Kuttyma is fast outgrowing the picture book stage. I am sure our library haul next year will be drastically different from what we have this year.

I had a chance to discover, read and laugh over some great books with her. That phase is slowing transitioning over. She has started reading by herself with minimal help. Soon she will be reading by herself and seeking the dictionary. Instead of fighting over how many books I will read to her at bedtime, I will be fighting about the time lights have to be switched off.  And you guessed it right, I am in a sort of mourning over that.I don’t think I am ready yet – not without a proper adieu.

When I saw the announcement of Virtual Book Club for Kids 2014 – 2015, I knew I had to do it this year – to celebrate authors and books, to bond over activities with my daughter and move on. It was the perfect way to close a book and open another one. The Author in Spotlight for September is Mo Willems. I literally hauled all his books home from my local library. To encourage kuttyma to enjoy the journey of reading and writing, I wanted her to have a book journal. Name of the book, the Author, a Star Rating, Date Read, Plot of the story, favourite part, new words learned and activity to complete a book. It is a long process and right now I am writing down the plot for her. It is fun as we search for ideas and discuss our views. It is interesting how she sees the books and the story.

Here are few pictures from our journal for some Mo Willems books

Knuffle BunnyToo : A Case of Mistaken Identity

Kuttyma rating: 4/5

This book was an instant hit. Trixie’s attachment to Knuffle Bunny was endearing. Kuttyma could easily identify herself in Trixie which made it all the more fun.

Drawing Trixie without the hair was a breeze for kuttyma.  Mo Willems illustrations make the book a fun to read and attempt to draw.

 Let’s Go For a Drive

Kuttyma Rating: 5/5

The unlikely friendship between Gerald the elephant and piggie is endearing. The piggie and Gerald plan to go for a drive. Willems is a master of words and for kuttyma who has just learned to read, this book was a treat.

The Pigeon Wants A Puppy

Kuttyma Rating: 5/5

I loved this book and the pigeon. The Pigeon is so whimsical and fun. You cannot help falling in love with it. Kuttyma also felt the same. The pigeon is also so much fun to draw. It was a great attempt by kuttyma.

  Other than the Pigeon, Elephant and Piggie and Knuffle Bunny series, Mo Willems other books are equally fun. One of our favourite parts is looking for the pigeon. The Pigeon keeps popping up in all of Mo Willems books and seeking it is a fun activity for kuttyma. Other books we read for the Book Club include

• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
• Knuffle Bunny Free
• Knuffle Bunny
• Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
• Leonado the Terrible Monster
• I’m a Frog
• My Friend is Sad
• The Duckling gets a Cookie
• Should I Share my Ice Cream?
• That Is Not a Good Idea