Monday, March 22, 2010

grown ups are magic

“A Drink in the Night” by Deborah Garrison:

My eyes opened
at once for you were standing
by my side, you’d padded
in to ask for a drink in the night.

The cup was—-where?
Fallen down, behind?
Churning in the dishwater, downstairs?
Too tired to care, I cupped
my hand and tipped it
to you. You stared, gulped,
some cold down your chin.
Whispered, “Again!”

O wonder. You’d no idea
I could make a cup.
You’ve no idea what
I can do for you, or hope to.
You watched, curious and cool,
as I cupped some up
to my own lips, too,
then asked,
“Why does it taste better?”


found this poem, and it made me think of how children have to be taught so many things that we, as grown ups, take for granted. I quickly tied a pair or tricky shoes the other day and the child asked me, full of wonder, "How did you do that?!". It's amazing the things we teach children everyday.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

One of the best things about working with kids is the books I get to read. I love kids books. There are some fantastic books out there. Not only are they great stories, but the art work is amazing. I think all too often, kids books are seen as simple stories. This may be true, but even some of the most simple stories have such wonderful pictures. The link is to one of my favorite blogs. It takes a look at some illustrators and how they work. One of my favorite is Oliver Jeffers. His drawings are so full of feeling and whimsy and the stories are sweet.


Take a look at the website, or hit your local library or book store for some great kids books! Your kids will love them, and you will too!