Books help you find right answers
The mark of real genius isn't having all the answers; it's knowing where to get them.
The more we're exposed to, the broader our awareness and understanding which, in turn, leads to an improved ability to process information, make better evaluations and application of that information, and thus, make better decisions and find answers.
One important tool that shows us an infinite variety of people, places and events is reading. It is impossible to experience everything first-hand.
Reading about the real and imaginary is the next best choice to having been there, done that. It follows that the more we read, the more we know, and the more we know, the better equipped we are to successfully meet challenges that our world presents.
Give your child the edge of wisdom. Provide your child with exposure to the rich and varied world in which we live. Read to your child every day, for 15 or 20 minutes. Fiction, nonfiction, humor, history, poetry, fantasy; read them all. They're all important. Collectively they help empower your child to find answers and make wise choices throughout life.
Books to Borrow
The following book is available at many libraries.
“10 Little Rubber Ducks” written and illustrated by Eric Carle, HarperCollins, 31 pages; read aloud: age 2 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.
A giant wave has washed a box of 10 rubber ducks off a cargo ship and into the sea. “10 rubber ducks overboard!” cries the captain.
Bobbing away in different directions, each little rubber duck encounters a different sea creature in various areas of the globe.
From a polar bear in the north to a flamingo in the south, a seal in the east and a dolphin in the west, the 10 ducks meet these and other creatures as they bob along. As the sun begins to set, the 10th little rubber duck is still alone. What will happen to it?
Filled with a cornucopia of concepts for children, including a dual surprise and happy ending, this counting/directional/biology/geography book is wrapped in loads of fun.
Librarian's ChoiceLibrary: Evans City Public Library, 204 S. Jackson St., Evans CityLibrary Director: Judith PfeiferChildren's Librarian: Patricia PflugChoices this week: “Chickens Aren't the Only Ones” by Ruth Heller; “Grandpa, Is There a Heaven?” by Katherine Bohlmann; “Fabulous Fishes” by Susan StockdaleBooks to BuyThe following books are available at bookstores.“The Silver Donkey” by Sonya Hartnett, illustrated by Don Powers, Candlewick, 2014, 266 pages, $17 hardcover; read aloud: age 9 and older; read yourself: age 10 and older.On a spring morning in France, sisters Coco and Marcelle were walking in the woods and came across a soldier curled up on the ground.The Great War was raging and the soldier had been blinded, was a deserter, and was attempting to find his way home across the English Channel to England. He was cold and hungry, and the sisters were determined to help him.As the girls secret food and drink and a few others provisions to the soldier, he returns their generosity with what he has to give — four enchanting tales about loyalty, honesty, courage and determination. As they soon discover, each tale is linked to the magical keepsake the soldier keeps in his pocket: a tiny silver donkey.Beautifully written, this thought-provoking novel is rich on multiple levels.“Jemmy Button” written and illustrated by Jennifer Uman & Valerio Vidali, Templar Books, 2013, 48 pages, $17 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.In the early 1800s, foreign visitors aboard a boat came to the islands of Tierra del Fuego and invited a boy to come home with them to learn about their way of life far across the sea.The boy and his family agreed. The visitors named the boy Jemmy Button and then set sail.When they arrived in England, Jemmy Button marveled at all that he saw. He learned much and became something of a celebrity.But many years later, he longed for home. The same captain who brought Jemmy Button to England took him home, and Jemmy was at long last where he belonged.Based on a true story, this fascinating book uses brilliant text and inviting, dramatic illustrations to reveal the experiences of a brave, adventurous boy.Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. Contact her at www.greatestbooksforkids.com.
