February 13, 2013

Have already had some kind, friendly messages and I'm delighted that others may be delighted! I mentioned in an e-mail that there will be a full list of all the books I read for this project at the end. However, some of you have little ones that you like to buy books for, so if you read about something in this blog that enough information isn't furnished to buy it, just let me know and I will give you the rest of the information.

(Side note: My friend Cheryl posted her first installment and I'm really liking this Lenten challenge of blogging together.)

BOOKSREADINGBOOKSREADINGBOOKSREADINGBOOKSREADINGBOOKSREADINGBOOKS

Originally I thought it wouldn’t be fair to include books I’m reading to my grandchildren if I’ve read them before—or a million times. However, if I’ve said that I’d like to re-read some of the books I did read as a child, then I don’t think it’s invalid to include books I’ve read to grandchildren over the past 6½ years, books they  might grow up to consider classics.

So I’m including Mama Cat Has Three Kittens by Denise Fleming. Not only a favorite author but also a favorite illustrator. Several years ago I got to see some of her artwork in an exhibit at The Children’s Museum here in Houston. And once you read this book…well, you just have to love Boris! Next was a new read:  The Apple Pie That Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson. A delightful twist on “The House That Jack Built” but with a lovingly sweet message and pictures that say so much with just a few colors. May have to buy this one for my library or a grandchild’s. Very impressed.

Anna Dewdney is a modern author who has written several “Llama Llama” books now. I first read Llama Llama Red Pajamas with my oldest grandson. Aidan (and his cousin Rowan later on) adored this book, and I read it so often that I could recite it. (I did just that – once, on a road trip to Corpus Christi, much to my husband’s chagrin no doubt.) So with a granddaughter who is almost two, I knew she’d adore all the “Llama Llama” books. Wrong! I have yet to read a single one to her. On the third reading attempt with the new  Llama Llama Holiday Drama, Abby said “No!” and turned her head away, shoved the book aside, and eventually started whimpering. At about the same age, Aidan independently picked the first of the series off the shelves at Park Place Library! But it’s a classic in my opinion.  Llama Llama Red Pajamas read a story with his mama…