Left Shoe Right Shoe |
A Time to Celebrate!
By: Storytime Favorites
As the founder of Storytime Favorites, it is my pleasure to say WELCOME to our website! This is a happy time for us as we continue to celebrate the debut of Storytime Favorites. I am so proud of the direction we have taken to become a great resource for you when seeking information regarding children’s books. In addition to the launching of our website, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to introduce my first children’s picture book- just released! The journey of my book Left Shoe Right Shoe jumpstarted my vision for Storytime Favorites, so it feels appropriate that our first feature story begin here as well.
A few years back when I began teaching my son his left from his right, I felt I couldn’t find a children’s book that did the trick - despite my “Googling” efforts. Then one morning, I found inspiration as I watched my son’s incredible fascination with simple things in our garden. To see the world through a child’s eyes is truly magical! That’s when the idea of my children’s book came to life.
Left Shoe Right Shoe is about Lorenzo, a young boy who meets two sweet garden creatures one morning – a yellow ladybug and a red rabbit. When they settle near his shoes, Lorenzo quickly realizes that they are no ordinary ladybug or rabbit. The rabbit makes a special wish and to the delight of everyone, a special friendship is formed. This lighthearted story cleverly introduces the concept of left and right to young children. Like mine, I know your kids will fall in love with the characters in this book and want to hear Lorenzo’s story again and again.
I’m hoping you will be delighted as well. Left Shoe Right Shoe is an adorable story, but it can also stimulate fun for an otherwise dry subject and serve as a springboard for children learning their left and right sides. I remember my own confusion as a child and would often simulate the Pledge of Allegiance just to get it right (no pun intended).
But Storytime Favorites’ mission is to celebrate the magic of children’s books. So yes I encourage you to read Left Shoe Right Shoe during story time. And yes, I think it’s an excellent idea to speak the words “left” and “right” whenever the opportunity arises- instead of pointing or saying “that way”. But I want your child to have fun learning, too!
There are so many creative things to do to enhance the process of teaching your child his left and right sides. Try playing off the garden creatures in my book Left Shoe Right Shoe – utilize images, colors, or both. For example, find colored shoe laces and tie a yellow lace to your child’s left sneaker and a red to his right sneaker. Kids love decorating white laces with fabric paint pens - try it! Find simple supplies at a local arts and crafts store and help your child make a bracelet – let her choose a yellow or red theme and admire her talent as she makes a fashionable piece of jewelry to wear. Encourage little artists out there to draw a lady bug and red rabbit on adhesive labels; then cut them out and stick them to the insoles of their shoes. There are dozens and dozens of ideas to make this an enjoyable learning experience. For you teachers out there, why not designate a day for your students to come up with their own Show & Tell designs? I’d love to hear your fun ideas; email them to us and we’ll share them on our website!
Yes, all children eventually will learn their left from their right without being introduced to Lorenzo and his garden friends. But why deny them the joy? Remember to order your copy of Left Shoe Right Shoe by visiting Current Favorite Books on our website (Ages 2 - 6) and celebrate the magic of children’s books with us.
Again, welcome to Storytime Favorites. I am so glad you found us and I hope you visit often.
Yolanda Lopez-Rettew, Founder and President
www.storytimefavorites.com
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