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Good morning Kogs and Kossacks in Dailykosland!
Merry Monday and welcome to the working week...
What is your favorite children's book?
I looked back to see if anyone else had used this question, and didn't find anything, but after I started writing smileycreek kind of trumped my ace. Still, I think my diary is a little bit different, because I am going to approach this question three different ways.
What was my own favorite book as a child?
What is my favorite book to give to children?
What is my favorite children's book to give to adults?
What was my favorite book when I was a child? That is a tough call, in part because I read so much that I hardly remember having a favorite—I was just reading reading reading all the time, from a very young age.
I blew past the Dr. Seuss books quickly, although I still had favorites even after my reading was more advanced. When I was in first grade they used to ask me to read to the kids in kindergarten, and I usually picked Dr. Seuss for that: If I Ran the Circus, The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Horton Hears a Who, The Sleep Book. I loved them all.
I belonged to several children's book clubs, and I remember a favorite book from the book club called Under the Lilacs. The first time I saw the word I pronounced it LILL-uh-ciz and was teased mercilessly for it—phonics failed me!
I remember loving the book then, but now do not remember what the book was about. I just googled it and see that it was written by Louisa May Alcott and has something to do with a tea party, but that does not ring a bell.
Still, looking at this book cover takes me back to the happiest years of my childhood—the happiest years of my life. Happy and carefree in my childhood home. Surrounded by books. Surrounded by love.
When I got a little older I started complaining that most of the books I read only had boys in them, and that girls, when they appeared, never did anything interesting. Shortly after that someone (my mom?) introduced me to Nancy Drew, and that series probably lays true claim to the title of favorite book(s) of my childhood.
I collected them, getting several new ones every birthday and Christmas. In truth, I outgrew them pretty fast, because they were not very good--very formulaic and repetitive. I was not surprised when I found out years later that they were written "by committee". Still, I give those books credit for turning me into a fan of mysteries, trying to figure out the mystery as I read, and they led me eventually to Agatha Christie and other talented authors.
At 12 or so I discovered science fiction: mostly Isaac Asimov, Robert Silverberg, Harlan Ellison, et al. I entered another period of more favorite books than I can recall, but The World Inside really stands out. By then I was reading lots of ordinary novels too—not "children's" books—that arrived from my mom's book club.
Needless to say I remained an avid reader into adulthood, and was well into my 20s before I realized that I read more books than most people. My only regret is I missed out on a lot of the children's classics, meaning I did not get the chance to read them when I myself was a child. It's on my bucket list to compile a reading list of those traditional favorites and check a lot of them out if I ever get to take an extended reading vacation.
What is my favorite book to give to children? I read all seven of the Harry Potter books more than once, and that would be my first choice as a gift to a child who likes to read, assuming the parents are not the type to freak out over it. That book series is a brilliant synthesis of timeless adventure themes, and is an effortless way to teach basic progressive character-building values like loyalty, race and class equality, non-conformity, respect for all levels of intelligence, questioning authority, media skepticism, and the power of love. It's secular enough for secular people and spiritual enough for spiritual people and despite the witchcraft and magic is full of overtly Christian allegory. Any child who reads those books before seeing the movies will exercise her imagination in a way that is its own reward.
My favorite children's book to give to adults has been the same for almost twenty five years: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and if I had to pick an overall favorite children's book, this 32 page gem would probably be at the top of the list.
The wonderful opening sentence sets the tone:
“I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.”
With economy of words and simplicity of drawings it portrays basic and essential truths about life, and it is appropriate and accessible for children of all ages. Almost everyone I have ever met can identify with it. I've lost track of the number of copies I have purchased and given away.
Memorizing this book is something else I keep meaning to do—I know pieces of it, but it's the kind of thing I'd like to be able to access in my own memory bank whenever I need it.
Did you have a favorite book when you were growing up? Was it one of the classics, or something a little off the beaten path? Do you ever go back and read those books as an adult and get something different out of them? Do you give children's books as gifts? Is there any book the mere mention of which can call up deep and powerful childhood memories for you?
What is your favorite children's book?
Start up soundtrack
Let's Build Communities!
Our team is here to provide support and guidance to new and existing volunteer leaders of each regional and state group, helping them with recruiting, organizing and executing social and action events.
We invite you to join in this effort to build our community. There are many ways to pitch in.
If there isn't a group to join near you, please start one.
Instructions on HOW TO FORM A NEW DAILY KOS GROUP
List of All Existing Meatspace Groups
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
by Azazello ♥ for Baja Arizona Kossacks
The Baja Kossacks just had their 4th Annual Picnic at the home of Mr. and Mrs. sneakers563. The group is shepherded by Azazello, an official member of DKos since 2009. From his diary and about his state:
More and better Democrats is always a popular subject for debate here in Baja AZ, especially in an election year. Against the charge that Arizona is an incurably red state I often point out that 5 of our 9 US Reps are Democrats. This is true but it doesn't tell the whole story. While we in Tucson are justifiably proud of Raúl Grijalva (Wikipedia HERE) whose first elected office was board member for Tucson Unified School District #1, most of Tucson and all of Cochise County are now represented by Ron Barber (Wikipedia HERE) who is a very Blue Dog indeed. For an example of this Blue Doggedness see this article at Alternet ☛ 5 Million Dirty Reasons for Record Deportations.
He's on top of it and thanks to him for gathering Kossacks together to become stronger.
Here's the group photo:
L-R: Back row: pwoodford, DaNang65, Azazello, itzadryheat, rasbobbo
Front row: ItsAMathJoke, drnatrl, sneakers563, chloris creator, Desert Rose
Please visit Azazello's diary for many MORE photos including food pr0n! Enjoy! You can join Baja Arizona Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Azazello.
by Dave in Northridge ♥ for Los Angeles Kossacks
The LAKossacks welcome shanikka to their fair city. Many people attend. Here are few photos:
L-R: moore musings and shanikka
L-R: Former Chicagoan Now Angeleno and bruinkid
Please visit Dave in Northridge's diary for many MORE photos plus Food Pr0n! Enjoy! You can join Los Angeles Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Dave in Northridge.
by mimi ♥ for Virginia Kos
The DC and Maryland Kossacks welcomed Chaucounne on her visit to attend a conference in DC. It was a last minute meet-up pulled of by mimi.
Here's one photo:
L-R: mimi, kim (wife of olliegarkey), olliegarkey, webgenie and Chacounne
Please visit mimi's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy!
You can join Maryland Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join DC Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to NinthElegy.
by sidnora ♥ for New York City
Thank you, sidnora, for the great photo diary recap. So many terrific photos of our NYC Kossacks and all their food pr0n. It looks like everyone had a really good time. There's still time to rec her diary.
Here's only two photos of the many that belinda ridgewood, joanbrooker and Denise Oliver Velez provided:
L-R: the camera-shy Yasuragi (yes, she weally showed up!), belinda ridgewood, kathny, malloy, Miscweant, No Exit, Son of Broccoli, jfdunphy, mightymouse, plf515, sidnora, Mets102
L-R: Ian Reifowitz, plf515, sidnora, Denise Oliver Velez, Mets102
Please visit sidnora's diary for many MORE photos! Plus massive food pr0n. Enjoy! You can join New York City by sending a Kosmail to sidnora.
Four Kossack regional groups descend on the California State Capitol
to demand that Governor Jerry Brown ban
the oil and gas production process known as fracking
by navajo ♥ for Connect! Unite! Act!
Representing Northern California, the SFKossacks, Central Valley Kossacks, Paradise & Chico Kossacks and the Silicon Valley Kossacks gathered on the mall of our state capitol in Sacramento on Saturday, March 15th to protest fracking. Governor Brown has the ability to ban the environmentally destructive, water-intensive oil extraction practice known as hydraulic fracturing in California. The state is in a severe drought and the last place our water should go is into fracking. It is estimated the protesters numbered around 4000. We endured the hot sun which sent the temperatures into the 80s as we gathered midday to make a lot of noise and get the attention of the Governor.
Please note red arrow pointing to our Daily Kos banner to gather all us Kossacks together!
Please visit paradise50's diary for his terrific photos!
You can join SFKossacks by sending a Kosmail to navajo.
You can join Central Valley Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to tgypsy.
You can join Paradise & Chico Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to smileycreek.
You can join Silicon Valley Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Glen The Plumber.
Event Organizers! Please contact wink from Netrootsradio.com by KosMail to schedule airtime with them to live broadcast your Event. Wink & Justice will then promote it on The After Show radio program!
Saturday, April 12th
Potential Boston Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Café Barada
2269 Massachusetts Ave • Cambridge
ORGANIZER: Send GreyHawk a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. GreyHawk
2. Hawk Wife
3. Knockbally
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Maybees:
CwV
annieli |
Latest diary: Next BosKos Meetup - Sat 12 Apr at the Cafe Barada
Saturday, April 19th
Inaugural DC Kossacks Potluck Picnic on
the National Mall
TIME: Noon
LOCATION: National Mall
Exact location TBD • Washington, DC
ORGANIZER: Send NinthElegy a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. NinthElegy
2. mimi
3.
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Maybees: |
From NinthElegy: We will meet on the third Saturday of each month at noon. Please note-- This regular Saturday meeting day and time is flexible. It was chosen as a starting point to be amended according to what is the best fit for the DC Kossacks group members. If it is not a workable regular day and time for you, suggest alternatives and let's see what we can work out.
Latest diary: [Waiting for linked diary]
Saturday, May 3rd
DKos Asheville Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: The Bywater
796 Riverside Dr. • Asheville
ORGANIZER: Send randallt a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. randallt
2. davehouck
3. Joieau
4. Gordon20024
5. SteelerGrrl
6. SteelerGuy
7. GulfGal 98
8. Otteray Scribe
9. flwrightman
10. people power granny
11. eternallyvigilant
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Maybees:
Audri
Mr Audri
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Latest diary: [Waiting for linked diary]
Tuesday, May 13th
SFKossacks Roll Out the Red Carpet
for LeftOfYou & Expat Okie
TIME: 11:00 AM, Early lunch!
LOCATION: Yank Sing
Rincon Center, 101 Spear St. • San Francisco
ORGANIZER: Send navajo a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. navajo
2. LeftOfYou
3. Expat Okie
4. side pocket
5. Justice Putnam
6. dharmasyd
7. Lorikeet
8. jpmassar
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Maybees:
annieli
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Wednesday, July 16th
Daily Kos Detroit VA Hospital Service Project
Sara R delivers 65 quilts, hand knit scarves and hats, books, 65 teddy bears, hand made greeting cards, and phone cards from the DK Quilt Guild, WAYWO, the Readers & Book Lovers, IGTNT and individual Kossacks to the nursing home at the Detroit VA Hospital. This is a wonderful project that many people can be involved with even if they don't attend the convention. If you care about veterans in a nursing home this is your project. Please volunteer to help.
DELIVERY TIME: Noon
LOCATION: Volunteer Office of the Detroit VA Hospital
4646 John R St. • Detroit
ORGANIZER: Send Sara R a Kosmail to participate in making the gifts and/or deliver them.
RSVPs to help deliver gifts:
1. Sara R
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: DK Quilt Guild: What Inspires You?
Wednesday, July 16th
Annual Cheers & Jeers Dinner to Kick-Off NN14, Kossacks Only
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: TBD
[Address] • Detroit
ORGANIZER: Send Common Sense Mainer a kosmail to RSVP.
RSVPs:
1. Common Sense Mainer
2. Bill in Portland Maine
3. navajo
4. Meteor Blades
5. smileycreek
6. paradise50
7. side pocket
8. Mrs. side pocket
9. norm
10. maggiejean
11. Shockwave
12. a gilas girl
13. susans
14. Sara R
15. belinda ridgewood
16. sidnora
17. Mr. sidnora
18. thankgodforairamerica
19. brillig
20. mik
21. K1
22. loggersbrat
23. Dave in Northridge
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cont.
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Latest diary: Connect! Unite! Act! ATTN: DC, Tucson & Seattle Meet-up Info! +Q: Roll Call, Are You Attending NN14?
Plenary Session Tables during the rest of the Convention
ORGANIZER: Send navajo a kosmail to have a seat reserved for you in the main ballroom of the convention center for the big events. These table will be there so we can all find each other as a group. The seating is not assigned. You can float from table to table. I'm counting to see how many tables I need to reserve.
Cheers & Jeers Table:
1. Common Sense Mainer
2. Bill in Portland Maine
3. brillig
4. mik
5. K1
6. loggersbrat
7. N in Seattle
8.
9.
10.
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Cheers & Jeers Table II:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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SFKossacks Table:
1. navajo
2. Meteor Blades
3. smileycreek
4. paradise50
5. side pocket
6. Mrs. side pocket
7. norm
8. maggiejean
9. Jeff in CA
10. Mrs. Jeff in CA
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SFKossacks Table II:
1. a gilas girl
2. justiceputnam
3. Sara R
4. DebtorsPrison
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Los Angeles Table:
1. Shockwave
2. susans
3. Dave in Northridge
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. |
New York Table:
1. sidnora
2. Mr. sidnora
3. belinda ridgewood
4. thankgodforairamerica
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Maybees:
kjoftherock, angry marmot, boran2, Turbonerd, northerntier, northerntier's SO
navajo maintains the above event list. Kosmail her if you have any diaries
about your event or if you have changes or additions.
EVERYONE is welcome, tell us what you're working on,
share your show and tell, vent, whatever you want.
This is an open thread. Nothing is off topic.