Library Score

I love the library. (I'm a great big nerd, and I'm proud of it). I've been taking Dylan quite often, since it has finally become doable. There were a few misfires, when he wasn't old enough yet. He just ran all over the place, wildly grabbing books from all the shelves and flinging them onto heaps on the floor, before cackling evilly and trying to climb a bookshelf.

But today, we went, and I was amazed at how enjoyable it has become. I picked up an alphabet book in which all the letters are different foods (Do I know my kid, or what?), some multicultural books that show families all around the world getting ready for bed and getting dressed, (I think it is important for kids to see that not everyone looks the same or does things the same.), and a Sesame Street potty video, (If anyone can motivate my kid to go potty, it's Elmo).

A while ago, I checked out a dvd that I must RAVE about. It is called Classical Baby - I'm Grown Up Now: The Poetry Show. Ridiculously long title, but ridiculously good dvd. Here's the description...

"Featuring the voices of performers Andy Garcia, John Lithgow, Elizabeth Mitchell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Susan Sarandon, and Jeffrey Wright, Classical Baby (I’m Grown Up Now): The Poetry Show consists of approximately a dozen short segments presenting well-known poems—and some surprises—in a unique format. Between each segment, children ranging in age from four to nine offer commentary and muse on the meaning and mystery of poetry".

The animation is gorgeous, the poetry is divine, the stars who narrate are perfect, and the commentary by the kids is adorable.

I could listen to this ...shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou are more lovely and more temperate... or this...
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach... for hours, but I'm weird that way.

Here's what the kids said...
"I like mysterious poems because they make me think, and I like thinking".
"A poem is a pretty way of saying something".
"Maybe you just love someone so much that there's no words for it and you just have to write what you feel".

What a genius idea to introduce children to poetry at an early age and to make it fun. And, if you're wondering, no I didn't receive a free dvd for this review, or any other form of compensation. I just like to let others know about cool stuff. If anyone out there would like to send me a flat screen TV, or an all expenses paid vacation, I'm sure I would be willing to RAVE about that also. Just so ya know.

After Dylan and I watched the dvd, I looked at him sitting there, still with his eyes glazed over and his mouth open, and asked, "Did you like that?" "Yea", he replied. "I love it!", I said. He looked at me, smiled, and said, "I love it too!"