The K-16 Literacy Center at UT Tyler accepting applications for Born to Read Spring 2023 intake. Click here for more information.
Libraries make a difference in Early Childhood Development.
The Born to Read program is proud to have Vandy Dubre, Professional Librarian, from the Robert R. Muntz Library UT Tyler as one of the K-16 Literacy Center Board Members. Vandy will review a book for Born to Read each month. Vandy has also recorded some Story Time Videos for the Born to Read program.
Vandy Dubre is the Fine Arts, Literature, and Education Librarian at UT Tyler. An East Texas native, she has been working with the university Children’s Literature class since 1999 and is very passionate about children’s books and finding the right book for the right child at the right time. She has three children, a menagerie of animals, and loves to travel the world having crazy adventures one backpack at a time.
One simple way to build an inexpensive Children's Library at home is to check with your local library. Sometimes they retire books at bargain prices. Ask your local librarian if they have a special table of books for sale.
Vandy's February 2021 Book Review
I am Harriet Tubman
Book by Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
In his “Ordinary People Change the World” series, Brad Meltzer portrays Harriet Tubman’s life and role in the fight against slavery. Through young child-friendly illustrations and comic book style dialog, Meltzer and Eliopoulos portray the dangers and realities of slavery, the bravery and importance of Harriet Tubman’s contributions to freedom, the importance of self-choice, and the lasting impact of our decisions. Also included in this series are Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Sacagawea, Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Neil Armstrong, Lucille Ball, Sonia Sotomayor, Gandhi, Amelia Earhart, and more.
Vandy's January 2021 Book Review
Snowmen at Night
Book by Caralyn Buehner
Illustrated by Mark Buehner
With the recent snowfall, you most likely made a snowman or even a snow-family. But did you ever stop to think about what all the snow people do while everyone is asleep?
Snowmen at Night takes you through all the fun adventures your snow people get up to and why they look so ragged and slumped over the next day.
With vibrant and engaging pictures, there are lots of things to talk about and identify on every page. You can even start a discussion with your little ones over what they think their snowman did this time.
Vandy's November 2020 Book Review
Goodnight Little Sea Otter
Book by Janet Halfmann
Good Night, Little Sea Otter is a wonderful book for bedtime. Reminiscent of Good Night Moon, baby sea otter must say goodnight to all the various sea creatures in his world before bed. In addition to the ones he knows, mama otter identifies new ones to him and your little one. A great introduction to sea creatures, and basic information on sea otters such as how they sleep and care for their young.
Vandy's October 2020 Book Review
Press Here
Book by Hervé Tullet
Press Here by Herve Tullet is a creative and interactive way to teach pre-k children the concepts of colors and directions. The text blends simple instructions such as, “touch the yellow dot” or “ touch the dot to the left” with the results on the following page. This book allows for the reader and child to interact both together and with the story. As you guide the child to follow the simple directions, they are learning the concepts, seeing their results on the following page, and you both are getting some interactive bonding time. Want more? Tullet has followed with two more interactive books, Mix It Up, and Let’s Play.
