Koko-love: Conversations with a Signing Gorilla

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Koko-love: Conversations with a Signing Gorilla

Author: Francine Patterson

First line: If you have ever chatted on-line with a gorilla, you must have been talking to Koko!

Why you should read this book: A first glimpse into the lives of Koko, the signing gorilla, and the other gorillas and humans who share her world. With lots of charming photographs, this book introduces young readers to the circumstances of Koko's life, including her introduction to ASL, her love of kittens, her friendship with Mr. Rogers, and her relationship with the handsome gorilla she met through video dating. A glossary of signs at the end of the book is a nice addition to a picture book that seeks, above all, to share the idea that animals can think and feel.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You're afraid the general knowledge that animals can think and feel will devalue your investments in African deforestation and civil war.

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Studies show that children who regularly hear books read and see adults reading books have an easier time learning to read. If your children do not realize that books are fun and contain interesting ideas, they will be less motivated to learn how to read and write. Children who do not learn to read and write have difficulty succeeding in school and at life.

Even infants can enjoy books. You can check baby board books out of the library. Your baby will enjoy sitting on your lap as you read the words and point to the brightly colored pictures. If your baby wants to chew on the book, that's OK too.

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You can learn more about children's books at the American Library Association website. Your public library is a great place to introduce your children to books. They will have special programs and incentives for kids of all ages to love reading. In most systems children are entitled to their own library cards from the time they are old enough to write their own names. It's a great way to teach responsibility as well as foster a lifelong love of learning and books.

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Dragon's Library

Tuesday, January 15, 2008