Happy Read Across America Day!

This post is dedicated to Theodore Giesel, aka, Dr. Seuss. In case you aren't aware, today, March 2nd, is his birthday & nationally known as Read Across America Day. The ability to read is such a strong indicator of academic success; plus it's FUN!! So I present to you some recommendations:

Family Recommendation: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. You and your kids will love this book! It's a quick, yet interactive read. The premise is a bus driver needs a break & asks you - the readers, to keep an eye on the bus & not let the pigeon drive it. The pigeon tries his darnedest to convince you to let him drive the bus. Other books by this author: The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late, & Knuffle Bunny. All are family favorites.

Iain's Recommendation:

Any Curious George book. He likes these books because "Curious George is funny and curious. That's why." He also recommends Pokemon books - I don't find them to be the best bedtime reading, but he's fallen into the Pokemon craze.

Orion's Recommendation:

Any Geronimo Stilton book. There are a ton in this series. If you want more information, visit this wikipedia site. Geronimo Stilton is a mouse who is also a journalist. He always winds up in some fun and silly adventure. I think this series is geared toward 2nd graders, but if your child is a good reader, 1st grade would be fine. Orion usually plows through these books in an afternoon, so I highly recommend getting a library card, or setting up a credit account at your local used books store. Orion loves visiting Title Wave just to keep up with the antics of Geronimo Stilton.

Arctic Knitter's Recommendation:

Wow - so many! I don't know if I can narrow it down - but here a a few favorites:

Knitting Related: Any Stephanie Pearl-McPhee book. I'm sure all you knitters already know this.

The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. If you are looking for a little fluff & fun - this series is it. The series (3 books, the 4th due out in August) isn't your typical teenage angst & romance novel. Vampires and Werewolves are thrown in for good measure. Great escapism. Perhaps I enjoyed them so much because I get to witness this sort of thing everyday w/my students. Ms. Meyer is also releasing an adult novel later this year, I'll be interested to see how that turns out.

Pillars of the Earth & World Without End by Ken Follet. Pillars is one of my all-time favorites. I really enjoy historical fiction. Both are rather long, so settle in & enjoy. I think I'll re-read them again this summer on our road trip.

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. Another historical fiction / love story. History, action, adventure, political intrigue. Oh yes - I must mention romance & Jamie - a Scottish Highlander who I imagine is a 'hunka burnin' love'. I warn you now - this series is a commitment. Six books have already been released w/more planned for the future.

Non-Fiction: I don't read too much of these. As I see it, my life & job are non-fiction, so when I read, I'm looking to escape a bit from reality. So I recommend: Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History by Penny LeCouteur & Jay Burreson and & Uncle Tungsten by Oliver Sacks. Both deal with chemistry; go figure. :0)

Wade's Recommendation:

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein and anything by Iain Banks (the namesake of our youngest son...) Wade is a science fiction fan - so if you're into sci-fi, these might be right up your alley.

Wow - that should be plenty to keep everyone literate. I'm always looking for more good books to read. Leave a comment as to you and your family's favorite book(s) & I'll link it in the side bar. I'm always looking for a good read.

Make it a point to sit down this evening as a family & read together. Enjoy! Read On!!