As I unpacked my years of collected junk teaching tools, it occurred to me that while I no longer needed a few of my books there must be a new teacher who would love to have them. I remember shopping for months to build my first few classroom libraries. Instead of taking my extras to a thrift shop I thought it would be fun to host a swap and sale event in the library. Date and time TBA! Hope you’re looking for your shiny stuff.
Sometimes we wonder if our stuffed animals or toy trains have feelings…but what if the crayons are tired of classroom antics? The Day the Crayons Quit is the interesting story of a box of crayons personified. Maybe your crayons like their paper wrappers…maybe they feel a little undressed without them. How would you like to hang around with your friends without any clothes? Now you know how peach feels. Which color in your box would say it gets the most work and never any time off like the other colors? My crayon box would have a very short green and a very new purple because those are my favorite and least favorite colors!
A fun tale with plenty of writing prompts and lessons in personification to go along with the entertainment. We have a copy in the library now!
I’ve had friends and coworkers ask me over the years, how can you read it so many times? I have lost count, but I think a few of the books in the series are at 10 reads each, with the last few at only 3 each because I was saddened by the story and that it was ending.
I know, I know! Harry and his friends are book characters, but after so many reads they are my friends too. So here are some answers I have given to the questions…why should I read it again?
1. Harry is a courageous, inspiring kid who doesn’t let his problems or challenges keep him from enjoying any blessings that come his way. Even those blessings in the form of giants who knock down a door and sit on his birthday cake. Cake is good no matter who sits on it (if it’s in a box anyway).
2. Hermione is all kinds of awesomesauce. She’s super smart, doesn’t stress about her hair, and fixes her own teeth saving thousands in orthodontics.
4. Professor McGonnegal. She’s the bomb. Talents: fabulous Scottish accent, can turn herself into a cat, and doesn’t put up with anything from anyone.
5. Those feasts! Every Christmas feast, Halloween feast, back to school feast, or party has the most amazing food. I want to try butterbeer, treacle tart, and maybe even a rock cake. I don’t know if I have the enthusiasm for pumpkin treats the wizarding world does, but I am game to try.
6. I want to be a member of SPEW, dance to the Weird Sisters, and I’d even go to a Quidditch game. That’s saying a lot. I’ve never attended a professional game of any kind except baseball. Once.
7. George and Fred Weasley are the most amazingly talented prankster twins to ever live. And they have red hair. BAM.
8. Even transportation in the novels is interesting. Floo powder, the Hogwarts Express, thestrals. No one just takes the car or a walk. How mugglish that would be!
9. If you aren’t nice in the books by JK Rowling there are consequences. You may end up with a curly pig’s tail, blow up like a ballon and blow away, or your tongue may grow to the size of a large snake while still in your mouth.
Are you game to reread a Harry or two and find your own reasons for enjoying them another time around?
These are the British edition covers. I prefer the American art, but I liked reading the British editions to see the differences in everyday conversations! If you are a fan you should give it a go.
the big green bookshelf 