A Baby Sister For Frances

This book resonates well with Ivy these days.  Despite the excitement of being a big sister, it is hard to listen to crying and not get as much attention.  Frances, much like Ivy, is experiencing all of these things.  One day when her mother forgot to buy raisins and did not have her best dress ready for school, Frances decides that things aren't very good anymore and runs away under the kitchen table with some cookies.  She overhears her parents knowingly talking about how they love and miss Frances.  A family just isn't family without everyone,

Bread and Jam for Frances

Another oldie but goodie...The Frances Books by Lillian and Russell Hoban.  Ivy just loves Frances, a spunky and adorable badger.  Frances learns lessons dear to Ivy's heart - sharing with friends, trying new foods, stalling at bedtime, letting someone else have attention, etc.  Frances is famous for her little poems, ability to push the boundaries on everything, and strong personality. There are six of these delightful books and Ivy has read five this week.


Here is an example from Bread and Jam for Frances:

   Frances did not eat her egg.
   She sang a little song to it.
   She sang the song very softly:


   I do not like the way you slide,
   I do not like your soft inside,
   I do not like you lots of ways,
   And I could do for many days
   Without eggs.