Family
The Wondersof the World
Joy Basdeo
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Joy Basdeo, also known as "Mrs B" is an educator, formerEnglish teacher, an avid reader and storyteller, mother of fourgrown children and grandmother of Zoë. Her weekly columnis intended to assist parents and children select books whichentertain and build character.
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We have recently celebrated Earth Day, Iam still hearing one school's pledge to do their part to protectthe environment on the radio, and perhaps we all need to remindourselves that earth day is every day. Certainly one of the manyblessings we enjoy in the Cayman Islands is being able to liveso close to nature.
It is important that we pass this on toour children early so that they have personal experience of thewonders of the natural world.
Children's author Jane Yolen took her inspi-rationfor this week's book from the owling trips she and her husbandtook with their three children on winter nights near their ruralMassachusetts home.
The book conveys such a sense of anticipationand excitement, and of harmony between parent and child that whenit was published in 1987 it instantly became a classic.
Late one winter night, a little girl andher father go owling. At first every thing is silent, and thenthey witness a shadow coming swooping out of the woods towardsthem, and privileged to see a Great Horned Owl. This CaldecottMedal winning book is illustrated by renowned illustrator andwriter / naturalist John Schoenherr's exquisite water coloursand is perfect for reading aloud.
Suitable for ages 4 years and up, Owl Moonby Jane Yolen is available from the Public Library. Don't forgetto check the Children's Section of the Book Loft run by the HumaneSociety on North Sound Way for this and other books.
To sponsor this book and donate it to agovernment school as part of our Character Education Project,please email me at Joy.Basdeo@ gov.ky, ask your bookseller tosend it to me at the Ministry of Education, 4th Floor GovernmentAdministration Building or drop it off at the Ministry.
Gift books can be given in the name of yourchildren, grandchildren, your company, yourself or just someonespecial. Gift books will have an acknowledgement on the insidefront cover.
Support our children's good habits, givethe child, school, or library of your choice a good book. Makeevery day a Reading day.
Until next week, anda new storyHappy Reading!
Mrs B
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressedin this column are those of the writers, and are not binding onany individual or organization. They are intended solely as guidance.Parents should always use their own discretion in selecting readingmaterial for their children).