The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle

Who doesn't love Eric Carle?  His newest title, The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, does not disappoint.  Carle's signature bright and colorful paintings decorate every page as a young child depicts a variety of animals in the unexpected colors of his own imagining.  There is a red crocodile, an orange elephant, and even a polka-dotted donkey.  Young readers will quickly catch on that these animals are not depicted in realistic colors.  This book gives the opportunity to discuss with young children that there is no right or wrong when it comes to artwork.  Toddlers and preschoolers will be given an important lesson in creativity and free expression.  As  you read this book with a child, ask them what color they would paint the different animals.  Encourage them to create their own versions of the animals depicted in this book.  Shared reading remains the single most effective way to help children become proficient readers!

The KDLville space at the Spencer Township Branch opened in August 2011. Young children and their families love it! They can be found mailing notes in the mailbox, writing on the etch-a-sketch, cutting strips for scissors practice, and more at the writing center; building with Uncle Goose letter blocks and vehicles on the maze rug; telling stories with puppets; reading under the canopy; discovering objects hidden in the letter bags; etc. But by far the most popular area is the mini wood kitchen made of walnut and cherry by Palumba and the tool table behind it. We can say with certainty that we are raising, not only readers, but a lot of great cooks in Spencer Township!