January
Winnie the Pooh Day (January 18)
February
March
Read Across America/Dr. Seuss’s bday (March 2)
April
Poetry Month
May
Mother Goose Day (May 1)
Limerick Day (May 12)
June
Glad Day
July
Tom Sawyer Fence Painting Day (July 4)
August
September
Hobbit Day (Sept. 22)
October
Storytelling Festival (Oct. 5)
Dictionary Day (Oct. 16)
November
December
The Philharmonic Gets Dressed
words by Karla Kuskin, illustrations by Marc Simont (1982)
This is a sweet little book about the members of the Philharmonic getting ready for their evening performance. I love that it helps show the real, daily life side of these musicians. I think it’s an idea that kids can carry over into other professions and situations as well, recognizing that everyone, whether it’s musicians or ball players or teachers or actors or even just other friends, has their own routines for getting dressed and ready for work or an outing or a special event. Cute illustrations, nice attention to details, and, of course, a good introduction to music and orchestras.
The Invisible String words by Patrice Karst, illustrations by Geoff Stevenson (2000)
One stormy night, two kids are frightened, but their mom reassures them by teaching them about the invisible string that connects all of those who love each other.
We first found this book after the passing of a loved one to try to explain to our young daughter how people can always live on in our hearts. Although one page does deal with this specific topic, most of it talks about how the invisible string connects people when we are in different locations or doing different activities. There is also an explanation about how the string will always be there, despite any hurt or angry feelings.
This is a sweet book that would be good to read anytime, but it is probably especially helpful during a transition, like starting school or moving away from friends or missing a long-distance relative after a visit. I’m looking forward to reading more by Ms. Karst.
I Capture the Castle (1949) by Dodie Smith
“Journaled” by 17-year old, Cassandra Mortmain, I Capture the Castle tells the story of the endearing and slightly eccentric Mortmain family. Although extremely poor, the family lives in an old English castle. At the beginning of the story, their lives seem destined to continue in the same manner forever, but things quickly change for them after meeting their new neighbors, The Cottons. From the lovely Midsummer’s Eve rites to the hilarious meeting of Simon and Neil, Cassandra captures everything and everyone perfectly in her “journal.” Her humanness and appreciation of life make me feel I’ve found a true kindred spirit. Cassandra takes on such a life of her own that she really feels like so much more than just a character in a book.
One review of this book says, “It’s as fresh as if it were written this morning and as classic as Jane Austen,” which sums up my thoughts perfectly. Full of humor, surprise, romance, family, and self-discovery, I Capture the Castleranks as one of my all-time favorite books. I read it at least once a year, and it’s a treat every single time. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
(I refuse to see the film version, of course, as I feel Cassandra (Dodie Smith) has done such an excellent job capturing life at the castle that I see everything very clearly played out on the pages, and I couldn’t bear to ruin that.)
You might also enjoy:
Anne of Green Gables