Dear Readers,
I hope you had a Blessed and Merry Christmas, and I hope your New Year will be filled with joy, love, good health, peace and prosperity.
It's been a while since my last post, and I apologize.
Christmas is a beautiful time of year. It's a time for celebrating Christ's birth, a time for spending quality time with family and friends, a time to visit the sick, a time for doing volunteer work, a time for giving and helping those less fortunate than us.
There are a deluge of books about Christmas in the library. Go there with your children and have them read to you, read silently, or let them have you read to them. What they don't understand, you can explain.
Singing Christmas carols, sleigh riding when there's snow, house and window decorations , are all joyous parts of Christmas.
And let's not forget Christmas songs like SILENT NIGHT, O HOLY NIGHT, WHITE CHRISTMAS, O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL, HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING , THE FIRST NOEL, THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN, RUDOLPH, THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, JINGLE BELLS, DECK THE HALLS, LITTLE DRUMMER BOY, O CHRISTMAS TREE, THE CHIPMUNK SONG AND ADESTE FIDELIS.
A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS MOVE MY WIFE AND I SAW ON T.V.
WAS----A DOG NAMED CHRISTMAS. HAVE YOU SEEN IT? IT COMES ON A FEW TIMES.
I'LL GIVE YOU A LISTING OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO READ NEXT WEEK, IN THE NEW YEAR.
CHARITY OF THE MONTH: MY WIFE, ANNA, AND I DONATE TO A VERY WORTHWHILE CAUSE: GUIDING EYES FOR THE BLIND.
TO DONATE, YOU MAY CALL 1-800-937-2083, OR YOU CAN DONATE ONLINE AT http://www.guidingeyes.org/. THIS ORGANIZATION DEDICATES ITSELF TO ENRICHING THE LIVES OF MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED. THE SCHOOL'S TRAINED GUIDE DOGS GIVE THEM GREATER INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM TO DO THINGS.
SINCERELY,
RAVENOUS READER (A. K. A. FRANKIE)
HAVE A BLESSED, HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Have a good school year.
Dear Readers,
It's the Fall season, and the start of crisp weather and colorful foliage.
It's also the end of a wonderful summer vacation, and the beginning of the school year. I wish all your children have good teachers this year, as well as good students in the class.
My wife, Anna, and I haven't really gone on any summer vacations, but we plan to.
We mostly have had gatherings with family, such as birthday parties, graduations, lunches with friends.
I've read many good children's picture books during the summer, and I shall review three or four of them in a few days.
Parents and children, have a great work and school year.
Children, do your homework, listen in class, take good notes and study, study study. If you do these things, you will learn and achieve your goals. Someday, you may become an astronaut, a teacher, a doctor, an executive, a policeman, a fireman, a store owner, a scientist, a librarian, a veterinarian, or even president.
And do not forget to READ, READ, READ, READ.
REMEMBER: YOUR FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS.
Have a great day and a great week.
God bless you and guide you in everything you do.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader ( a.k.a. Frankie )
It's the Fall season, and the start of crisp weather and colorful foliage.
It's also the end of a wonderful summer vacation, and the beginning of the school year. I wish all your children have good teachers this year, as well as good students in the class.
My wife, Anna, and I haven't really gone on any summer vacations, but we plan to.
We mostly have had gatherings with family, such as birthday parties, graduations, lunches with friends.
I've read many good children's picture books during the summer, and I shall review three or four of them in a few days.
Parents and children, have a great work and school year.
Children, do your homework, listen in class, take good notes and study, study study. If you do these things, you will learn and achieve your goals. Someday, you may become an astronaut, a teacher, a doctor, an executive, a policeman, a fireman, a store owner, a scientist, a librarian, a veterinarian, or even president.
And do not forget to READ, READ, READ, READ.
REMEMBER: YOUR FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS.
Have a great day and a great week.
God bless you and guide you in everything you do.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader ( a.k.a. Frankie )
Monday, July 25, 2011
READ MY PICTURE BOOK BLOG.
Dear Readers and Followers,
As General MacArthur once said, "I shall return." Well, I'M BACK, AND I HOPE YOU ARE FOLLOWING MY BLOG.
TODAY IS A MUCH COOLER DAY. WE THANK GOD FOR THE COOLER WEATHER. AS YOU KNOW, IT'S BEEN UNBEARABLY HOT, HAZY AND HUMID THE PAST COUPLE OF DAYS. HOW DID YOU STAY COOL DURING THIS SCORCHING WEATHER?
I HOPE YOU ARE READING DURING THE SUMMER. READING IMPROVES YOUR WORD KNOWLEDGE, YOUR
THINKING SKILLS, YOUR VOCABULARY . THE MORE YOU READ, THE MORE YOU LEARN.
A GREAT, FUNNY PICTURE BOOK I READ AND I RECOMMEND TO YOUR CHILDREN IS:
BULLDOG'S BIG DAY -WRITTEN BY KATE MCMULLAN AND ILLUSTRATED BY PASCAL LEMAITRE. PUBLISHED BY ORCHARD BOOKS IN 2011, THIS STORY IS ABOUT BULLDOG, WHO IS SEARCHING FOR A JOB. BULLDOG TRIES TO BECOME A FIREMAN, A WINDOW WASHER, A SIGN PAINTER AND A BOOKSELLER. NONE OF THESE JOBS ARE GOOD FOR HIM, AND HE FINALLY FINDS THE JOB HE WANTS.
WHAT IS THE JOB THAT IS RIGHT FOR HIM? YOU WILL HAVE TO READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT. THE BOOK IS VERY FUNNY, WITH FUNNY ILLUSTRATIONS. SOME OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS COVER THE ENTIRE PAGE.
THIS IS ENTERTAINING READING. GO TO THE LIBRARY NOW, AND GET THE BOOK.
GOD BLESS. HAVE A GREAT DAY.
SINCERELY,
RAVENOUS READER (A. K. A. FRANKIE )
As General MacArthur once said, "I shall return." Well, I'M BACK, AND I HOPE YOU ARE FOLLOWING MY BLOG.
TODAY IS A MUCH COOLER DAY. WE THANK GOD FOR THE COOLER WEATHER. AS YOU KNOW, IT'S BEEN UNBEARABLY HOT, HAZY AND HUMID THE PAST COUPLE OF DAYS. HOW DID YOU STAY COOL DURING THIS SCORCHING WEATHER?
I HOPE YOU ARE READING DURING THE SUMMER. READING IMPROVES YOUR WORD KNOWLEDGE, YOUR
THINKING SKILLS, YOUR VOCABULARY . THE MORE YOU READ, THE MORE YOU LEARN.
A GREAT, FUNNY PICTURE BOOK I READ AND I RECOMMEND TO YOUR CHILDREN IS:
BULLDOG'S BIG DAY -WRITTEN BY KATE MCMULLAN AND ILLUSTRATED BY PASCAL LEMAITRE. PUBLISHED BY ORCHARD BOOKS IN 2011, THIS STORY IS ABOUT BULLDOG, WHO IS SEARCHING FOR A JOB. BULLDOG TRIES TO BECOME A FIREMAN, A WINDOW WASHER, A SIGN PAINTER AND A BOOKSELLER. NONE OF THESE JOBS ARE GOOD FOR HIM, AND HE FINALLY FINDS THE JOB HE WANTS.
WHAT IS THE JOB THAT IS RIGHT FOR HIM? YOU WILL HAVE TO READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT. THE BOOK IS VERY FUNNY, WITH FUNNY ILLUSTRATIONS. SOME OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS COVER THE ENTIRE PAGE.
THIS IS ENTERTAINING READING. GO TO THE LIBRARY NOW, AND GET THE BOOK.
GOD BLESS. HAVE A GREAT DAY.
SINCERELY,
RAVENOUS READER (A. K. A. FRANKIE )
Sunday, July 24, 2011
KEEPING COOL, WINNIE THE POOH, AND DISNEY
DEAR READERS,
HOW ARE YOU? I HOPE YOU'RE KEEPING YOURSELVES COOL IN THIS 100 DEGREE WEATHER.
YOU CAN STAY COOL AT HOME WITH AIRCONDITIONING, SWIM IN A POOL OR GO SEE A GOOD MOVIE IN AN ICY THEATRE. SHOPPING IN AIRCONDITIONED STORES WILL KEEP YOU COOL TOO. AND DON'T FORGET TO DRINK COLD WATER,
TWO GLASSES, EVERY SO OFTEN. I AM GOING TO REMIND YOU THAT YOU SHOULD CARE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THIS EXTREME HEAT. MAKE SURE THEY ARE HYDRATED AND COOL.
EATING LIGHT FOR LUNCH AND DINNER WILL KEEP YOU COOL.
ANOTHER BENEFIT IS LOSS OF WEIGHT. EAT PLENTY OF JUICY FRUITS LIKE ORANGES, KIWIS, PEARS, PEACHES, APRICOTS,
BLUEBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES AND VEGETABLES LIKE CELERY, CARROTS, BROCCOLI, LETTUCE, ETC. REMEMBER TO EAT DIFFERENT COLORS OF FOODS FOR THE MOST BENEFIT.
BOYS AND GIRLS, A GOOD MOVIE TO SEE IS WINNIE, THE POOH. MY WIFE AND I SAW IT FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST WEEK, AND WE HAVE NEVER READ THE BOOK. DO YOU KNOW WE ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH? IT'S A BEAUTIFUL AND DELIGHTFUL STORY WITH INTERESTING CHARACTERS. PARENTS, TAKE YOUR CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN TO SEE IT. WINNIE, THE POOH, IS GREAT ENTERTAINMENT, AND ALL OF WALT DISNEY'S MOVIES ARE GREAT ENTERTAINMENT.
BESIDES WINNIE, THE POOH, OTHER CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS ARE GREAT TO READ SUCH AS THE LADY AND THE TRAMP, CINDERELLA, SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, THE FOX AND THE HOUND, AND MANY MORE.
I SHALL GIVE YOU A COMPLETE LISTING OF DISNEY MOVIES AND/OR BOOKS.
THIS WEEK, I RECOMMEND TO YOU THE FOLLOWING BOOK:
HEY, I'M READING-WRITTEN BY BETTY MILES AND ILLUSTRATED BY SYLVIE WICKSTROM. THIS BOOK IS FOR BEGINNING READERS, AGES 4, 5, 6 AND OLDER. THE BOOK CAN BE READ ALOUD TO YOUR CHILD, OR YOUR CHILD CAN READ IT BY HIMSELF OR HERSELF.
HEY, YOU'RE READING IS DIVIDED INTO 3 PARTS. PART 1 IS
SOME THINGS YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT READING. PART
2 IS SOME WAYS TO READ AND PART 3 IS 20 PAGES TO READ YOURSELF.
THE BOOK IS VERY INFORMATIVE, INTERESTING, FUNNY, AND IT HAS LARGE, COLORFUL ILLUSTRATIONS. IT IS PUBLISHED BY
ALFRED A. KNOPF, IN 1995.
PLEASE GET THE BOOK FOR YOUR CHILD.
I SHALL RETURN WITH MORE DISNEY FILMS AND PICTURE BOOKS. I HOPE YOU ARE FOLLOWING MY BLOG.
GOD BLESS, AND KEEP COOL.
SINCERELY,
RAVENOUS READER ( A.K.A. FRANKIE)
P.S.- SUMMERTIME IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH UP ON YOUR READING. AND DON'T FORGET, BOYS AND GIRLS, READING
CAN TAKE YOU ON EXCITING ADVENTURES.
HOW ARE YOU? I HOPE YOU'RE KEEPING YOURSELVES COOL IN THIS 100 DEGREE WEATHER.
YOU CAN STAY COOL AT HOME WITH AIRCONDITIONING, SWIM IN A POOL OR GO SEE A GOOD MOVIE IN AN ICY THEATRE. SHOPPING IN AIRCONDITIONED STORES WILL KEEP YOU COOL TOO. AND DON'T FORGET TO DRINK COLD WATER,
TWO GLASSES, EVERY SO OFTEN. I AM GOING TO REMIND YOU THAT YOU SHOULD CARE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THIS EXTREME HEAT. MAKE SURE THEY ARE HYDRATED AND COOL.
EATING LIGHT FOR LUNCH AND DINNER WILL KEEP YOU COOL.
ANOTHER BENEFIT IS LOSS OF WEIGHT. EAT PLENTY OF JUICY FRUITS LIKE ORANGES, KIWIS, PEARS, PEACHES, APRICOTS,
BLUEBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES AND VEGETABLES LIKE CELERY, CARROTS, BROCCOLI, LETTUCE, ETC. REMEMBER TO EAT DIFFERENT COLORS OF FOODS FOR THE MOST BENEFIT.
BOYS AND GIRLS, A GOOD MOVIE TO SEE IS WINNIE, THE POOH. MY WIFE AND I SAW IT FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST WEEK, AND WE HAVE NEVER READ THE BOOK. DO YOU KNOW WE ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH? IT'S A BEAUTIFUL AND DELIGHTFUL STORY WITH INTERESTING CHARACTERS. PARENTS, TAKE YOUR CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN TO SEE IT. WINNIE, THE POOH, IS GREAT ENTERTAINMENT, AND ALL OF WALT DISNEY'S MOVIES ARE GREAT ENTERTAINMENT.
BESIDES WINNIE, THE POOH, OTHER CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS ARE GREAT TO READ SUCH AS THE LADY AND THE TRAMP, CINDERELLA, SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, THE FOX AND THE HOUND, AND MANY MORE.
I SHALL GIVE YOU A COMPLETE LISTING OF DISNEY MOVIES AND/OR BOOKS.
THIS WEEK, I RECOMMEND TO YOU THE FOLLOWING BOOK:
HEY, I'M READING-WRITTEN BY BETTY MILES AND ILLUSTRATED BY SYLVIE WICKSTROM. THIS BOOK IS FOR BEGINNING READERS, AGES 4, 5, 6 AND OLDER. THE BOOK CAN BE READ ALOUD TO YOUR CHILD, OR YOUR CHILD CAN READ IT BY HIMSELF OR HERSELF.
HEY, YOU'RE READING IS DIVIDED INTO 3 PARTS. PART 1 IS
SOME THINGS YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT READING. PART
2 IS SOME WAYS TO READ AND PART 3 IS 20 PAGES TO READ YOURSELF.
THE BOOK IS VERY INFORMATIVE, INTERESTING, FUNNY, AND IT HAS LARGE, COLORFUL ILLUSTRATIONS. IT IS PUBLISHED BY
ALFRED A. KNOPF, IN 1995.
PLEASE GET THE BOOK FOR YOUR CHILD.
I SHALL RETURN WITH MORE DISNEY FILMS AND PICTURE BOOKS. I HOPE YOU ARE FOLLOWING MY BLOG.
GOD BLESS, AND KEEP COOL.
SINCERELY,
RAVENOUS READER ( A.K.A. FRANKIE)
P.S.- SUMMERTIME IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH UP ON YOUR READING. AND DON'T FORGET, BOYS AND GIRLS, READING
CAN TAKE YOU ON EXCITING ADVENTURES.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY--BE SAFE.
Dear Readers,
Summer is here, and School is out. You've done well during the year, and your reward now is summer vacation. You can celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day, with your family and friends. Stay close with them when you go to the pool, the beach, the park, the zoo, Playland, Coney Island, the Aquarium, the Botanical Gardens, the Hall of Science, movies, theatre and shopping malls.
Summer is also a time to catch up on your READING. Children, visit the library and choose some of the books I recommended to you from my list. By Reading these books, you will enjoy the many adventures of the different characters in the books. So, you know what to do. Get a book from the library----maybe three or four-- and read.
I want to wish you and your families a VERY HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY.
God bless. Keep up the good work in school.
Sincerely,
Frankie (a.k.a. RAVENOUS READER)
Summer is here, and School is out. You've done well during the year, and your reward now is summer vacation. You can celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day, with your family and friends. Stay close with them when you go to the pool, the beach, the park, the zoo, Playland, Coney Island, the Aquarium, the Botanical Gardens, the Hall of Science, movies, theatre and shopping malls.
Summer is also a time to catch up on your READING. Children, visit the library and choose some of the books I recommended to you from my list. By Reading these books, you will enjoy the many adventures of the different characters in the books. So, you know what to do. Get a book from the library----maybe three or four-- and read.
I want to wish you and your families a VERY HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY.
God bless. Keep up the good work in school.
Sincerely,
Frankie (a.k.a. RAVENOUS READER)
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Family and Friends' Occasions/ Exciting Picturebooks
Dear Readers,
It's been almost a month since I've written to you. My wife and I had confirmations, graduations, and family gatherings during May and June.
A couple of special graduations were: Our niece, Dana, graduated from Purchase College with a
degree in Graphics Design. Do you know what that is? I'm still not sure. Mom and Dad and little sis, Aimee, threw her a wonderful party at their house, and it felt like a reunion.
Our cousin, Valerie, graduated from elementary school with honors. We are so proud of her, too.
Her parents, Madeline and Gerard, feel the same way.They gave her a party at a nice hall in Queens. She also made her Confirmation, and we all wish the Holy Spirit guide her through life.
Our cousin, Christopher, made his Confirmation. Mom, Dad, his older brothers, Larry and Nicholas, are very proud of him. May the Holy Spirit guide him through life.
Our cousin, Claudia's, sweet sixteen birthday party was beautiful. She is so grown up. We are very proud of her, as are her parents, Lucia and Joe, and her sisters, Chelsea and Cinthia.
Claudia's sister, Cinthia, made her Confirmation. Again, we are proud of her, as is her family.
May the Holy Spirit guide her through life.
WE have a wonderful family, and we are close-knit and keep in touch often, in good times and in bad times.
Next week, Anna and I are going with our friends, Tony and Kathleen, to see our dearest friends, and their families, in Goshen. Do you know where it is or how far it is? I'm still not certain. Anyway, Sal and Fran invited all of us for a barbecue. It's like a day trip, and we see each other once or twice a year, since it's a long ride there. They have been our friends for more than thirty years. Their son, Christopher, has graduated from College this year, and we are so very proud of him. And so are his parents, his brother, Matthew, and his sister, Kathleen.
We are a close-knit group, and I also like to mention Georgine, the school secretary, and Connie, another teacher, who we keep in close contact with, and let's not forget, Sabra and Jerry, with whom we go to lunch with at a different restaurant, on a monthly basis. Again, I say, it's so great to have such caring and loving friends.
Now, let's get to those interesting picture books:
1. Bad Kitty-written and illustrated by Nick Bruel, 2005, and published by Roaring Brook Press.
The author takes us on an adventure through the alphabet, and Kitty acts badly because her favorite foods are not available to her. The words on the page are large, the pictures are very colorful, and some of the things she does is knock over the lamp, irritated the baby, wrote on the walls, and ruined the rug. Your child will learn what alliteration is from reading this book. The author goes through the alphabet four times, and the fourth time, she behaves well. There is plenty of action on each page which makes you want to read more.
2. Katy's Surprise-written by Ruth Lerner Perle and illustrated by Judy Blankenship. It is published by Grolier. This story is about Katie, the kind Koala, who visits her friends and neighbors, and she gives them a helping hand. One day, her friend, Nelly, flew a kite, and Katie ran to her and stumbled on a tree stump, hurting her foot. Katie lands in the hospital, and her friends, known as the Alphapets, visit her. The illustrations are large, they are of all the animal friends Katie has, and your child will learn alliteration from reading this book. The first page names all the animals, beginning with A and ending with Z. This is a great story about kindness.
3.Olivia and the Missing Toy-written by Ian Falconer and published by Atheneum, 2003.
Just as I love Olivia's adventures, I am certain your children would, too. There are so many books on Olivia for your child to enjoy. As you know, Olivia is a "fashion-conscious" pig . In this story, she confronts a childhood crisis.
4. Roller Coaster=written by Marla Frazee, and published by Harcourt, in 2003. In this story, a little girl experiences her first ride on the roller coaster. And, she can't wait for more. Remember your first time on the roller coaster. I do. I was petrified, and I thought I was going to fall off.
All these books can be read by 6-8 year olds. Check out THE DAY JIMMY'S BOA ATE THE WASH, published by Trinka Hayes Noble, and illustrated by Steven Kellogg. What happens when a boy brings his pet boa on a class trip to the farm? Read to find out.
Children, please don't forget to go to the library and take out picture books to read, either in the library, in school or at home. And don't forget to do your Summer Reading.
Whether you've made your Confirmation, or graduated from elementary school or are still in the early grades, I wish you much success in everything you do, and have a very enjoyable summer with your family and by reading books with characters who go on exciting adventures.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Frankie(a.k.a. The Ravenous Reader)
It's been almost a month since I've written to you. My wife and I had confirmations, graduations, and family gatherings during May and June.
A couple of special graduations were: Our niece, Dana, graduated from Purchase College with a
degree in Graphics Design. Do you know what that is? I'm still not sure. Mom and Dad and little sis, Aimee, threw her a wonderful party at their house, and it felt like a reunion.
Our cousin, Valerie, graduated from elementary school with honors. We are so proud of her, too.
Her parents, Madeline and Gerard, feel the same way.They gave her a party at a nice hall in Queens. She also made her Confirmation, and we all wish the Holy Spirit guide her through life.
Our cousin, Christopher, made his Confirmation. Mom, Dad, his older brothers, Larry and Nicholas, are very proud of him. May the Holy Spirit guide him through life.
Our cousin, Claudia's, sweet sixteen birthday party was beautiful. She is so grown up. We are very proud of her, as are her parents, Lucia and Joe, and her sisters, Chelsea and Cinthia.
Claudia's sister, Cinthia, made her Confirmation. Again, we are proud of her, as is her family.
May the Holy Spirit guide her through life.
WE have a wonderful family, and we are close-knit and keep in touch often, in good times and in bad times.
Next week, Anna and I are going with our friends, Tony and Kathleen, to see our dearest friends, and their families, in Goshen. Do you know where it is or how far it is? I'm still not certain. Anyway, Sal and Fran invited all of us for a barbecue. It's like a day trip, and we see each other once or twice a year, since it's a long ride there. They have been our friends for more than thirty years. Their son, Christopher, has graduated from College this year, and we are so very proud of him. And so are his parents, his brother, Matthew, and his sister, Kathleen.
We are a close-knit group, and I also like to mention Georgine, the school secretary, and Connie, another teacher, who we keep in close contact with, and let's not forget, Sabra and Jerry, with whom we go to lunch with at a different restaurant, on a monthly basis. Again, I say, it's so great to have such caring and loving friends.
Now, let's get to those interesting picture books:
1. Bad Kitty-written and illustrated by Nick Bruel, 2005, and published by Roaring Brook Press.
The author takes us on an adventure through the alphabet, and Kitty acts badly because her favorite foods are not available to her. The words on the page are large, the pictures are very colorful, and some of the things she does is knock over the lamp, irritated the baby, wrote on the walls, and ruined the rug. Your child will learn what alliteration is from reading this book. The author goes through the alphabet four times, and the fourth time, she behaves well. There is plenty of action on each page which makes you want to read more.
2. Katy's Surprise-written by Ruth Lerner Perle and illustrated by Judy Blankenship. It is published by Grolier. This story is about Katie, the kind Koala, who visits her friends and neighbors, and she gives them a helping hand. One day, her friend, Nelly, flew a kite, and Katie ran to her and stumbled on a tree stump, hurting her foot. Katie lands in the hospital, and her friends, known as the Alphapets, visit her. The illustrations are large, they are of all the animal friends Katie has, and your child will learn alliteration from reading this book. The first page names all the animals, beginning with A and ending with Z. This is a great story about kindness.
3.Olivia and the Missing Toy-written by Ian Falconer and published by Atheneum, 2003.
Just as I love Olivia's adventures, I am certain your children would, too. There are so many books on Olivia for your child to enjoy. As you know, Olivia is a "fashion-conscious" pig . In this story, she confronts a childhood crisis.
4. Roller Coaster=written by Marla Frazee, and published by Harcourt, in 2003. In this story, a little girl experiences her first ride on the roller coaster. And, she can't wait for more. Remember your first time on the roller coaster. I do. I was petrified, and I thought I was going to fall off.
All these books can be read by 6-8 year olds. Check out THE DAY JIMMY'S BOA ATE THE WASH, published by Trinka Hayes Noble, and illustrated by Steven Kellogg. What happens when a boy brings his pet boa on a class trip to the farm? Read to find out.
Children, please don't forget to go to the library and take out picture books to read, either in the library, in school or at home. And don't forget to do your Summer Reading.
Whether you've made your Confirmation, or graduated from elementary school or are still in the early grades, I wish you much success in everything you do, and have a very enjoyable summer with your family and by reading books with characters who go on exciting adventures.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Frankie(a.k.a. The Ravenous Reader)
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Spring Holidays and Celebrations
Dear Readers,
Spring is here, and you can feel the warm weather. Trees surround your neighborhood, different flowers are blossoming, birds such as blue jays, robins,
cardinals, orioles, blackbirds, crows, mourning doves and sparrows, fly, squirrels
chase other squirrels up a magnolia tree, and Everyone--babies in strollers, their parents, grandparents, all ages of children, all kinds of people---are enjoying the
parks, gardens, playgrounds, beaches, vacation spots, the city, the country, the zoo--and they walk, ride bikes, run, skateboard, swim, jump rope, smell the fresh-cut grass, sunbathe and even take a dip in the ocean, like the Polar Bears do.
In the midst of Spring, Palm Sunday, Easter and Passover came. A great movie to rent so you can watch it with your child is THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Cinco de Mayo was celebrated, too. Do you know why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated?
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. It is a great day to celebrate your Mom and honor her for all the things she has done for you. Can you think of ways your Mom was there for you? Do you know the origin of Mother's Day? What can You do for Mom?
We have other celebrations this month. We're having a luncheon with our Teacher
Friends, held at one of our friend's homes. Everyone is bringing a dish of food, and we go out to eat every month at a different restaurant in the Bronx or Westchester.
All of us are very close, even though we are miles apart---they're from the Bronx, Queens, Connecticut, Nanuet and Goshen.
In addition to our dear friends, my wife and I have family celebrations. Our niece
is graduating from college soon, and she already has a job in Web Design. We also have our two cousins- one is making her Communion, and the other one, is making
her Confirmation. Another cousin is also making her Confirmation. Our friend's son in Goshen is also graduating from college with a Music degree. We are very
proud of all of them. We offer our sincere Congratulations to all.
Parents, teachers, grandparents, mentors----There are so many topics your child can read or write about. All these topics are written in various colors in this post.
Please make certain your child reads and writes. Your child can learn a lot of vocabulary from this post. Remind your child to ask questions when he/she doesn't understand something in a book.
Go to the library with your child, and let him/her select books to read silently or aloud to you. The library has so many books on different age levels for your child to read. Your child enters an amazing world when he/she reads. Reading this post
with your child is a great activity.
Parents, I leave you with one thought for your child: Read, Read, Read and Read,
some more.
In a few weeks, I shall write about some excellent Picture Books for your child to
read.
Thank you for perusing my post. I am very grateful.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader (a.k. a. Frankie)
Spring is here, and you can feel the warm weather. Trees surround your neighborhood, different flowers are blossoming, birds such as blue jays, robins,
cardinals, orioles, blackbirds, crows, mourning doves and sparrows, fly, squirrels
chase other squirrels up a magnolia tree, and Everyone--babies in strollers, their parents, grandparents, all ages of children, all kinds of people---are enjoying the
parks, gardens, playgrounds, beaches, vacation spots, the city, the country, the zoo--and they walk, ride bikes, run, skateboard, swim, jump rope, smell the fresh-cut grass, sunbathe and even take a dip in the ocean, like the Polar Bears do.
In the midst of Spring, Palm Sunday, Easter and Passover came. A great movie to rent so you can watch it with your child is THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Cinco de Mayo was celebrated, too. Do you know why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated?
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. It is a great day to celebrate your Mom and honor her for all the things she has done for you. Can you think of ways your Mom was there for you? Do you know the origin of Mother's Day? What can You do for Mom?
We have other celebrations this month. We're having a luncheon with our Teacher
Friends, held at one of our friend's homes. Everyone is bringing a dish of food, and we go out to eat every month at a different restaurant in the Bronx or Westchester.
All of us are very close, even though we are miles apart---they're from the Bronx, Queens, Connecticut, Nanuet and Goshen.
In addition to our dear friends, my wife and I have family celebrations. Our niece
is graduating from college soon, and she already has a job in Web Design. We also have our two cousins- one is making her Communion, and the other one, is making
her Confirmation. Another cousin is also making her Confirmation. Our friend's son in Goshen is also graduating from college with a Music degree. We are very
proud of all of them. We offer our sincere Congratulations to all.
Parents, teachers, grandparents, mentors----There are so many topics your child can read or write about. All these topics are written in various colors in this post.
Please make certain your child reads and writes. Your child can learn a lot of vocabulary from this post. Remind your child to ask questions when he/she doesn't understand something in a book.
Go to the library with your child, and let him/her select books to read silently or aloud to you. The library has so many books on different age levels for your child to read. Your child enters an amazing world when he/she reads. Reading this post
with your child is a great activity.
Parents, I leave you with one thought for your child: Read, Read, Read and Read,
some more.
In a few weeks, I shall write about some excellent Picture Books for your child to
read.
Thank you for perusing my post. I am very grateful.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader (a.k. a. Frankie)
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Friendship Can Be Long-Lasting
Dear Parents,
My wife, Anna, and I had our monthly luncheon with our friends, who are retired teachers, too. What fun we had at Patricia's Restaurant, eating, drinking soda and coffee and sharing family pictures with everyone! We talked, laughed, told stories, laughed some more. We had a very enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. We were on our own, private merry-go-round.
We spent two delightful hours in the eatery, and then we exchanged Easter and Passover gifts. One of our friends had a gift certificate, and he was gracious enough to pay for our lunches.
As the years go by, and my wife and I and our friends mature with the rest of the baby boomers, we begin to realize how important our friendships are, and they are like our family. We have a nice bunch of friends, who have remained very close and together since our teaching days.
So, parents, your child needs only one friend, and then, both will branch out and have more friends.
My friend and I attended college together in Brooklyn, and we have been great friends now for over 42 years.
We have discovered that friendship is a two-way street- how much work you put into being friends is significant. To have a friend, you must be a friend, and vice versa.
Parents, grandparents, teachers, have your children read, read, read. There are so many books on friendship at the library.
As you know, Reading is a fun and learning experience.
God bless. Give your child a picture book to read. Be a part of their reading experience, too.
Sincerely yours,
Ravenous Reader (a.k.a. Frankie )
My wife, Anna, and I had our monthly luncheon with our friends, who are retired teachers, too. What fun we had at Patricia's Restaurant, eating, drinking soda and coffee and sharing family pictures with everyone! We talked, laughed, told stories, laughed some more. We had a very enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. We were on our own, private merry-go-round.
We spent two delightful hours in the eatery, and then we exchanged Easter and Passover gifts. One of our friends had a gift certificate, and he was gracious enough to pay for our lunches.
As the years go by, and my wife and I and our friends mature with the rest of the baby boomers, we begin to realize how important our friendships are, and they are like our family. We have a nice bunch of friends, who have remained very close and together since our teaching days.
So, parents, your child needs only one friend, and then, both will branch out and have more friends.
My friend and I attended college together in Brooklyn, and we have been great friends now for over 42 years.
We have discovered that friendship is a two-way street- how much work you put into being friends is significant. To have a friend, you must be a friend, and vice versa.
Parents, grandparents, teachers, have your children read, read, read. There are so many books on friendship at the library.
As you know, Reading is a fun and learning experience.
God bless. Give your child a picture book to read. Be a part of their reading experience, too.
Sincerely yours,
Ravenous Reader (a.k.a. Frankie )
Monday, March 28, 2011
Reading books gives your child many adventures
Dear Readers,
Today is a cold day. Where is spring and warmer weather?
Today, my wife, Anna and I have to go to a registered dietician for our diabetes 2.
We already had a first visit with her which lasted two hours. She is very thorough and precise.
She gave us a new freestyle meter, test strips, lancets and a Byetta pen for me.
She also gave us a calorie diet-1500 for my wife, and 1800, for me. She also gave us a food chart, pamplets, and a journal to record your blood sugar.
So far, Anna and I have lost a few pounds. We are happy.
We also go to physical therapy----Anna, for her knee surgery, and I, for my back, and neck.
Two weeks ago, I had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. Everything was okay.
My biggest problem is Constipation. I've tried everything. Nothing seems to work.
Enough of our medical side. Let's go to children's picture books.
I recommend the following books for children to read:
1. Interrupting Chicken-by David Ezra Stein, in 2010, and Candlewick Press.
This is a cute story about a Papa chicken who reads bedtime stories to his little red chicken, and he constantly interrupts the stories. The illustrations are large and colorful, and there aren't so many words on certain pages, other than when Papa reads the stories.
This book is suited for ages 4-8.
2.My Dog Jack is Fat-Eve Bunting, and illustrated by Michael Rex.
Carson takes his dog, Jack, to the vet to lose weight. There is a surprise ending.
The illustrations are huge and colorful. There are few words on the page.
This book is suited for ages 4-9.
3. A Sick Day for Amos McGee-Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead.
Amos McGee, a zookeeper, visits his animal friends, everyday. One day, he gets sick, and he is in for a big surprise. Colorful and big illustrations. Some pages have no words, just pictures. This book is suited for ages 5-9, and it is published by Roaring Book Press.
4. How Rocket Learned How to Read-Tad Hills and published by Random House.
A little yellow bird teaches Rocket how to read. The illustrations are colorful and huge, and the story is enlightening. This book is suited for ages, 4-9.
5. Big Nate Strikes Again-Lincoln Peirce and published by Harper Collins. There are pictures and words(like comic strips) on each page. This is the story of Big Nate who narrates the story about himself, his school, his friends, and what he has to say. It is very funny. Recommended for Junior High School age.
Get these books from the library for your child.
Reading books makes your child experience many adventures.
God bless. Have a good day. See you and your child in the library.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader(a.k.a. Frankie)
Sincerely,
Today is a cold day. Where is spring and warmer weather?
Today, my wife, Anna and I have to go to a registered dietician for our diabetes 2.
We already had a first visit with her which lasted two hours. She is very thorough and precise.
She gave us a new freestyle meter, test strips, lancets and a Byetta pen for me.
She also gave us a calorie diet-1500 for my wife, and 1800, for me. She also gave us a food chart, pamplets, and a journal to record your blood sugar.
So far, Anna and I have lost a few pounds. We are happy.
We also go to physical therapy----Anna, for her knee surgery, and I, for my back, and neck.
Two weeks ago, I had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. Everything was okay.
My biggest problem is Constipation. I've tried everything. Nothing seems to work.
Enough of our medical side. Let's go to children's picture books.
I recommend the following books for children to read:
1. Interrupting Chicken-by David Ezra Stein, in 2010, and Candlewick Press.
This is a cute story about a Papa chicken who reads bedtime stories to his little red chicken, and he constantly interrupts the stories. The illustrations are large and colorful, and there aren't so many words on certain pages, other than when Papa reads the stories.
This book is suited for ages 4-8.
2.My Dog Jack is Fat-Eve Bunting, and illustrated by Michael Rex.
Carson takes his dog, Jack, to the vet to lose weight. There is a surprise ending.
The illustrations are huge and colorful. There are few words on the page.
This book is suited for ages 4-9.
3. A Sick Day for Amos McGee-Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead.
Amos McGee, a zookeeper, visits his animal friends, everyday. One day, he gets sick, and he is in for a big surprise. Colorful and big illustrations. Some pages have no words, just pictures. This book is suited for ages 5-9, and it is published by Roaring Book Press.
4. How Rocket Learned How to Read-Tad Hills and published by Random House.
A little yellow bird teaches Rocket how to read. The illustrations are colorful and huge, and the story is enlightening. This book is suited for ages, 4-9.
5. Big Nate Strikes Again-Lincoln Peirce and published by Harper Collins. There are pictures and words(like comic strips) on each page. This is the story of Big Nate who narrates the story about himself, his school, his friends, and what he has to say. It is very funny. Recommended for Junior High School age.
Get these books from the library for your child.
Reading books makes your child experience many adventures.
God bless. Have a good day. See you and your child in the library.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader(a.k.a. Frankie)
Sincerely,
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, TEACHERS, WHAT IS YOUR CHILD READING?
Dear Readers,
We had a mixture of rain and snow yesterday, and it's cold today. We're supposed to have a bit more snow tomorrow. But it's spring, and we had warmer weather last week, almost in the 70's.
I have a feeling the good weather won't arrive until April. Speaking of April, my Aunt and Uncle had 2 feet of snow on their wedding day, on April 15th, 1956. Incredible, isn't it?
My wife and I went to my cousin's SWEET 16 PARTY on Friday night at Villa Barone in Throgg Neck. What a wonderful party!
Parents, you can have your children write about all kinds of weather. You can have your children read about earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes and all kinds of disasters and where they occur.
Your children can write about parties: graduation, sweet 16, weddings, communions, confirmations, christenings. They also can participate with the family.
As I mentioned in earlier posts, have your children read silently and aloud for a half hour each day. Go over difficult words. Have him or her write about the pictures in the book. Ask questions. Be a good part of his reading experience.
Ask your children what are some of the things they can do in a snowstorm. What would they do if a tornado strikes? Or an earthquake?
There are many childrens' animated cartoons on the Qubo channel. I like Clifford, the Big, Red Dog, Marvin, the Tap-Dancing Horse, Angelina Ballerina and Rabbit.
They're enteraining, and your child will learn. Some are on Channel 13, too.
When I went to school, I would go to the library at least twice a week. We had to do a book report every month. The library is a great learning institution, and it is quiet--the perfect place to read or do research.
New Childrens' picture books come out daily. The libraries are full of these books for your child to read. They are interesting and have great illustrations.
PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, TEACHERS, AND THOSE WHO READ TO CHILDREN,
PLEASE SEND ME FEEDBACK AND FOLLOW MY BLOG. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR CHILD IS READING.
THANK YOU.
SINCERELY,
RAVENOUS READER( A.K.A. Frankie)
We had a mixture of rain and snow yesterday, and it's cold today. We're supposed to have a bit more snow tomorrow. But it's spring, and we had warmer weather last week, almost in the 70's.
I have a feeling the good weather won't arrive until April. Speaking of April, my Aunt and Uncle had 2 feet of snow on their wedding day, on April 15th, 1956. Incredible, isn't it?
My wife and I went to my cousin's SWEET 16 PARTY on Friday night at Villa Barone in Throgg Neck. What a wonderful party!
Parents, you can have your children write about all kinds of weather. You can have your children read about earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes and all kinds of disasters and where they occur.
Your children can write about parties: graduation, sweet 16, weddings, communions, confirmations, christenings. They also can participate with the family.
As I mentioned in earlier posts, have your children read silently and aloud for a half hour each day. Go over difficult words. Have him or her write about the pictures in the book. Ask questions. Be a good part of his reading experience.
Ask your children what are some of the things they can do in a snowstorm. What would they do if a tornado strikes? Or an earthquake?
There are many childrens' animated cartoons on the Qubo channel. I like Clifford, the Big, Red Dog, Marvin, the Tap-Dancing Horse, Angelina Ballerina and Rabbit.
They're enteraining, and your child will learn. Some are on Channel 13, too.
When I went to school, I would go to the library at least twice a week. We had to do a book report every month. The library is a great learning institution, and it is quiet--the perfect place to read or do research.
New Childrens' picture books come out daily. The libraries are full of these books for your child to read. They are interesting and have great illustrations.
PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, TEACHERS, AND THOSE WHO READ TO CHILDREN,
PLEASE SEND ME FEEDBACK AND FOLLOW MY BLOG. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR CHILD IS READING.
THANK YOU.
SINCERELY,
RAVENOUS READER( A.K.A. Frankie)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Rain, Rain, Rain
Dear Parents,
It rained Sunday, most of the day, and it was very windy.
Children like to walk in the rain, step in puddles and catch raindrops in
their mouths. They also like the wind blowing in their faces.
You can have children read about the rain and the wind. You can discuss
with them the different activities they can do outside, as well as inside.
Questions you can ask are: Why does it rain? What happens in a thunderstorm?
What is rain good for? Why do we have wind? How many gusts of wind does it take for it to be a hurricane or tornado? Do you like the rain? Do you like the wind?
Why do we have tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms? This is a lead-in to the 4 seasons and the types of weather they have. Books on these topics would be non-fiction.
Your child can go to the library and find interesting facts about the rain, wind, hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Just motivate him to do so.
YOU can also ask: In what country does it rain the most, have the most hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes? Do you know what city is called "The Windy City?
The following picture books are worth reading:
1. My Red Umbrella- written by Robert Bright, published in 1988 by Doubleday.
Summary: A little girl's umbrella grows so that everyone who wants to can get under it. (Recommended for PS-1)
2. Seven Diving Ducks- written by Margaret Friskey, illustrated by Jean Morey and published in 1965. This story is about a frightened little duck who conquers his fear of the water. (Recommended for 1-3)
3. Will it Rain? - written by Holly Keller and published by Greenwillow , in 1084.
This is the story of a rainstorm as seen through the eyes of various animals. (Recommended for PS- 2)
It doesn't matter what type of picture book your child reads--fiction or non-fiction- just get him to READ.
Respected parents- Make reading enjoyable for your child. YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB.
GOD BLESS.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader (a.k.a. Frankie )
It rained Sunday, most of the day, and it was very windy.
Children like to walk in the rain, step in puddles and catch raindrops in
their mouths. They also like the wind blowing in their faces.
You can have children read about the rain and the wind. You can discuss
with them the different activities they can do outside, as well as inside.
Questions you can ask are: Why does it rain? What happens in a thunderstorm?
What is rain good for? Why do we have wind? How many gusts of wind does it take for it to be a hurricane or tornado? Do you like the rain? Do you like the wind?
Why do we have tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms? This is a lead-in to the 4 seasons and the types of weather they have. Books on these topics would be non-fiction.
Your child can go to the library and find interesting facts about the rain, wind, hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Just motivate him to do so.
YOU can also ask: In what country does it rain the most, have the most hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes? Do you know what city is called "The Windy City?
The following picture books are worth reading:
1. My Red Umbrella- written by Robert Bright, published in 1988 by Doubleday.
Summary: A little girl's umbrella grows so that everyone who wants to can get under it. (Recommended for PS-1)
2. Seven Diving Ducks- written by Margaret Friskey, illustrated by Jean Morey and published in 1965. This story is about a frightened little duck who conquers his fear of the water. (Recommended for 1-3)
3. Will it Rain? - written by Holly Keller and published by Greenwillow , in 1084.
This is the story of a rainstorm as seen through the eyes of various animals. (Recommended for PS- 2)
It doesn't matter what type of picture book your child reads--fiction or non-fiction- just get him to READ.
Respected parents- Make reading enjoyable for your child. YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB.
GOD BLESS.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader (a.k.a. Frankie )
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Family, Celebrations, t.v. programs
Dear Readers,
We celebrated my Mom's 84th Birthday yesterday. She blew out all the candles on her favorite cake, cheesecake. She seemed so happy that the family was there.
On February 12fth, my Dad was discharged after being in the hospital for almost three weeks. He was so thrilled to come home. Mom's eyes lit up when she saw him.
I think my grandmother, Maria, is watched over my Dad. She came to America from Italy on the same day, with my Mom who was 2 years old.
WE cannot forget Valentine's Day. My wife, Anna and I celebrated the holiday the next day, since I was scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy that day.
February and March are months for celebration for our family. My wife's birthday, my brother's birthday, my birthday, and my Dad's birthday, all follow one another.
Parents, you can have your children look up St. Valentine, holidays, celebrations, birthdays. Do your children know who your ancestors are? Where did they come from? You can help them research this. A Mom and Dad working with their children goes a long way.
Today, instead of books, I'm listing a few educational t.v. programs.
1. Clifford, the Big Red Dog
2. Dora the Explora
3. Maya and Miguel
4. Angelina the Ballerina
5. Blue's Clues
Please have your children read. I can't stress enough how important this is. Read to your child aloud. Let your child read to you aloud. Discuss the pictures.
Along with reading, goes writing. Have your child write about the shows they watch. Limit your child's t.v. watching, too.
God bless.
Sincerely,
(Ravenous Reader, a.k. a. Frankie)
We celebrated my Mom's 84th Birthday yesterday. She blew out all the candles on her favorite cake, cheesecake. She seemed so happy that the family was there.
On February 12fth, my Dad was discharged after being in the hospital for almost three weeks. He was so thrilled to come home. Mom's eyes lit up when she saw him.
I think my grandmother, Maria, is watched over my Dad. She came to America from Italy on the same day, with my Mom who was 2 years old.
WE cannot forget Valentine's Day. My wife, Anna and I celebrated the holiday the next day, since I was scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy that day.
February and March are months for celebration for our family. My wife's birthday, my brother's birthday, my birthday, and my Dad's birthday, all follow one another.
Parents, you can have your children look up St. Valentine, holidays, celebrations, birthdays. Do your children know who your ancestors are? Where did they come from? You can help them research this. A Mom and Dad working with their children goes a long way.
Today, instead of books, I'm listing a few educational t.v. programs.
1. Clifford, the Big Red Dog
2. Dora the Explora
3. Maya and Miguel
4. Angelina the Ballerina
5. Blue's Clues
Please have your children read. I can't stress enough how important this is. Read to your child aloud. Let your child read to you aloud. Discuss the pictures.
Along with reading, goes writing. Have your child write about the shows they watch. Limit your child's t.v. watching, too.
God bless.
Sincerely,
(Ravenous Reader, a.k. a. Frankie)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
MT. OLYMPUS, BEST FRIENDS, AND 4 BOOKS.
Dear Readers,
My wife, Anna, and I have been blessed w ith friends we've had over a quarter of a century.
If you been reading my blog, you would know who they are.
On Monday, we had our monthly lunch at Mt. Olympus, off Central Avenue, with our special friends--Sabra and Jerry, Tony, Kathy and Connie--all retired teachers--like me. We all worked in the same school. Georgine is also part of our group, and she will make the March luncheon. She's enjoying the warm weather in Florida.
WE ate, talked and exchanged Christmas and Valentine gifts. This truly was a wonderful get-together.
One of our friends, Sabra and Jerry, will be celebrating their 40th anniversary on Feb. 13th.
Through the years, all of us have gotten close. "That's what friends are for," say the lyrics.
What does this story have to do with picture books? You can brainstorm Luncheon, Christmas,
Valentine's Day and Friends And Anniversary. You can read books on these topics to them. Children can draw pictures. Doing all these activities helps them read. And that's what you want.
I want it too. So, here are a few good titles of picture books you can read to your child, or he can read to you:
1. BABY BEAR'S BIG DREAMS-BY JANE YOLEN, ILLUSTRATED BY MELISSA SWEET AND
PUBLISHED BY HARCOURT, IN 2007.
2. I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL-BY LAUREN CHILD, PUBLISHED BY
CANDLEWICK PRESS, AGES 3-6.
3. THE FEELINGS BOOK-BY TODD PARR, PUBLISHED BY LITTLE BROWN AND
COMPANY, IN 2OOO. THIS IS A BOARD BOOK.
4. I WAS SO MAD-BY MERCER MAYER, RANDOM HOUSE, PUBLISHED IN 1983.
ARE YOU READING TO YOUR CHILD? IS HE READING TO YOU?
READ, READ, READ. START WITH COMIC BOOKS, IF YOU CAN.
GOD BLESS YOU.
SINCERELY,
(RAVENOUS READER,) A.K.A. FRANKIE
My wife, Anna, and I have been blessed w ith friends we've had over a quarter of a century.
If you been reading my blog, you would know who they are.
On Monday, we had our monthly lunch at Mt. Olympus, off Central Avenue, with our special friends--Sabra and Jerry, Tony, Kathy and Connie--all retired teachers--like me. We all worked in the same school. Georgine is also part of our group, and she will make the March luncheon. She's enjoying the warm weather in Florida.
WE ate, talked and exchanged Christmas and Valentine gifts. This truly was a wonderful get-together.
One of our friends, Sabra and Jerry, will be celebrating their 40th anniversary on Feb. 13th.
Through the years, all of us have gotten close. "That's what friends are for," say the lyrics.
What does this story have to do with picture books? You can brainstorm Luncheon, Christmas,
Valentine's Day and Friends And Anniversary. You can read books on these topics to them. Children can draw pictures. Doing all these activities helps them read. And that's what you want.
I want it too. So, here are a few good titles of picture books you can read to your child, or he can read to you:
1. BABY BEAR'S BIG DREAMS-BY JANE YOLEN, ILLUSTRATED BY MELISSA SWEET AND
PUBLISHED BY HARCOURT, IN 2007.
2. I AM TOO ABSOLUTELY SMALL FOR SCHOOL-BY LAUREN CHILD, PUBLISHED BY
CANDLEWICK PRESS, AGES 3-6.
3. THE FEELINGS BOOK-BY TODD PARR, PUBLISHED BY LITTLE BROWN AND
COMPANY, IN 2OOO. THIS IS A BOARD BOOK.
4. I WAS SO MAD-BY MERCER MAYER, RANDOM HOUSE, PUBLISHED IN 1983.
ARE YOU READING TO YOUR CHILD? IS HE READING TO YOU?
READ, READ, READ. START WITH COMIC BOOKS, IF YOU CAN.
GOD BLESS YOU.
SINCERELY,
(RAVENOUS READER,) A.K.A. FRANKIE
Monday, January 24, 2011
Publishers, editors and agents, I'm here.
Dear Readers,
Publishers, publishers, where are you?
I have written something new.
Editors, editors, look at my picture book,
Bianca, the cow, is in trouble. That's the hook.
Agents, agents, I know you are out there,
Pigs, sheep and horses give Bianca a scare.
Publishers, editors and agents, please read, please read, my book,
Children can read about how everyone becomes friends in their nook.
I'm a member of S.C.B.W.I. I'm a retired junior high school English teacher, and 4 of my poems have been published in separate anthologies.
I've taught for 22 years, and I've been writing childrens' picture books for 14 years, now.
I want to write for children, and I will work hard at it. Give me a chance. Give me a chance.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader(A. K. A. Frankie )
Publishers, publishers, where are you?
I have written something new.
Editors, editors, look at my picture book,
Bianca, the cow, is in trouble. That's the hook.
Agents, agents, I know you are out there,
Pigs, sheep and horses give Bianca a scare.
Publishers, editors and agents, please read, please read, my book,
Children can read about how everyone becomes friends in their nook.
I'm a member of S.C.B.W.I. I'm a retired junior high school English teacher, and 4 of my poems have been published in separate anthologies.
I've taught for 22 years, and I've been writing childrens' picture books for 14 years, now.
I want to write for children, and I will work hard at it. Give me a chance. Give me a chance.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader(A. K. A. Frankie )
Snow, videos and books on snow
Dear Readers,
"Snow, snow, snow," is the song Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney sing in the movie, WHITE CHRISTMAS. If the snow and this wintry weather get you down, rent the movie and see it. You would feel better afterwards.
My wife and I are tired of the snow, too. Another good movie to rent is IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, starring Henry Fonda and Donna Reed. This is a feel-good movie. Get it, if you don't have it already.
"A SNOWY DAY," written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats and published by Viking, in 1962, is a good book to read to your child. Most likely, your child can look at the illustrations, understand them and read on his own. That's what we want for our children---WE WANT THEM TO READ ON THEIR OWN.
Just to let you know, I've been working months on writing a children's picture book. I started with the title, BIANCA, THE COW, and now I changed it to "TROUBLE IN THE BARN." I feel like I don't have the story completely right, yet. It's a story about the pigs, sheep and horses bullying Bianca, the cow, in the barn, her reactions to it and how she solves the problem.
I'm still not finished, and I am still revising. My deadline is Thursday night, since I'm attending the S.C.B.W.I. convention on Friday and Saturday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, in N.Y. Publishers, editors and agents will be there to hear my story, as well as other writers, teachers, etc, from all over the country in a round-robin session. There are two sessions where you can read your story, and it is critiqued by ten writers and a publisher or agent or editor, each time.
Fourteen years, you read correctly, fourteen years, I've been writing different picture books and submitting them out to publishers, and I know that someday soon, I shall have my story published.
Have your child read books about the seasons, and have them write about topics that are familiar to them and that they are interested in.
They can write about WHITE CHRISTMAS, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, or A SNOWY DAY.
When you go shopping, do you have your child read the labels on the packages, or cereal boxes? This is reading, too.
Your child can also compare prices on items to be bought.
When you're crossing the street, have your child read the traffic signs.
I'll be working all this week on my story. Say a prayer for me.
Thanking you in advance,
God bless you.
Sincerely,
(Ravenous Reader- A.K.A. Frankie)
"Snow, snow, snow," is the song Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney sing in the movie, WHITE CHRISTMAS. If the snow and this wintry weather get you down, rent the movie and see it. You would feel better afterwards.
My wife and I are tired of the snow, too. Another good movie to rent is IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, starring Henry Fonda and Donna Reed. This is a feel-good movie. Get it, if you don't have it already.
"A SNOWY DAY," written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats and published by Viking, in 1962, is a good book to read to your child. Most likely, your child can look at the illustrations, understand them and read on his own. That's what we want for our children---WE WANT THEM TO READ ON THEIR OWN.
Just to let you know, I've been working months on writing a children's picture book. I started with the title, BIANCA, THE COW, and now I changed it to "TROUBLE IN THE BARN." I feel like I don't have the story completely right, yet. It's a story about the pigs, sheep and horses bullying Bianca, the cow, in the barn, her reactions to it and how she solves the problem.
I'm still not finished, and I am still revising. My deadline is Thursday night, since I'm attending the S.C.B.W.I. convention on Friday and Saturday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, in N.Y. Publishers, editors and agents will be there to hear my story, as well as other writers, teachers, etc, from all over the country in a round-robin session. There are two sessions where you can read your story, and it is critiqued by ten writers and a publisher or agent or editor, each time.
Fourteen years, you read correctly, fourteen years, I've been writing different picture books and submitting them out to publishers, and I know that someday soon, I shall have my story published.
Have your child read books about the seasons, and have them write about topics that are familiar to them and that they are interested in.
They can write about WHITE CHRISTMAS, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, or A SNOWY DAY.
When you go shopping, do you have your child read the labels on the packages, or cereal boxes? This is reading, too.
Your child can also compare prices on items to be bought.
When you're crossing the street, have your child read the traffic signs.
I'll be working all this week on my story. Say a prayer for me.
Thanking you in advance,
God bless you.
Sincerely,
(Ravenous Reader- A.K.A. Frankie)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Special Friends Continued.
Dear Readers,
In my last blog, I wrote about friends and family. I omitted one special friend, Sheila. We taught together in a new school, and we were inseparable.
To this day, we are friends. We each take turns calling one another on the phone,
and we laugh from beginning to end.
Sheila is charming, sociable, outgoing, very friendly, and she has a pleasant personality. She is well-educated, well-informed, and she has a confident presence about her.
We now also have e-mail to keep in touch with each other.
Sheila is a true friend, just like my other friends I mentioned earlier.
I shall summarize two more books next week. In the meantime, READ, READ, READ.
You can read about Friendships, Families, Your Classmates, Your best friend, and you can write about all the Activities you, your friends and family participate in.
Children, have a great day tomorrow. Have fun in the snow.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader ( a.k.a. Frankie )
In my last blog, I wrote about friends and family. I omitted one special friend, Sheila. We taught together in a new school, and we were inseparable.
To this day, we are friends. We each take turns calling one another on the phone,
and we laugh from beginning to end.
Sheila is charming, sociable, outgoing, very friendly, and she has a pleasant personality. She is well-educated, well-informed, and she has a confident presence about her.
We now also have e-mail to keep in touch with each other.
Sheila is a true friend, just like my other friends I mentioned earlier.
I shall summarize two more books next week. In the meantime, READ, READ, READ.
You can read about Friendships, Families, Your Classmates, Your best friend, and you can write about all the Activities you, your friends and family participate in.
Children, have a great day tomorrow. Have fun in the snow.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader ( a.k.a. Frankie )
Friday, January 7, 2011
Happy New Year.
Dear Readers,
Hope you had a wonderful and healthy and happy New Year. Do you have any traditions for the New Year? My family and I do. We open our doors to let the New Year in and the Old Year out, at midnight, we throw dishes and cups out the window, we make a lot of noise by blowing our horns and whistles as we stroll through the house, and our Aunt Olimpia and Uncle Domenico come, playing the accordion and blowing the horn. Before we do all this, we sit and talk with each other at the family table, and we have cold cut sandwiches, nuts, cakes(fruitcake, etc.) and soda or champagne at midnight. Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Severino also come to join in the festivities.
Do you do anything special on New Year's Day? Besides picking up the broken dishes and cups from the night before, we eat a dish of Lentil Soup which is supposed to make you Rich in the New Year.
I feel I am already Rich. I am Blessed with a caring, loving and supportive wife named Anna, (we've been married 26 years, and last year, on our 25th, we took a
Perillo tour of Italy. We felt like we were on a second honeymoon.
I am also blessed to have my parents, Lucy and Silverio. Their outpouring of love to me made me what I am today---- A retired teacher and a children's picture book writer.
I am blessed to have a great brother, Vincent, who would do anything for me. So would my Aunt Susie. I call her the "brains` of the family."
Cousins- I have an overabundance of cousins-- Lucia and Joe, with their three children, Chelsea, Claudia and Cinthia; Madalene and Gerard, with their daughter Valerie; Olimpia and Vincenzo, with their children, Olivia, and Vincenzo, Jr.; and cousin, Gelsomina, a physical therapist, and a damn good one.
I also have Frankie, Silvio, Mima, Larry Sr., and their three children---Larry Jr.,
Nicholas, and Christopher. I've tutored Nicholas when he was in the second grade. Now, Larry Jr. and Nicholas have graduated from college and have good salaries. Christopher is doing very well in high school.
Anna and I Babysit for Olimpia's two children, Olivia and Vincenzo, Jr. WE also
Babysit for the newest baby in our family----Gianni, 2 years old, and son of Maryann and Christopher. Gianni gives us so much joy.
We are a close-knit family.
We are also blessed with so many friends through the years--our teacher friends, Sabra and Jerry from Nanuet, Tony from Pelham Parkway, Kathy from Connecticut, Connie from Riverdale, Sal and Fran from Goshen. These have been our friends for the past 30 years. I also have a friend from Freehold, New Jersey and his name is David. We went to college together, became teachers together, and then we taught in different schools. He left teaching to go into the Computer field, and he has been very successful. We've been friends now for 41 years. His wife, Susan, is a primary school teacher.
These friends mentioned are True friends. You only need 1 friend, but we've been fortunate to have so many.
A dear childhood friend of mine is Joanie. WE sort of grew up together, enjoyed the same things--movies, theatre, tennis, bowling, television award ceremonies like the Oscars, classic movies, going to restaurants, etc. Sometimes, we'd go to see 2 movies and squeeze in a play in one day. We enjoyed dancing and going to weddings. When I married Anna, Joanie and Anna became good friends, too. Joanie and Michel are good friends, and we are now Michel's friends.
Do you keep in touch with your friends from grammar school? I do. I
went to Our Lady of Pity School(now closed), and I keep in touch with several friends, Denise and Mike, Phyllis, Lorraine, Ralph, Carmela, RoseAnn and Vinny.
Dear Readers,
Your children can read about almost anything---- New Year, tradition, family,
friends, school, brothers and sisters, tutoring, Mom, Dad, cousins, babies, college,
computers, vacation and favorite activities.
The two books I recommend for this week are:
1. Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That Make My Day- Jamie Lee Curtis.
It is illustrated by Laura Cornell, and it is published by Joanna
Cotler Books, 1998, and it is recommended for children, ages 4-8.
This story is about the different moods children experience in their lives. Moods somehow change the day.
The story is in Rhyme, and the illustrations are huge and colorful.
Here's two lines from the book:
Today I'm excited there's so much to do,
I'm going to sell cookies and lemonade too.
The book is fun to read. Each page covers a variety of moods, and there is so much activity going on each page.
The second book I recommend is: Subway-Anastasia Suen.
It is illustrated by Karen Katz, published by Viking in 2004, and it is recommended for children, ages 3 and up.
The pictures are huge and colorful. The sights and sounds of the Subway give your child a good idea of what it is like to travel on a subway.
Here are four lines from the book:
tickets in
turnstiles spin
walk, walk, walk
to the subway
Happy and Healthy and Blessed New Year to Everyone.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader ( a.k.a. Frankie )
Hope you had a wonderful and healthy and happy New Year. Do you have any traditions for the New Year? My family and I do. We open our doors to let the New Year in and the Old Year out, at midnight, we throw dishes and cups out the window, we make a lot of noise by blowing our horns and whistles as we stroll through the house, and our Aunt Olimpia and Uncle Domenico come, playing the accordion and blowing the horn. Before we do all this, we sit and talk with each other at the family table, and we have cold cut sandwiches, nuts, cakes(fruitcake, etc.) and soda or champagne at midnight. Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Severino also come to join in the festivities.
Do you do anything special on New Year's Day? Besides picking up the broken dishes and cups from the night before, we eat a dish of Lentil Soup which is supposed to make you Rich in the New Year.
I feel I am already Rich. I am Blessed with a caring, loving and supportive wife named Anna, (we've been married 26 years, and last year, on our 25th, we took a
Perillo tour of Italy. We felt like we were on a second honeymoon.
I am also blessed to have my parents, Lucy and Silverio. Their outpouring of love to me made me what I am today---- A retired teacher and a children's picture book writer.
I am blessed to have a great brother, Vincent, who would do anything for me. So would my Aunt Susie. I call her the "brains` of the family."
Cousins- I have an overabundance of cousins-- Lucia and Joe, with their three children, Chelsea, Claudia and Cinthia; Madalene and Gerard, with their daughter Valerie; Olimpia and Vincenzo, with their children, Olivia, and Vincenzo, Jr.; and cousin, Gelsomina, a physical therapist, and a damn good one.
I also have Frankie, Silvio, Mima, Larry Sr., and their three children---Larry Jr.,
Nicholas, and Christopher. I've tutored Nicholas when he was in the second grade. Now, Larry Jr. and Nicholas have graduated from college and have good salaries. Christopher is doing very well in high school.
Anna and I Babysit for Olimpia's two children, Olivia and Vincenzo, Jr. WE also
Babysit for the newest baby in our family----Gianni, 2 years old, and son of Maryann and Christopher. Gianni gives us so much joy.
We are a close-knit family.
We are also blessed with so many friends through the years--our teacher friends, Sabra and Jerry from Nanuet, Tony from Pelham Parkway, Kathy from Connecticut, Connie from Riverdale, Sal and Fran from Goshen. These have been our friends for the past 30 years. I also have a friend from Freehold, New Jersey and his name is David. We went to college together, became teachers together, and then we taught in different schools. He left teaching to go into the Computer field, and he has been very successful. We've been friends now for 41 years. His wife, Susan, is a primary school teacher.
These friends mentioned are True friends. You only need 1 friend, but we've been fortunate to have so many.
A dear childhood friend of mine is Joanie. WE sort of grew up together, enjoyed the same things--movies, theatre, tennis, bowling, television award ceremonies like the Oscars, classic movies, going to restaurants, etc. Sometimes, we'd go to see 2 movies and squeeze in a play in one day. We enjoyed dancing and going to weddings. When I married Anna, Joanie and Anna became good friends, too. Joanie and Michel are good friends, and we are now Michel's friends.
Do you keep in touch with your friends from grammar school? I do. I
went to Our Lady of Pity School(now closed), and I keep in touch with several friends, Denise and Mike, Phyllis, Lorraine, Ralph, Carmela, RoseAnn and Vinny.
Dear Readers,
Your children can read about almost anything---- New Year, tradition, family,
friends, school, brothers and sisters, tutoring, Mom, Dad, cousins, babies, college,
computers, vacation and favorite activities.
The two books I recommend for this week are:
1. Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That Make My Day- Jamie Lee Curtis.
It is illustrated by Laura Cornell, and it is published by Joanna
Cotler Books, 1998, and it is recommended for children, ages 4-8.
This story is about the different moods children experience in their lives. Moods somehow change the day.
The story is in Rhyme, and the illustrations are huge and colorful.
Here's two lines from the book:
Today I'm excited there's so much to do,
I'm going to sell cookies and lemonade too.
The book is fun to read. Each page covers a variety of moods, and there is so much activity going on each page.
The second book I recommend is: Subway-Anastasia Suen.
It is illustrated by Karen Katz, published by Viking in 2004, and it is recommended for children, ages 3 and up.
The pictures are huge and colorful. The sights and sounds of the Subway give your child a good idea of what it is like to travel on a subway.
Here are four lines from the book:
tickets in
turnstiles spin
walk, walk, walk
to the subway
Happy and Healthy and Blessed New Year to Everyone.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Ravenous Reader ( a.k.a. Frankie )
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