A Teacher's Reflections

I’m always excited to search for new books that eventually become favorites, scan titles, and recognize the best of newly published books. Nothing beats reading-aloud and turning the pages of a book.

Yet, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that older books, titles that have been forgotten by many, are often the best of the best. I guarantee that most authors who write award winning books today would smile, knowingly, and heartily agree.

I am fired up to share some of these books with you and their importance, because a few years ago I read this ad which was marketing Goodnight Moon:

“Goodnight Moon is now available in e-book. The perfect solution for parents on the go.”

Pardon me while I pull my heart back up from my stomach.  For the very young child, touching a book and turning the pages is essential.

I read-aloud the words to this book every single day in my classroom. Every day, just before chapter reading. Three and four-year-olds need to hear the words, not just see the illustrations.  I simply read the words- and oh, how I read those words!  A favorite is adding the names of the children, something like this:

“In the great green room there was a telephone, and Sarah’s red balloon, and a picture of  Paulo jumping over the moon.”

Children wait to hear their name and then shriek with laughter!  There is much to be said about this; the listening and focus is intense.  Children are getting a big dose of language and rhyming words.  Best of all, they have to make the pictures in their heads, a necessary skill for chapter reading.  It is wonderful!

My own library of books at school is a treasure trove of new and old, from Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag written in the 1920’s

I learned math placement with this book,
“Hundreds of cats, thousands of cats,
millions and billions and trillions of cats.”

to Evergreen by Matthew Cordell, written last year,

The best book about bravery, family, and adventure.

and If  You Come to Earth, by Sophie Blackall.

Describing everything about Earth,
from all kinds of people, to houses, weather,
clothing, feelings, and how we all are very different,
yet much the same.

A teacher’s budget allows for only the best.  I have discovered that many teachers and parents are unaware of children’s books written in the past.  For example, I used to assume that everybody knew The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg was a book– not just a movie!  I also assumed the whole world had read The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton (one of the best books to teach history).  Not true!

So, now I make it a point to include them and a host of older picture books in my read-aloud.  These books are so good; rich in story-line and words and illustrations.

My mission is to keep great books alive!  Recently I pulled out an old book, Ox Cart Man, by Donald Hall.

This classic story follows the life of a New England farmer and his family throughout the course of a year.  The illustrations, perfect for this book, are beautifully done by Barbara Cooney.  Even I was surprised when I opened the book and was reminded of this:

Here are a few books (beyond what I have mentioned) that have “been around the block”, lived up to the test of time, and are loved over the years by children. They are in no particular order.  I read these books again and again:

The Story of Little Babaji, by Helen Bannerman

Doctor De Soto, by William Steig

Jumanji, by Chris Van Allsburg

The Seven Silly Eaters, by Mary Ann Hoberman

Library Lion, by Michelle Knudsen

Blueberries For Sal, by Robert McCloskey

Captain Cat, by Inga Moore

Apple Tree Christmas, by Trinka Hakes Noble

Circus, by Peter Spier

Owl Babies, by Martin Waddell

Clay Boy, by Mirra Ginsburg

Harry the Dirty Dog, by Gene Zion

Of course this barely scratches the surface.  There are fairy tales and wordless books… stay tuned as I highlight some of the best older children’s books, from those on this list and more.  I’ll also be highlighting an exceptional new book, hot off the press.

Jennie