BABBLING BOOKS

Tigerlily · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:17 am Post subject: Our Reading Diary

Thought I'd add the books my 3 year old daughter and I are reading together. I'll start with:

Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne. I'm reading a story each day to her. A little old for her, so I'm skipping the waffly bits and she's acting out the story with her soft toys and props from her toybox. It's good fun and she enjoys seeing E. H. Shepard's illustrations and recognising the stories from the My Friends Tigger and Pooh TV show.

Last night we read the story in which Eeyore gets two birthday presents. Piglet decides to give Eeyore a red balloon which pops on his way to see him, so he ends up giving him the burst balloon (sweet). C happened to have a red balloon in her room which she gave to her Eeyore toy (or Eeyork as she calls him). It ended up popping, C burst into tears (like Piglet) and she reluctantly gave Eeyork what was left of the balloon (just like Piglet). I love how Eeyore puts his burst balloon in and out of Pooh's 'Useful Pot' at the end of the story. Very endearing.

I'm enjoying reading them as much as C is listening to them

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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

Tigerlily · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 4:46 pm Post subject:

This week we have read:

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

This is a heart warming classic story, but unless Charis acts out the part of Little Nutbrown Hare and me Big Nutbrown Hare, her attention wavers halfway through. I think it'll be one she'll warm to as she gets older.

Mog and Bunny by Judith Kerr

We're collecting Judith Kerr's classic Mog books. Every time we read it I have to explain why Bunny loses his ears. She never tires of this story and Judith's timeless and amusing illustrations.

Dogger by Shirley Hughes

This has to be one of Charis' favourite books (mine too). There's something special about Shirley Hughes' books. Charis empathises with Dave when he loses Dogger as she has a rabbit blanket that goes everywhere with her. She loves the ending when all is well again. It has got to be one of the best endings. It always makes me smile. Shirley's illustrations capture everyday scenarios so well, we can all relate to them. I love how she captures facial expressions, emotions.

Burning the Tree by Shirley Hughes

I can never read this aloud without getting a lump in my throat. Shirley's illustrations are so poignant you can't help but feel the emotions of her characters, in this case a young boy who helps his grandfather come to terms with the loss of his wife, the boy's grandmother. The story and illustrations are sensitively executed, sorrow is etched on the grandfather's face, you can't help but feel his pain. Together they burn a spent Christmas tree in the garden. The ritual helps the grandfather move on and it's so lovely at the end to see him more at peace and doing things with his grandson. A very touching story I highly recommend. I have a lump in my throat just thinking about it.
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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

heathera · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:56 pm Post subject:

This is a lovely reading diary Glynis. It's giving me ideas for Laurence as well. I might join you on a weekly reading diary and comment as well, if I get a chance....

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Currently Reading:

The Moonlit Cage - Linda Holeman

1001 Book Challenge:
2009 - 4
2008 - 14
Books Available for Swapping on RISI

Tigerlily · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:59 pm Post subject:

Thanks Heather

it'd be great if you got time to start a diary too. It'll be nice to see it progress over time.
_________________
Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

mummymelly · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:06 pm Post subject:

Rachel and I love Guess How Much I Love You?, as you know Glynis. In fact I've just bought her the new "Seasons" nutbrown hare books and she loves those too. I often try to read Dogger to Rachel but she doesn't seem to like it as much as I do!

Others that we have been reading more recently are Some Dogs Do by Jez Alborough, The Tiger That Came To Tea and The Gruffalo. We also have to read ar least one Little Princess book each night!
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Swap List: http://tinyurl.com/33pg6r
Currently Reading "Switchcraft" by Lowri Turner

Tigerlily · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 11:34 pm Post subject:

I spotted the new Nutbrown Hare seasons books. We love Dogger, The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Charis likes the Little Princess Stories but for some reason I can't work them out!!
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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

lovely treez · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:30 am Post subject:

We are big Mog fans here, Glynis and have managed to find most of the series at the library, just got our reservations through for Mog and Bunny and Mog and Barnaby this week. Eva's favourite is Mog and Granny.
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Currently reading - The Italian Boy - Murder and Grave Robbery in 1830s London - Sarah Wise

mummymelly · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:37 am Post subject:

eightlegs · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:52 am Post subject:

My son particularly loved The Tiger who came to tea when he was small. I worked a few hours a week from when he was one to one and a half and he went to a childminders in the afternoon. She asked if we had the book as he was so into it - which we didn't. Also, in the supermarket one day I picked up some beer and he said "Daddy's beer" which surprised me as we rarely drank at home (then!) but of course it came from The Tiger who came to tea.

I have a little theory about the book, I wonder whether the story derived from a day when the author realised she had nothing for her husbands tea and they went out for tea (no long supermarket hours then) and the story of the tiger was like an excuse!

Tigerlily · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:17 pm Post subject:

I didn't know about Mog and Barnaby, thanks Treez

That's a lovely story about your son and the beer Sarah

It's funny the stories they're attracted to isn't it? Is the Little Princess on the TV now Mel? I've seen more merchandise lately so wondered if it was.
_________________
Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

heathera · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:26 pm Post subject:

I've spotted The Little Princess on channel 5 a couple of times, early morning, I think possibly only on the weekends though.

Laurence loves The Tiger that came to Tea, and also makes comments about "Daddy's Beer" even though we don't ever really have beer here!

He also loves The Gruffalo and Room on a Broom has been a long standing favourite.

He likes the Charlie and Lola books but I'm not sure about them... one's about Lola not wanting to go to bed and another about her being a fussy eater. I know the books end with her asleep or eating veggies nicely etc, but I don't want to encourage Laurence to be fussy with his food because Lola is....

_________________
Currently Reading:

The Moonlit Cage - Linda Holeman

1001 Book Challenge:
2009 - 4
2008 - 14
Books Available for Swapping on RISI

mummymelly · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:26 pm Post subject:

mummymelly · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:29 pm Post subject:

Tigerlily · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 4:58 pm Post subject:

Books we've read this week:

Bear by Mick Inkpen

Have you ever had a bear fall out of the sky and into your world? Find out what chaos and happiness just such an event can bring to a family in this fun and frolicsome story from master-storyteller Mick Inkpen. "Bear" is a classic picture book, one which has been read and loved by children and adults the world over.

Pass the Jam Jim by Kay Umansky

A rhyming picture book in which a group of children prepare for a party. The bright, action-packed illustrations feature all kinds of delicious food.

We love this book. Raises laughs every time. We end up reading it together 3 or 4 times in one go. Charis' favourite line is: "Who wants cheese and who wants ham?" (said in a silly voice: "Oo wants cheese and oo wants 'am?"). We recommend this book.

A Balloon for Grandad by Nigel Gray & Jane Ray

A gentle story about a boy who loses his helium-filled balloon. As it floats out of reach his dad reassures him that the balloon is on an adventure and will traverse oceans, mountains and deserts to reach Grandad Abdullah. We see the balloon's travels in Jane Ray's gorgeous illustrations. When Grandad Abdullah finds the balloon, the boy is told his grandad will be thinking of him, and so the boy no longer worries about his balloon. A good bedtime story with a satisfying and reassuring ending. Charis has lost countless balloons and likes the idea they're on adventures and will end up safe.
_________________
Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

eightlegs · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 7:11 pm Post subject:

Great books Glynis. We loved Mick Inkpen, particularly one called Billy's Beetle about a beetle that gets lost (but is hiding on each page) and all the people that look for him. And we has Pass the Jam Jim from the library on numerous occaision, "Jam Jim, Jam"!

While I love reading the more involved stories to my now, slightly older children, I think there are some real gems amongst the toddler/pre-school picture books.

Tigerlily · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 10:55 am Post subject:

Will look out for the Beetle book Sarah, thanks for that, hadn't heard of it. He's done quite a lot, hasn't he? Love his illustrations.
_________________
Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

eightlegs · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 1:26 pm Post subject:

There is a bit of an insect bias in reading material in our house, my husband works in conservation with insects. It used to be beetles, hence the book, but now he's on the more socially acceptable butterflies!!!

And we had most of the other Eric Carle's too, including The Very Busy Spider!

Tigerlily · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:40 pm Post subject:

What a great job your husband has Sarah.

Books we've read together recently:

1. The Baby Who Wouldn't Go To Bed by Helen Cooper.

"Bedtime " said Mother.
"NO " said the baby.

The Baby wants to stay up all night, so he revs up his car and sets off on an adventure. Before long, he finds himself all alone in a sleepy land. But there is someone else who's not asleep...someone who loves the Baby very much.

A magical book whose soft yet sparkling artwork perfectly captures the twilight world of a small child, determined not to go to sleep.

Beautifully illustrated, a perfect bedtime story. Made me feel sleepy too. I'm sure Helen Cooper's won awards for her books. Recommend this one.

2. Duck in the Truck by Jez Alborough

Here comes Duck in his truck, the wonderful new character soon to be the focus of a whole new series. But watch out for that rock Duck ...too late Duck's truck is stuck in the muck! The truck is well and truly stuck, but luckily help is at hand in the form of a Frog. When the Frog and the Duck fail to eject the truck, they enlist the help of a Sheep who just happens to be passing by in his green jeep. But even the might of the sheep can't move the truck. Fortunately, there is a nearby lake and at this very moment a clever goat floats by relaxing in his boat. He devises a cunning plan which does indeed set the truck free...but with unexpected and hilarious consequences. AGE 4-7

Excellent rhyming story, lots of action, noise and silly voices to put on. Jez Alborough is another great illustrator/writer. Bright illustrations.

3. Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd

This bestselling story has now been brilliantly adapted for audio CD and there are two readings - the first is a straight reading with music and the second has a 'special sound' to indicate where to turn the page as you read along. Hairy Maclary goes off for a walk with a few of his friends - and comes up against a nasty surprise, in the shape of the cat Scarface Claw, who chases the dogs away.

Brilliant classics, love all of Lynley Dodd's books. This is one of the best. Scarface Claw is hilarious - we love exaggerating the Miiiaaaoooowwwptttzzzzz noise he makes at Hairy Maclary & friends. We never tire of these and always end up giggling.

4.

a's Surprise by Eileen Browne

a puts seven delicious fruits in a basket to take to her friend, Akeyo. But as she walks, carrying the basket on her head, various creatures steal her fruits. A monkey takes the banana, an ostrich the guava, a zebra the orange, an elephant the mango, a giraffe the pineapple, an antelope the avocado and a parrot the passion fruit.

a walks on, wondering which of the fruits her friend will like best, oblivious to the fact that her basket is now empty. But then, behind her, a goat charges into a tangerine tree and fills

a's basket with the fruit. "Hello, Akeyo," she greets her friend. "I've brought you a surprise." But when she lifts off her basket, it's

a who gets the biggest surprise. Akeyo, meanwhile, is delighted, because tangerines are her favourite fruit! Eileen Browne also created "Through My Window" which was shortlisted for the Smarties Book Prize (1986), "No Problem", "Tick Tock" and "Where's my Bus?".

Beautifully illustrated, this story will get your child thinking. Charis loves saying who took the fruit and how many are left in

a's basket. A lovely surprise at the end. She also loves

a's Hen which is similar.

5. I Love You Just the Way You Are by Virginia Miller

Young Bartholomew is having a grumpy day. Nothing feels right for him. But, as ever, George is at hand to make him feel better - and this time no big voice is required, just a cuddle and a little tenderness!

Sweet little story, ideal for babies and toddlers. This is a board book we've had since Charis was a baby. We always end up giving one another a big cuddle at the end.

6. I Want My Dummy by Tony Ross

'Where is my dummy? I WANT MY DUMMY!' shrieks the Little Princess when the royal dummy mysteriously disappears, yet again. But she always finds it, albeit in the strangest of places ...Will she never give it up?

Amusing illustrations, although I can never make out if she really is a princess or it's just a tongue-in-cheek joke of the way we parents tend to call our daughters little princesses. Who are the prime minister, the duke etc. to the Little Princess? I must be looking at it too deeply.

Anyway, this is a noisy book, great fun.

7. The Jolly Postman by Janet Ahlberg

The Jolly Postman delivers cards and letters to various fairy-tale characters. He has a letter of apology for the three bears from Goldilocks, a postcard from Jack for the giant, and a solicitor's letter on behalf of Little Red Riding Hood for the wolf, and more.

We love this classic!

8. Let's Get a Pup! by Bob Graham

This picture book tells the story of a family's decision to get a dog.

A sweet story, ideal as a bedtime story. I love the illustrations of the parents and the clothes they wear. Also like the poetic ending.

9. Miffy by Dick Bruna

Mr and Mrs Bunny have a little baby bunny, Miffy.
All the animals on the farm come to see her.
Told with the aid of bold bright pictures and simple text.
This picture book is the first of many that feature "Miffy's adventures.

Another favourite. Would love the entire collection. I remember reading Miffy at school and loving them. There's something special about Dick Bruna's illustrations.

10. Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

This is the story of three baby owls who wake up one night in their hole in the tree to find that their mother has gone, so they sit on the branch and wait, wondering when she will return. At last she does, and they all bounce up and down with joy, welcoming her home.

A nice bedtime story. Children will love the family being reunited at the end and breathe a sigh of relief!

11. Paddiwak and Cosy by Berlie Doherty

Paddiwak is a prince of a cat - a posh cat. He is horrified when Sally brings him home a friend: a silly, roly-poly laugh of a cat. Paddiwak decides to leave for good, but when wind and rain drive him in, who can he turn to for warmth and cosy comfort?

Great names for cats. We've got an older version of this story with gorgeous illustrations, different to the one illustrated here. Ideal bedtime story.

12. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

The witch and her cat fly happily over forests, rivers and mountains on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch's hat, bow and wand. They are retrieved by a dog, a bird and a frog, and each animal asks for a ride on the broom. One after the next climbs on, until the broom is so heavy that it snaps in two! What will happen next as they tumble into a bog and meet a greedy dragon?

Superb! We love this, especially when played with the CD. A good twist at the end. Julia is a clever wordsmith and Axel Scheffler's illustrations are brill. We love all of her books.

13. Don't Put Your Finger in the Jelly, Nelly! by Nick Sharratt

A book for all dippers and pickers!(with real holes that little fingers can explore!) Don't put your finger in the jelly, Nelly! is for people who liketo dip their fingers into anything that looks tasty-though they might be in for a bit of a shock.

One of our favourites. A brilliant book. We read it again and again and make up our own rhymes. Don't put your finger in the pasta, Jocasta. The Spag-yeti won't like it! Great illustrations by Nick Sharratt.
_________________
Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

eightlegs · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:47 pm Post subject:

Some great books there Glynis, we loved Duck in the Truck, Hairy Maclary, The Jolly Postman and Owl Babies. I think mine did

a's Surprise in reception, as part of their healthy eating topic!

We also loved Slinky Malinky which is by the same author as Hairy Maclary but about a cat that goes out thieving at night (until it gets caught) and that is a lovely book, with some great vocabulary - unusual but very descriptive words!

heathera · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:28 pm Post subject:

Wow, thanks for those Glynis. We'll be off to the library later this week, so I'll have to look out for your recommendations.

Laurence loves Room on the Broom - one of his favourites that he comes back to regularly.

_________________
Currently Reading:

The Moonlit Cage - Linda Holeman

1001 Book Challenge:
2009 - 4
2008 - 14
Books Available for Swapping on RISI

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