http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ Daily Kitten Chat Forum Topic: Toddler book suggestions? en Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:11:03 +0000 http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995/page/2#post-328745 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:37:14 +0000 Emma 328745@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>As for book suggestions, I would go for "The Runaway Bunny" by Margaret Wise Brown. It really is for all ages, once you start reading it. Several layers of meaning and the illustrations catch at your heart!</p> <p>I still have a copy. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995/page/2#post-328742 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:34:26 +0000 Emma 328742@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Petpntr, you are a true writer! Wonderful description! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995/page/2#post-328597 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:06:52 +0000 petpntr 328597@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Thanks KW. Glad you both enjoyed it. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995/page/2#post-328596 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:06:03 +0000 Kitten Whisperer 328596@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>That is a hilarious story, Petpntr!! You should send that to Readers Digest. They pay people for their funny stories. :)</p> <p>You can submit it online: <a href="http://www.rd.com/submitJokePage.do" rel="nofollow">http://www.rd.com/submitJokePage.do</a> </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995/page/2#post-328594 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:05:23 +0000 Marnet 328594@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>ROFLOL Oh that is just priceless! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995/page/2#post-328591 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:01:40 +0000 petpntr 328591@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>You reminded me of something funny. Just in case you join a writing club can I tell you about my first meeting?<br /> I signed up for one of the most prestigious writing associations here in Canada. There were very well known authors who were patrons and I was excited about it. Being single whenever I got involved in something new I always wondered if, once again, I would end up in a room full of other women or if it might be an opportunity to meet some new interesting man for a change. </p> <p>The first meeting of the year was being held at the local garden and horticultural building which in itself is kind of impressive. I got there and saw a lot of people streaming into the auditorium so I followed along and signed the guest list. I was early so was able to look around taking everything in when I realized "holy smokes" MEN!!!! Looks like, for once in my life, I managed to discover an interest that also attracted the opposite sex. The programme showed a number of people scheduled to speak and I thought it was interesting that most of them were doctors. I then took a closer look at the programme. It said </p> <p> "FIRST ANNUAL MEETING FOR SURVIVORS OF PROSTATE CANCER"</p> <p>I slowly slipped out hoping no one would notice. I had of course been in the wrong auditorium. When I did find the correct one, sure enough it was filled with women. (sigh!) </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995/page/2#post-328578 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:50:46 +0000 Marnet 328578@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Thanks Petpntr. I'll look into those suggestions. I recognize that having ideas and ambition isn't the same as turning out quality writing nor getting published. :-) </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995/page/2#post-328574 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:48:36 +0000 petpntr 328574@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Marnet if you wanted to get experience with children you might want to consider reading to them in a library or hospital. As far as writers clubs, not sure if it is much different where you are but up here there are very respected writing associations that will except new members as long as they pay the annual fee. You can learn a lot from them just by listening at the meetings and it is an excellent networking opportunity. Come to think of it I don't know of any which would require a sponsor unless it is a private writing club maybe. Take a look around your city. You may be surprised at what you find. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995/page/2#post-328564 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:41:30 +0000 Marnet 328564@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Thanks Soxsmom. I hope I can be a good employee. I know I always give an honest days work for my pay without spending time goofing off. I don't have the fastest learning curve and currently have some major catching up to do on my computer skills for the workplace -- working on that.</p> <p>If I could afford to, I'd "retire" to spend time playing golf, doing some volunteer work, and giving writing for publication a try. I've several ideas I've been mentally working on for years and hope someday to create the time to start actually doing some writing. I also have lots of research on copyright and how to get published yet to do. I want to find an writers group to join. There are several here in St. Louis but I gather they are somewhat closed to newcomers unless sponsored by a current member, from what I've been able to learn so far. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995/page/2#post-328560 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:36:32 +0000 Marnet 328560@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Obviously I have to find a way to get back into the work force and make a living. Call me silly, but I'd prefer something that I feel makes a difference in some way in serving society. On the other hand, as long as the work is honest, there is honor in performing any job as well as possible. As I was taught, any job needs to fill three criteria: it MUST be honest, it does need to pay the bills, and hopefully can be something you enjoy doing.</p> <p>But here I am hogging the thread. Shame on me! Time to quiet down, and let someone else have the floor!!! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328558 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:35:48 +0000 SoxsMom 328558@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Enmerish is a company here that provides such care for the elderly. They take them to appointments and help with all paperwork. They assist in shopping and handling household chores. It is a rewarding career working with people that need care. I think you have more job experience than you think--your life is job experience. As for kids--they need teachers that are consistant and caring and you have much practice in both those areas. I think who ever hires you will be blessed with an amazing employee! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328554 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:33:45 +0000 Marnet 328554@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Back to books, one of my favorite authors is Ellis Peters, the nom de plume of Edith Patager (sp?). She wrote the Cadfael series, 20 books about an 11th century herbalist monk who had been a Crusader. I read and re-read those often. Another favorite author is Barbara Tuchman. She wrote history books as fun and fascinating as any novels. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328552 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:30:22 +0000 Marnet 328552@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Actually, I'm thinking of looking into what it would take to get teaching certification and make such a career shift. I've a BA in Business Communications. I think I could teach English, Writing, Communications, or History with decent proficiency. I'm just not sure how well I'd do working with kids, given I've never had any and, being the baby of the family, and having not been allowed to baby sit as a teen, I simply am quite ignorant of dealing with kids of all ages. I'm the example of a middle-aged "old maid" (although I prefer one friend's tag of "unclaimed jewel" LOL) and would likely be seen as a imcompetent to deal with small kids and a total bore by older kids.</p> <p>I've never had a true career, having spent most of my adult life providing elder care for my parents. The other notion I have is that there must be an increasing number of people, especially the elderly, who need patient advocates to help them navigate the current mess of our medical care system and insurance paperwork drowning them. In job hunting, I'm researching if any such companies/organizations exist in the area.</p> <p>Lastly, I'm thinking of applying for one of several open positions as a Public Safety Dispatcher with the County. Their 911 dispatcher jobs pay below what other area agencies are paying but they are the one's hiring and they are willing to take on novices and provide the training. I've sat a shift observing and quite enjoyed it. With my little bit of experience as a volunteer dispatcher for the Red Cross during the floods of 93 and 95, a year's experience working for a commercial/residential alarm monitoring center, and a tech level ham radio license, I like to think I could master being a good 911 dispatcher. I'm just not sure I can handle the rotating shifts. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328532 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:10:57 +0000 SoxsMom 328532@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>I had a kid read a book with short stories from Louis L'Amour and I didn't know he did short stories. I asked where the book came from and he said the library--the school library. I was amazed. Dad has so many of his books! I think those are good stories and that makes it good literature!! Those stories told you right from wrong and did not glamorize criminals. Marnet ever thought about teaching?? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328486 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:28:41 +0000 Marnet 328486@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Yep. Sure did. It took me weeks to wade through along with the help of a dictionary and lots of questions to my mom about certain subject matters in the book. I personally think it was the best of Michener's books.</p> <p>Fellow employees where I worked about 20 years ago thought I was looney because just for pleasure I spent several weeks reading an 800+ page history book at lunch time on the rise and fall of the Ottoman empire. On the other hand, when I want something easy but fun to read, I read Louis L'Amour westerns; not exactly grand literature but they are good storytelling, even if often obviously not well edited or even gone through a rewrite after being dashed off in one draft. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328448 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:07:53 +0000 Kitten Whisperer 328448@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Marnet, you read Hawaii in the 6th grade???? I am now reading it for the first time. That book is loooooong! I'm on page 736. Only another 275 pages or so to go! :) </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328444 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:03:44 +0000 SoxsMom 328444@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Marnet as a 7th grade teacher I have a hard time getting a book report on Pat the Bunny because "Miss it is toooo long! I can't read that much. Is there a movie version I can watch instead?" Many kids have not been read to, for me it is sad. I read Mistletoe a picture book about a cat of a different type the day before Christmas break and those kids ate it up! They don't develop a love of reading unless someone reads to them. Your Mom cultivated a love of literature in you and I bet it is something that will always be with you. I wish that happened more often. I grew up with a Grandma that taught adults to read. She is one of the big influences in my life. To be able to have a book report on Ben Hur would make me estatic! I did have one student read Wuthering Heights and she loved it! She did need help at times-hard to keep character straight-but she loved it and is hooked on the Bronte sisters! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328436 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:50:49 +0000 Marnet 328436@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Like my mother before me, I had read the entire children's section at the local branch library by the time I was in the 4th grade and got a special permission card my mother signed for that allowed me to check out books from the adult section subject to approval by the librarian. But my school teachers simply never would believe my book reports on such books as Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Black Arrow" in the 4th grade, Jules Verne's "Mysterious Island" in the 5th grade, or James Michener's "Hawaii" in the 6th grade, or Lew Wallace's "Ben Hur" in the 7th grade. sigh </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328433 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:44:48 +0000 petpntr 328433@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Ah ha Marnet! You are really an closet academition. I told you it was lots of fun looking through kids books. I am always amazed at the creativity that people have thinking of new ways to present learning to children and/or adults like us who hang around :) </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328429 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:29:32 +0000 Marnet 328429@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Had to go out to pick up Tigger's new heart med at the vet, so swung by the book store afterwards. They were out of Pat the Bunny; the only copy of Good Night Moon was damaged; didn't find any of the others y'all mentioned except for the Dr. Seuss books and Maurice Sendyk but those were priced over my current haven't-had-an-income-for-six-months budget. But I did find a wonderful rhyming pasteboard book titled "Bear Snores On" that is a fun and cute animal story. I got a gift receipt so that it can be swapped for something else if it duplicates what is already in the toddler's books at home.</p> <p>I had soooo much fun looking through all sorts of children's books. As my future budget allows, I really do need to get back to sending books to the crop of grand-nephews and grand-nieces.</p> <p>As a kid, I loved the big collection of "Golden Books" and also of "How and Why" books we had. And I loved looking through the big unabridged dictionary even before I could read; I just loved looking at all the pictures and diagrams. To this day, I go to look up the spelling or meaning of some word and end up spending the next hour simply reading the dictionary for pleasure! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328362 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:54:05 +0000 jcat 328362@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Oh, what a lovely idea -- such a nice way to keep her dad close by while he was away on duty.</p> <p>Don't worry, SM, I love the pictures so much, that book's going nowhere... But I hope it doesn't feel unloved. Sometimes you think children's books might prefer to be torn, covered with sticky fingers and dropped in the bath a few times. Oh, hang on, that's right, I have plenty of those too, lol... </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328359 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:48:54 +0000 SoxsMom 328359@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Most kids would agree with that. I remember my daughter wanted a suit like Max's from the book-she made us read that one until it fell apart. Her Mercer Mayer books were her lifeline to Dad. He taped all those books before he deployed, so I could play them for her at bedtime. She is a Daddy's Little Girl and loved hearing him read to her. </p> <p>JCat hold on to that book--they are hard to come by! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328354 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:43:38 +0000 jcat 328354@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Oh, SM, I love Where the Wild Things Are. And Outside Over There is beautiful and one of my favourite books! I was rapt when I found a beautiful hardback copy in a second hand book shop. Maurice Sendak rocks! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328352 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:39:03 +0000 SoxsMom 328352@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>The Mercer Mayer series Little Critter books are every popular. My favorite was Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendek. As an English Literature teacher I say any book they are exposed to can cultivate a love of reading. There is the saying, "Those that read, lead!" It is from Scholastic, and I use it in my room. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328345 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:11:01 +0000 jcat 328345@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>I love Dr Seuss too! If you'd like to look at an animal-oriented rhyming series (and I'm sure these are available in the States, they're an international hit), can I go all patriotic and suggest Kiwi author Lynley Dodd's rhyming books about a small hairy dog -- Hairy McLeary from Donaldson's Dairy -- and his doggy and cat mates (Scarface McClaw and Slinky Malinki...) You could look them up on Amazon first if you're unfamiliar with them... </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328343 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:02:57 +0000 AV 328343@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>I love dr. Seuss!!! So did both my children! My MIL, who recently lost her husband has found a new calling..... she's a volunteer reader at her neighborhood library! She absolutely loves it, and gets her regular "fix" of "grand babies", since her's are now grown 18 to 32, and she's "waiting" on the next generation!! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328339 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:49:42 +0000 caroline 328339@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>I wish I still had my original copies... Of course 'The Cat in The Hat' was my favorite. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328307 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:09:44 +0000 Marnet 328307@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>My favorite Dr. Seuss was my first of his books -- "One Fish, Two Fish" -- I've actually still got it; it is one of just a few I've never given away for sentimental reasons. LOL </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328304 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:02:01 +0000 caroline 328304@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Definitely Dr. Seuss! Two isn't too young and he will be able to enjoy them for years to come. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/13995#post-328265 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:31:24 +0000 Marnet 328265@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>I was wondering about Dr. Seuss but wasn't sure if 2 is too young or not. I loved his books when I was small...got my first one when I was 7 but think I'd have liked them even younger. I'll add your suggestions to the list. Thank you. </p>