Happy New Year from A Modest Momma's Musings for Little Readers

     "Writing," author Marc Brown says to his well-loved character, Arthur in a recent video on PBS Kids' Facebook page, is "like riding a bike.  The more you practice, the EASIER it is."
      Well, here's to a lot more practice this year, as I hope to shine a spotlight on all of the upcoming children's tales, and early childhood literacy tips and news for you and your little ones.
       Wishing you all a new year that is filled with health, happiness and new reads to enjoy!




   

One Man's Efforts to Bring the Power of Reading to Little Ones At Risk in Chicago

     "Books give soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything."---Plato

      Thank you, Brian Floriani, for bringing countless of at risk children in the Chicago area, the means for their minds, imagination and hearts, to soar. http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/books/ct-brian-floriani-book-bank-1225-20161220-story.html

Browser the Library Cat Outlasts Councilman Who Wanted His Removal!

     This story from CBS News makes my heart smile.  Here's a little backstory.... Browser, the library cat at White Settlement Public Library outside of Fort Worth, Texas, was originally adopted by librarians as a means to help end a problem with mice, and for five years, lived happily among patrons and literary classics.  When a councilman named Elzie Clements publicly requested that the library remove Browser in response to a city worker's complaint that they were not allowed to bring their dog to work.  Outrage grew among the residents of this small town, and subsequently, a Facebook page, was created and support for the sweet little tabby cat instantly grew across the state, country and world!
    And now, it seems that Councilman Clements has been removed from office by the residents of White Settlement, and Browser continues his duties as a loyal reading helper for all the children and adults who visit the library.  Yay, Browser!!!

Words to Live By... Remembering Fred Rogers

"The greatest gift you can give is your honest self"-- Fred Rogers

     Words to always remember and live by.  How much this remarkable man is missed, but I am so grateful that his impact on so many of us, and our children, continues to remain.  Please take a moment to view this link from The Fred Rogers Company.

The Baby Who Lived--- How JK Rowling's Words Soothed and Saved a Baby Girl's Life

     "Words possess primitive mystical incantatory healing powers....their articulation represents a complete, lived experience." ----Ingrid Bengis.
     
     Born at just 23 weeks, little Juniper's father spent every day reading J.K. Rowling's literary masterpiece series, Harry Potter, while his daughter fought for her life.  Rowling's words brought well needed peace, comfort and healing to both father and daughter.  Kindly read this account from Upworthy on how the author herself reached out to the pair to give them a very special gift.

 

Goodbye to Sweet Sydney

   

      It is with great sadness that I report that sweet Sydney, the dog who helped countless numbers of young children in the Central Florida area build their reading confidence while being a comforting presence, passed away from cancer on May 11th.  The entire community came together to support Sydney and her family during her battle, but a cure was not to be.
      Although this beautiful dog has left us, her spirit continues to live on with the ongoing efforts of the Read to Syndey Foundation, as well as with a lovely story book, Sydney Finds a Job, which I urge you all to discover and read to your little ones.  I look forward to posting about this story in an upcoming post.
      Bless you, sweet Sydney, for sharing your incredible gifts with so many little ones.  The Rainbow Bridge Awaits You.... xo

Read with Sydney Needs Your Help!

     This sweet dog has helped countless young children in the Central Florida area over the years thru her work as special therapy dog. "The Read with Sydney" program has helped so many children who are struggling with their reading skills to build their confidence. Now, Sydney needs our help. Please share this link on your pages so that we can come together to help this special, beautiful dog. Thank you all! http://www.dailycommercial.com/…/article_28524b25-46f3-5bee…