NATIONAL PAPERBACK BOOK DAY

By Terry Orr

Paperback writer

Paperback writer (paperback writer)

Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?

It took me years to write, will you take a look?

It's based on a novel by a man named Lear

And I need a job, so I want to be a paperback writer,

Paperback writer.

It's a dirty story of a dirty man

And his clinging wife doesn't understand.

Their son is working for the Daily Mail,

It's a steady job but he wants to be a paperback writer,

Paperback writer.

Paperback writer (paperback writer)

It's a thousand pages, give or take a few,

I'll be writing more in a week or two.

I can make it longer if you like the style,

I can change it round and I want to be a paperback writer,

Paperback writer.

If you really like it you can have the rights,

It could make a million for you overnight.

If you must return it, you can send it here

But I need a break and I want to be a paperback writer,

Paperback writer.

Paperback writer (paperback writer)

Paperback writer - paperback writer

Paperback writer - paperback writer

Paperback Writer by the Beatles was playing on my car radio while pulling out of the garage – reminding me that Paperback Book Day was just a few days away.  They are as popular today as they were in 1935 when

Actually, paperbacks are still quite en vogue, as proven by E.L. James' "Fifty Shades of Grey" which sold over a million copies in just 11 weeks. These unprecedented sales broke the previous record set by Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code," which took 36 weeks to break the million mark.

Paperback or Pocket books – have long been a favorite for their easy of storage, fits well in your pocket, purse and other place to carry them – and a fraction of the cost, weight and size of hardback books.  Nearly all of our paperback books are donated for our troops overseas.

[Photos from Google] 

Inspiring children to pick up a book and get reading!

By Terry Orr

As a grandparent, there are few things that warm my heart like watching kids playing outdoors or reading books.  That is why today special – International Children’s Book Day and Hans Christian Andersen birthday!

Mothers and others who read aloud while the baby is still in the womb and daily there after are providing a good foundation habit for the child.  Reading with your child helps establish quality and bonding time that will positively impact them throughout their lives.  When the child sees the parent, relative or others who are reading frequently – setting good examples.

Bookjoy! Around the World

We can read, you and I.

See letters become words,

and words become books

we hold in our hands.

We hear whispers

and roaring rivers in the pages,

bears singing

funny tunes to the moon.

We enter spooky gray castles,

And in our hands flowering trees climb

to the clouds. Bold girls fly;

boys fish for sparkling stars.

You and I read, round and round,

Bookjoy around the world.

By Pat Mora

I recommend reading these three web sites providing their Top 100 Children Books:

1. http://www.teachersfirst.com/100books.cfm
2. http://childrensbooksguide.com/top-100
3. http://www.nea.org/grants/13154.htm

The first two provide a brief overview of each book.

In addition to public libraries, there are hundreds of thousand websites that provide free children’s book to read on your computer, table, phone, etc. Here are five links for free online books for children:

1. http://freekidsbooks.org
2. http://www.wegivebooks.org
3. http://en.childrenslibrary.org
4. http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/42561/
5. http://literacylaunchpad.blogspot.com/2009/08/20-places-to-find-free-childrens-books.html

Lets all find a good book and share it with our young people and celebrate today.

Celebrating Read Across America

By Terry Orr

Prof. A.C. Grayling, in a review of A History of Reading by Alberto Manguel had said, "To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries." So true! Reading is really like taking a flight to great heights in pursuit of knowledge. It's a journey towards enlightenment.

The NEA Read Across America is celebrated on Dr. Seuss birthday.  We at Keeping it Simple believe that reading is so important that are dedicating two articles today on this subject. Reading is the most important life skill - along with writing and speaking.

“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.” ― William Styron, Conversations with William Styron

 

Why Reading is the Most Important Thing You Will Ever Do  

·         Words are our everyday tools. You use words in everything.

·         Vocabulary. Many of today's teenagers think vocabulary isn't important

·         Information. Reading gives you information.

·         Imagination. Reading feeds your imagination.

·         Inspiration

The art of reading is in great part that of acquiring a better understanding of life from one’s encounter with it in a book.  | André Maurois

Importance of reading aloud:

·         Reading aloud helps children acquire early language skills.

·         Reading aloud helps children develop positive associations with books and reading.

·         Reading aloud helps children build a stronger foundation for school success.

“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another's skin, another's voice, another's soul.” ― Joyce Carol Oates

Blending in nonfiction reading and discussion with your family each day will help broaden their knowledge.

6 ways to spark your child's nonfiction reading and writing:

·         Pursue the passion: Get books that encourage your child’s interests.

·         More is more: Offer lots of nonfiction reading material – from books and magazines to newspapers and atlases.

·         Be the bookworm: Read a broad range of fiction and nonfiction, and talk about what you read.

·         Reality check: Talk about connections between what your child is reading and events in the news.

·         Reasons to write: Suggest new writing projects — from letters to grandma, to keeping a diary, to penning a play for the neighborhood kids.

·         Get the lowdown: Ask your child's teacher if your child’s reading list includes any nonfiction texts. If not, why not?

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ― Charles William Eliot

“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.” ― Voltaire

 

Read Across America Poem

You're never too old, too wacky, too wild,

To pick up a book and read with a child.

You're never too busy, too cool, or too hot,

To pick up a book and share what you've got.

In schools and communities,

Let's gather around,

Let's pick up a book,

Let's pass it around.

There are kids all around you,

Kids who will need

Someone to hug,

Someone to read.

Come join us on March 2nd

In your own special way

And make this America's Read to Kids Day.

“It is a good rule after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between.” ― C.S. Lewis

References and Links:

http://voices.yahoo.com/why-reading-most-important-thing-will-ever-1045275.html

http://inspirationboost.com/8-reasons-why-reading-is-so-important

http://lifedev.net/2009/06/reading-makes-you-better/

http://www.homework-help-secrets.com/importance-of-reading.html 

http://childrens-books.lovetoknow.com/Why_Is_Reading_Important

http://www.greatschools.org/reading/7071-non-fiction-why-its-important.gs?page=all#sthash.SlucdfQ2.dpuf
http://www.reachoutandread.org/why-we-work/importance-of-reading-aloud/

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/why-is-reading-important.html

http://wanttoknowit.com/why-is-reading-important/

[All images from Google]