When I was a kid, my father read to me and my sister before bed each night. He was an English professor - a lover of books. But, he did more than just read the author's carefully crafted words. He brought their stories to life. If it was Rapunzel, he bellowed, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair." If he was reading was Oliver Twist, it was the way he exclaimed, "More?" that we loved and anticipated.
My father understood that kids love reading when they feel enveloped in the story.
Over the years, I have had my own fun thinking of creative ways to bring children's books to life for Matthew and Jack. A few years ago I wrote a post telling of the vine that grew through Matthew's window after reading, "Jack and the Beanstalk." A few days after that, I showed you pictures of the turret Rapunzel lives in, just down the block from my house in Grapevine, Texas. I told you all about how Matthew and Jack yell at Rapunzel each time we pass by.
I have also given suggestions for making your own party hats after reading, "Go Dog Go" and running a strip of masking tape along the floor, so children can imagine what it feels like to balance on a tight rope, like Philippe Petit in the true story, "The Man Who Walked Between The Towers."
It is National Young Readers Week, so I thought I would share another favorite children's book, along with a simple idea for engaging your children in the story. Added bonus: It makes a great birthday or holiday gift for less than $15.00.
Strega Nona, written by, Tomie dePaola, is an Italian tale of a grandmother and her magic pasta pot. The enchanted pot produces pasta at the command of a spell, but to stop the pot from producing pasta, Strega Nona must blow the pot three kisses. Trouble ensues when Strega Nona spends a day visiting her friend Strega Amelia and someone uses the opportunity to spread news of the pot and serve everyone pasta. However, he did not know how to properly stop the pot, so pasta continued flowing, eventually flooding the town with pasta. How's that for a short synopsis?
Last year on Valentine's Day, I mailed my nephew a copy of the book along with three spinning spaghetti forks and a pound of pasta to eat for dinner. It was a fun package.
This year, I will surprise Jack with the book. We will read it this afternoon, followed by a big spaghetti dinner - that he will help cook in our magic pasta pot - and a round of new Spinning Spaghetti forks for everyone at the table.
Your turn. What is one of your favorite children's books and what ways can you think of to bring the book to life for kids? Join us in the Community Forum, labeled Today's Post and tell us. A $20.00 gift card to Barnes and Noble says you can't come up with the best idea!
Shining off until tomorrow...