No one gets everything right all the time. That's true for adults as well as children. Why is it, then, that some adults have higher expectations for children than for themselves? It should be the other way around. Children have far less experience and knowledge than adults; we should expect children to make more mistakes.
Regardless of the age of the one that has misunderstood, made an error, or other blunder, to ridicule that person is uncalled for and does more damage than any possible good. No one likes to be made fun of, but the child that is on the receiving end of that kind of cruelty may learn to be the very same kind of person.
Today's reviewed books touch on this concept in a positive way. But reading books such as these is only part of the picture. Children will make mistakes, and when they do, don't follow with a sharp tongue or other display of disgust or disapproval. Instead, allow them to learn from their mistakes by providing consistent guidance from you both in word and action, all wrapped-up with your unconditional love.
Books to Borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries.
"Do Like a Duck Does!" by Judy Hindley, illustrated by Ivan Bates, Candlewick Press, 36 pages
Read aloud: age 3 and older.
Read yourself: age 7 and older.
"Five little ducklings, following their mother; whatever any duck does, so does the other." But wait! Who is this creature following close behind, pretending to be a duck? He certainly has a foxy looking nose and a wicked foxy smile.
Mama Duck challenges the critter to prove he is a duck by doing just as she and her ducklings do. And, although the stealthy imposter is able to keep up on most accounts, he is out-foxed on his last test and scurries off, leaving the ducks safe and sound.
A marvelous book for younger children, this selection provides several solid messages Ð things may not always be what they seem, trust your instincts, test your theories, and believe in yourself. Bravo!
Librarian's Choice
Library: Silver City Volunteer Library, Silver City Volunteer Fire Department, High St.
Volunteer Librarian: Quest Lakes
Choices this week: "Faye and Dolores" by Barbara Samuels; "Uhu" by Annette Macarthur-Onslow; "Dinosaur's Binkit" by Sandra Boynton
Books to Buy
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.
"Batter Up Wombat" by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger, Houghton Mifflin, 2006, 32 pages, $16.00 hardcover
Read aloud: age 6 Ð 7 and older.
Read yourself: age 7 Ð 8 and older.
The Champs are not champs at baseball Ð not even close. Last year they finished last in the North American Wildlife League. But when a Wombat shows up on their baseball field, they team is very excited. Even though Wombat explains that he doesn't know a thing about baseball, the team members think that a quick lesson will have Wombat their star player and help them win their next game against the Masked Bandits!
As the game commences, the team shouts fast instructions but Wombat is terribly confused. Told to steal third base, Wombat does Ð literally. And when his teammates yell to Wombat to catch the fly, he does better than that Ð he catches two flies and a duck. And if you think that's all, you're in for more surprises!
But despite Wombat's mistakes as a ball player, when a greater threat looms overhead, he's the only one that can save the day, because, well...he is a Wombat!
A hilarious play on words and a gentle reminder about trying to fit in when it doesn't always work out they way one expects, this selection excels in more ways than one.
"Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why Commas Really DO Make a Difference" by Lynne Truss, illustrated by Bonnie Timmons, Putnam, 2006, 32 pages, $15.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 7 Ð 8 and older.
Read yourself: age 7 Ð 8 and older.
Where you place a comma or fail to can make all the difference in how a sentence reads and is understood, sometimes with very funny consequences. On double-page spreads, thirteen different examples of how a meaning is changed depending on the placement or absence of commas is further exemplified through comical illustrations.
Based on the author's No. 1 best seller for adults, this hilarious adaptation for children is certain to get the point across that commas really do make a difference!
• Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.