Huff & Puff We receive wonderful questions from kids at our “Ask
Questions Here” desk, and in our programs. But we also get a lot
of terrific statements. One of my favorites is: “I know that
book!” or “I know that story!” This statement is typically
shared as an excited, gleeful shout. It feels good to know
something. It’s empowering. Children’s librarians have a long
history of sharing classic nursery rhymes, folk and fairy tales
with children: Three Little Kittens, Three Little Pigs,
Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Besides being part of our
cultural literacy, these stories lay a foundation for an
understanding of character, sequence, and plot. Familiarity with
folk and fairytales – and the ability to retell familiar stories
- also is an expectation of our state’s curriculum standards.
And how do these stories become familiar to our children? By
hearing them, reading them – even seeing them performed –
repeatedly, of course. Read a picture book version of the story
together, listen to it on audiobook, tell i