As most will agree, the 3 best words to hear are, “I LOVE YOU”
But my 4 favorite words to hear are “READ ME A STORY”.
These four precious words tug at my heart string . . .
They tell me a child is ready to listen . . .
They tell me a child is eager for adventure . . .
They tell me a child wants to learn . . .
They tell me a child wants my undivided attention . . .
And they tell me a child shares my love for the written word . . .
The pure love of reading a book.
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you already know that reading is one of my greatest joys and hobby. When I began this little blog a few years ago, I did a “story telling Tuesday” which for some reason I let slip by the way side. I’m thinking it’s time to bring it back. Maybe not every Tuesday but at least once or twice a month.
I read this article a few days ago in Time Magazine about the benefits of reading a (real) book. I found some of the points really interesting, especially #7 which states that “Reading is Contagious”. I couldn’t agree more, I truly believe when a child observes a parent reading, they tend to imitate this. Furthermore, children who are exposed to books and are read to daily, are far more likely to be good readers themselves.
Take for example little Molly, this is her way of reading to herself.
Now just a little point on books verses e-readers . . .
Well, when I travel I’m not about to take 2 or 3 books. I’m definitely going to take my e-reader downloaded with several fun reads all easily accessible in one little bag. But at home, I’m still a book lover, the feel of turning the page.
Now on to “STORY TELLING TUESDAY”
This picture book is absolutely delightful and its a perfect book for every child to have in their collection. One that teaches the joy of true friendship with no boundaries.
This book came to my attention when I read a review about the world premier of “The Alabama Story” which was being presented right in my hometown. I quickly purchased tickets for this play. Ok, for those of you who live here, you are CRAZY not to take the opportunity to see this. This play brings in several stories, such as a story about a white woman and a black man who became childhood friends, a story about a librarian who won’t let a narrow-minded, segregationist dictate the books she can offer her readers, a story about the bonds of parents and children, and the story that began the whole drama, A story about two little rabbits, one black and one white who get married. I came away from the play with a new found appreciation for the freedom to read.
And lastly, what I’m currently reading . . .
“Nora Webster” by Colm Toibin.
Any fun recommendations from you?
As always my friends, thanks for dropping. Have a most wonderful day.
Also linking up with Anne at spy girl because her theme this week is “reading bewtween the lines” I think this fits into that, right?
Books and reading are so important in my life. I’m thrilled that my grandson’s favorite thing in the world are his books!! He’s only 15 months but loves to be read to, and reads to himself. (babbling right now, but HE knows what he’s saying)
I keep trying to like books on my Kindle, but it’s just not the same.
I like the weight of an actual book iny hand. The act of turning pages. The smell of the ink. Yep, I’m kooky:)
I’m kooky as well. It’s seriously more dangerous for me to walk into a book store than a shoe store. I absolutely adore your grandson and that photo of him so relaxed in his cozy chair with his book is beyond precious. He and Molly (my granddaughter) are exactly the same age.
I am a proud book worm. I read about a book a week and still prefer books and have not bought an e-reader yet. I recently read The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult which I really enjoyed. I have been wanting to read more classic books and was thinking I should download these on my iPhone and read it there.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
So glad to know I have another book worm friend. You can’t go wrong with Jodi Picoult. But then again, we can’t go wrong with a great clssic either.
Here is where I go wrong in my life. I love reading books, real books. i even have a pile of books waiting for me. Just no time. With my job, overtime, friends, household and… (time consuming) hobby blogging, there isn’t enough time to read properly. Just magazines. I do feel this is a real pity.
When you talk about your books On your blog (from now on), I will read the post but probably not comment on it, as I won’t know authors, books etc.
Greetje
Totally understand, my friend. Although I guess I could do a magazine review. One of my favorite past times, actually date nights is to go to our local Barnes and Noble and browse through magazines while we drink a hot cocoa or tea and share a yummy treat. And, I am guilty, I still prescribe to way too many.
see… yummy treats… hot cocoa… you can only do that when you exercise SIX days a week and not 2. LOL
YES! Reading a book counts for sure in this week’s linkup. And now I have a bunch of new books to put in my library “to read” queue. I read tons, especially when I’m in hibernation. What you say about kids getting the bug by observing their parents read — my parents are/were avid readers and we were surrounded with books in our home. My problem is that I read so fast, kind of like watching a movie, and I don’t remember much after I’m through. I’ll put on my thinking cap for suggestions — gotta get to work right now.
Thanks for linking with 52 Pick-me-up!
I had no doubt you were a book lover. We’ll have to exchange a few at the fun blogger meet-up in July.
I have been following your blog for awhile and really enjoy it. But this post was one that I had to comment on. I love to read. I just finished “Life After Life” by Kate Atkinson. I couldn’t put it down! Everybody gets the feeling of déjà vu every once in a while and through the writer’s very expert hand the heroine of the book explains this feeling through experiencing her life several different times and in several different ways. The time period runs from 1910 to 1967. Amazing read! Also am reading Lowlands by Jhumpa Lahiri and for book club Olive Kitteredge. Life gets crazy so books are a must!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I’ve read Lowlands, just recently and quite enjoyed it, no actually I really enjoyed it. Our bookclub also read Olive Kitteredge a few years ago. I can’t tell you how many times my hands have held “Life after Life” and for some reason I’ve never walked home or downloaded this book. I’m definitely not going to leave empty handed again. So grateful for your suggestion.
Trina,
You are right that waiting is contagious. And the wonderful sort of contagion also
I love that photo of little Molly with that book, she is so adorable and her dots and beautiful blond hair.
I have difficulty breathing real books these days because my eyes don’t focus too well but I love to listen to books. I use audible and I have found many authors that I love to listen to and find that the voice,
The person who narrates, can really add so much dimension to the experience.
I am also reading a book on poetry called The Dollhouse Mirror, that I’ve been asked to review but I haven’t finished it yet. it is good so far..
I hope you are well and I so agree, I love those 4 words.. Now if one of my adult children, can furnish me a grandchild, I would be in heaven …
Xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com