{dear friend}

12. What you’re reading
{The Invention of Hugo Cabret}
January 14, 2012

“Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo’s dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.”

This 550 page novel is filled with words and pictures; a combination of a picture book, graphic novel, flip book, and movie. I’ve only just started it, but heard it’s incredible.

It’s a Caldecott winner too (2008), and the pictures are beautiful.

And yes, it’s also been turned into a movie, Hugo… but of course, it’s always best to read the book first, in my humble opinion.

EXCITED about this one!

12. Close-up
{Charlotte’s Web}
January 12, 2012

The end of this books gets me every. single. time.

Yes, I am that teacher choking back tears as she reads the last words of a stellar story.

Here’s a list of the ones I need to look out for to keep my dignity in the classroom, yet I keep going back to them because they’re too dang good not to. And every kid deserve a great story, don’t you think?

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

This is hands down one of my favorite parts of my job. I get to read these books (and lots of others) each and every day, year after year. There is something about a good children’s book that brings a one-of-a-kind feeling. It makes you feel alive and whole. Humbling. Pure. True.

Read these again, okay? Or maybe for the very first time.

No matter what age you are, I am sure your heart will thank you.