Picture Books

I was saddened to hear my favorite children’s author/illustrator, Tomie dePaola, passed away yesterday.

As a child, I would ask my dad to reread Strega Nona over and over again and today I will do the same with my children.

Bubble, bubble, pasta pot

Boil me some pasta, nice and hot,

I’m hungry and it’s time to sup,

Boil me some pasta to fill me up.

In addition to Strega Nona, the kids and I love Trouble in the Barker’s Class (I have a signed copy my friend found at a used book store) and Big Anthony, His Story.

Upon our arrival to Canada and start of homeschool, Elsa and I did a literature study of his stories The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush and The Legend of the Blue Bonnet. Many of dePaola’s stories were inspired by folklore and he retold a handful of old tales, using his unique drawings as a backdrop. I highly recommend both stories.

My suggestion for today, a day where you may be feeling the isolation and time spent indoors more heavily than usual, is to read a picture book (or ten) with your kids.

Even when your child asks you to read the same book for the millionth time, remember the significance of this moment and the memories your child will carry into adulthood…someday they may read the same stories with their children.

Need more convincing? Beyond the sentimental value, rereading books has both cognitive and academic benefits. It’s a win-win!

6 Benefits of Rereading Books (Over…and Over) for Kids

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