I am so pleased to report that B is really getting into reading. We have been working hard on phonics, sight words, and have been spending a lot of time reading together. B loves heading to his favorite bookstore, visiting the library, storytime at preschool and church, and loves storytime at home. In our county, they just held a literacy summit, and I heard about some very scary statistics over the fact that not only can 14% of Americans not read, but there many, many children in the county I live in who cannot read, or who cannot read above a third grade level.
I loved reading as a child, and love reading as an adult. My love for reading has definitely attributed to my love for writing and storytelling. I want my son to experience the world through words, and there's no such thing as being too young to start reading. A good book or story can take you anywhere your imagination (or the author's imagination) suggests or will allow. From Bible stories to early reader books for little ones, we read about all kinds of things, and nothing makes me happier than to hear my son say, 'Mommy, this time I'll read the story to YOU!'
We recently had the opportunity to review No Cell Phone Day. No Cell Phone Day is a children’s picture book written by world-renowned NEA Jazz Master and Grammy award-winning producer, Delfeayo Marsalis and illustrated by award-winning Harlem artist, Reginald W. Butler. The book playfully addresses the idea of imposing technology and how it affects our relationships with loved ones. In the book, Delfeayo and his daughter decide to put down their cell phones for a day to explore their hometown of New Orleans! Along the way, they see the sites, hear the sounds and enjoy all the great things The Big Easy has to offer. Most importantly, they spend quality time TOGETHER!
We couldn't wait to pick up this beautifully illustrated book, and read it together. As we began to read the story, I noticed that the story hit awfully close to home. Marsalis' daughter describes her dad as being so busy that he has two cell phones- on to talk on, and another to check messages on, while he talks on the other! As a special birthday surprise, the little girl and her mom plan a 'no cell phone day' for daddy/daughter. On this day, no cell phones are allowed to be used for anything, and the two set out to enjoy all of their favorite attractions in New Orleans!
B enjoyed looking at all of the cool pictures in No Cell Phone Day, while I read him the story.
Some of the places the daddy/daughter duo visited resonated with B, especially when they visited the aquarium, as we had just recently visited a local aquarium, ourselves! We read on as the two had a great meal at a favorite restaurant, explored museums, enjoyed playing at the park, drove around without using the GPS, and more!
'Hey look- they're playing at the park, mommy!'
They had such a great day, they decided to make it an annual family holiday!
This book is all about making time for those who are most important to us in life. As a parent, this story struck a personal chord with me. My son is no stranger to seeing his mommy on her cell phone (which I work from round the clock- bloggers work weird hours!) all the time. There always seems to be another message to check, e-mail to respond to, or crisis to take care of, and since my office is at home and mobile, I have a hard time sticking to a pre-determined schedule. The more times we read this story, the more I realized that the idea behind 'No Cell Phone Day' is genius, and necessary. This book prompted me to want to schedule our own No Cell Phone Day for our family. My husband and I are planning on having a No Cell Phone Day of our own in the very near future, where we let B help us plan a very special family day, in which we won't be using our cell phones, unless we need to make an emergency call.
No Cell Phone Day Has Won Numerous Awards...
**WINNER OF THE 2014 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR BEST PICTURE BOOK AGES 4-8**
**GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF THE PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARDS**
...and Has Been Read All Over the Country!
We think this book is a wonderful way to enjoy time together by reading, and looking at the fun photos. It also gives family a glimpse into another family's life, and some of the things you learn while reading this story may seem very familiar. It might even prompt you to plan your own No Cell Phone Day, and we hope it does!
Plan Your Own No Cell Phone Day...
Plan a Scavenger Hunt Around Your Town
Visit Local Attractions
Go to the Park
Have a Picnic
Enjoy a Meal at Your Favorite Restaurant
Volunteer in Your Community as a Family
Visit the Library
Take a Walk
Take a Day Trip
Want It? Buy It!
No Cell Phone Day is available through Kidstown Press for $16.99. Visit their website to purchase the book, learn more about Delfeayo Marsalis or to find information on live readings,
Want It? Win It!
Thanks to our friends at Kidstown Press, one lucky MBP reader will win their very own copy of No Cell Phone Day ($16.99 RV). This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and older. Just use the handy RC entry form below to enter for your chance to win!
Special thanks to our friends at Kidstown Press for allowing us to enjoy this book as a family, and for offering this wonderful giveaway for our readers!
Good luck!
i think its a good idea if it works for a certain family.
ReplyDeleteI think it's an incredible idea. Everyone should have a cell phone free day to really enjoy spending time with one another again without distractions of technology.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a no cell phone day I would have a picnic with my family followed by a board game marathon.
ReplyDeleteActually, it is really needed so the kids can spend quality time with family and be thankful for the little things that truly matter.
ReplyDeleteI would love for EVERY family to do this at least once a month. I barely even use my phone unless I am at work or to post my winning's on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great thing. I am actually in the decision mode of whether I want to even keep my cell phone. LOL My contract is up next month and if I do get one, it will be a throw-away phone just for text and calls, but I am leaning more towards just the house phone and getting my freedom back!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a great thing! It would be really hard for me to do, but I think it would open my eyes!
ReplyDelete