The Lump of Coal

Friday, October 31, 2008

The Lump of Coal

Author: Lemony Snicket

First line: The holiday season is a time for storytelling, and whether you are hearing the story of a candelabra staying lit for more than a week, or a baby born in a barn without proper medical supervision, these stories often feature miracles.

Why you should read this book: The author best known for his thirteen part chronicle on the most miserable perils that could possibly befall to a trio of hapless orphans turns in an uplifting miracle story comprising equal parts sarcasm and wide-eyed wonder. The eponymous lump of coal who, "like many people who dress in black...was interested in becoming an artist," sets out to seek his fortune in a world of facade and artifice. A treatise on creating joy and small miracles in a harsh, uncaring universe.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You've ever received a lump of coal in your Christmas stocking.

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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.

If you can't get to the library, but you have an Internet connection, you can find many full-text books on-line. For adults, Project Gutenberg offers thousands of full-text books you can download for free.

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Friday, October 31, 2008

The Lump of Coal

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