Saturday, March 5, 2011

Storybook Sunday : Hooper Humperdink...? Not Him! (Read-Along Post)



When Polly of Helping Little Hands announced that March is Reading Month (And March 2nd was Dr. Seuss's birthday) and that she was hosting a read along of sorts I knew that was what I needed to get my but in gear for a children's book review.

In honour of Mr. Geisel's birthday I thought I would share with you Wednesday's and my favourite book; Hooper Humperdink...? Not Him! not just by him but anyone.

This book brilliantly runs through the alphabet in true Dr. Seuss fashion. Quick, rhythmic stanzas that you can't help enjoy. I mean c'mon, who wouldn't like to know an Olivetta Oppabeam and Pinky Pasternak?
Wednesday particularly liked the quintuplets, and the children in masks riding the Chinese dragon.
I love how in every picture, poor Hooper is watching the show become more and more fantastic and eventually, he gets invited to the party.
The picture I posted is of the cover that I have, but upon searching for that same edition it appears to be re-released with new illustrations by Scott Nash.They are pretty but they are not the Charles Martin ones I love. Charles Martin is the illustrator for this book and I wouldn't have it any other way. he gets the expression on Hooper's face just right throughout the book. He also creates one fantastical affair with every letter of the alphabet!

As an added bonus to the read along, any corresponding activities would be added. I had thought about doing another Fancy Nancy affair since Wednesday's favourite book is her Tag Reader Fancy Nancy at The Museum. But since A)our weekend magically filled with birthday parties and B) we have already done a Fancy Nancy activity I thought something simple would be perfect.

I visited the Seuss website Seussville.com and found some great printables to download and colour and play. Right now Wednesday is all about connect the dots and mazes so I thought these would all be groovy for you guys too!

Bartholemew's 500 Hats Counting Sheet
Cat in the Hat Colouring
cat in the Hat Birthday cake Maze
Hop on Pop colouring page
Hop on Pop reading worksheet
Horton Hears a Who connect the dots
Horton Hears a Who Colouring Page

For information on how to participate in the March Read Along visit this post at Helping Little Hands. To see what we have been reading and sharing check out the March Read Along Label at Helping Little Hands.

Happy Reading Month!