I love books that give you all sorts of interesting tid-bits. This is a great book that gives you all sorts great facts about cats and dogs. Like, for instance, did you know that when a cat wags it’s tail that means it’s upset and to leave that kitty alone?  Steve Jenkins is one of the greatest author/illustrators out there.  Another of his books made it into my Book of the Month, a great picture book called “Looking Down”.  I discovered that book on a trip to the library, a nice afternoon where I went to the library to chill and look through books and just all around relax.  The library is such a great place to relax and quietly sift through books.  If you haven’t tried an afternoon at the library – you should – it’s a great resource for any community.  Everyone should take advantage of their local library – it’s one of the nicest places on earth!

I had a grand old time telling a few tales at the Bright Horizons in Norwell on Saturday. I was fortunate enough to share that morning with Frosty – since he came out to have breakfast with the smiling kids – and then they came to hear my stories. I started with Bill Harley’s classic song “Sitting Down to Eat” and as you can tell I give it a flair all my own. I love action pics like this. See the duck up there? Almost hitting the ceiling? Then there is the pig and the elephant and the seal. Man that song is so much fun! Well, I’m off to answer more phone calls. I am booking up for the summer already – which is a little sad since it’s snowing outside. Winter hans’t even thawed and I’m already thinking about the summer time…

I was in Billerica yesterday – but I can’t believe I forgot my camera!  There was such a great turn out – and they were a wonderful group!  So instead I have a little story for you today from the Eastham Elementary School…

Before my show started I was enjoying the Kindergarten Music class.  As they sang “America the Beautiful” I heard these lyrics being sang:

“O’Beautiful for spaceship skies…”

It was pretty cute – and yes, the Music Teacher did tell them it was spacious skies – but I kind of liked it the other way…

 

Wow!  What a great crowd showed for this past Tuesday’s show!  I have visited the Natick collection twice before but this time was a huge surprise to see just how many people came to hear the show!  Maybe it has a bit to do with this week’s weather – seeing as we are having the coldest days ever this week.  But hey, whatever the reason – I was ecstatic to see so many people there!

I am already in talks to go back in May – so keep an eye on the UPCOMING SHOWS page and I will see you again soon! 

I will be at the Natick Collection tomorrow – anyone in the area please come and check it out!  It’s always a lot of fun!  The stories start at 10:00 – come early to say hello!  I will be bringing a lot of my puppets and telling some fun stories – and afterward… you can go shopping!  Click on the pic above for a link to the website!

I have now been blogging about my favorite books for 2 years (well, next month it will be 2 years…) I have shown you some of my favorite books and people email me all the time thanking me for the recommendations. I love seeing the new children’s books that are released. I love talking to my local Librarian about her favorite books. Well, this past week I was in Fairhaven and the Librarian there talked me into reading a series called “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”. What started out as a funny way for adults to reflect on their childhoods – especially bullied kids, I know I was one of them from time to time, turned out to be a surprise hit for kids today. If you haven’t checked this series out yet – please do – and this is the perfect time to because a new book is coming out in a few days!

Now, let me see about trying to get some of my stories published…

 

I look forward to a new year of storytelling and seeing all of the Big Ryan groupies and even making new fans!

 

Last shows of the year!  Both were packed to the rafters with excited children ready to laugh their way through Big Ryan shows!  First, I visited Fairhaven at the Millicent Library.  I love visiting this library – it’s absolutely beautiful and the crowds that come to the shows are wonderful!  They heard “In the Tub” and Wolf and Moose telling “Can’t Sleep”.

The next show was a hour and a half away in Groton.  Do I mind driving that far?  Not when I get the kind of crowd that Groton had waiting for me.  An exuberant crowd that got to hear “George and the Ants” and Wolf and Moose came out to tell “Can’t Believe Everything You Read…”  Alligator came out to see both crowds and everyone listened and laughed along so amazingly.  This was certainly the way to end the year – see everyone in 2009!  Be sure to check the Upcoming Shows Page to see when I’m in your area!

 

Make sure you check out the Big Ryan shows – the last of the ’08 year!  That’s right!  If you are near the Fairhaven area check out the 10:00am show a the Millicent Library on the 30th!

And later that day – I will heading to Groton for another fun filled show at 2:00pm!  Hope to see a lot of you there!

Here’s to hoping everyone gets to spend this wonderful time of year with their entire family!