Across the Page

The photo GretchenJoanna posted of her early morning visitor inspired me to recommend this story — and then, of course, to pick it up and read it again with the girls. It’s kind of a twist on the theme of hospitality, of entertaining angels unawares — but in this case, the “angel” is a raccoon.

I loved this tale as a child, and still have our old copy. In real life, my father was in continual combat with raccoons, perfecting the bungy-cord-like straps and springs that eventually kept the garbage can lids in place when the raccoons tipped them over in the night. But in the story, Mrs. McGinnis leaves a piece of bread out every night for her resident raccoon, and he returns the favor with interest. I sympathized with my Dad, but my heart was more in tune with Mrs. McGinnis toward all things furry and roly-poly.

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That one was pure pleasure. For school, we’ve toured a number of books about the Revolutionary War era:

Boston Tea Party, in which a group of mice scurrying across the bottom of each page, discussing the content, enlivened the history unfolding on center stage;

George Did It, about our reluctant first president who nevertheless rose to the occasion and did his duty in all things;

Big George: How a Shy Boy Became President Washington, another engaging picture book biography of Washington;

Paul Revere’s Ride, the memorable Longfellow poem, wonderfully illustrated by Ted Rand. We read the library copy, but I’d love to have one to keep.

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Last but not least, I have to mention Jama Kim Rattigan’s Truman’s Aunt Farm. I’ve gotten to know Jama a little bit through her blog thanks to Poetry Friday, but this is my first of her books. What’s held me back? It’s not lack of interest. It’s more the same reluctance I feel when a relative gives me some of their original poems to read: “I really like them: what if I don’t like their writing?”

I needn’t have worried! If you haven’t read this tale about a boy who sends away for an ant farm and finds aunts arriving on his doorstep instead, wait no longer. All of us loved the wordplay, the fun of being drawn into Truman’s dilemma, and his good-humored and humane response. Older Daughter is 8 and snatched the book before I had a chance to read it aloud. When I asked her what it was about, a slow smile spread over her face and she said, “That is a very funny book…” I notice that it’s included in volume 3 of 5 In a Row. Here are some ideas for activities related to the story — along with Jama’s explanation of where it came from.

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That’s the cream skimmed off the top. What have you been reading? Visit Hope Is the Word to read others’ posts or share your own.

Tags: history living books, read-aloud thursday