Monday, April 18, 2011

Epistolary Books

Wise David suggested a fantastic idea for a Family Reading Night: letter-writing with kids. He had done an evening event in a neighboring state and thought it went well.

Well. I love to write letters. I love to get letters. I love to read and reread letters. I do not think people write enough letters. My mom and I, however, write many letters. Sometimes when I receive one of her letters, I bring it to the dinner table to read aloud to the family. Then I read it again before the end of the night and again when I file it in my large mail bin. More people should have this pleasurable experience, and I can just imagine a Family Reading Night devoted to letters and letter-writing.

Today I started thinking of all the epistolary books I know, and the list became rather long. Some of my all-time favorites are Holly Hobbie's Toot and Puddle, Joyce Sidman's This is Just to Say, Candace Fleming's Boxes for Katje, and Doreen Cronin's Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. Letters, by the way, should be hand-written, unless they are sent by livestock.

4 comments:

  1. "Wise" David adds, some of my favorite epistolary books include Beverly Cleary's DEAR MR. HENSHAW, Sarah Stewart and David Small's THE GARDENER, Anne Ylvisaker's DEAR PAPA, and Kate Klise's REGARDING THE FOUNTAIN.

    And I agree, letters should be hand-written!

    I'm already looking forward to a letter-writing Family Reading Night at your school.

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  2. Love the idea!

    My recommendations:
    YOURS TRULY,GOLDILOCKS and
    A LETTER TO AMY

    It will be fun to learn more about this.

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  3. I love all the titles you both listed and have them on my list as well!

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  4. Sometimes this is the only format in which to tell a story. Love the photograph!

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