Monday, April 25, 2011

Children's Book Monday

Play With Me
by Marie Hall Ets

There is something so captivating about this little story. And I don't think I expected there to be! (Yes, once in awhile I am guilty of mis-judging a book by it's cover.) I'm happy to report, though, that my children are wiser than I in some respects, and when I laid this book with several other library treasures on Gideon's preschool bookshelf, he was no snob and almost immediately found it and brought it to me to read to him.



With very muted (and few!) colors and very simple line drawings, Marie Hall Ets crafts a sweet story of a little girl enjoying nature- sometimes a little too aggressively!

For each creature she finds, the little girl has a question: Will YOU play with me? But she is saddened when, one after the other, they hop, swim, and slither away. It is only when she gives up and sits still that something wonderful happens...

The story is perfect for a two-year-old, and, of course, in a homeschool with many different ages, I can say with confidence that the simplicity and message reach out across those numbers and all of my children listen with smiles on their faces. Eliana drops her books and markers and lays on her tummy with us, but the boys sit at their math books and copywork, listening and learning and enjoying.

Play With Me is yet another gem recommended by Before Five in a Row, and I was so thrilled to find a free lapbook online to create with with my children. We're looking forward to a walk on the river parkway soon so we can practice sitting still... who knows what will happen?

Happy Reading!


3 fellow travelers shared:

I Live in an Antbed said...

We have loved this book for years and years. It is so gentle and precious! Thank you.

Valerie said...

Wow, flashback to 1983, my mom is reading that book to me, I'm holding my Strawberry Shortcake doll... I remember that book, it's very sweet!

jenny said...

Play with Me is a favorite of ours!

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