Reading Archives - Page 2 of 10

March 1, 2013March 1, 2013

March is a Great Month For Children’s Books!

The National Education Association is sponsoring the 16th annual Read Across America on March 1, 2013, as the start of the NEA’s National Reading Month. Even if you don’t participate today, you might be interested in their extensive lists of resources to help with future projects.

Also on tap this month, the children’s literature experts are rounding up some fabulous and exciting information about women’s history at Kidlit Celebrates Women’s History Month.

I am pleased to announce that this year’s theme is for Women’s History Month is women in STEM. Look for more about that next week.

Also next week comes World Read Aloud Day, March 6, 2013.

This event is for everyone, adults and children. It is designed to promote worldwide literacy. You can also download LitWorld’s picture book New Day, New Friends on the page linked above.

If you are a serious bibliophile, you might want to check out the 50th anniversary Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Monday March 25 through Thursday March 28, 2013, although it is “is rigorously reserved to professional operators.”

Are there any events I missed? How are you celebrating children’s literacy this month?

January 29, 2013January 28, 2013

Amelia Bedelia’s 50th Anniversary Today

Enjoy the playful Amelia Bedelia series? Believe it or not, today, January 29, 2013, is Amelia Bedelia’s 50th Anniversary!

Most children discover Amelia Bedelia around second or third grade, when they are emerging readers. For those who haven’t tried the series yet, Amelia Bedelia takes many of the sayings in the English language literally, with disastrously funny results. Fortunately Amelia Bedelia is a wonderful cook, and her food always saves the day. Although the illustrations may seem a bit old-fashioned to a jaded eye, the humor is as fresh as can be.

In honor of the big day, Greenwillow Books is releasing a special Amelia Bedelia Fiftieth Anniversary Edition by Peggy Parish and illustrated by Fritz Siebel. It features the jacket, artwork, and story from the original 1963 edition, as well as seven additional pages of information about how the book came about.

If you haven’t seen the series, check out this video of an older student reading one of the Amelia Bedelia books:

I noticed in the comments of the video that one person says when he was young his school had an Amelia Bedelia Day, during which his teachers dressed up as Amelia Bedelia, read the books and served some of the food. Sounds like a memorable way to celebrate!

For a give-away contest and ideas for a Amelia Belelia party, check the Greenwillow Website.

What are you going to do to celebrate Amelia Bedelia Day?

Amelia Bedelia Fiftieth Anniversary Edition by Peggy Parish and illustrated by Fritz Siebel.

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 50 Anniversary edition (January 29, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062209698
ISBN-13: 978-0062209696

June 11, 2012

And the 48 Hour Book Challenge Ends

Another 48 hour book challenge has slipped by. I was able to read for 14 hours. I will be donating $25 to Reading Is Fundamental.

The first book I read was Life: An Exploded Diagram by Mal Peet, which was one of the 2012 Boston Globe-Horn Book fiction honor books.

I did finish it, but it wasn’t what I was in the mood for. It was too masculine for me. I will save my other snarky comments about phallic symbols to myself.

I also finished The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. As promised, the books were compelling reading and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.

Before I read them, I have to admit that I had Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” in mind (horror/suspense isn’t my favorite genre) and I wasn’t sure I would like them. I enjoyed the first person voice and the no nonsense pace. I can see why they are so popular.

Books added to the TBR list:

The Blue Cat of Castle Town at Charlotte’s Library

Jenny and the Cat Club and Bon Appetit! The delicious Life of Julia Child from Carol Rasco

Abby the Librarian reminded me I have Temple Grandin on my shelf to read

Everything at Ms. Yingling Reads 🙂

And many, many more for you to check out at the Finish Line…

Thank you to Mother Reader for keeping this going!

June 8, 2012

48 Hour Book Challenge Starts

I decided to go ahead and try the 48 hour book challenge. It is going to be very low key this year. I plan to pledge $1 per hour to RIF, and try for at least 12 hours.

Have you heard that the 2012 Boston Globe-Horn Book winners were announced yesterday? The first book I plan to read is Life: An Exploded Diagram by Mal Peet, which was one of the fiction honor books. (My library didn’t have No Crystal Stair, the winner.)

I also recently received The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay (thank you, Karen), and not wanting to be the last person on the planet to have read them, will probably start those as well.

My TBR stack so far:

Let the reading begin!

Have you read any of these? I would love to hear your comments and recommendations.