“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” 

― C.S. Lewis          

Mr. Lewis was quite correct for if a non-reader child is to enjoy a book, the reader must be passionate about it, and abandon our adult inhibitions.  Hop on Pop, by Dr. Seuss, can be read by any individual... but it takes a special crazed enthusiasm for the book to come to life and to cause a child to readily hop on the lap of the reader to hear it "just one more time" or eagerly be introduced to a new book!

Adults, take the time to find books which you find humorous, important, moving or just entertaining.

Children, find the books which make you laugh, think, wonder or want to know more.

Adults and children, you have so much to share with each other... 

both of you know things that the other does not know!  

Share what is interesting... what is funny... what is important... 

what is nonsense... and what makes you wonder!  

Read to one another.

Adults, when your child presents you with something as ridiculous as Jon Scieszka's The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, don't discount it as a waste of time.  

It is, in fact, like every other book, a snapshot of your child's 

interest...  a fleeting moment to share with your child...  

a memory in the making.  

Put down your work, turn off the television, turn off that phone and embrace these opportunities because, my friends, as a mother of three children who are grown up and far, far away...  

I'd sell my soul to curl up again with The Stinky Cheese Man and that giggling, wiggling, extraordinary child!

And, children, when the adult in your life pulls out a favorite book, maybe something like The Odyssey, don't groan and moan.  Just fasten your seat belts because your adult is about to take you on a wondrous adventure that, right now, you can't even imagine. 

Seriously, expect to meet a one-eyed monster along the way and imagine what you would do to get away from him when this creature is keeping you captive!  

Ah, I'm not going to spoil the story - grab that adult and start reading the story!

(photo credit)

The books will remain.

But those moments with your children and with your adults may not...

Don't let the moment pass ~  once it is gone, it is just that.... gone.

PLEASE BROWSE THROUGH THE MANY PAGES OF THIS "PORTFOLIO."
The Table of Contents, on the right, lists different sections within this portfolio.  If you are interested in taking a closer look, simply click on one of the headings beneath "Table of Contents" and you should be taken to that information right away....  


This information within this "portfolio," unless otherwise stated, is the sole work of
 Leslie Carol Rankin Staven.  
You are welcome to use the ideas you find within, 
but remember the rules regarding plagiarism and be sure to give credit where credit is due!!