Wednesday, July 1, 2009

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!"

5 comments:

Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings said...

That video sounds great.

Is it Iron Man in it? Does he shoot lasers at anyone?

Well, my kid probably won't like it, but I am more than willing to try it.

He hated the Potty Time video with Elmo, but I don't think he was ready for it yet when I bought it. I'm thinking of trying it again soon as he has found a new interest in our furry red monster.

Anonymous said...

I need to give the library another try - our last outing involved book pulling and running around. I ADORE the Classical Baby Series, and am going to look into getting this one. We have The Art Show, The Music Show, and The Dance Show (bought as a set at Costco when Cooper was a baby) and they are still watched on a very frequent basis - they are perfect for winding down inbetween dinner and bedtime.

Steph said...

I used to love going to the library as a kid! Nowadays, I just don't seem to go as often as I'd like. We just moved close to a library for the summer, I need to visit them soon!

The Girls' Mommy said...

Umm, I have Classical Baby, The Art Show checked out from our library at this very moment! Abbie ADORES that series. I think there are four or five and they're all great!

Janet said...

We love our library. And they're building a new one. All the librarians are raving about how cool the children's section will be. We can't wait. I didn't even try potty videos with the kids. I bribed the Queen with jelly beans. When DeBoy saw she was getting jelly beans for peeing on the potty, he potty trained himself.