The Story Weaver

Publisher: The Blue Sky Press/Scholastic

ISBN: 0-590-84627-2

You may be wondering why I'd go from reviewing a cute tale about pigs to... this. Have I lost my mind? No. Let me explain.

We were at the elementary school's book fare, my 8 yr. old son and me, looking for a book to buy. (Yes, one for me, and one for him. I got a cool book about dragons. Love it!) Anyway, he picks up this Captain Underpants and my parent radar goes off immediately. But he's so excited about it, bouncing as he raps of a series of "Pluuuuwwwweeeze! pleeeze. pleeze."

I always thought girls were the dramatic ones until my son came along. They can be just as bad. So I relented. Other boys were gathering around looking at the books, ohhing and awwing and chuckling at different parts.

For the most part, he complains books are boring. I hate when he feels that way. But bouncy boys have a problem sitting down quietly and looking at books unless there is something in them to catch their ever wandering attentions.

Dav Pilkey, a bouncy boy himself, knows how to grab a boy's attention. Pilkey was in high school when finally diagnosed with ADHD. He often found himself in trouble and having difficulty doing his school work. What he did love to do was create comic strips. Many of them he's made into the books children now love to read. Over time, he turned what started out to be a big problem, into a big business. Dav Pilkey has written many funny books that cause children to laugh out loud an find reading fun.

First I read one of my son's books, and I thought, "this is just pure stupidness." I'd chuckle every now and then. A few times I rolled my eyes and thought, how disgusting. No wonder boys love this stuff. Then I got into the book with it's "flip-o-rama" and practical jokes like having the reader yell out a word while moving the book to create "special effects".

There might be a few girls out there who enjoy these books, but they are strictly written for and about "boy stuff". Period.

1. If you only want your children to read about upstanding, honorable characters, then don't buy these books. Harold and George are wise-cracking trouble-makers. But likable wise-cracking trouble-makers.

2. If you don't like bathroom humor, don't buy these books. Unfortunately, boys seem to love this kind of humor: the belching, farting, rude-noises and embarrassing moments kind of humor. I don't believe they ever grow out of it, either.

3. If you don't like books that make adults out to be... well... endless joke possibilities, then don't buy these books.

1. If your children have trouble with pages full of text, these books help break things down and offers lots of visuals to keep their interest.

2. If your child has ADHD, Dav Pilkey knows from personal experience how to reach out to these kids and make reading interesting.

3. If your child finds reading boring, then I encourage you to seek out books that step out of the norm and may catch their attention.

And you know, I'm all for encouraging children to read and making it fun for them.

As a parent, its up to you what you allow your child to read. Here's one possibility, and soon, I'll offer more. Check back from time to time.

God Bless,

Jc

If you are interested in Dav Pilkey's books, check out the amazon links on my side bar on how to order them.

ISBN-10: 1400308348

The other day I was browsing through Barnes and Nobel in the children's section. I love looking at the new releases and the picture books offer lots of artful inspiration.

As I checked to see what Christian picture books B&N carried, I came across this beautifully illustrated book. Immediately, I sat down right there on the floor, no easy task if you've ever seen me, and read it.

Sidney and Norman are neighbors, but neither have spoken much to the other. Norman is a good pig and has his act together. Sidney is lucky to make it to work in one piece. He has problems following rules and is a real mess. Then one day, both receive a blue envelope from God, inviting them to come see him at a certain time. Norman thinks he'll get a big pat on the back for all his wonderfulness. Sidney panics.

As I read the story, it's message that God loves us no matter what we do... or don't do, both touched and convicted me. I bought the book, which is not usual for me. Both of my kids are too old for picture books anymore. Matter of fact, if you do find a picture book in my house, it's probably mine. tee hee.

This one I had to have. I told myself I could read it during one of my coffee house story times. I could read it to the kids at church. Shoot, for that matter, the adults would get something out of it as well. I did.

If you are looking for a book with a good message that doesn't come off preachy, then Sidney and Norman is a great choice.

Happy Reading!

Jc