Calling All Bookworms

By Beth Fronckowiak, WNED/ThinkBright manager of learning/technology

In honor of National Children’s Book Day on April 2, each member of the education department was asked to recommend a special book to share. We hope you enjoy these books with your children, grandchildren, family and friends as much as we do!

1. “One of my favorites for my children’s reading time was ‘Bear and Bunny Grow Tomatoes,’ by Bruce Koscielniak.  It’s kind of a take-off of an Aesop’s fable, explaining the morals of personal character and goodwill. The story, its drawings and general good humor make it appealing for any reading occasion…every time I read it, it makes me smile!”
- John Craig, vice president of education & outreach

2. “One of my favorite books as a child was ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,’ by Judith Viorst. I actually still have my original copy that sits on my daughter’s bookshelf – but I won’t tell you how old it is! Poor Alexander truly has one horrible day. Everyone has days like this, Alexander! It does end well for him thankfully. I love the detailed illustrations and the overall message of the book.”
- Beth Fronckowiak, manager of learning & technology

3. “I recommend ‘Super WHY! Story of The Three Little Pigs’ - a classic story with a Super WHY! spin. The Super Readers (Princess Presto, Wonder Red and Super WHY!) fly into the Three Little Pigs. They come face to face with the Big Bad Wolf, who struggles with making friends. The Super Readers learn a lesson about friendship, practice the alphabet, rhyme and use opposite words to change the story.”
- Patricia Ragin, education & outreach associate

4. “My favorite stories as a child came from grandmother’s imagination. Every night that I spent at her house would include an improvised story at bedtime. But, if I have to choose a published text I will go with ‘The Nancy Drew Case Files,’ by Carolyn Keene, which I read as I got older. I was always a fan of solving puzzles so I really enjoyed following a female character through solving mysteries.”
- Jamie Travale, education & outreach administrative assistant

5. A department-loved classic is “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss. Who can forget Sam I Am? It’s a traditional rhyming book, a la Dr. Seuss, that dares children not to love reading!

And of course you can use the PBS Parents Bookfinder tool, to find a book by age level and theme. What’s your favorite?