recommend for 4 1/2 yr old?
BrynneKL
Disney or Nickeoldeon (not that any book isn't worthwhile). : ) Does anyone
have any suggestions? Besides the Disney & Nick Jr books, she is a fan of
Richard Scarry and Madeleine and I'm trying to encourage to focus on books that
center around a story rather than just a cartoon character. It's been so long
since I was this age I can't even remember what I read at that age. Thanks for
any help.
Derek Janssen
...But, aren't Scarry, Madeline and Little Bear *already* Nick Jr.
related?
Derek janssen
dja...@ultranet.com
Fred Bortz
(BrynneKL) wrote:
>I'm trying to turn my daughter towards some books other than those related
to
>Disney or Nickeoldeon (not that any book isn't worthwhile). : ) Does
anyone
>have any suggestions? Besides the Disney & Nick Jr books, she is a fan of
>Richard Scarry and Madeleine and I'm trying to encourage to focus on books
that
>center around a story rather than just a cartoon character. It's been so
long
>since I was this age I can't even remember what I read at that age. Thanks
for
>any help.
My usual answer applies even to this young age. Try nonfiction. Nothing
beats a good true story.
Since my area is science, I recommend space picture books, dinosaur picture
books, books about nature, books about animals, or whatever interests her in
the wonderful real world.
When she gets older, she can try some of my books, too!
Fred Bortz
=========================================================================
Fred Bortz -- Author of science and technology books for young readers
(-: (-: :-) :-)
DrF...@worldnet.att.net http://www.fredbortz.com
--------
Got a science question? "Ask Dr. Fred," now appearing monthly
in the Dinosaur Interplanetary Gazette (http://www.dinosaur.org)
=========================================================================
AllyC
My kids are almost 4 and 6 1/2 (and almost 1 yr but she likes all books!)
so here are some suggestions:
Anything by Rosemary Wells ie. Moss Pillows published by Dial, isbn
0-8037-1177-8 also Max's Toys (this might be a little young, but she'd soon
be able to read it herself) and Noisy Nora (excellent, excellent!)
Obviously the original Ludwig Bemelmans Madeline's which are a delight to
children-- forget any spin-off series adaptations!! (Just say pooh pooh!)
The Frances series ie. Bedtime for Frances and Dread and Jam for Frances
etc. are terrific-- these are by Russell Hoban and the illustrations are by
Garth Williams who also illustrated the Little House series.
Any books by Maurice Sendak and also by Mercer Mayer-- kids eat these up and
they are a treat for adults as well. The most well-known would probably be
Where the Wild Things Are, which I daresay most here could recite from
memory.
Some other titles we love are Verdi and also Stellaluna, by Janell Cannon.
Rockabye Farm by Diane Johnston Hamm. The Little Old LAdy Who Was Not
Afraid of Anything (this is an absolute hoot!! read as loudly as
possible!). Goodnight Goodnight by Eve Rice. The Midnight Farm by Reeve
Lindbergh. Edward and the Pirates by David McPhail. The Library by Sarah
Stewart.
Ok that's enought to get you started!!!
Ally
BrynneKL wrote in message <19990721175921...@ng-bd1.aol.com>...
Ernest Sjogren
>I'm trying to turn my daughter towards some books other than those related to
>Disney or Nickeoldeon (not that any book isn't worthwhile). : ) Does anyone
>have any suggestions? Besides the Disney & Nick Jr books, she is a fan of
>Richard Scarry and Madeleine and I'm trying to encourage to focus on books that
>center around a story rather than just a cartoon character. It's been so long
>since I was this age I can't even remember what I read at that age. Thanks for
>any help.
I assume that you are reading to her.
You can't do better than Dr. Seuss (IMHO). The larger-format books
almost all are stories. Loads of fun to read aloud. Dr. Seuss books
are still readily available in libraries and bookstores.
She ought to like the FRANCES books, by Hoban. My sons liked these at
4, and my wife and I often give them as gifts to an older sibling when
we're giving a baby gift. Wonderfully charming books about a little
girl badger who is nice but has a will of iron. Many of these, too,
are still readily available.
Bill Peet and Steven Kellogg (sp?) were also favorites with my boys at
4 or 5. They also liked the GUS THE GHOST books, by Jane Thayer.
-- Ernie Sjogren
MARKIVAL
and see which ones she responds to.
I second the Dr. Seuss suggestions.
Try fairytales. The Trina Schart Hyman "Sleeping Beauty" and "Snow White"
should appeal to her with their lush illustrations. You can also go
multi-cultural with San Souci's "Talking Eggs" or Steptoe's "Mufaro's Beautiful
Daughters"
One of my personal favorites is Helen Lester's "Tacky the Penguin."
Don't forget to ask your children's librarian for suggestions!
Lin
Babar. Curious George.
Speaking of Trina Schart Hyman, check out "The Fortune Teller" by Lloyd
Alexander.
Judi Smith
where you look for a gold bug, you can 'track' the progress of the flea
on each page as more characters get involved in the rhyme) (for you: note
that the perspective changes from one page to the next) this is a fun book :)
king bidgood's in the bathtub (also by don and audrey wood; you can't go
wrong with these guys, these pictures are worth a million bucks!)
the story about ping by... flack ?
corduroy (and others about corduroy) by don freeman
--
judi smith i said yep what a concept
jsm...@bc.seflin.org i could use a little fuel myself
and we could all use a little
would you catch me if i was falling? change
kiss me if i was leaving? -- smash mouth
hold me cause i'm lonely without you?
--cc
David Horning
feature that commercial TV stuff right out front so kids can't see the real stuff.
I'ld suggest that you take you daughter to the library 3 times for every time you
take her to a bookstore. And Never look at books in discount stores (i.e. Walmart)
she just isn't going to see a good book there.
I say a thousands times to kids, good TV comes from books, but good books do not
come from TV.
I quit the cable, and I use the VCR with the kids. There is a weath of video that
was a good book first. I'ld Suggest Shelly Duval's Bedtime Stories. I
particularly like the one where she covers the Peggy Rathman books. Bootsie Barker
Bites nearly wore the VCR out, and I'm on the third copy of the book.
My daughter who is four now, and could have been seduced by that Blue's Clues, et
al stuff. Really loved everything Sendak, especially In The Night Kitchen. Almost
all of his stuff can be put in the VCR. She was crazy about Margaret Wise Brown,
Ezra Jack Keats, and Herbert Wong Yee (she must like those three-name authors.)
All three of those writers are joy to read. ....Oh, how Peter wished he could
whistle. . . I got that and Snowy Day on video too.
As far as the TV books go. the ones were the TV shows are actually based on the
books are really pretty good. Arthur comes right to mind, and they come in about
every form. board book, picture book, trade paper, easy reader, and chapter book.
I've read them enough that I actually find myself wishing they would make an Arthur
movie. I mean Doug, Barney and the Muppets all get movies, and they are not near
the quality as this stuff.
David Horning
Fred Bortz wrote:
> In article <19990721175921...@ng-bd1.aol.com>, bryn...@aol.com
> (BrynneKL) wrote:
>
> >I'm trying to turn my daughter towards some books other than those related
> to
> >Disney or Nickeoldeon (not that any book isn't worthwhile). : ) Does
> anyone
> >have any suggestions? Besides the Disney & Nick Jr books, she is a fan of
> >Richard Scarry and Madeleine and I'm trying to encourage to focus on books
> that
> >center around a story rather than just a cartoon character. It's been so
> long
> >since I was this age I can't even remember what I read at that age. Thanks
> for
> >any help.
>
Judi Smith
no. but it's funny just the same ;)
David Horning (dmho...@earthlink.net) wrote:
: Does Fred remind any one of Gilderoy Lockhart?
: Fred Bortz wrote:
--
Fred Bortz
wrote:
>ROFL :)
>no. but it's funny just the same ;)
>
>David Horning (dmho...@earthlink.net) wrote:
>: Does Fred remind any one of Gilderoy Lockhart?
>
I replied to David privately, admitting my ignorance of Gilderoy Lockhart
and asking if I should feel complimented or insulted.
Now I'm REALLY curious, since Judi knows me via the net at least and
even earned an acknowledgment in one of my books for a great interview
question.
I need to keep up more on fiction :-)
Fred
David Horning
would have known not to do that if I had read Gadding with Ghouls
Ivan Weiss
> Does Fred remind any one of Gilderoy Lockhart?
ROTFL!
Ivan Weiss JUSTICE, n. A commodity which is a more or less adulterated
Vashon WA condition the State sells to the citizen as a reward for his
allegiance, taxes and personal service.
-- Ambrose Bierce: "The Devil's Dictionary"
Fred Bortz
Ivan Weiss <iv...@blaze.accessone.com> wrote:
>On Thu, 22 Jul 1999, David Horning wrote:
>
>> Does Fred remind any one of Gilderoy Lockhart?
>
Now I'm getting annoyed. If I don't speak up, people will think I accept
the characterization. I'm not thin-skinned, just annoyed enough to explain.
David at least apologized publically. Privately, he commended me for
an earlier posting. Judi noted that the characterization is not
accurate when she said she was laughing. Ivan has simply piled on.
Come on, people. A few years ago, you (one person especially) chased
Jane Yolen away from this ng. Can't an author who is just beginning to
accomplish something let people know about his work in context?
What's an author to do? Our publishers want us to get out there and
contribute on-line so people know us and our work. Then, if we're lucky
they'll start to push our books harder.
I always discuss other people's work that I admire before I tout my own.
This is an incredibly tough business. I left a scientific career because
I care about the kids I write for.
And Ivan can only laugh when I do whatever I can to make sure I reach them.
Enough!
David Horning
you decide that you want to keep up on fiction in earnest. There would be no
better place to start than Harry Potter. I think you find there would be a
great beauty about that. You'ld get something good out of something bad. Kind
of the metaphysical aspect of life that I love. And, Everybody leave Fred alone
now, before I have to send you a howler!
oh, and for fans of both Harry Potter and Politics in general I ran a spell
check today on MSWord. It suggested Richard Nixon for basilisk--I don't know
why
AllyC
authors to self-promote-- check out all the authors who now maintain web
pages that are linked to their houses. The children's market is so much
more difficult to break into now than it was 10 years ago!! You go Fred, do
your self-promoting-- if it gets to be overkill for some they can simply not
read it or delete it. As to the Jane Yolen situation, that just makes me
sad, wish we had more children's authors here with us, their input would be
welcome!
JMHO
Ally
Fred Bortz wrote in message <7n9s56$388$1...@bgtnsc02.worldnet.att.net>...
AllyC
Ally
David Horning wrote in message <379893C6...@earthlink.net>...
>Mea, culpa, Mea Culpa, I'm Sorry, I'm Sorry, Uncle, and all that. But Fred
it
>you decide that you want to keep up on fiction in earnest. There would be
no
>better place to start than Harry Potter. I think you find there would be a
>great beauty about that. You'ld get something good out of something bad.
Kind
>of the metaphysical aspect of life that I love. And, Everybody leave Fred
alone
>now, before I have to send you a howler!
>
>oh, and for fans of both Harry Potter and Politics in general I ran a spell
>check today on MSWord. It suggested Richard Nixon for basilisk--I don't
know
>why
>
>Fred Bortz wrote:
>
>> In article <Pine.GSO.3.96.99072...@blaze.accessone.com>,
>> Ivan Weiss <iv...@blaze.accessone.com> wrote:
>>
>> >On Thu, 22 Jul 1999, David Horning wrote:
>> >
>> >> Does Fred remind any one of Gilderoy Lockhart?
>> >
>>
>> the characterization. I'm not thin-skinned, just annoyed enough to
explain.
>>
>> David at least apologized publically. Privately, he commended me for
>> an earlier posting. Judi noted that the characterization is not
>> accurate when she said she was laughing. Ivan has simply piled on.
>>
>> Come on, people. A few years ago, you (one person especially) chased
>> Jane Yolen away from this ng. Can't an author who is just beginning to
>> accomplish something let people know about his work in context?
>>
>> What's an author to do? Our publishers want us to get out there and
>> contribute on-line so people know us and our work. Then, if we're lucky
>> they'll start to push our books harder.
>>
>> I always discuss other people's work that I admire before I tout my own.
Judi Smith
but neither do i think it was meant to be; it was just a joke, and i
laughed because i GOT it more than anything else. harry potter is such a
cult and it's so FUN to be where other people know who he is (loving
children's books is often a lonely business) and even make jokes based on
the characters....
i'm betting that's why ivan laughed, too. and also because you're our own,
and david was teasing you a bit. insider to insider, not to put you down
or drive you away. IMHO.
i think it's very *cute* that we can always count on you to push
non-fiction (not *your* books particularly) and would miss it terribly if
you didn't post :)
: Enough!
--
judi smith there's nothing left
jsm...@bc.seflin.org of me and her
nothing more
would you catch me if i was falling? than a heart still at war
kiss me if i was leaving? -- four white stallions
Fred Bortz
>Two things: Fred is absolutely correct
I'm always absolutely correct :-)
Now let's drop this discussion so I can go get a Harry Potter book to read.
But first, help a struggling writer. Before I meet Harry, I have to finish
with Carl. I am reading two prepublication Carl Sagan bios that I will be
reviewing for my hometown paper -- and any others I can sell it to. (Not
the "biggies," who no doubt have big name reviewers lined up.) If you know
of a likely newspaper, especially if you know a book review editor who
accepts e-mail queries, please e-mail the information to me.
(DrF...@worldnet.att.net)
Sagan was often exasperatingly correct -- or just exasperating. As you can
tell, I'm enjoying the reading -- but I absolutely must read Harry Potter
before I write my own novel. It's about this scientific kid and his two
grandfathers who always argue. Stay tuned -- for about three years!
David Horning
newsgroup. Fred said he was going out buy Harry Potter (Gilderoy is Chamber of
Secrets, Fred, and it stands alone without the first book) What a sport Fred
is! I bought Fred's books for my son. I really think he will like the
catastrophe book. So some had a good laugh, and some had a good read, and
everybody is happy. I stand by original comment. Sometimes, a little meanness
can be the salt of the earth. Also JK Rowling was luck to achieve immediate,
and overwhelming success. I got to thinking that she might have then been
thrust amongst a bunch of writers both jealous, and pushing, and that could be
the origin of her Gilderoy character. For some unknowable reason, I suspect
Sharon Creech. Meanness can be ok. It was a beautiful character.
AllyC wrote:
> Two things: Fred is absolutely correct, publishers are pushing their
> authors to self-promote-- check out all the authors who now maintain web
> pages that are linked to their houses. The children's market is so much
> more difficult to break into now than it was 10 years ago!! You go Fred, do
> your self-promoting-- if it gets to be overkill for some they can simply not
> read it or delete it. As to the Jane Yolen situation, that just makes me
> sad, wish we had more children's authors here with us, their input would be
> welcome!
> JMHO
> Ally
> Fred Bortz wrote in message <7n9s56$388$1...@bgtnsc02.worldnet.att.net>...
>
Derek Janssen
>
> I'm really sorry I started this. Maybe there ought to be a 'Arry Potter
> newsgroup. Fred said he was going out buy Harry Potter (Gilderoy is Chamber of
> Secrets, Fred, and it stands alone without the first book)
<realization:> OHHhhh!...
Having still not yet read HP2, I kept thinking "Gilderoy" = "You're a
harrrrd man, McGee..."--
And then realizing, "No, no, that was GilderSLEEVE!"
Derek Janssen (still, might fit, though...)
dja...@ultranet.com
nunya
Pjcow
push a frustrated mother toward the non-fiction - science aisles to help find
something to please her reluctant readers at home. I appreciate you reminders.
Keep it up..please!
Patti
Sandi Kurtz
though they are the basis for a Nick series...
Almost anything by Arnold Lobel (especially the Frog and Toad series)
anything by Mercer Mayer
anything by Rosemary West
Janet and Allan Ahlberg (especially "Starting School")
The First Discovery series by Scholastic (sometimes a bit pricey, but
ingenious use of overlay illustrations and pretty good discussion of
science and 'real life' activities)
sandi kurtz
On Thu, 22 Jul 1999, David Horning wrote:
> I know your dilemma. That's my beef with bookstores in general. They always
> feature that commercial TV stuff right out front so kids can't see the real stuff.
> I'ld suggest that you take you daughter to the library 3 times for every time you
> take her to a bookstore. And Never look at books in discount stores (i.e. Walmart)
> she just isn't going to see a good book there.
> I say a thousands times to kids, good TV comes from books, but good books do not
> come from TV.
> I quit the cable, and I use the VCR with the kids. There is a weath of video that
> was a good book first. I'ld Suggest Shelly Duval's Bedtime Stories. I
> particularly like the one where she covers the Peggy Rathman books. Bootsie Barker
> Bites nearly wore the VCR out, and I'm on the third copy of the book.
> My daughter who is four now, and could have been seduced by that Blue's Clues, et
> al stuff. Really loved everything Sendak, especially In The Night Kitchen. Almost
> all of his stuff can be put in the VCR. She was crazy about Margaret Wise Brown,
> Ezra Jack Keats, and Herbert Wong Yee (she must like those three-name authors.)
> All three of those writers are joy to read. ....Oh, how Peter wished he could
> whistle. . . I got that and Snowy Day on video too.
>
> As far as the TV books go. the ones were the TV shows are actually based on the
> books are really pretty good. Arthur comes right to mind, and they come in about
> every form. board book, picture book, trade paper, easy reader, and chapter book.
> I've read them enough that I actually find myself wishing they would make an Arthur
> movie. I mean Doug, Barney and the Muppets all get movies, and they are not near
> the quality as this stuff.