Today Alice and I read John Agee's delightful story, "It's Only Stanley." Written in rhyme so good you don't realize it IS rhyme until you are a couple of pages in, this book is a delight to read. And while the story itself is wonderful all on its own, the illustrations tell a separate but equally funny story themselves. Alice particularly liked seeing what would happen to the cat next. And Stanley may just be Gromit's (of Wallace and Gromit fame) cousin. Another full "Cheese!" smile from Alice.
On Friday, Alice and I read LITTLE TREE, by Loren Long. This is a deceptively simple story of a young tree who doesn't want to let go of his leaves in the fall. So, "He just hugged his leaves tight." But problems can occur when you don't let go of the past, and Little Tree discovers this and overcomes in the most satisfying way.
The first time I read through this book I was entertained. Then I started thinking about what I had just read. This is a beautifully, lyrically written story for very young children about the necessity of letting go of the past to move forward. Wow! Deep stuff for toddlers. But of course, Alice got it on the first read through. When we read the line "And then he let go." Alice lit up with a huge grin and chortled, "Now he can grow!" Alice gave this book a full CHEESE! smile. |
Chris Regier
While I was busy living my life, stories were building up in my head. Its time to let them out. Categories
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