Bookmarks Festival

We had a great day today at Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors.  I can't believe that this was Bookmarks' TENTH Festival and my first!  It was a super fun day.  Part of the festivities included a parade where kids dressed up as their favorite book character and Clara chose to go as Alice the Fairy (David Shannon).  Here she is, trying out Alice's spell on Rufus:  "Hawkin Tawkin Riggin Fawkin!"  I think, like Alice, she still needs to work on that one a bit.  

Eric Litwin, author of the first four Pete the Cat books was presenting and signing and since Clara is a big fan, we wanted to be sure to check him out.   He gave a super lively "book talk" that was perfect for the big crowd of kids that gathered.  Here's Clara and Miles rocking out to his introduction with their daddies.  

He performed Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons (the Pete the Cat book that Clara had brought for him to sign!) and then gave a great reading/singing of his newest book from his new series: The Nuts | Bedtime at the Nut House. (Listen to the song here)

Finally, he invited all the children on stage to teach them the dance and song to his next, yet to be released Nut Family book.

After his performance, the kids in costume began their parade. Clara joined some friends from church who were dressed as fabulous Fancy Nancys.

And after scoring the last copy of his new Nut book, Clara got to meet Mr. Eric and have him sign her new book and her Pete the Cat book.  After a brief interaction he asked, "Is she precocious?"  Yes.  Yes, she is.

We stopped at a few more booths before totally succumbing to the heat and calling it a day.  Thanks, Bookmarks for such a great festival and a cool experience for Clara meeting her first author in person.  We'll be back next year!

Reading and Storytelling

Here's a little video that shows how much our Clara has adored and loved on her new little sister.  I love that she wants to share with her some of her favorite things.  Clara has always loved books and reading, but lately her very favorite thing to do is make up stories (or as she says, "let's just tell a story with our MOUTHS.")  I, of course, love watching this early literacy and beginning stages of writing develop in her.  As an educator, it's fascinating and joyful for me to see the things I read about and talk about and share with teachers happening in my own kid.  Eloise is fortunate to grow up with this big sister.  She'll be read to lots and loved on more.  The first video is Clara "reading" to Eloise and the second is her making up a story (with her mouth).  Hope you can understand her, because it's precious!

Learning from the Best

My former professor, friend and colleague Dr. Debbie Linville has just moved back from TX and I couldn't be happier to have her back in town.  She's taught me almost all I know about literacy and reading and writing instruction and I have the utmost respect and admiration for her both as an educator and a remarkable woman.  She's been one of Clara's biggest cheerleaders and faithful pray-ers from the start, so it was a real treat for her to come and join us for lunch and to read Clara stories before her naptime.  I have no words to really express what a joy it was for me to watch her rocking Clara and reading (really DLTAing) with her.  Truly one of those moments I wanted to freeze in my memory and store in my heart.  Let's do it again soon, Debbie!

The Night Before Christmas

In the week and half since I last posted we have made another trip to GA, endured stomach bugs for both me and Clara, and managed to address, stamp and stuff all the Christmas cards.  And I might have done a little online shopping too.  But I have not done any of those other posts I promised.  They'll come.  It may be February, but I'll get to it.

We've also been reading... a lot.  It's definitely Clara's favorite activity, closely followed by listening to "mooooosick!!"  It's no secret that Clara has been read to, sung to and talked to a lot in her short little life.  But as her language blossoms, it's amazing to see what all has been trapped inside her sweet little head.  She's in the stage of mimicking everything she hears and has memorized many of her favorite books and songs.  I love to hear her sweet little voice parrot back what she's learning.

So, here's my treat for you.  Clara helping me read, The Night Before Christmas.  Turn your volume up so you can hear her (even if it means my booming voice is a bit overkill).  It's a long video, but I promise it's worth it.





Merry Christmas to all!