One of my goals this year is to resume blogging regularly. In this time of change and turmoil, I believe that the comfort, compassionion, insights and heartfelt lessons books offer are more necessary than ever. If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher or anyone concerned with the well-being of our youngsters, this blog may help you navigate the tricky terrain of guiding the young in today’s world. 

Please view Nurturing Literacy as an open forum. If you comment, offer suggestions, share your trials and triumphs, and suggest ideas, we can create a strong community that can rely on one another and the power of literacy to soften our hearts and light the way. 

As always, I strongly suggest reading aloud and allowing stellar picture books to whet your child’s love of reading and learning. Last week I discovered a timely text at the public library, entitled, The Rabbi and the Reverend by Audrey Ades. This picture book uses concise language and stunning illustrations to tell the story of the relationship between Martin Luther King and Rabbi Joachim Prinz, a refugee from Nazi Germany. It depicts the many parallels in their lives and how they forged a friendship and joined forces in their quest for peace and freedom. Children from ages eight and up, along with the adults in their life, would relish this tale.

The Rabbi and the Reverend is a rather new picture book (2021), but I also wanted to introduce you to a very old, classic story, The Hundred Dresses. This is a short, fictional book written by Eleanor Estes. It was published in 1944, but this poignant tale is as relevant today as it was then.

The story relays what happens when a group of children begin to ridicule a classmate. Spurred on by Peggy, some of the girls in Wanda Petronski’s class decide to “have fun with” her. With her shabby dress and funny name, Wanda is a prime target. Maddie, Peggy’s close friend, feels badly as the teasing progresses, but can’t find the courage to stand up for Wanda. The sparse illustrations and well-chosen prose work together to create an unforgettable story and message that will stay with readers for many years to come. Again, this timeless tale spans the ages and is worth not only reading to your child, but also purchasing for your family library.  Hope you will check these books out and enjoy them.