Imagine my surprise when I sat down, looked up at the stage and saw all the books displayed, including two large picture books prominent in the foreground - Farmer Joe Goes to the City and Farmer Joe's Hot Day. You have to know that I am crazy for children's books and when I taught, I had a huge collection that I carted around with me and set up in every classroom I every had. Over the years, some of those books became tattered with all the little hands that held them. And I made reading to my students a priority every day. Farmer Joe's Hot Day was one of my absolute favorites to read!
And to meet the author, who lives in Nova Scotia (did not know that)? Let's just say I was excited! I made it a point to chat with her afterward and share with her how much her books meant to me as a teacher and to my students as readers. I was thrilled to know that she was still writing - branched out to more middle grade chapter books rather than picture books...OK, let's just say I was thrilled to just see her. I was star-struck! I mean, Farmer Joe's Hot Day!
The concert was great - as was Connie Kaldor. The kids in the audience were up dancing and we all sang along. It's been a long time since I took part in a children's event - and I realized how much I missed it. The energy, the pure and simple laughter, the lack of self-consciosness (why do we lose that as we get older?). We should all revert back to being a child every now and then - it would do our heart good!
I gave away most of my children's books to friends, family and collegues - but I kept a box full of those I really loved. I believe Farmer Joe's Hot Day is in that box. I wish I had done some Google research, I could have looked out the poor, tattered copy and her sign it!
Are you a fan of children's books? Are there any from your childhood or your children's childhood that stand out as extra-special? Have you ever met a favorite author and gone all fan-girl-squee on the person?
Connie Kaldor always reminds me of Fred Penner; and he always reminds me of my kids who loved to watch his TV show. Ahhhh, memories.
ReplyDeleteAnd Nancy Richards is an acquaintance but only because her daughter and mine were in school together. The Richards family are some of the nicest people in the county, I'm sure. And yes, we have Farmer Joe's Hot Day.
Other favorite children's books were the Alfie books (British), Paddington Bear, "Red is Best", "Balookie KlujiePop", and so many others. I haven't been able to part with a lot of them. (Someday there will be grandkids???)
I was reminded of Fred Penner when she had all the kids up dancing and singing along, Sandy!
ReplyDeleteYes, you should keep your children's books for the future grandbabies (and I love the title "Balookie KlujiePop"). I have my box of books under the guise of when children visit - but I really keep them because they're so precious to me!
Really? You know Nancy Wilcox Richards? That's amazing! Well, I think she is lovely, too :)
I still have some of the books I owned as a kid, and I got to share them with my daughter. Now she has her favorites saved so if she ever has kids, she can pass them along. I don't remember the titles of mine, but a couple of hers are The Hungry Duckling and another one about some lost kittens. Beautiful illustrations and lovely stories.
ReplyDeleteI've never met an author in person, but there are a few I would definitely SQUEE over.
Ooh, I don't know The Hungry Duckling! I know The Hungry Caterpiller - so good!
ReplyDeleteI love that about children's books - the passing them along and the timelessness of them.
Funny - I didn't squee over Margaret Atwood the way I squeed (word?) over Nancy Wilcox Richards. Although Margaret Atwood was lovely - and funny - but she didn't write Farmer Joe's Hot Day!!
*Please note - I do love Margaret Atwood*
http://www.amazon.com/HUNGRY-DUCKLING-Little-Animal-Adventures/dp/B000KEXRZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327437293&sr=8-1 - It's really cute.
ReplyDeleteI love Milly Molly Mandy, which my great aunt went to the high street in Kingston-on-Thames to buy for me. That always made a picture of her in my head. I was very impressed and very proud.
ReplyDeleteSusannah of the Mounties was a favourite of mine. I bought a battered copy but it is missing the last few pages.
I read Joji books and Good Night Owl so often! Joel still checks out used bookstores for Joji books. We have each found one.
Does anyone remember a picture book by Brian (Last name??) The pictures were all of torn paper figures. I especially remember the mouse. I'd love to get my hands on it if I knew the name.
"I was standing in the street one day
As quiet as can be
When a big ugly man came by
And tied his horse to me". That book of silly poems I love! Those lines are the title and the first poem
Another poem from that book:
"Old Slithergadee came out of the sea,
He may catch the others
but he won't catch me.
No no old Slithergadee. You might catch the others but you wo"
Kady Macdonald, now known world wide,once asked me to look at a story (before she submitted it). I wasn't impressed (but I didn't say so). Now it is in a zillion languages. Do not ask my advice I guess.
I recognize the cover, B.E. - thanks for putting the link up for me :)
ReplyDeleteYou have lots of wonderful memories, Connie - but that doesn't surprise me considering what an eclectic reader you are as an adult! There's nothing like fostering a love of books in children - and then having those children grow up as bibliophiles!!
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew the books (or the author for that matter). Keep looking, you might find copies of them somewhere.
Ooh, I love Goodnight Owl :)