Readers Are Leaders

Yesterday, I visited Martin Luther King Elementary Magnet School in Little Rock, where I spoke about the importance of reading. I also read my children's books, and told one of my favorite African Tales, 'The Dancing Granny.'

I haven't done a school visit in a very long time, and forgot just how much I enjoy impressing upon kids the joy, and power of reading. When I shared that I've sat with a council of animals including a lion, monkey, and python, and lived in a WalMart for 6 weeks, I got a few strange looks. After explaining I did those things by reading books... their mouths were open, and I got a few side eyes. One little girl said she was going home, and taking a trip with a book that evening.

One my drive home, I started thinking about the last book I read. I'm over due a good book, any suggestions?

Three of My Favorites

I fell in love with reading, and books as a kid. When I think back on my favorite childhood book many come to mind. But today, these three stick out, because I liked them enough to buy and share with my children.

  The Five Chinese Brothers - by Claire Huchet Bishop, was originally published in 1938, is a retelling of a Chinese Folktale. When one brother was in trouble they others stood in for him, one at a time. They had different abilities, one had an iron neck, another that could stretch...

If my memory is correct, I first heard this story in kindergarten. It's a very long story, but worth every page.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears - A West African Tale, retold by Verna Aardema. A story about a lieing mosquitoe, and an iguana who some how are responsible for the death of one mother owl's babies. And for this reason she's unable to wake the sun.

I've read this story to my children many times, and is one of my favorites to share when I make school visits. In the fourth grad we did a play of this story, and I was the python.

 Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, by Judy Blume. I was introduced to this book in the 6th grade. Our teacher read to us every day after our lunch recess, and this book was on that list. Since then I've read it several times.

My favorite part of the book is Margaret doing the bust enhancing exercises and chanting, "I must, I must, I must encrease my bust." And yes, I did the exercised too!

Yes, I have other childhood favorites, and since having children I've added more to that list. What books do you love sharing with your children?