Cast-aways

The librarian at elementary school library where I work announced that a cart of free books was up for grabs. Of course I went in to check it out but before I made it to the cart, the librarian warned me that I probably wouldn't want anything as they were non fiction books. Hah. I continued my onward course to free goods. This is what I found:

It was a big stack of reference books all about children's literature authors and illustrators. What a gold mine, even if they are overly outdated (the authors/illustrators whose birth dates were listed in the 1910-15 range listed no death dates. That should give you an idea how old these books are).

Max Tote

I'd like to say that I strongly dislike when the things I love become trendy, so it is natural that I don't like that Where the Wild Things Are has become so; however, it is definitely a classic that I love and I can't help but participate in the trendiness and post the directions on how to make your very own Max Bag! I haven't made one yet so if you feel so inclined, you can whip an extra one up and send it on over to me. Visit "Meet Me At Mikes" for the directions HERE.

Unfortunately, Fortunately

Unfortunately I bought a book on Amazon spending money that I shouldn't have.

Click HERE.

Fortunately it is a must have, though it rarely appears on classics lists.

Unfortunately the delivery seemed to take FOREVER.

Fortunately the package arrived and instead of containing one book, there were 2 stuck together!

This book is a favorite of mine. As it doesn't follow a mainstream pattern that most children's books are written in, it caught my interest immediately. Fortunately follows an AB pattern-like format as demonstrated by my above story/narrative. The first page starts out with a "fortunately" statement and the next page follows with an "unfortunately" turn of events, which is then turned around on the next page to another "fortunately" change in plot. The pattern continues till the end when.... I'm not going to tell you the end!

Finding children's books to entertain my 13 year-old brother is an extreme challenge now and I must pronounce that this book was approved and enjoyed by him. It is a very accessible one for all ages and versatile with the types of instruction that can be given. It is appropriate for the ages ranging from 5 years old all the way up to your age. I rarely buy books brand new. This book was a definite exception. Check it (Fortunately by Remy Charlip) out HERE!

Uses in class/at home:

1. Read and make predictions, "What will happen next?!".

2. Discuss choices/consequences.

3. Practice using the vocabulary "fortunately" and "unfortunately" around the house in conversation.

3. Write your own "Fortunately" story.

and...

4. You who have read it, what are your insights and suggestions?

The Answers or the Questions...

Have you ever had a problem that you struggled to solve then paused as you realized that you weren't even clear about what the problem was, exactly and clearly, its essence? For me, solving the problem often lies in the figuring out what the problem actually is. To find/create a true, whole solution for a problem, don't you have to figure out the true, whole of the problem? Just wondering. What are your thoughts on process verses product? Is one more desirable to you? Two quotes come to mind:

"I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."

*Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Joy in the Journey,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 84–87

Click HERE for the address.

"The answers aren't important really... What's important is-- knowing all the questions"

*The Changeling by Zilpha Keatley Snyder, 1970.

Click HERE for the book.

*What the Dormouse Said: Lessons for Grown-ups from Children's Books, Collected by Amy Gash, pg. 103.

Click HERE for the book.

Hmm. There's lots to be said...

Quote for the day...

" Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; They are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. "

- Charles W. Eliot

ABC's

Seller: Onesmymouse

I do love the alphabet. I found a variety of Etsy sellers offering various posters. Don't ask how long I spent searching through the masses of options, but I found quite a few worthy of posting space. The above one is my favorite. Click on the seller names to be sent to the shops.

Seller: Summersville (this do-it-yourself was a close call for 1st place)

Seller: Enna (reminds me of the 80's)

Seller: Petitcollage

Seller: Petitcollage (reminds me of the 70"s)

Seller: OriginalYouth

Seller: boldandnoble (very clean feel)

Seller: gisforgrow (looks chaotic, but I still can't help but study it closely)

So there you have it. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y and Z. Do you have a favorite?

Never!

I framed this poster over Christmas break. I adore it. I ordered the book Too Many Toys (by David Shannon) from Scholastic just because the poster came with it (Shannon also created the poster). When it arrived, I was disappointed to find it folded on top of the book, so I called Scholastic to see if I could pay a little extra to have a clean poster shipped. It was a bit of a hassle with phone calls and emails, but after the warehouse that stored the folded poster was found, the news came back that there was no way an unfolded one could be shipped. They probably come folded out of the machine or something. At any rate, I touched up the deep crease marks with crayons and it looks simply marvelous. Besides the fact that the poster displays my sentiments so exactly, I love that it plays on Shannon's Too Many Toys book. This, my friends, is a real treasure.

Sorry the displayed image is crummy, as it was taken with my cell phone, but I'm sure you get the idea of its grandeur. Just know that it is much more vibrant in real life. I looked on the Scholastic website to find which order form I got it through but had no luck. If you really want it, I can find it for you without too much more trouble. Just let me know. I'd be glad to for anyone who recognizes its true value (being immeasurably greater than the total $4 that the book/poster combo cost).