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The other day I was talking with a very-wonderful-six-year old who was sad that a book she really, really wanted was already checked out at the library. When I asked her where she thought the book was she said, “Probably in someone’s library basket.” I know many people who have family or personal library baskets that hold all of their treasures- but I love the idea that this little girls just assumed EVERYONE had one. It’s just a staple of the household. And I started to want one…bad. So, while I search for a true real library basket, I will use the term in blog world. Which is just as good, kind of.
A recent inhabitant of my library basket (metaphorically of course due to lack of basket) is the book Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. A book that I actually enjoyed despite icky math references and business tips for kids. Let’s talk about what makes this book so good instead of all that pesky “learnin’” stuff. Brother and sister go head to head in this story of lemonade sales, sibling rivalry, and true friendships. Evan the eldest, enjoys his sister’s company and helps her as much as he can- especially when it comes to her people skills- she’s clueless. But everything changes when Jessie (the little sister) skips the third grade to join her brother IN THE SAME CLASS in the fourth grade. Evan is threatened, and the war begins.
If you have ever ran a lemonade stand, or drank the sweet, sticky, hopefully bug-free goodness- you will appreciate this light read.
Oh, and yes, you will learn some math along the way. But, I promise, it doesn’t hurt at all.
Craving some lemonade and basket,
Jenn
David Shannon is one of my favorite children’s authors. I love sharing his books in story groups, one on one, and at birthday parties. His illustrations are playful and have a very distinct attitude. The characters that he brings to life whether David, Fergus, or Alice (there are many others!) feel like a loved child (or dog) in your own life. The wonderful marriage of his illustrations, characters, and tone will keep you giggling as you turn the page.
Alice the Fairy is no exception. Alice is a fairy but just a “temporary fairy”. She can’t fly yet, or hang her clothes up off the floor, and is slightly afraid of the dark. However, she is capable of making cookies that were once her dad’s into her own, which is quite the skill to have. What little one hasn’t become a fairy, princess, or super hero? Alice, like the children we all know, is so committed to her role. Her parents are the duke and duchess. Her bedroom is a tower. Mere sugar becomes fairy dust. And a construction paper crown with buttons, macaroni, and glitter is the grandest crown for the “duke”. This book is such a gem, and allows us all to take a peak into the life of an imaginative little girl, excuse me, I mean fairy.
Fairy Academy, one of our themed birthday parties was inspired by Alice the Fairy (or, just a way to read this book every party!) With the familiar frame of school, we introduce fabulously magical classes. The little girls, like Alice, will still be temporary fairies, but I think they, like Alice, should be temporary fairies forever.
Jenn, Imagination Celebrations
