Editor’s Note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Memorial Library in Houlton highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by the staff.
Many years ago when I attended grade school, the teacher had us read out loud standing beside our desks and we were required to read until we made a mistake. Well, now, we must choose: make a mistake or stand there until our mouth was dry and our feet ached, and besides, shouldn’t the others have a fair turn reading aloud?
Making the decision was painful and that could be why I liked to read high in the apple tree at home where no one needed to listen, make remarks or snicker.
In “Madeline Finn and the Library Dog” by Lisa Papp, Madeline would so much like to read well enough to earn a star from her teacher. Sure, she earns many hearts which tell her to keep trying, keep trying, keep trying day after day.
Then one glorious day the town librarian introduces Madeline to Bonnie and Madeline reads and reads to patient Bonnie, the real live dog. Of course, the more Madeline practices, the better reader she becomes until she actually earns a star. Happy ending!
Lisa Papp’s pictures for her book are softly colored, quite detailed and she has designed wonderful expressions for the characters. A wonderful book.
Cary Library occasionally has a good real dog for children to read with; keep an eye open for notices when he might be there.
This book and many others are nearly ready for the annual activity of donating books to the children’s library in memory or in honor of special people. These books are offered for a donation, often below store prices elsewhere.
The Cary Memorial Library is open Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 532-1302.
