This book belongs to....

So, this weekend’s storytelling was on bugs. Creepy, I know. None of the young princesses who attended last weekend’s “Fancy Nancy” soiree returned this Saturday. Wonder why? The creepy crawly theme failed to keep Tinka’s attention. But, the event wasn’t a complete waste.

In my discussion of “Fancy Nancy” last week, I expressed my desire to see better ethnic diversity and representation in children literature and film. I guess the saying is true: You have not because you ask not! Thank God I asked because to my pleasant surprise, I discovered an interesting read. The book, featuring two young African American boys on its cover, was “You Can Do It!” by Tony Dungy. What a great find! I loved the illustration and theme. Linden, the main character and Tony’s younger brother, has issues finding his “it”. You know, his ”it”. All of his siblings seem to know what their hearts passions are except him. His dad gives him wise advice regarding the role of prayer in determining what his “it” (read:his desired career) will be. Linden especially enjoys making others smile and learned that dentist do as well. He is actually a dentist today. This book is recommended for readers 4 and up. This is definitely a great read with a great message.

This book belongs to....

Just ask me how many books Tinka has in her personal library? Twenty and counting. (That's twice as many as mommy.) Regrettably, I was not an avid reader as a child or for much of my adult life. I, on the other hand, preferred to tackle a complicated math or physics problem instead. There was always something “more interesting” to do than to engage myself in literature. (What those things were escape me). In hindsight, I wish I’d embraced the wonderful world of books as a child. I am, admittedly, a self-described techie and number-cruncher. As an adult and new parent, there’s often the nagging desire to improve upon the life that your parents provided or the experiences that molded you into who’ve you become.

I began reading to Tinka when she was in the womb. Her favorite titles (read: my favorites) were “Peter’s Chair” and “What Does Baby Say?”. I am committed to reading to her regularly. My husband is an avid reader, with hundreds of titles to his collection. I believe that children often imitate their parents. So, I am also committed to reading for leisure. No pain, no gain, right?!

Selected Barnes and Nobles stores offer storytelling throughout the week for toddlers and children. We’ve attended several times and I have been quite impressed with how well the storyteller is able to engage her young audience. Tinka REALLY enjoyed (read: we both enjoyed) the two books read about time-telling. The storyteller did a lot of question and answer, which really got Tinka’s legs moving. Usually, a group activity, also sharing the book’s theme, accompanies the reading. We (read: I) made a clock out of paper plates, magazine clippings and straw piping.

Fortunately for us, most of her collection was received as gifts. As I am not an advocate of frivolous spending, especially in light of our not-so-great economic state, I strongly suggest borrowing your favorite titles from your public library especially before your little one begins teething or wants to put things in his mouth. (Always want to cut down on germs). Your local library will have plenty of good titles to choose from and at no cost to you. One word of advice, if you’re buying new books, I highly recommend the plastic versions, they hold up better against teething.

Each week, as part of my “This book belongs to” book series, I’ll share one of Tinka’s favorites. Stay tuned….. Happy Reading!