Welcome back friends!
This week we are talking about our favorite books from childhood and adolescence.  I'm curious to see what books were special to you and what turned you into the bookworm you are today.


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I have always loved stories for as long as I can remember.  I try to instill that same love of literature and story-telling in my kids all the time.  I read to them every single day and there is nothing better than having Jude plop down on my lap with a book of his choice or hearing Jonathan beg for one more chapter.  There are three authors that helped shaped my life that I especially want my kiddos exposed to...I shall call them the Children's Lit Trifecta.

1. Dr. Seuss

I know it's sort of a given, right?  I loved One Fish, Two Fish as a kid, and my boys love it too.  However, I never realized until I became a mother, the deep, meaningful messages incorporated into Dr. Seuss' books.  The Sneetches teach us that appearances don't make one person better than another, Yertle the Turtle teaches us that one mighty power cannot stand without the support of many, and of course there is the graduation ceremony mantra of Oh, the Places You'll Go!.  I never knew there was more to Dr. Seuss than Green Eggs and Ham, but as a mom, I appreciate stronger messages sewn into the lovable, lyrical stories of Dr. Seuss.
"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose."
-Dr. Seuss

2. Roald Dahl
Every child needs to read Roald Dahl.  I remember being one of the only kids who knew who R.D. was, and I remember feeling weird for liking him so much. But there's nothing wrong with being a little weird these days and that's what I love about his books.  They're not like anything else. Each of his characters are extraordinary outcasts who take on the world's bullies and through their peculiarities prevail.  The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Some of the best books I've read.  I'm about to start this one (pictured) with Jonathan.  I just know he will love it.  Besides, the movie made of this book was phenomenal and he's not allowed to see the movie without reading the book first, so I'm excited to expose him to the quirky, creative world of Roald Dahl.


3. Shel Silverstein

Along the same lines of Roald Dahl.  Every child needs to read Shel Silverstein.  His poetry collections are funny, clever, the pictures are great,  and it's poetry for goodness sakes!  Poetry that kids want to read.  But mainly, Silverstein is important because there are some excellent lessons in there.  Check out this fellow blogger use a S.S. poem to prove a stellar point.  He taught us that the world was made for dreamers and doers and that our imaginations are endless.
{{tear...}}


Aside from all of the entertaining, fun things kids will read, I think nothing could be more important than the lessons these three writers have to offer.  Personally, they taught me that books can make us relate, feel, understand, think and laugh.  These writers planted the seeds that made me the lover of literature that I am today, and that I hope my boys someday become.
 I want to live in a world of their creation.

You know the routine.  Link up below.  Can't wait to read what you have for us!

As for next week (5/24):
I want to hear your favorite male character.  Or how about your least favorite male character?  One you love to hate, or hate to love?  A great hero or a perfectly evil villain.  Casanova or comedian.  Your choice...pick a male character, or two, or more and share your thoughts!


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