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 )
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
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 )
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