Where would I have been without them? Dick and Jane, Baby Sally, Spot, Puff, Mother and Father–they people the paper back books of my first readers and I remember them fondly. They were good friends.
“Oh, oh. See Spot. See Puff. Oh, oh.”
Such simple little sentences, but leading on to other, bigger, greater things–the lovely gift of reading. Because of these childhood friends, I learned that by opening the pages of a book, I could be transported to anywhere in the world, or out of this world. I could learn things. I could travel. I could have such fun experiences, and, later on, I could write my own books. Wonder of wonders.
Of all the skills a youngster can learn, to my way of thinking, reading ranks at the top. It is a gift, a lovely thing that will stay with a person all his life. It is not only fun, it is necessary. And, not only to learn to unlock those mysterious-looking letters on a page, but to love doing it. Reading is not a chore, it is a wonder and a blessing.
It has been a long time since I became acquainted with those three children–Dick, Jane, Sally, but I’ll never forget them. They gave me a wonderful gift–the lifelong love of reading.
Don’t forget the contest that is going on until Wednesday. Check it out:
CONTEST! To celebrate the launch of Ned McNeil’s brand-new moonlight cozy mystery, Moonstruck and Murderous, here’s a brand-new contest! Simply share this post, tell me you’ve shared. The prize is this cute notepad and a Manos Mysteries pen. Contest ends Wednesday, July 10.
http://www.pen-l.com/MoonstruckAndMurderous.html
USA: www.amazon.com/dp/B07TW83PDD
Canada: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07TW83PDD
I still read these books. And I attribute much of my power to get good grades in school to this family and the world book encyclopedia!
I love those books too, Stephanie. I thought the whole family was neat and I also enjoyed Spot and Puff. They were my first start in reading and I’ve been a voracious reader since. I wish that children nowadays were introduced to Dick, Jane, Baby Sally and their family. Thanks for writing.