigh and happy thoughts.)
Of course, Mr. Silverstein also authored several additional books for children including his humorous poetry volumes full of prose that children love to read. These poems are not only funny, but touching in a way that children actually get. I'm telling you, when Shel passed away several years ago, the world lost some light. One of my favorites is "The Little Boy and the Old Man," a poem that illustrates how adults can sometimes overlook the elderly and the innocent. Here's a link to a site that displays the poem.
http://www.americanpoems.com/poets/Shel-Silverstein/13486
Where the Sidewalk Ends 30th Anniversary Edition: Poems and Drawings
A Light in the Attic
Where the Sidewalk Ends 30th Anniversary Edition: Poems and Drawings
Of course, Mr. Silverstein also authored several additional books for children including his humorous poetry volumes full of prose that children love to read. These poems are not only funny, but touching in a way that children actually get. I'm telling you, when Shel passed away several years ago, the world lost some light. One of my favorites is "The Little Boy and the Old Man," a poem that illustrates how adults can sometimes overlook the elderly and the innocent. Here's a link to a site that displays the poem.
http://www.americanpoems.com/poets/Shel-Silverstein/13486
Where the Sidewalk Ends 30th Anniversary Edition: Poems and Drawings
A Light in the Attic
Where the Sidewalk Ends 30th Anniversary Edition: Poems and Drawings
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
THE TEACHER'S FUNERAL RICHARD PECK
THE TEACHER'S FUNERAL by RICHARD PECK
I love Richard Peck. His books are always charming and funny, a combination we adore here at the Taylor home. Set in the early 1900's, Peck weaves this nostalgic story with core values including hard work, family loyalty, and creative academics. When a small town's teacher dies in her home, the town must find a replacement while the students hope they escape life without a formal education. I recommend reading this on your next family camping trip by the fire. In that setting, your family will especially enjoy the chapter in which the main character's older sister sneaks up on her brother and his friend as a ghost.
Peck has authored several books that are a joy to read including "A Long Way From Chicago," (another humorous historical fiction book) and "The Ghost Belonged to Me," which is just scary enough to interest tweens.
Enjoy!
I love Richard Peck. His books are always charming and funny, a combination we adore here at the Taylor home. Set in the early 1900's, Peck weaves this nostalgic story with core values including hard work, family loyalty, and creative academics. When a small town's teacher dies in her home, the town must find a replacement while the students hope they escape life without a formal education. I recommend reading this on your next family camping trip by the fire. In that setting, your family will especially enjoy the chapter in which the main character's older sister sneaks up on her brother and his friend as a ghost.
Peck has authored several books that are a joy to read including "A Long Way From Chicago," (another humorous historical fiction book) and "The Ghost Belonged to Me," which is just scary enough to interest tweens.
Enjoy!
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