Comments for Merrimack Valley Moms

Comment on Reading Aloud to Your Children by Deb

Deb — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:23:30 +0000

My dad was a librarian. Before we had kids he told me, read to them everyday from the time you bring them home from the hospital. I took his word and did it…holding a small infant in my arms and reading a newspaper or magazine aloud. They get used to the sound of your voice when reading and it can be a comfort. I decided early on that I really didn’t like playing games like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders, but since I loved reading, if any child brought me a book I would drop to the floor and read it aloud. This worked well for me, and kept me from feeling like I wasn’t giving it my all. I’ve also already determined that I will be the book great-aunt and grandma. I give my grand nephews books from before they were born, and when someone is expecting a new baby, I give a basket of books.

People mentioned the Little House books, and my kids loved them, too, but their favorites were the Arthur Ransome series. I believe the first one is “We Didn’t Mean to go to Sea” and another is called, “Pigeon Post”. A wonderful series and full of great ideas for imaginative play.

Comment on Help for Kyle by Susan Ortler Anganes

Susan Ortler Anganes — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:56:42 +0000

This post is personal to me also, Sabina. My cousin recently had a bone marrow transplant and is on day 29 post transplant. He is now home and in isolation. He was very fortunate to have a very close match from a non-family donor. Someone from the mid-west was generous enough to step up and give the gift of life. I have been on the National Bone Marrow Registry since 1995. I was called once because I was a potential match, but it turned out there was someone else who was a closer match. I cannot imagine waiting for my child to find a match. I’m so glad you have written this blog post and hopefully more people will become aware that it isn’t hard to become part of the registry. Hopefully little Kyle will find a match soon. God bless him!

Comment on Reading Aloud to Your Children by Susan Ortler Anganes

Susan Ortler Anganes — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:46:41 +0000

Isn’t the Little House series wonderful, Heddi? My mom read them to me and my sister too. I have the original books that she read to me (a little dog-eared), and they are the same ones I’ve read to my kids.

You’ve also mentioned other books that are favorites to so many. My granddaughter, Amelia, likes “Good Night Moon”. I completely forgot to mention Sendak’s “Chicken Soup with Rice”. It was one of my personal favorites growing up, but my kids never liked it as much as I did/ do. I still can repeat most of the book from memory. I need to dig it out and read it to Amelia!

Comment on Reading Aloud to Your Children by Heddi

Heddi — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:58:12 +0000

Nice post, Sue! I have fond memories of my mother reading “Little House in the Big Woods” and other books from this series to my sister and I before bedtime. I love reading books to my sons before bed, and one of my favorites is Sendak’s “In the Night Kitchen.” I also love “Goodnight Moon” and “Runaway Bunny.”

Comment on Reading Aloud to Your Children by Susan Ortler Anganes

Susan Ortler Anganes — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:37:05 +0000

I’ve never heard of the “Hello Twins” and “Twin to Twin ” books, but I guess that’s because i don’t have twins! What fun it must be to read to your two little ones. I love that age where they can sit and listen and not try to turn the pages themselves before you’ve finished reading

We’re in between books right now. We just finished a book titled “Rascal” by Sterling North. It is a true story set during WWI about a boy and his pet raccoon. Parts of it were intense and serious, so next I’m looking for something silly to read next. I hate going to bed stressed out not knowing what will happen next in the story..

My son Ray just finished the book “We Die Alone” which is a true narrative of survival during WWII. That is NOT a good bedtime read for me.I think I’ll look for a classic to read next. Any suggestions? Moby Dick? Treasure Island?

Comment on Reading Aloud to Your Children by Susan Ortler Anganes

Susan Ortler Anganes — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:20:07 +0000

Lori, you are actually my role model. Your devotion to your children is an example to all who know you <3

Comment on Reading Aloud to Your Children by Kristen Eriksen

Kristen Eriksen — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:17:06 +0000

Great advice, Sue! Couple of my favorites are “There is a monster at the end of this book”, Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, and Jamberry for little ones, along with Dr Seuss of course! I adore the book “I’ll love you forever” which also has a message for parents, but I usually cry while I read it to them!

For twins, there is a book called “Hello, twins”. It talks about the differences between twins, and yet how they love each other so much. Unfortunately, it is hard to come by, I think it is out of print. The other book we adore for twins is called “Twin to twin” You can get a version with 2 boys, 2 girls or boy/girl twins. It is cute and rhymey, but a favorite for my little ones………….

Comment on Reading Aloud to Your Children by Lori Safford

Lori Safford — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:33:03 +0000

Thank you for your wise advice Sue…..you are one of my very favorite role models. Thank you for encouraging us all to spend more time with our kids and more time with a book and less time with technology!

Comment on Reading Aloud to Your Children by Susan Ortler Anganes

Susan Ortler Anganes — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:25:52 +0000

Thanks, Yvonne. My Mom read to me and my sister also. I think that is why reading has always been so enjoyable to me.

Comment on Reading Aloud to Your Children by Yvonne

Yvonne — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:18:12 +0000

Great article, Sue! My father read to us every evening until I left home. We read some great books together. It is a special family memory. I still love being read to even now.