A Reading Rainbow! I can go anywhere...sing along!

The other day, I came across one of my favorite children's books of all time.

As you can see by the cover, this book was read often and cherished very much. 

As I flipped through the pages, I saw this - and I had to smile.

Yes - signed by the author himself!

Looking through this book brought back a lot of memories. 

Did you have someone in your life who inspired you to read? And not only just read because you had to, but because you loved to?

I did.

My aunt Betty Jean was my champion when it came to reading. I remember curling up next to her as she read to me or I read to her. She also purchased the above book for me - and many others just like it - signed by the authors - when they visited her school. I have quite a collection that I will pass on to my children someday. :) She helped me meet and exceed my Book-It goals on more than one occasion.

For our birthdays as kids, Aunt Betty Jean dressed up as Suzy Storyteller and told stories to our party guests. I will always have fond memories of her doing this! I don't have very clear pictures of her dressed in her garb, but I think you can get the idea :)

Love this! Especially the hand coming out of the one pocket!

There I am in the blue dress with the white collar.
Did you think I was the dorky looking one in the yellow sweater?
Anyway.  I loved seeing my aunt dress up like this character! What a fun birthday party that was :)

My latest picture with my aunt Betty Jean and cousin Jennifer. Ignore the hugely pregnant lady in the middle :)  Jennifer, Aunt Betty Jean and Uncle Tom surprised me at my baby shower!!
Best surprise ever.


An aunt is a gift whose worth cannot be measured except by the heart.
- Anonymous -