Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile

Collecting and sharing memories enrich our lives.  We think Gloria Houston’s books are perfect examples of this idea.  Her latest book, Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile, continues this tradition of preserving an important memory from her childhood that shows how one person can make a difference.  Miss Dorothy dreamed of being a librarian in a big brick building, but instead becomes a librarian via a bookmobile that takes books to children in the Blue Ridge Mountains.   One of those children becomes an award winning children’s author, Gloria Houston! 

For anyone who believes in the power of books, this story holds great importance.  We had the privilege of meeting Gloria Houston, and she told us of others who were touched by Miss Dorothy’s bookmobile (you can read their letters in the book).  This book is a great discussion tool for children at home and at school.  We hope you enjoy hearing about Miss Dorothy and her influence on countless children!

Question Collection:

*Why do you think it was important for this book to be written?

*What books do you think Miss Dorothy had in her bookmobile?

*Would you like to get books from a bookmobile?  Why?

*Does Miss Dorothy remind you of anyone in your life?

Meeting Gloria Houston

Spruce Pine, North Carolina

What a blessing to meet a children’s author!  We were privileged to meet Gloria Houston and visit Spruce Pine, North Carolina (home of the Perfect Christmas Tree).  As we read books we try to talk about authors and illustrators, so it was very inspiring to meet an author whose books we’ve read.

Meeting Gloria Houston was delightful!  She is very personable and takes time to converse as she signs books.  We have some signed books that were gifts to our family, but this is the first noted children’s book author that we’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

We had fun reading her newest book, Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile.  It was fun to listen to her talk about how she gathered ideas for writing it.  Look for a book review of it here later this week.

Also, look for 31 days of children’s ABC books during the month of October!

My Great-Aunt Arizona

My Great-Aunt Arizona, by Gloria Houston, is one of my favorite books, probably because it expresses my love of teaching.  Although Great-Aunt Arizona taught in times past, Houston’s story remains timeless because it catches the essence of what teachers want for their students.  Miss Arizona teaches her students about the far away places they will go while she dreams of those far away places.

This book is a great one to read as children start back to school.  The beauty of Gloria Houston’s voice shines through in this tribute to her great aunt. I think a parent’s conversation about this book can open children’s minds to begin to recognize what teachers are doing in their classrooms.  We hope you enjoy Great Aunt Arizona’s story!

Question Collection:

*How is Great Aunt Arizona’s childhood different than yours?

*Why do you think Great Aunt Arizona became a teacher?

*How does her classroom look compared to yours?

*What things do you think your teacher is doing to help you this year?

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, by Gloria Houston, is a wonderful Appalachian story to be shared with children.  The timelessness of the story shines through in this wonderful family tale of true giving. Barbara Cooney's illustrations further enhance the story's beauty.  This book is a great conversation starter to connect generations with Christmas memories of growing up.   We recommend this book to start a yearly Christmas reading tradition with your family!

Question Collection:

*Which illustration is your favorite in the book?

*What things in your house could you use to make gifts for others?

*Have you asked your grandparents about their Christmas traditions when they were a child?