As many of you know, I love children’s stories. When I finished my term in community leadership, I signed up for two classes as a “reward” for my service. The first was a course at our local seminary entitled “The Psalms and Wisdom Literature in the Bible.” The teacher, Fr. Larry Tosco, was superb! The second was a course in children’s literature taught by one of our sisters, Regina Alfonso. Sr. Regina was well-qualified to tutor me in children’s literature. Not only had she taught elementary school for many years, she had also taught children’s literature at Notre Dame College. Each week for one semester she and I met in a small room in NDC’s library with a stack of children’s books to read aloud, talk about, and thoroughly enjoy. It was a foretaste of heaven!
My love for children’s literature led me to some wonderful websites that feature stories often read by famous people, and sometimes by ordinary people including children. The videos use the illustrations from the books, but often the pictures come “alive.” For me, the stories, the art work, and the lively reading provide an enriching and fun experience.
Today I’m sharing two stories with you. Both are found on Storyline Online, one of my favorite websites now. The first story, The Three Questions, is based on a story by the great Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy. The story is written and illustrated by Jon. J. Muth. It features a little boy, Nickolai, who has three very big questions. He seeks the answers to his questions from his friends and a wise old turtle. The story is read in dramatic fashion by Meryl Streep. The second book is entitled The Kiss that Missed written and illustrated by David Melling. Read strikingly by Karan Brar, well-known child actor (who is now 27), this story features a king in a hurry, his little son, and his loyal knight. It’s a fun story–with a serious message!
The Three Questions: (11:25 mins.)
The Kiss that Missed:
The Kiss that Missed read by Karan Brar: (4:39 mins.)
Reflection questions for The Three Questions:
Nickolai’s three questions are these: When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?
How does Nickolai answer these three questions by the actions he took in the story?
What do you think of Leo the turtle’s summary of the three answers at the end of the story?
Is there anything you especially liked about this story? the characters… the drawings… the reader… the sounds… any specific words?
Reflection questions for The Kiss that Missed:
Why did the little prince miss his father’s royal kiss?
What effect did that royal kiss have on the wild animals in the forest and on the huge dragon?
The King apologizes to his son for always being in a hurry. How does he show his apology is sincere?
What did you find humorous in the story?
I’m eager to know what you thought of these stories. I hope some of you will comment below. Thank you!
