Involve children with funny stories
Engage learning with books they enjoy to read
Confucius wrote: "Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I will remember. Involve me, and I will understand forever."
Confucius was right. Telling a child that reading is fun without reading to the child is pointless. Show children and involve them in great stories, and they will understand how much fun reading is. And once children enjoy reading, they become engaged in learning because you simply cannot read without learning something.
Start with the books reviewed below and those featured by your local library. Next to unconditional love, helping a child discover the joy of reading is the finest gift you can give.
Books to Borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries.
"Open Wide: Tooth School Inside" written and illustrated by Laurie Keller, Henry Holt, 36 pages
Read aloud: age 5 — 6 and older
Read yourself: age 8 and older
Open wide and come on inside to Dr. Flossman's tooth school. His incoming class of 32 include eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, 12 molars and four wisdom teeth. With all students in attendance, everyone begins the day by reciting: "I pledge allegiance to this mouth and to the dentist who takes care of us. And to the gums on which we stand, strong and healthy, with toothbrushes and toothpaste for all." And if you think that's funny, just wait.
Page after page, this wildly humorous book teaches readers tons of information about our teeth: what they're made of, how to take care of them and what to avoid to prevent problems. Loaded with hilarious text, equally funny illustrations and crazy side comments and wise-cracks from assorted teeth, the net result is a book that clearly demonstrates that learning is fun.
Librarian's Choice
Library: Sutter Branch Library, 2147 California St., Sutter
Library Director: Karen Crocker
Choices this week: "Hank the Cow Dog" by John R. Erickson; "Diary of a Spider" by Doreen Cronin; "Stanley's Party" by Linda Bailey
Books to Buy
The following books are available at your favorite bookstores.
"Jackhammer Sam" by Peter Mandel, illustrated by David Catrow, Roaring Brook Press, 2011, 36 pages, $16.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 4 and older
Read yourself: age 7 — 8
Meet Jackhammer Sam, the sidewalk blasting man. Jackhammer Sam loves his job, and he loves the crazy, loud noise his jackhammer makes. Jackhammer Sam sings along with the beat of his hammer: Atta-ratta-pinga-pong. Atta-ratta-dinga dong. Why, Jackhammer Sam can blast his way through concrete, all the way down to the subway and beyond.
Kids will love this rollicking, rhyming story and the hilarious illustrations of "Jackhammer Sam." Brimming with good fun, laughs and lots of opportunities to join voices with Jackhammer Sam as he sings his song, children (and especially boys) are bound to request repeated readings of this little gem.
"I'm Fast!" by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Jim McMullan, Balzer & Bray, 2012, 36 pages, $16.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 4 and older
Read yourself: age 7 — 8
The little red race car wants to race the giant freight train all the way from Sacramento to Chicago. The freight train thinks that's hilarious, but accepts the challenge anyway. The freight train is pulling half a mile of freight cars loaded down with heavy goods. The two racers will be challenged by difficult terrain, a snow storm and other tough obstacles. Who do you think will win?
Loaded with fun, "I'm Fast!" is thoroughly entertaining in every way.
Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures about children's literature. She can be reached at her website: greatestbooksforkids.com.
