A Theory...

I just witnessed, for the first time, a parent encourage her child to participate in the 3 Apples Book Award contest...but of course, the little girl was too young. Maybe all our kids who are old enough (grade 3) to be interested are also adequately skilled to be reading beyond our collection--that is, they're not in this room to notice the sign and think to take part.

The solution, of course, is to hold an event for EVERYONE---which is why we have a colorful flock of butterflies waiting to be hung from the gazebo. I'll put out a sign, but a book title is a must; decorations (markers, crayons and/or colored pencils are at hand) are delightful, and the child's first name gives (I think) the personal touch. It would be nice if all the butterflies don't "hover" at exactly the same height, so I'm going to get out a hole punch (in the rubber band bucket) and set out some pieces of yarn which can be tied directly onto the "laundry line" or tied to a paper clip which can be attached to the line. (You'll understand when you take a look.) The more, the merrier--and hey, maybe the butterflies will attract spring to come, for real!!