RAE’S READS

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This year (2025) finds me with 53 years of teaching “under my belt.” I have taught all levels from pre-K “(library lady” or “book lady”–volunteer) to juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in my Advanced Writing class at the university where I have just completed 34 years. My first paying teaching job was junior high, and I spent 13 years with ages 12-13, the “difficult years.” I had some of the “funnest” experiences with this age group. When I was no longer the “young, fun teacher,” I taught in an elementary school setting before sixth graders went on to junior high, teaching language arts blocs, an assignment that was a “dream-fit” for me. After completing graduate school in my 40s, I went on to community college, then university teaching. This past fall I accepted a part-time teaching job at Apogee Gulf Coast Schools in its first year at the Alvin campus. After my Better Half died n 2022, I achieved a lifelong dream: opening a bookstore of my own, Rae’s Reads. A year later, I sold the house we had lived in for 47 years and moved into the bookstore. My goal is to circulate and repurpose books. Just as teaching is “in my blood,” so is a passion for reading, writing, libraries, and everything bookish. This blog will be open to anyone who loves books, promotes literacy and wants to “come out and play.”

SATURDAY MORNINGS FOR KIDS ON SATURDAY EVENING, 8/19/23

Just as Saturday Mornings on TV back in the 50s and 60s were reserved for kids to watch cartoons, while mom and dad slept in, PWR reserves Saturday Mornings for reviews and recommendations of kids’ books.

Everyone here on the Texas Gulf Coast has survived “back to school,” students and teachers alike. But, just think; how would you feel if going back to school was going to Witch School?

Jane O’Conner has written a book for the “I Can Read” series put out by Harper and Row. Illustrated in a delightful way by Emily Arnold McCully, this 1987 publication deals with Witch Lulu looking forward to the first day of Witch School. At the beginning of the day, Lucy is happy and anticipating the fun she will have. Now, look at the cover of the book. Evidently her happy mood did not last, for Lucy, here, looks anything but happy. The Little Witch with the blonde, curly hair, Sandy Witch outdoes and outshines Lulu in every exercise, test, and performance in “witchy” things.

Using simple words and easy phrases, appropriate for a beginning reader, this little book shows Lulu “less than” at everything she and Sandy attempt. The one thing that Lulu “bests” Sandy at is in the big reveal/surprise at the end.

I loved this book as an adult, and it will entertain and encourage your child/grandchild as he/she reads to you or you read to them. I highly recommend it for back-to-school-reading.

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3 responses to “SATURDAY MORNINGS FOR KIDS ON SATURDAY EVENING, 8/19/23”

  1. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    The I Can Read series manage to pack a lot of story into a few words.

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  2. Carla Avatar
    Carla

    It looks like a cute read for kids going back to school. I bet my granddaughter would like this one and she might be able to read most of it as well.

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Probably…you’re bound to have smart grandkids!

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