A love of reading.

"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald

Something we definitely want to be more intentional about in the coming year is reading to Nora. When she was littler and less mobile, reading together was a part of our daily rhythm. She relaxed on my lap as I would read book after book, before naptime, after naptime, before bed. Now that she is an active toddler, reading together has gone to the wayside a bit. We still read together everyday, usually before naps and at night before bed. But, it's often hurried or Nora is already so tired neither of us enjoy our time. Honestly, it's my own fault (duh, I am the mom), because Nora plays so well by herself, I've taken advantage of that time to do my own projects and I've spent less intentional time with Nora.

A good friend recommended reading to Nora while she eats. Since she is strapped down in her high-chair (most of the time), she is a captive audience. This morning we read from the Bible together then read a couple of library books. Nora enjoyed it so much, we read a couple more books after breakfast snuggled up together on the couch. I am also realizing that I need to be more discriminating on the books we check out at the library - there are some real duds out there!

So, I thought I would share some of the good books we've discovered, and you can pass along your favorites to us:

Robert McKloskey is probably more famously known for another great book, Make Way for Ducklings, but I must say, I am partial to Blueberries for Sal. I love that Little Sal is in overalls and Maryjanes. I love that her mother puts her to work helping her pick blueberries and later helps in canning them (although Sal gets into a bit of mischief along the way). Written in the 1940s, Little Sal's mother recognizes that although Sal is small, she can be productive and learn alongside her in the day-to-day business of life.

Nora's Ark, by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock. This one came home from the library with us for obvious reasons, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this story. Based on the true events of a disasterous flood in 1927 Vermont, it is a tale of survival for a little girl and her grandparents. But, even more than that, it is a story of true hospitality and the value of being prepared.

The illustrations of All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant were what initially attracted me to this book. The paper-cut pictures use only 4 colors: black, white, yellow and sky blue, but are stunning. The words are a poetic description of the value of a day. Some of my favorite lines - "The past is sailing off to sea, the future's fast asleep. A day is all you have to be, it's all you get to keep." and "A day can change just everything, given half a chance." Oh, and there's a chicken. Everybody loves chickens. We've been reading this mostly at breakfast time.

The Little House: Her Story by Virginia Lee Burton is a classic, and for this urban planning nerd, will probably become a part of our permanent collection. This is the tale of a little pink house, built to stand the test of time in the countryside. Over time, progress has it's way and soon envelops the little house. But, no worries, there is a happy ending. Watch the subtle way the Little House's "facial" expressions change - it took me 4 or 5 readings before I even noticed this!

These books make me excited to discover even more children's book gems. So, what are some of your favorites? And, I know you have some!