all my favorite girls...

     The other day my friend Sammie and I were talking about Nancy Drew. At target they have such beautiful copies of the books and she was really loving them! (I got her two for Valentines day don't tell her!) She was saying how she loved the books as a child and that got be thinking... Who are some of my favorite girls in children's lit? This is a very complex question!
     When I read a book I look for someone that is strong and someone that is not afraid to speak her mind and show just how smart she is. A little spunk doesn't hurt anything either.

Hermione 

    Every smart girls best friend. Miss Granger taught me to never be afraid to use my brain. I strive to have days where I feel like Hermione and I can raise my hand with pride in class. Not only is she brilliant she is also so brave. She follows her heart and brain so that she can save all those that she loves. I always hope that I can be that brave.

Eloise

   I love, love, love Eloise. I love her to the point that if one day I have a child she will be named after Eloise. I find that Eloise keeps me young at heart. I feel so much happiness when I read these books or when I catch a glimpse of the movie on television.

Matilda

      I think Matilda was the first girl to show me the adventures that reading could bring to me. She showed me how important it is to read and that knowledge is power. Since I was young and read the story and watched the movie my heart has melted at the sight of a little girl read. She taught me that being a book worm might just be the best thing in the world to be.

Fancy Nancy

     It is safe to say that Miss Nancy Clancy is always bringing fancy into every little girls life. I love that she teaches big words to children and does it in big style. I love everything about her from her curly red hair to the tip of her high healed shoes.

Lilly

 Oh Lilly, you had me at your purple plastic purse. I love how carefree this little mouse is. She taught me as a child how important it was to be myself and enjoy the simple things in life.

 Leisel

     Reading "The Book Thief " was a challenge for me, but falling in love with Leisel was not. While reading this I was so taken by how she say the world and stood up for herself. She had such a heart and seeing the  events for WWII through the eyes of a child could not be more heart breaking.I found an instant connection with her over how she connected with books. She let her self fall in love with them, She wanted to learn all she could from them and I think she is a great example for everyone.

     I would love to hear who some of your favorites are! Please share :) Have a great week and share the magic of reading with everyone!

Happy Reading,

Ms. Cara

I'm back and ready to talk...

     First of all, I just found this while I was on my Ms. Cara pinterest. You are welcome to follow me there it is only stuff about teaching. While I was there I found this handy chart about why reading aloud to your child is important and I wanted to share that. I plan to hand this out to parents one day.

     I love how this chart looks at a child's life and really breaks things down for parents. I am not a parent now, but when I am one day I plan on always reading with my children. I think it is so important an truly creates a lasting bond between child and parents. It is truly magic. 

    Next I want to talk about this years Newbery Award and Caldecott Award. Here is a fantastic article I just found on the winners that you may like to read or share with your class http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/28/business/media/dicamillo-wins-newberry-medal-and-brian-flocas-locomotive-wins-caldecott.html?_r=0. This years Newbery went to "Flora and Ulysses". I personally read this book several months ago. I believe I even reviewed it on here. I loved this book! Not only is it about a strong girl and a squirrel with super powers, but this same squirrel writes poetry. Now what could warm someones heart more. If you haven't read this I one hundred percent urge you to get up now and go buy it.

http://www.amazon.com/Flora-Ulysses-The-Illuminated-Adventures/dp/076366040X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391459251&sr=8-1&keywords=flora+and+ulysses

    This years Caldecott went to "Locomotive." I will admit that I have not yet read this one, but I have had a chance to look at the pictures and they are wonderful. The practically fly off the page and I can't wait until I can sit down and read it all.

     I also wanted to share some articles that I have been reading. This first one, http://t.co/sF9jTm60Ot,is about how in Louisville, Kentucky, which is right across the river from where I life, the government is urging all parents to read their children 1000 books before starting kindergarten. That sounds like a crazy amount, but the books are allowed to be read several time so it really isn't that bad. What do you all think? Do you think that this can help boost a childs knowledge and understanding of books and help them want to learn to read? Do you think that parents will really take this task seriously? Please read the article and let me know, I would to hear what you think. 

     The next article, http://t.co/nfLjvkZmYQ, is talking about the importance of pleasure reading and how it helps students to become more educated, understanding individuals. What I really liked about this article is the fact that it showed that students don't have to read only the classics to gain knowledge and understanding. They can also read any book for pleasure and it will help them develop these skills.

    As always thank you for reading. I love hearing from you all so feel welcome to comment! have a great  Monday and rest of your week. 

                                                                         Happy reading,

                                                                            Ms. Cara