My mom and dad read them to me and my sister before we could read ourselves, and I read them to my own kids.

I honestly found the Lerer (2015) article hard to follow, I did not know many of the text mentioned and therefore did not get all the references. However, I appreciated the underlying idea that children's literature is not only for a suggested age group, that instead it can be enjoyed by all. As an elementary school teacher, I have attended many different professional development workshops that have focused on the idea that children's books are a source of learning for everyone, each individual bringing their own perspective and understanding that can be shared.

2- Funny enough, before even reading the articles I read through the questions to be answered and the story that came to my mind was "Goodnight Moon" and "Love you Forever". I do not have a specific memory to pull from about this books, other than a feeling of comfort and safety. My parents read them to me repeatedly and now they symbolize my childhood and the time spent with my parents.

2) As I mentioned above, my favourite book as a child was undoubtedly, The Hobbit. I think this book meant so much to me because it transported me to an entirely different world every time I moved through its pages. I did not know then that I was neurodivergent and I experienced a lot of unexplained anxiety as a result. Whenever I was anxious or overstimulated, I would simply go to Middle Earth and become so wrapped up in a grand adventure that I would forget all about whatever was going on in real life. Bilbo’s bravery inspired me to act bravely in my own life, where I was having to cope with enormous amounts of anxiety. If timid Bilbo could leave Bag End and best Gollum, then so too could I take on whatever I was experiencing. Rereading this book again and again was also stabilizing; the story acted as an important constant in my life. As I said in the previous question, my first trip to Middle Earth was guided by my great-grandfather who used to read to me. I think having early memories of encountering this story in a safe and supportive space also shaped my feelings towards the book.

Interestingly and somewhat conversely, Lerer (2015) posits that the same story can be shaped in different ways by those who read it.  This idea that interacting with the same childhood story as an adult, will inevitably change your perspective of it.  You come to the story as you are at this moment in time.  In reading my kids the Berenstain Bears now, for example, I view the stories from the perspective of Mama and Papa Bear (no longer Brother and Sister, as I did when I was a kid) – so this definitely resonates with me.  

2) My selected childhood book from the 80s/90s, or books rather, is one in a series revolving around a cat named Maisie and her adventures around Scotland.  My Dad, being a Scottish immigrant himself, would often receive these books from our family overseas (we could never find them in Canada at the time).  From the magic of receiving a paper parcel from abroad, to the stories being told in my Dad’s thick magic Scottish accent, and learning more about my heritage in the process, these stories captured my childhood.  They have had a lasting impact on both myself and my sister, who, funnily enough, ended up naming her daughter Maisie as a tribute!

2. One of my favourite stories as a child was Pippi Longstocking. I remember my dad reading it to my sisters and I and the three of us being awestruck by her strength, vivacity and sense of adventure. It felt empowering to hear about all the things this little girl was capable of and I was entranced by the offbeat lifestyle she lived, with her pet monkey and bags of gold coins.

The Lerer (2014) reading was difficult to follow but essentially means that there is no age limit to reading children’s books and that anyone can interpret anything from these stories. Children’s literature has been around for millennia and has adapted to the culture of the times. One thing that is true from this reading is that people can be shaped by the books they read as children (Lerer 2014). Lerer (2014) says that children’s literature is a subject of interpretation and that the books we read can shape the type of people we become. The idea that there is no age limit to reading these classical children's books resonates with me. I just read Anne of Green Gables as I did not read it as a child, and I loved it. It was a beautiful story and I did not have to read it as a child to love the story and the characters.

2.My favorite book as a child was Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. My family loved the Harry Potter movies and my dad read the books and we had a box set. I remember reading the series and loving it, but always going back to the third book to reread it. I loved the way J.K. Rowling told the story and showed that Harry had family out there waiting for him, trying to protect him. Another reason I could love the book is because I loved the  movie. It is still my favourite Harry Potter movie that I rewatch.

2. My favourite book as mentioned above became my favourite book around the age of 12, but before that, my favourite series of books were the Clifford the Big Red Dog books. I loved revisiting characters I recognized and making connections about what had changed from one story to the next at such a young age. I also believe I love these books so much because they were read aloud to me as a child. It is a positive memory of time spent with my mom or dad, and listening to someone tell me a story as I got to look at the pictures and hear them speak. Children’s literature to this day remains my favourite because of the identification of themes and meanings. As an adult, I still have not found a genre of books I enjoy, which makes reading very difficult (and yes I know, NCTE said I should be a reader on my own, outside of school, and I am trying I promise!) But, overall my relationship with reading stories aloud to others is one of my favourite parts of the school day because I know how much I enjoy being read to, still.

Court (2018) discusses how rereading childhood books can reveal how we’ve changed over time and help us reflect on our own personal growth. Lerer (2015) explores how children's books can be surprisingly complex, with themes that can speak to all ages. What stood out to me is the idea that stories we loved as a child can still hold the same meaning and importance for us as an adult. And often we do not see and understand the deeper messages and meaning of stories until we are an adult. Therefore, it is eye opening to read stories once again as an adult and find deeper meaning. This idea made me reflect upon and think about how the depth of messages in children's books sometimes go unnoticed until adulthood.

2- Oh the places, you'll go by Dr. Suess was a favourite of mine as a child. But it wasn't until being an adult and going through my own highs and lows in life, that I understand the key messages of resiliency and navigating the triumphs and tribulations of life. As a child, I more just liked the illustrations of the story, but now as an adult I appreciate the deep meaning and powerful message of the book.

I didn't grow up with a love for reading, and I can't remember any books I read or owned as a child. It wasn't until I became a teacher that I developed a love for reading especially children's books and began frequently shopping for them. As a teacher, I read many stories to my students that I find humorous and meaningful, hoping to spark a love of reading in them as well. As a mom, I read to my children all the time, and bedtime stories with my 11-year-old son are still a nightly ritual.

I especially love reading Robert Munsch books to my students. Not only are they expressive and funny, but the illustrations are great too. One of my favorites is "Stephanie's Ponytail." I would put my hair in countless ponytails while reading this story, much to the delight of the kids. They always have a good laugh, and the story teaches the important moral of being yourself.

down in the river of time, if just for a moment, and ponder the full scope of one’s life." I found this quote quite profound and true; when we read children's books as adults, it can sometimes feel as though we are transported back into our childhood.

Lerer's (2015) article highlighted that children's books are not only for children, but can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In addition, we can interpret this literature in different ways, not only throughout history, but throughout our individual lives as well. As Lerer states "to understand the history of children's literature is to understand the history of all our forms of literary experience."

2) In Grade 4, my teacher assigned authors to each student and I had to research Shel Silverstein. This was the first time I read his poems and books - I became obsessed! I absolutely love reading his poems, even as an adult. When my niece turned 4, my sister and I gifted her The Giving Tree - this book still remains as one of my favourites as it explores the balance between love, generosity, and the idea of giving without expectation, raising questions about the nature of selflessness and the consequences of taking without reciprocating.

In Lerer's (2015) article, I appreciated that they emphasized that children's books are not only to be enjoyed and consumed by children and youth, however, adults can also appreciate and enjoy them. Just as with watching "kid movies" as an adult, children's books can offer new meanings and messages since we are looking at them through a different lens. I enjoyed the mention of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's Le Petit Prince - the main character's drawing of a snake eating an elephant was interpreted by adults to be a hat; this scene has always stayed with me since first reading it in my childhood. As Lerer states, a book shows "us how we transform our lives into books and texts, making sense of signs and symbols, life and letters".

2) I have quite a few favourite books from my childhood, including The Giving Tree and poem books by Shel Silverstein, Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, and The Paper Bag Princess and other stories by Robert Munsch. As a child, I remember reading The Paper Bag Princess and loving the simple and entertaining story. The protagonist, Princess Elizabeth, was strong, resourceful, and clever, defying the usual "damsel-in-distress" role. As an adult, I can appreciate how she didn’t need a prince to rescue her and took charge of her own adventure, showing that bravery and intelligence are far more valuable than beauty or wealth.

In Lerer's (2015) article, it was emphasized that children's literature is not only for children and youth, but can also be enjoyed and appreciated by adults. As the article states, stories can "show us how we transform our lives into books and texts, making sense of signs and symbols, letters and texts."

2) I have quite a few favourite childhood books, including Le Petit Prince by Antoine Saint-Exupery, The Giving Tree and poems by Shel Silverstein, and The Paper Bag Princess and other stories by Robert Munsch. As a child, I remember reading The Paper Bag Princess and loving the simple and entertaining story. The protagonist, Princess Elizabeth, was strong, resourceful, and clever, defying the usual "damsel-in-distress" role. As an adult, I can appreciate how she didn’t need a prince to rescue her and took charge of her own adventure, showing that bravery and intelligence are far more important than beauty or wealth.

In the Court (2018) reading, what stood out for me was the idea that “Rereading reminds us that we can experience something intensely and not be seeing everything at the time. And going back, we see something different” (p. 2). There are multiple interpretations of the same story, and as an individual gets older, the interpretations change or become clearer. Rereading as an adult brings a whole new meaning to the stories that we used to love. Court also explains that “Childhood books offer an opportunity to sit down in the river of time, if just for a moment, and ponder the full scope of one’s life”  (p. 4). They explain that books transform us back in time, or to another dimension, if only for a moment. They bring comfort to us in times of need.

Lerer Reading (2014)

The Lerer (2014) reading was difficult to follow but essentially means that there is no age limit to reading children’s books and that anyone can interpret anything from these stories. Children’s literature has been around for millennia and has adapted to the culture of the times. One thing that is true from this reading is that people can be shaped by the books they read as children (Lerer 2014). Lerer (2014) says that children’s literature is a subject of interpretation and that the books we read can shape the type of people we become.

2) My favorite book as a child was Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. My family loved the Harry Potter movies and my dad read the books and we had a box set. I remember reading the series and loving it, but always going back to the third book to reread it. I loved the way J.K. Rowling told the story and showed that Harry had family out there waiting for him, trying to protect him. Another reason I could love the book is because I loved the  movie. It is still my favorite Harry Potter movie that I rewatch.

In Lerer's (2015) article, it was emphasized that children's literature is not only for children and youth, but can also be enjoyed and appreciated by adults. As the article states, stories can "show us how we transform our lives into books and texts, making sense of signs and symbols, letters and texts."

2) I have quite a few favourite childhood books, including Le Petit Prince by Antoine Saint-Exupery, The Giving Tree and poems by Shel Silverstein, and The Paper Bag Princess and other stories by Robert Munsch. As a child, I remember reading The Paper Bag Princess and loving the simple and entertaining story. The protagonist, Princess Elizabeth, was strong, resourceful, and clever, defying the usual "damsel-in-distress" role. As an adult, I can appreciate how she didn’t need a prince to rescue her and took charge of her own adventure, showing that bravery and intelligence are far more important than beauty or wealth.

I didn't grow up with a love for reading, and I can't remember any books I read or owned as a child. It wasn't until I became a teacher that I developed a love for children's books and began frequently shopping for them. As a teacher, I read many stories to my students that I find humorous and meaningful, hoping to spark a love of reading in them as well. As a mom, I read to my children all the time, and bedtime stories with my 11-year-old son are still a nightly ritual.

I especially love reading Robert Munsch books to my students. Not only are they expressive and funny, but the illustrations are great too. One of my favorites is "Stephanie's Ponytail." I would put my hair in countless ponytails while reading this story, much to the delight of the kids. They always have a good laugh, and the story teaches the important moral of being yourself.

2) Mog the Forgetful Cat was definitely my favourite book growing up. Firstly, Mog is a funny looking cat that is quite derpy. The story takes you through stages of Mog being unappreciated by their family because of how forgetful they are. I won't spoil the ending, but Mog is held in pretty high esteem by their family after some top-secret events. This story meant a lot for me because it connected how feeling unwanted or unloved can be temporary, and even if someone appears unwanted, it does mean the value of who they are has diminished whatsoever. I love books that have lessons and that really make us think about our lives and our feelings. This is why I loved Mog the Forgetful Cat!

One thing that stuck out to me in Lerer’s article was the gender stereotype reading, “Boys from Tom Brown to Harry Potter found their most imaginative adventures in the classroom, the library, or the playing field” (p. 29). I personally was a huge Harry Potter fan who anxiously awaited the release of each novel to read. I believe books are meant to be for anyone who needs them and readers should not be stereotyped. If I am being honest, Lerer did loose my excitement to continue the article. However, I appreciated the history of children’s literature, particularly around Newbery and the discussion around children’s literature being the most profitable genre.

2) Books were an important part of my childhood. My mom was and still is an avid reader. As a child she would often sit in the living room with her tea and I as a mom myself now, I know how important that time was to her. But I regress. All that to say, trips to the library were part of our family schedule and I remember sitting on the floor riffling through the shelves trying to find the 3 books I wanted to bring home. My core memories of books as a young child are about our trips to the library as opposed to a certain title. The first series I can remember reading and loving were the books by Judy Blume. I think what I loved about them was it was the first chapter books that had a character in similar age to myself and went through similar events- I could identify with the main characters. We moved around a lot as a child and from city to city, I could always find those books and in a sense, a friend. 

One thing that stuck out to me in Lerer’s article was the gender stereotype reading, “Boys from Tom Brown to Harry Potter found their most imaginative adventures in the classroom, the library, or the playing field” (p. 29). I personally was, still am, a huge Harry Potter fan who anxiously awaited the release of each novel to read. I believe books are meant to be for anyone who needs them and readers should not be stereotyped. If I am being honest, Lerer did loose my excitement to continue the article. However, I appreciated the history of children’s literature, particularly around Newbery and the discussion around children’s literature being the most profitable genre.

2)Books were an important part of my childhood. My mom was and still is an avid reader. As a child she would often sit in the living room with her tea and I as a mom myself now, I know how important that time was to her. But I regress. All that to say, trips to the library were part of our family schedule and I remember sitting on the floor riffling through the shelves trying to find the 3 books I wanted to bring home. My core memories of books as a young child are about our trips to the library as opposed to a certain title. The first series I can remember reading and loving were the books by Judy Blume. I think what I loved about them was it was the first chapter books that had a character in similar age to myself and went through similar events- I could identify with the main characters. We moved around a lot as a child and from city to city, I could always find those books and in a sense, a friend. 

Lerer (2015) discusses how children's literature often shapes adult values and perspectives. Revisiting these stories as adults can help us better understand our personal growth and who we are. The Country Bunny reminds me of the importance of nurturing one’s dreams - lessons that continue to resonate with me as an adult.

2) As mentioned above, The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes had a profound impact on me as a child and it resonates even more deeply with me now as an adult. The story is about a hardworking mother bunny who dreams of becoming one of the Easter bunnies. She is initially shunned by the other bunnies and discouraged from becoming the Easter Bunny due to societal expectations. With determination and self-belief, the Country Bunny is able to achieve her dream of becoming the Easter Bunny while balancing other responsibilities, like having a family. It’s incredible that this story, with its feminist twist, was written in 1939! This book holds a special place in my heart, especially now as a mother, teacher and student.

2 - Growing up, I loved reading Stephanie's Ponytail by Robert Munsch, along with many of his other books. His stories stood out for their playful humor, exaggerated storytelling, and memorable characters, which I found both fun to read and easy to remember. What made them especially powerful though, was how through the silliness there was always a clear and meaningful lesson. Stephanie's Ponytail in particular taught me about individuality and self-confidence. Connecting back to the readings this week, there was definitely a time in high school when I would have benefitted from reading Stephanie's Ponytail one more time.

When asked what my favourite childhood book was, I can’t say that I have one because I was not a reader and I was not surrounded by books and stories as a child. The books I remember reading where the ones we read in school for novel studies in school. I was in grade 10 when the Hunger Games book was released and my English teacher had our class to a novel study on it. She followed the Hunger Games study with a dystopian genre study. Discovering this new genre was really interesting for me and it remains one of my favourite genres of stories because it speaks to social conditions and history, and asks so many questions about humanity. 

As a librarian, I read many books to my student visitors. One I read recently was the “House with No Lights” by Reem Faruqi. It’s a beautiful story about community, holidays, and celebrations. The story highlights cultural differences in a beautifully sensitive way that children may not see as deeply as an adult would, but children are shown that someone who doesn’t have lights up for Christmas have other ways they celebrate. 

If you’re interested in the book, here is the description: After seeing all of its neighbors' twinkling lights for the winter holidays, House hopes to shine too. When Huda and her family move in, House thinks its time to sparkle has finally come. But, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Christmas come and go without a shimmer. Quickly, House learns that every family celebrates joy and togetherness in their own way, no matter the season. And a few months later House will see that this new family has its own holiday to shine for.  

Court (2018) underscores the therapeutic and reflective aspects of revisiting childhood books. It explores how rereading allows adults to reconnect with past selves, gain new perspectives, and find comfort in constancy amidst life’s changes. This resonated deeply with me, particularly the idea that favourite childhood stories can serve as emotional anchors, offering solace and inspiration throughout life.

What stands out across both pieces is the assertion that children’s literature isn’t just for children—it’s an enduring source of wisdom and self-reflection. It surprised me how much rereading can mirror personal growth, revealing layers of meaning overlooked in childhood. These readings made me consider my own experiences with beloved books, sparking a desire to revisit them and explore how they might resonate differently today.

2) Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! holds deep meaning for me because it symbolizes encouragement, resilience, and the boundless potential of my life journey. Watching Leu’s video reminded me of how impactful a single teacher and a single book can be. Just as Leu’s teacher opened the door to the transformative power of reading, my Grade 8 teacher, Mrs. Binstock, profoundly influenced my life. She gifted me this book, embedding in me the belief that I could navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence.

The book’s vibrant illustrations and whimsical language captured my imagination, but it was the message that resonated most. The themes of perseverance through challenges and the celebration of individuality felt personal, as I was beginning to define my path during a pivotal time in my life. Mrs. Binstock’s belief in my potential mirrored the book’s encouragement, and her gift felt like a tangible reminder that someone saw promise in me.

The connection I felt to this story wasn’t just about the plot or characters—it was about how it made me feel seen, capable, and inspired. Like Leu, I learned that a teacher’s belief can illuminate a path, and a book can serve as a lifelong compass.

• Growing up, one of my favorite books was reading tales of Jhansi Ki Rani which was about a young girl who became a queen in her teen years. It symbolizes courage, determination and willpower of women. During the first war of Indian Independence in 1857, she showcased her leadership fighting against colonial forces. It provoked in me a sense of pride and empowerment to challenge social norms and be a role model for myself.

Looking back on my childhood, my book exposure was limited. While my parents read to us occasionally, it wasn’t a consistent practice. However, seeing my niece, who has a nightly reading routine, has opened my eyes to how powerful children's literature can be. It sparks imagination and fosters family connections, helping kids see themselves within the broader context of the world.

A quote particularly moved me from Lerer’s (2014) paper, where he says, "Reading is not just an abstract operation of intellect; it is an engagement of the body, an inscription in space, a relation to oneself and others." This resonated with me and encapsulated how reading can shape our understanding and connection to the world.

When I began reflecting on my favorite children's books, I found it challenging to narrow them down. One that stands out is "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister. This story taught me valuable lessons about sharing, humility, and friendship. I learned that the kindness we extend to others enriches our lives in ways that go beyond material wealth. Rereading it as an adult, I recognize how these qualities have influenced my practice in Social Work. I firmly believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, adhering to the principle of treating others as I wish to be treated. This book's message has always stayed with me

• Growing up, one of my favorite books was reading tales of Jhansi Ki Rani which was about a young girl who became a queen in her teen years. It symbolizes courage, determination and willpower of women. During the first war of Indian Independence in 1857, she showcased her leadership fighting against colonial forces. It provoked in me a sense of pride and empowerment to challenge social norms and be a role model for myself.

• Growing up, one of my favorite books was reading tales of Jhansi Ki Rani which was about a young girl who became a queen in her teen years. It symbolizes courage, determination and willpower of women. During the first war of Indian Independence in 1857, she showcased her leadership fighting against colonial forces. It provoked in me a sense of pride and empowerment to challenge social norms and be a role model for myself.

As a child, I read constantly and liked to challenge myself with all sorts of books that I knew nothing about. Yet, there are very few that I remember having a particular impact on me like Underground to Canada did. I remember reading it at a young age, not knowing anything about slavery. I think it was one of the first books I read that actually made me think on a more critical level and that is why I remember it more vividly. It also happens to be one of the few books from my childhood that I have reread multiple times. Much later in life, I also studied it with students in different grades (⅚, 8 and 10), which made me reflect on even more perspectives. 

As a child, I read constantly and liked to challenge myself with all sorts of books that I knew nothing about. Yet, there are very few that I remember having a particular impact on me like Underground to Canada did. I remember reading it at a young age, not knowing anything about slavery. I think it was one of the first books I read that actually made me think on a more critical level and that is why I remember it more vividly. It also happens to be one of the few books from my childhood that I have reread multiple times. Much later in life, I also studied it with students in different grades (⅚, 8 and 10), which made me reflect on even more perspectives. 

Lerer states that children's literature "charts the makings of the literate imagination. It shows children finding worlds within the book and books in the world" (2015, p. 37.). This quote really stood out to me, as it emphasizes the importance of meaning-making in literature and using it as a method for evolving our personal and literate identities.

The book I chose was Goodnight Moon. I really connected with the illustrations of this book, and it fostered an appreciation for both the tangible and intangible things in my life at the time. It provided me with a visceral awareness of my surroundings and how those objects existed in my own space and contributed to my everyday life. It was a book my mom would read to me and my sister before bed and it provided us with a sense of comfort and ease. As I got older I continued to read this book every now and then, until one of my favourite bands (Said The Whale) released a song called "Goodnight Moon" which actually incorporated text from the original book. I still listen to this song, and it reminds me to pause and take a moment to take in and acknowledge my surroundings and to accept both the wonders and hardships of life.

Le Royaume de Fantaisie by Geronimo Stilton was one of my favorite childhood books, and what made it even more special was the "scratch-and-sniff" feature. The book wasn’t just a visual adventure, but it also engaged my sense of smell on each page. Each scene or event had a specific scent to scratch, making the reading experience even more immersive and playful. I especially remember the joy of discovering the different smells and how they matched the story. This interactive touch, along with the captivating plot and fun characters, made it an unforgettable part of my childhood.