Occasionally, bookworms need to rest, take a break, withdraw, be in seclusion, retire -- hibernate! But not in winter, like the bears. This one is going to hibernate in the warmth of the South Georgia
sun.
This bookworm has so much to do! There are so many new (and old) books to devour, CDs to eat up, DVDs to consume, and writings of others to absorb. I plan to make a little nest in a pile of magazines and hibernate; books, papers, pens and such piled all around me. Ah, sweet hibernation!
By the time you hear from me again, I'll be fat from the consumption of all my goodies. But I will be back to share with you some of the new and exciting things about your library.
I must warn you, however. Occasionally when bookworms hibernate, other bookworms show their presence. So, if you see words tracking across your screen from another library bookworm, don't be surprised. It should not surprise you that there are many bookworms at this library and they have lots to tell you also.
Till next time, keep your library card working!!!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Our Community Elders Tea Is In Full Swing!
I took a few minutes away from our Community Elders Tea to sit and think about this special event.
You see, as part of our 100-Year Celebration, we invited "wisdom warriors" from the community to join us here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library. We wanted to honor these special people, who have so much to offer us regarding their life experiences and events of the past.
In fact, one of the things we did to decorate the Willcoxon Auditorium was to put pictures from the past up on the wall. We called the wall of pictures "Our Memory Wall" and added other little signs that said "Do you remember us?" It's been interesting to watch everyone line up in front of the pictures and say, "Oh, that's . . ." and watch smiles cross their faces as they remember
when and who.
Of course, we did serve tea. Russian Tea, to be exact. And small cheesecake bites, fudge, and other candies, as well as Melody's miracle muffins with orange butter and raspberry butter, pigs in a blanket, and toothpicks holding bites of ham, cheese,
and olives.
There are people at the Tea who have been in Moultrie for only a short time, a year or less, and those who grew up here and stayed. There are the kindhearted nurse aides who have brought their charges from the nearby nursing home. There is the woman who proudly said she drove the bookmobile when she was only 18 years old. People are talking to each other like family and laughing about different events they remembered as children when they would come to the library. And of course, there are the people who work here at the library and are enjoying telling about their many years
of service.
All in all, I'd say the event is going very well. Everyone enjoys being honored in one way or another. And what better way to say thank you to our "wisdom warriors" than to bring them all together at the library, one of the main community centers of any town. A place where wisdom is always honored.
You see, as part of our 100-Year Celebration, we invited "wisdom warriors" from the community to join us here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library. We wanted to honor these special people, who have so much to offer us regarding their life experiences and events of the past.
In fact, one of the things we did to decorate the Willcoxon Auditorium was to put pictures from the past up on the wall. We called the wall of pictures "Our Memory Wall" and added other little signs that said "Do you remember us?" It's been interesting to watch everyone line up in front of the pictures and say, "Oh, that's . . ." and watch smiles cross their faces as they remember
when and who.
Of course, we did serve tea. Russian Tea, to be exact. And small cheesecake bites, fudge, and other candies, as well as Melody's miracle muffins with orange butter and raspberry butter, pigs in a blanket, and toothpicks holding bites of ham, cheese,
and olives.
There are people at the Tea who have been in Moultrie for only a short time, a year or less, and those who grew up here and stayed. There are the kindhearted nurse aides who have brought their charges from the nearby nursing home. There is the woman who proudly said she drove the bookmobile when she was only 18 years old. People are talking to each other like family and laughing about different events they remembered as children when they would come to the library. And of course, there are the people who work here at the library and are enjoying telling about their many years
of service.
All in all, I'd say the event is going very well. Everyone enjoys being honored in one way or another. And what better way to say thank you to our "wisdom warriors" than to bring them all together at the library, one of the main community centers of any town. A place where wisdom is always honored.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
There Are Days When They Just Jump Out At Me!
Often there are days when I only have time to run from the office to the main printer, grab my printed piece, and sail back down the hall to the office.
Then there are days when the books in the New Book Section just seem to jump out at me, and I have to stop and pick up whatever it was that called out, saying "Look at me! Look at me!"
Today was one of those days.
The first book that jumped out at me was The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. It is Christian Fiction and set up for a 7-day loan. It has a pretty little red cover (like an old fashioned red mailbox) with gold letters. But when I opened it to read the inside cover, the first sentence had me hooked. "They died in each other's arms," it said. And the rest of the paragraph confirmed the hook: "But their secret -- the letters -- did not die with them. True love keeps no secrets."
The Wednesday Letters has a powerful message about forgiveness and quietly beckons for readers to start writing their own "Wednesday Letters." But I got my biggest surprise when I turned to the back inside cover of the book. There tucked under the cover was a small ivory envelope with the word Epilogue on the flap, and inside was a hand-printed letter. (Clever idea, huh?) Well, I'll leave that for you to read along with this great book. I think you'll find it will hook you, too.
Another book that just jumped out at me was Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke. I know for sure it was the thought of a yummy piece of carrot cake that grabbed my attention and made my stomach moan for the comfort food. When I saw it was A Hannah Swensen Mystery with Recipes, I knew it definitely called for me to read it. My goodness, she has a ton of great mysteries to read. Listen to these titles: Key Lime Pie Murder, Cherry Cheesecake Murder, Peach Cobbler Murder, Sugar Cookie Murder. Well, you get the idea! Not only will the Carrot Cake Murder give you a good read, but it has twelve original dessert receipes for you to try. . .things like Black Forest Brownies! This book is a 7-day loan also, but you might want to renew it when the time comes.
The last book that jumped out at me was a reminder that June is just around the corner. A time for weddings! Another small, square book showing a bridal bouquet of fushia, pink and white old fashioned roses, Wedding Blessings by June Cotner is a book of prayers and poems celebrating love, marriage, and anniversaries. Since finding the right words about love for a wedding or anniversary can be difficult, June Cotner has collected perfect selections for the bride, groom, members of the wedding party, and other family and friends to share. This is also a wonderful book to share as a gift for the bride-to-be and others celebrating the union of marriage. And just in time for June ceremonies!
Bet you didn't know that books can just jump out at you and say, "Look at me! Look at me!" They're all here in the New Book Section. Come and get 'em!
Then there are days when the books in the New Book Section just seem to jump out at me, and I have to stop and pick up whatever it was that called out, saying "Look at me! Look at me!"
Today was one of those days.
The first book that jumped out at me was The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. It is Christian Fiction and set up for a 7-day loan. It has a pretty little red cover (like an old fashioned red mailbox) with gold letters. But when I opened it to read the inside cover, the first sentence had me hooked. "They died in each other's arms," it said. And the rest of the paragraph confirmed the hook: "But their secret -- the letters -- did not die with them. True love keeps no secrets."
The Wednesday Letters has a powerful message about forgiveness and quietly beckons for readers to start writing their own "Wednesday Letters." But I got my biggest surprise when I turned to the back inside cover of the book. There tucked under the cover was a small ivory envelope with the word Epilogue on the flap, and inside was a hand-printed letter. (Clever idea, huh?) Well, I'll leave that for you to read along with this great book. I think you'll find it will hook you, too.
Another book that just jumped out at me was Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke. I know for sure it was the thought of a yummy piece of carrot cake that grabbed my attention and made my stomach moan for the comfort food. When I saw it was A Hannah Swensen Mystery with Recipes, I knew it definitely called for me to read it. My goodness, she has a ton of great mysteries to read. Listen to these titles: Key Lime Pie Murder, Cherry Cheesecake Murder, Peach Cobbler Murder, Sugar Cookie Murder. Well, you get the idea! Not only will the Carrot Cake Murder give you a good read, but it has twelve original dessert receipes for you to try. . .things like Black Forest Brownies! This book is a 7-day loan also, but you might want to renew it when the time comes.
The last book that jumped out at me was a reminder that June is just around the corner. A time for weddings! Another small, square book showing a bridal bouquet of fushia, pink and white old fashioned roses, Wedding Blessings by June Cotner is a book of prayers and poems celebrating love, marriage, and anniversaries. Since finding the right words about love for a wedding or anniversary can be difficult, June Cotner has collected perfect selections for the bride, groom, members of the wedding party, and other family and friends to share. This is also a wonderful book to share as a gift for the bride-to-be and others celebrating the union of marriage. And just in time for June ceremonies!
Bet you didn't know that books can just jump out at you and say, "Look at me! Look at me!" They're all here in the New Book Section. Come and get 'em!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Here's Two Special Employees You Should Meet
Since September 2007, our library has acknowledged one particular employee every month. We call this our "Employee of the Month" program and it means a lot to us. It is that special time when a special employee is acknowledged in a special way for an entire month.
Here are two special employees you should meet!
Edna Gibson was our April Employee of the Month. She began part-time in November 1984 (24 years ago!) in the children's library and at the circulation desk. She had been in that position for only six months, when she was moved to her present full-time position as Circulation Clerk. Edna is the wearer of many hats: checking out books, helping patrons in the reference section, with copying and the PINES catalog, making announcements for television, recording receipts, laminating, and a myriad of other duties. Our director, Melody Jenkins, said when she announced the Employee of the Month, that Edna is the only one who can truly control noisy patrons, and thank goodness that is true. When she was asked what she likes best about working at the library, Edna said, "The people, especially the ones from out of state, because it's always interesting to find out where they're from and talk to them about the library." She said she likes her fellow employees also, because she considers them part of her family. So, now you see why we all consider Edna special!
This month, Monique Green was chosen as the May Employee of the Month. Another long-term employee of 22 years, our director said Monique is very organized and meticulous at her job, and another wearer of many hats. She not only processes the mail and carries out her main duty of cataloging, but she also helps at the circulation counter, reference section and in the Odom Genealogy Library. She first worked at the library as a children's library assistant, then left to become a parapro in a local elementary school. When she returned to the library two years later, she worked as a reference clerk and also cataloged in the genealogy library. She's been in her present job as Cataloging Clerk for the main library since 2002. Monique said the hardest part of her job is concentrating on cataloging, because of the meticulous work, but said she loves all of her job because of the multitasking she gets to do. When asked what she likes most about the library, Monique said her coworkers and all the information available here in what she calls "a learning resource center."
When you get to know these two special employees, you can see why they were chosen as Employee of the Month. And when you look at how long they've been working here, you can see what makes the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library a special place in this community.
We hope you'll take a little time next time you're in the library to meet the staff and thank them. It's people like Monique and Edna that make you feel special, too.
Here are two special employees you should meet!
Edna Gibson was our April Employee of the Month. She began part-time in November 1984 (24 years ago!) in the children's library and at the circulation desk. She had been in that position for only six months, when she was moved to her present full-time position as Circulation Clerk. Edna is the wearer of many hats: checking out books, helping patrons in the reference section, with copying and the PINES catalog, making announcements for television, recording receipts, laminating, and a myriad of other duties. Our director, Melody Jenkins, said when she announced the Employee of the Month, that Edna is the only one who can truly control noisy patrons, and thank goodness that is true. When she was asked what she likes best about working at the library, Edna said, "The people, especially the ones from out of state, because it's always interesting to find out where they're from and talk to them about the library." She said she likes her fellow employees also, because she considers them part of her family. So, now you see why we all consider Edna special!
This month, Monique Green was chosen as the May Employee of the Month. Another long-term employee of 22 years, our director said Monique is very organized and meticulous at her job, and another wearer of many hats. She not only processes the mail and carries out her main duty of cataloging, but she also helps at the circulation counter, reference section and in the Odom Genealogy Library. She first worked at the library as a children's library assistant, then left to become a parapro in a local elementary school. When she returned to the library two years later, she worked as a reference clerk and also cataloged in the genealogy library. She's been in her present job as Cataloging Clerk for the main library since 2002. Monique said the hardest part of her job is concentrating on cataloging, because of the meticulous work, but said she loves all of her job because of the multitasking she gets to do. When asked what she likes most about the library, Monique said her coworkers and all the information available here in what she calls "a learning resource center."
When you get to know these two special employees, you can see why they were chosen as Employee of the Month. And when you look at how long they've been working here, you can see what makes the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library a special place in this community.
We hope you'll take a little time next time you're in the library to meet the staff and thank them. It's people like Monique and Edna that make you feel special, too.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
"The Giving Tree" Is Forty Years Old!
A friend and I went to a bookstore on Saturday and, as usual, I picked up one of my favorite free book review publications. Of course, in the midst of all those thousands of books in the bookstore, I forgot to look at it.
On Sunday, which was Mother's Day, I took time to prop up my feet on the coffee table, drink my glass of iced tea, and enjoy browsing through the book reviews. But I got a mild shock when I read about one particular book!
This year is the 40th anniversary of Shel Silverstein's classic story "The Giving Tree."
I sat on my couch and remembered the first time I'd ever read that book. I'd bought it to read to the youngest of my children, thinking since it was about a little boy, it would appeal to him. Little did I know how it would dig itself deep into my heart as a mother.
The story is a tale about the relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. They become best friends, and the tree always provides the boy with what he wants: vines to swing from, shade to sit under, apples to eat, etc. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, the tree lets the boy cut her down so he can build a boat. Then the boy leaves the tree, now a stump. Many years later, when he is an old man, he returns and the tree says it has nothing left to give him. But the boy replies that he only needs a quiet place to sit and rest as he awaits the end of his life. And the tree happily obliges, because once again she has the boy with her and she has something left to give him. It is a story about giving and giving, but happily.
Forty years old! It's hard to believe that story is THAT old! But when I think about it, it is really a timeless story.
If you haven't read The Giving Tree, you've missed one of the loveliest books ever written.
And if you don't know who Shel Silverstein was, he was an American poet, songwriter, musician, composer, cartoonist, screenwriter, and author of children's books. He died in 1999 at the age of 68. He also wrote The Missing Piece, A Light in the Attic, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Falling Up, and many more stories.
As for music (and this surprised me), he wrote the music and lyrics for A Boy Named Sue that was performed by Johnny Cash, and One's on the Way, a hit for Loretta Lynn. He was posthumously inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.
On Sunday, which was Mother's Day, I took time to prop up my feet on the coffee table, drink my glass of iced tea, and enjoy browsing through the book reviews. But I got a mild shock when I read about one particular book!
This year is the 40th anniversary of Shel Silverstein's classic story "The Giving Tree."
I sat on my couch and remembered the first time I'd ever read that book. I'd bought it to read to the youngest of my children, thinking since it was about a little boy, it would appeal to him. Little did I know how it would dig itself deep into my heart as a mother.
The story is a tale about the relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. They become best friends, and the tree always provides the boy with what he wants: vines to swing from, shade to sit under, apples to eat, etc. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, the tree lets the boy cut her down so he can build a boat. Then the boy leaves the tree, now a stump. Many years later, when he is an old man, he returns and the tree says it has nothing left to give him. But the boy replies that he only needs a quiet place to sit and rest as he awaits the end of his life. And the tree happily obliges, because once again she has the boy with her and she has something left to give him. It is a story about giving and giving, but happily.
Forty years old! It's hard to believe that story is THAT old! But when I think about it, it is really a timeless story.
If you haven't read The Giving Tree, you've missed one of the loveliest books ever written.
And if you don't know who Shel Silverstein was, he was an American poet, songwriter, musician, composer, cartoonist, screenwriter, and author of children's books. He died in 1999 at the age of 68. He also wrote The Missing Piece, A Light in the Attic, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Falling Up, and many more stories.
As for music (and this surprised me), he wrote the music and lyrics for A Boy Named Sue that was performed by Johnny Cash, and One's on the Way, a hit for Loretta Lynn. He was posthumously inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Day Clifford Arrived. . .
. . .the stage was set! There were black and red doggy paw prints on the floor, leading down the long hallway. And paw prints were all over the carpet in the reading area. An archway of red and yellow balloons marked the entrance to the reading area where Clifford would come bounding through. Doggy bones and books about Clifford and plush red Clifford toys were also part of
the setting.
Then we heard them! A short time before 10 a.m. little feet came padding down the hall, little voices were saying, "Balloons!" and "Footprints!" and "Oh, look!" Not all the shushing in the world could have quieted their excitement. But it wasn't a day for being quiet, anyway!
Our children's librarian, Miss Norma, said she expected 180 children to come see Clifford The Big Red Dog, an event planned for our 100-year celebration. And believe me, they all showed up! And even more!
While the children sat squeezed together on the floor of the reading area, Miss Norma had several things for them to do as they waited for Clifford to appear. They sang "Happy Birthday" to the library for being 100 years old. She read a story about Clifford with children's library assistant, Miss Cray, and seven children helping out. And then for their standing break (which we all know little children need), she taught them a special doggy "Hokey Pokey," where they put their paws in and out, as well as their doggy ears and waggy tails, and barked as they turned around.
She cut out a picture of Clifford's face from red paper as she told a story about the library having a party and Clifford running hard to be part of it. The children sang "Happy Birthday" once again and then Clifford appeared! He was big and red and waved at all the children, and their squeals were delightful!
At the end of the event, there were pictures to color and treats for the children to take with them. And everyone had a great time. Not only the 180-plus children, but their mommies and teachers and even the librarians!
And there was just enough time to clean up the library before the older children would arrive for the "100" activities event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
the setting.
Then we heard them! A short time before 10 a.m. little feet came padding down the hall, little voices were saying, "Balloons!" and "Footprints!" and "Oh, look!" Not all the shushing in the world could have quieted their excitement. But it wasn't a day for being quiet, anyway!
Our children's librarian, Miss Norma, said she expected 180 children to come see Clifford The Big Red Dog, an event planned for our 100-year celebration. And believe me, they all showed up! And even more!
While the children sat squeezed together on the floor of the reading area, Miss Norma had several things for them to do as they waited for Clifford to appear. They sang "Happy Birthday" to the library for being 100 years old. She read a story about Clifford with children's library assistant, Miss Cray, and seven children helping out. And then for their standing break (which we all know little children need), she taught them a special doggy "Hokey Pokey," where they put their paws in and out, as well as their doggy ears and waggy tails, and barked as they turned around.
She cut out a picture of Clifford's face from red paper as she told a story about the library having a party and Clifford running hard to be part of it. The children sang "Happy Birthday" once again and then Clifford appeared! He was big and red and waved at all the children, and their squeals were delightful!
At the end of the event, there were pictures to color and treats for the children to take with them. And everyone had a great time. Not only the 180-plus children, but their mommies and teachers and even the librarians!
And there was just enough time to clean up the library before the older children would arrive for the "100" activities event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
I Just Have To Tell You. . .
. . .about the Authors' Tea on Tuesday evening! It was absolutely amazing! We had a room full of people, all chatting and smiling and talking about books!
The Willcoxon Auditorium was decorated with teal green and gold tablecloths and napkins. Our director, Melody Jenkins, had made table decorations of old stacked books and pencils and reading glasses sprayed gold and topped with large gold bows. Ginger Horkan manned the punch bowl and salmon roll and turkey-cranraisin sandwiches and other goodies. There were plates of fudge, date crispies, almond pretzels, and cupcakes decorated with "100-Year" flags.
But the best part was all the authors who attended. There were thirteen of them in the room, and the public was enchanted to be able to meet them, shake their hands, and talk to them about their
books.
We heard nothing but good comments all evening long. "You should do this again next year." "I was just so glad to finally meet him." "This was such a wonderful idea." "Did you see the picture board Mr. Hadley brought?" "That salmon loaf is the best I've ever eaten." "Did you see the little book Mrs. Mahan illustrated?" On and on it
went.
Do you know, even though it was not a book sale, there were 29 books sold in two hours? And autographed on the spot!
So, we must say thank you to all of you who came to the Authors' Tea. . .authors and public. And thank you to the 100-Year Committee for feeling this would make a great special event for the library. And thank you to all who helped pull it off. And especially thank you to the Junior Woman's Club and Southwest Georgia Bank for being co-sponsors with the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.
Will we do it again? I would say that's "Definitely, yes!"
The Willcoxon Auditorium was decorated with teal green and gold tablecloths and napkins. Our director, Melody Jenkins, had made table decorations of old stacked books and pencils and reading glasses sprayed gold and topped with large gold bows. Ginger Horkan manned the punch bowl and salmon roll and turkey-cranraisin sandwiches and other goodies. There were plates of fudge, date crispies, almond pretzels, and cupcakes decorated with "100-Year" flags.
But the best part was all the authors who attended. There were thirteen of them in the room, and the public was enchanted to be able to meet them, shake their hands, and talk to them about their
books.
We heard nothing but good comments all evening long. "You should do this again next year." "I was just so glad to finally meet him." "This was such a wonderful idea." "Did you see the picture board Mr. Hadley brought?" "That salmon loaf is the best I've ever eaten." "Did you see the little book Mrs. Mahan illustrated?" On and on it
went.
Do you know, even though it was not a book sale, there were 29 books sold in two hours? And autographed on the spot!
So, we must say thank you to all of you who came to the Authors' Tea. . .authors and public. And thank you to the 100-Year Committee for feeling this would make a great special event for the library. And thank you to all who helped pull it off. And especially thank you to the Junior Woman's Club and Southwest Georgia Bank for being co-sponsors with the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library.
Will we do it again? I would say that's "Definitely, yes!"
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
This Evening Is Our Authors' Tea
This is an evening I've been looking forward to. . .our Authors' Tea.
Our 100-Year Committee invited 35 local published authors and we received responses from 15 saying they will attend. I think that's a pretty good response!
And just to entice you to come visit with them this evening, here's who you will meet:
Our 100-Year Committee invited 35 local published authors and we received responses from 15 saying they will attend. I think that's a pretty good response!
And just to entice you to come visit with them this evening, here's who you will meet:
- Jackie K. Cooper of Perry, GA (he has family in Moultrie)
- James "Jack" Hadley of Thomasville
- Dr. Michael Helms of Moultrie
- Lawson Hunsicker of Indiana (she has family in Moultrie)
- Claudette Mahan (Illustrator) of Moultrie
- Buddy McCoy of Moultrie
- Josh Nobles of Moultrie
- Clyde Short of Moultrie
- Jan Short of Moultrie
- Beverly Starr of Albany
- Ren Summerlin of Moultrie
- James Keith Taylor of Pavo
- Marsha Carol Watson of Hartsfield
- Rev. Gary Wilde of Moultrie
- Dr. Charles D. "Pedro" Williams of Tallahassee, FL
Did you know that we have this many (and more who could not attend the Tea) authors in our area?
It is our intention to honor them at this Tea for the joy they bring to people through their books. Of course, we felt that many of you would like to place a face with a book, and so they have been invited to bring copies of one title to sell.
The event is being held in the library's Willcoxon Auditorium from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited. Light refreshments will be served. It's a time you should not miss!!!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
One Small Person In The Children's Library
For the past two days, something has been drawing me to the Children's Library. I've tried pushing the feeling aside, but today I gave in. It must have been the day I was supposed to be there.
As I walked into the bright, colorful library, I saw in the center of the foam block circle a little black-haired girl sitting on the blue carpet. She had her knees pulled up so she could prop her book up on them.
"Hi," I said. "Whatcha doing?
"Reading," came the soft reply. She didn't look up.
"Whatcha reading?" I asked.
Instead of answering, she looked up at me with a frown on her face and said, "Who are you?"
Caught off guard, I could only reply, "Someone who likes to read too."
She said, "Oh," and went back to her book.
"Can I asked you one question?" I said.
Looking up again and making me feel I had truly interrupted her, she said, "Only one!"
My, such maturity. She sounded like my mother.
"Well," I started, "if you could recommend only one book to your friends, what would it be?"
I could see the gears grinding in her head. She stared straight ahead while deep in thought.
"Only one?" she asked.
"Yes, m'am, only one."
It was her turn to say, "Well." Then she climbed over the red foam block and walked to a book shelf where she pulled out a rather large book.
"This one," she said and handed it to me.
I looked at the title. The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle. And on the front of the white cover was a picture of a very large, colorful cricket.
"Why do you like this one?" I asked.
"Open it," she said. So, I did.
Suddenly there was the noise of a cricket chirping. "Crick-crick, crick-crick, crick-crick."
I raised my eyebrows and smiled at her. She smiled back.
"See," she said. Then she crawled back over the red foam block, sat down and began to read her book again. I had been dismissed.
The Very Quiet Cricket is a story about a tiny cricket. When he is born, he meets a big cricket who chirps his welcome. But when the tiny cricket tries to respond, there is not a sound.
As with Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider, this is a multi-sensory book; it is also multi-experiential. Children will see the bold, colorful, textured art; hear or read the rhythmic, frequently alliterative text; and finally hear the quiet cricket's sweet song as they turn the last pages of the book. All readers, even the smallest, will delight in the surprise at the end of the book.
That's what the little girl in the Children's Library wants everyone to know. That even the lowliest creature will find its voice, as silent or joyous as that may be.
As I walked into the bright, colorful library, I saw in the center of the foam block circle a little black-haired girl sitting on the blue carpet. She had her knees pulled up so she could prop her book up on them.
"Hi," I said. "Whatcha doing?
"Reading," came the soft reply. She didn't look up.
"Whatcha reading?" I asked.
Instead of answering, she looked up at me with a frown on her face and said, "Who are you?"
Caught off guard, I could only reply, "Someone who likes to read too."
She said, "Oh," and went back to her book.
"Can I asked you one question?" I said.
Looking up again and making me feel I had truly interrupted her, she said, "Only one!"
My, such maturity. She sounded like my mother.
"Well," I started, "if you could recommend only one book to your friends, what would it be?"
I could see the gears grinding in her head. She stared straight ahead while deep in thought.
"Only one?" she asked.
"Yes, m'am, only one."
It was her turn to say, "Well." Then she climbed over the red foam block and walked to a book shelf where she pulled out a rather large book.
"This one," she said and handed it to me.
I looked at the title. The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle. And on the front of the white cover was a picture of a very large, colorful cricket.
"Why do you like this one?" I asked.
"Open it," she said. So, I did.
Suddenly there was the noise of a cricket chirping. "Crick-crick, crick-crick, crick-crick."
I raised my eyebrows and smiled at her. She smiled back.
"See," she said. Then she crawled back over the red foam block, sat down and began to read her book again. I had been dismissed.
The Very Quiet Cricket is a story about a tiny cricket. When he is born, he meets a big cricket who chirps his welcome. But when the tiny cricket tries to respond, there is not a sound.
As with Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider, this is a multi-sensory book; it is also multi-experiential. Children will see the bold, colorful, textured art; hear or read the rhythmic, frequently alliterative text; and finally hear the quiet cricket's sweet song as they turn the last pages of the book. All readers, even the smallest, will delight in the surprise at the end of the book.
That's what the little girl in the Children's Library wants everyone to know. That even the lowliest creature will find its voice, as silent or joyous as that may be.
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