Building literacy traditions: a family affair.

Rebecca Giles and Karyn Wellhousen

Rebecca Giles is Associate Professor and Karyn Wellhousen is Assistant Professor, Department of Leadership and Teacher Education, University of South Alabama, Mobile.

During a recent playful exchange with my 3-year-old, I heard myself quoting Maurice Sendak's familiar phrase "I'll eat you up, I love you so." As the words unexpectedly tumbled out of my mouth, I was struck with two startling realizations. First, my prior experiences with the well-loved classic Where the Wild Things Are (1963) are firmly embedded in my subconscious, easily rising to the surface at the most opportune moment. Second, and equally as astonishing, I had not yet introduced my oldest son to this classic piece of children's literature.

Modern parents have been well-educated in the importance of establishing a regular reading time as part of their children's daily routine. At our house, stories are read just before lights go out. Regardless of the late hour or change in schedule, this is one routine that is never forfeited. The number of books read does vary, but we have reading time together even when spending the night away from home. The routine of reading aloud provides a needed sense of structure and stability to even the most chaotic days. My son has come to rely on this consistency, and he covets the predictability it offers. Through the simple repetitious act of following our established reading routine, we have created an enjoyable family tradition.

Children growing up in today's fast-paced, disconnected world are in need of family customs and legacies. Although we tend to associate traditions with elaborate holiday celebrations, these can, and should, be an important part of our day-today lives. In its most basic form, a tradition is a regular event that helps define and distinguish your family. Reading aloud with your children provides the opportunity to shape your family's heritage by establishing traditions. These include when reading takes place, as well as the books that are shared.

If you're like me, then you've met numerous intriguing characters through your children's book choices. From a beautiful rainbow fish that learns the pleasure in giving to a lively mouse who generates a slew of humorous antics by eating a cookie, our lives have been enriched through our acquaintance with these fictional personalities. Now is your chance to return the favor. By sharing our own childhood favorites, we are extending the memorable literary bonds established in our youth to the next generation of readers, and creating our family's literacy traditions in the process.

Many treasured books, such as Goodnight Moon (1947) and Charlotte's Web (1952), continue to appear on lists of children's favorites after more than 50 years in circulation. Dr. Seuss's beloved titles The Cat in the Hat (1957), One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (1960), and Green Eggs and Ham (1960) also routinely appear on such lists. These highly acclaimed stories, filled with outrageous characters and extraordinary events told in easy-reading, tongue-twisting verse, have been entertaining early readers, as well as their parents, for decades. Many others just as old (or older) are just as noteworthy; however, they may be lost to our children unless we intentionally arrange an introduction. As you read this list of nostalgic titles, recall the characters and childhood memories they elicit. Then, share the books and your own youthful enthusiasm for them with your children. In so doing, you will provide an invaluable gift--a literacy legacy steeped in tradition and fun!

Beloved Books Worthy of Sharing Brown, Margaret Wise. (1946). Little Fur Family. Little Fur Family tells of a little fur child's experiences with other creatures in the wild woods. At the end of a busy day, his big fur parents tuck him in bed "all soft and warm," and sing him to sleep with a lovely bedtime song. The secure feeling of being a special child, very much loved, is passed from this little fur family to any child who hears the story read while safely held in the loving arms of a devoted parent.

Burton, Virginia Lee. Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel (1939) and The Little House (1942). Although more than a half-century old, both of these books meet contemporary criteria for good picture books and convey the message that the most modern isn't always the best. Mike and his steam shovel, Mary Anne, find themselves being replaced by new electric and diesel shovels. Then, in Popperville, Mary Anne proves she can dig "as much in one day as a hundred men could dig in a week." A similar lesson is portrayed in Burton's second book. The Little House, originally built in the countryside, finds herself becoming run down and surrounded by city after years of rural life. Because she was built well enough to see the builder's "great-great-grandchildren's great-great-grandchildren living in her," she is able to continue providing a quiet and peaceful home as soon as someone recognizes her worth.

Flack, Marjorie. (1932). Ask Mr. Bear. The repetitive text found in this predictable book allows non- and beginning readers to read along as Danny searches for just the right birthday gift for his mother. He elicits the help of many obliging farmyard animals along the way and makes a final selection sure to please any parent!

Gramatky, Hardie. (1939). Little Toot. Son of Big Toot, the biggest and fastest tug on the river, Little Toot would rather play than work. But, when the need arises, Little Toot abandons his lackadaisical ways to show the stuff of real heroes.

Johnson, Crockett. (1995). Harold and the Purple Crayon. Harold's magical purple crayon brings the objects he draws to life. With a long continuous line, Harold draws an apple tree, a frightening dragon, a sailboat, and a picnic of pies. Tired after his many adventures with drawings made from his purple crayon, Harold sketches a bed, climbs in, and the purple crayon drops to the floor as he drifts off to sleep. This story inspires children to get out the crayons and draw their own adventures.

Marshall, James. (1972). George and Martha. Marshall introduces these two hippo friends through five separate vignettes that chronicle their fun-filled day. The meaning of friendship is the continued theme through other books in this series, including George and Martha Encore, George and Martha Rise and Shine, and George and Martha One Fine Day.

Minarik, Elsa Holmelund. (1962). Little Bear. Illustrated by Maurice Sendak. This book, the first ever expressly designed for beginning readers, launched the I Can Read Series and introduced children to the lovable, childlike cub Little Bear. Little Bear's many adventures are presented through a series of short, simple stories. Mother Bear, who is always there when needed, and a host of playful characters, including Owl, Cat, Duck, and Hen, add warmth and humor to Little Bear's daily exploits. The fun continues in four other Little Bear classics--Father Bear Comes Home, Little Bear's Friend, A Kiss for Little Bear, and Little Bear's Visit.

Piper, Watty. (1976). The Little Engine That Could. This is the classic story of a little train engine criticized for its small size and perceived lack of strength. When the large engine is stranded, however, the little blue engine comes to the rescue and pulls the train full of toys over the mountain. The repetitive chant, "I think I can," which gave the little engine the determination to succeed, is quickly adopted by children attempting a new task.

Rey, H. A. (1941). Curious George. There is no better description of a mischievous child than Rey's entertaining monkey named George. Following his introduction in this first book, George's curiosity-instigated antics continue through a series of books, including Curious George in the Snow, Curious George Takes a Job, Curious George Rides a Bike, Curious George Flies a Kite, Curious George Makes Pancakes, and Curious George Goes to the Hospital, some of which were written by Rey's wife, Margaret Rey. Through his many amusing adventures, the lovable little monkey delights children as he assists them in connecting literature to their own life experiences. Coming November 2005, Curious George fans will be able to catch this little monkey on the big screen!

Waber, Bernard. (1972). Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. The families on East 88th Street enjoyed having a crocodile as a neighbor. Lyle plays with the children and shops with Mrs. Primm, the lady of the house. The friendly crocodile is helpful and polite and loved by all, except Mr. Grumps and his cat, Loretta. Mr. Grumps has Lyle evicted from the neighborhood and sent to live at the Central Park Zoo. Fortunately for Mr. Grumps and Loretta, Lyle is freed from the zoo and returns to save the disagreeable twosome from a house fire. As a result of his heroic act, Mr. Grump and Loretta accept Lyle as their friend and neighbor.

Zion, Gene & Graham, Margaret Bloy. (1956/1976). Harry the Dirty Dog. Harry, a beloved pet, is clever enough to learn tricks that entertain his family and smart enough to detect when it is his bath time. When this white dog with black spots realizes that he is about to get a bath, he hides the scrub brush and heads for the city. After a day of exploring, Harry returns home tired, hungry, and filthy. In fact, the dirt and soot he's acquired has transformed him into a black dog with white spots, and his family doesn't recognize him. Harry shows off doing tricks in an effort to convince them he is their pet, but the family does not know it is their dog. Harry knows what he must do and begs for a bath.