books with homonyms

hom·onym noun \ˈhä-mə-ˌnim, ˈhō-\ [hom-uh-nim]: 

1.

Phonetics .  a word pronounced the same as another but differing in meaning, whether spelled the same way or not, as heir and air;  a homophone (  def 1 ) .

2.

a word that is both a homophone and a homograph, that is, exactly the same as another in sound and spelling but different inmeaning, as chase  “to pursue” and chase  “to ornament metal.”

3.

(loosely) a word of the same written form as another but of different meaning and usually origin, whether pronounced thesame way or not, as bear  “to carry; support” and bear  “animal” or lead  “to conduct” and lead  “metal;” a homograph.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/homonym

The folks around here are going through a phase of books with homonyms.  They absolutely L-O-V-E them!  They're going bonkers over Amelia Bedelia and Fred Gwynne books, so I had to pass along the love.  Seriously, they think these books are hilarious!!!  So if you would like to give it a whirl, here are some of our favorites:

Books written and illustrated by Fred Gwynne (Yep, for those of us -parents- who remember The Munsters TV show, these are by "Herman Munster."  FUNNY!):
The King Who Rained  (c. 1970)
A Chocolate Moose for Dinner (c. 1976)
A Little Pigeon Toad
The Sixteen Hand Horse

Books written by Herman Parish and illustrated by Lynne Avril:

picture books:
Amelia Bedelia's First Library Card (c. 2013)
Amelia Bedelia's First Vote (c. 2012)
Amelia Bedelia's First Field Trip (c. 2011)
Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie (c. 2010)
Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School (c. 2009)
Amelia Bedelia's First Valentine's (c. 2009)

I Can Read! books Level 1:
Amelia Bedelia Makes a Friend (c. 2011)
Amelia Bedelia Sleeps Over (c. 2012)
Amelia Bedelia Hits the Trail (c. 2013)

chapter books:
Amelia Bedelia Means Business (c. 2013)
Amelia Bedelia Unleashed (c. 2013)
Amelia Bedelia Road Trip (c. 2013)

And the original Amelia Bedelia books by Peggy Parish:
Amelia Bedelia
Come Back, Amelia Bedelia
Amelia Bedelia and the Surprise Shower
Thank You, Amelia Bedelia
Play Ball Amelia Bedelia
Amelia Bedelia TREASURY
Amelia Bedelia and the Baby
Amelia Bedelia Helps Out
Good Driving Amelia Bedelia
Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia
Calling Doctor, Amelia Bedelia
BRAVO, Amelia Bedelia
Amelia Bedelia's Family Album
Amelia Bedelia, Rocket Scientist
Go West, Amelia Bedelia!
Merry Christmas Amelia Bedelia
Amelia Bedelia 4 Mayor

Snow

So are you ready for some more of P. D. Eastman's I CAN READ book titles?

In Snow (c. 1962), P. D. Eastman teamed up with Roy McKie in writing and illustrating a perfect beginner I CAN READ book for the winter season.  Thankfully, this is one of those titles that has experienced copyright renewal, so I recently found our copy at Marshalls for just a fraction of the price.

And as you know, our kids much prefer P.D. Eastman to Dr. Seuss, and I still haven't figured out why.  I don't know if it's the illustrations or if they can better picture themselves in the story or if the plot is more predictable for an early reader, but Eastman's books are the ones they keep returning to again and again.

Let me share with you a few of our favorite illustrations from Snow:

Happy Fall with Frog and Toad

We love, love, love Frog and Toad!  Love them!  The kids, the Mister, the Nana, the friends, me, we all love Frog and Toad!

Even the-child-who-would-not-read has decided that (and I quote) "I love to read, so I decided to come to bed early to read Frog and Toad."  Pardon?  Was I in my own home?  Did I fall asleep? Did I just hear those bless-ed words from my child?!

So the-child-who-would-not-read because she preferred everyone else read to her is reading Frog and Toad books and l-o-v-i-n-g it!

If you'd like a refresher on Frog and Toad, either click here: http://readmeastorynow.blogspot.com/2011/03/give-away-3.html
or read below:

Once upon a time, there was a Frog . . . and there was a Toad . . . and they were friends.  Frog always saw the best in people and situations.   He was a laid-back, cheerful, "cup is half-full" fella.  Toad always seemed to find himself in a mishap.  And being a high-strung, "cup is half-empty" fella, he responded to his mishaps in a dejected sort of way.  Sometimes Toad gave in to the grumpies.  But no matter what, "Frog and Toad always helped each other out -- as good friends should." 

Arnold Lobel received a Caldecott Honor for Frog and Toad are Friends.  However, his artful drawings aren't the only thing that distinguish his Frog and Toad books, Lobel presents his readers with stories that are masterfully crafted in simplicity and charm.  Frog and Toad epitomize what loyal friendship looks like.  The humorous adventures of this endearing pair evokes chuckles from the youngest to the oldest listener.  Yep, Lobel's readers come back again and again and again and again. 

So, what's your age . . . 3, 7, 12, 32, 57, or 78?  No matter, you too will be charmed by these unforgettable characters and their unforgettable friendship.  There's a reason we see these titles in every bookstore, library, and book club, they're classics that keep their readers returning.  The kids enjoy this timeless series so much that they've proven you'll not stop with Frog and Toad are Friends (c. 1970), oh no, you'll have to continue with Frog and Toad Together (c. 1972, recipient of a Newbery Honor ~ for writing), Frog and Toad All Year(1976), and Days with Frog and Toad (1979).  In fact, the only criticism you'll find with Lobel's endearing characters, is that they don't continue past four books.  I only wish for more!

The Secret Three

Here's another read that I vividly recall from my childhood summers: The Secret Three by Mildred Myrick with drawings by Arnold Lobel (c. 1963).


The Secret Three is a wonderful story of friendship that begins when Billy and Mark find a secret message inside a bottle that washed up onto the beach. (Seriously, doesn't that alone make you want to run out to get it?!)  See if you can decode the messages as you follow along Billy and Mark's seaside, summer adventure.  And be delighted - once again - by Arnold Lobel's excellent illustrations.  He has an uncanny way of capturing that essence of feeling we associate with each season.

Oh, and did I mention that this is a good book for those early readers too?

Fancy Nancy

Here's a series of books that shows how an author paired with the right artist makes the book. Enter Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser which debuted in picture book edition in 2005, with I Can Read books following in 2008 beginning with Fancy Nancy and the Boy from Paris.

What do we love about Fancy Nancy books here at Read Me A Story?  Everything!!!


*   Fancy Nancy teaches vocabulary while introducing various extensions of the sciences, arts, and natural world.


*   Fancy Nancy loves anything and everything fancy (think frilly, prissy, etc.).  She dresses up her vocabulary too, with "big words" and French words.


*   The basic Fancy Nancy storyline goes something like: meaning well, Nancy Clancy ends up getting herself in a pickle of a predicament where an adult comes in to help her solve the problem and figure out a resolution.


* The messages in Fancy Nancy books promote good values of honesty, trust, friendship, etc.


*   Personal testimony: the gals at my house simply ADORE Fancy Nancy!!!


*   Professional testimony: O'Connor and Preiss Glasser's books have remained one of my #1 book recommendations since their debute in 2005.  These are our favorite books to gift and recommend to girls everywhere!

So there you have it folks!  I apologize that I'm just now getting to our beloved Fancy Nancy here in 2012.  If you're not a fan, then what are you waiting for?!  ;)

If you don't take my word for it, read this excellent recommendation: http://www.smartmompicks.com/a-well-spoken-and-well-adjusted-child-with-fancy-nancy-books/

While I don't have room to post all the Fancy Nancy book covers, I'll post our very favorites:

Owl at Home

title page

You remember Arnold Lobel, right?!  He's the creator of our dear friends Frog and Toad.

Well, you must, must, must check out this cozy and funny winter read, an I CAN READ book entitled Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel (c. 1975).  Let me give you a glimpse of my favorite illustrations:

beginning the chapter entitled The Guest

beginning the chapter entitled Tear-Water Tea

Now, don't you just want to visit owl?  You can!  Owl at Home is especially perfect for your budding reader or for that young reader who wants an advancement.  The kids just love Owl!  Our house is filled with laughter whenever we read this together.  To tell the truth, Owl is a bit daft, but his daftness evokes the frolicking laughs that children enjoy.  I could go into a more thorough explanation of each of Lobel's five stories, but suffice it to say, Owl at Home is an experience you won't want to miss!

end cover

Popcorn

Popcorn (c. 1979) is just one of those books that you have to read and experience for yourself.  Written and illustrated by the beloved Frank Asch (of Happy Birthday Moon), it's a Halloween costume party sure to surprise.  Oh, and a quick word of warning, read it before you decide to pop your popcorn.

Are You My Mother?

Well, one of the children just surprised me by beginning Are You My Mother? (c. 1960) by P. D. Eastman.  If your child is learning how to read, I encourage you to check out P. D. Eastman's books.  They're quite a hit!  In this particular story, a baby bird searches for his mother, interviewing the animals or machinery with whom he comes into contact.  As his selections become odder and odder, the kids laugh harder and harder.  Will baby bird ever find his mother?




P. D. Eastman is right up there with Dr. Seuss as far as I'm concerned.  His sense of humor strikes just the right chord with the I Can Read age group.  And he doesn't get mundane.  In fact, it's a trip down memory lane reading (or listening) to these universally favorite reads.

Recently, we borrowed Robert the Rose Horse (c. 1962) from our friends over at My Two Sons.  Let me just tell you, this little story brings the house down with laughter!  And everyone especially loves the surprise ending.  However, it introduced a whole new problem.  Yep, it's an I can't live without it favorite.  So her kids moped about while we enjoyed it, and my kids moped about after we gave it back.  Thank goodness Nana came to the rescue with Are You My Mother?  So you know what I'm now on the look out for . . . more P. D. Eastman books!

Morris Goes to School

 For your budding reader, check out Morris Goes to School by B. Wiseman (c. 1970).  It's just the kind of slapstick, Amelia-Bedelia type of humor that those budding readers enjoy so much.  They'll be secretly wishing that Morris will appear in their classroom.  Oh, and be sure to get a bag of gumdrops to go along with this story-time read.

The Fire Cat

Don't you just love stories where a naughty protagonist is taken in by a loving individual who nutures the little tyke with care and sound discernment.  That's just the story Esther Averill presents in The Fire Cat (c. 1960).  Averill weaves together a beautiful story of second chances, adoption, and dreams fulfilled.

Her three chapters of pure delight resonates among children and the child within.  Poor Pickles the cat is so aptly named for he's always getting himself into a pickle.  And who could resist a rescuing character named Mrs. Goodkind?  The rescuing theme continues throughout the book with the firemen and with . . . well, I can't give anything away, can I? 

A story beloved by many generations, The Fire Cat remains one of those books that evokes warmth and security by a mere glance of the cover.

Give Away #3

Once upon a time, there was a frog . . . and there was a toad . . . and they were friends.  Frog always saw the best in people and situations.   He was a laid-back, cheerful, "cup is half-full" fella.  Toad always seemed to find himself in a mishap.  And being a high-strung, "cup is half-empty" fella, he responded to his mishaps in a dejected sort of way.  Sometimes Toad gave in to the grumpies.  But no matter what, "Frog and Toad always helped each other out -- as good friends should." 

Arnold Lobel received a Caldecott Honor for Frog and Toad are Friends.  However, his artful drawings aren't the only thing that distinguish his Frog and Toad books, Lobel presents his readers with stories that are masterfully crafted in simplicity and charm.  Frog and Toad epitomize what loyal friendship looks like.  The humorous adventures of this endearing pair evokes chuckles from the youngest to the oldest listener.  Yep, Lobel's readers come back again and again and again and again. 

So, what's your age . . . 3, 7, 12, 32, 57, or 78?  No matter, you too will be charmed by these unforgettable characters and their unforgettable friendship.  There's a reason we see these titles in every bookstore, library, and book club, they're classics that keep their readers returning.  The kids enjoy this timeless series so much that they've proven you'll not stop with Frog and Toad are Friends (c. 1970), oh no, you'll have to continue with Frog and Toad Together (c. 1972, recipient of a Newbery Honor ~ for writing), Frog and Toad All Year (1976), and Days with Frog and Toad (1979).

You guessed it; today's give away Frog and Toad are Friends, an I CAN READ Book, is perfect for the budding reader, yet it also resonates with the reader of any age.  To enter the give away, post a comment by next Wednesday (April 6).  I will then announce the winner, pulled at random, on that following Thursday (April 7).  Good luck.  Meanwhile, be sure to enjoy the adventures of Frog and Toad.

 

Black History Month

I feel a bit like I'm playing catch up.  I've checked out many, many books from our local library, celebrating Black History Month . . . which was in February . . . and now it's March.  I'd say I'm behind!  Allow me to share with you the three books that continue to draw me back:

Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges herself was perhaps the most moving of all three titles because it gave the most heart-wrenching account of the days of the Civil Rights Movement.  It took me several days before my mind would rest from what I read of Ruby Bridges' (and her teacher, Mrs. Barbara Henry) story.  The suggested ages for this title are 8-12.

David A. Adler is renown for his biographies for children for a reason.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., proves no exception.  I especially liked illustrator Colin Bootman's interpretation of the historic events retold in this book.  From the Holiday House Reader, this level 2 volume is suggested for ages 4-8.

The review on the inside dust jacket of Rosa Parks best describes the book: "David A. Adler's Picture Book Biographies have been hailed as an 'expert mixture of facts and personality' (School Library Journal)."  Rosa Parks is suggested for grades K through 4th.