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PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson
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Somehow a red flower managed to bloom on the “wrong side” of the fence. Just the bloom is peeking through the slats. There’s a green bush on the right side of the photo. .
Genre: Memoire
Word Count: 100
A BOOK IS LIKE A GARDEN, CARRIED IN THE POCKET
When did letters come together to form words and stories? I don’t recall exactly when it happened for me.
I owe much of it to Dick, Jane, and their baby sister Sally as do many former children of a certain age in these United States.
“Come here, Dick.”
“Go, Jane. Go, Sally, go!”
The illustrations made me as happy as the thrill of learning to read, thanks to Robert Childress. He wasn’t the first to paint lively pictures for the iconic books, but his were the ones that colored my early childhood. They still bloom like flowers in my memory.
(The title is a Chinese proverb.)
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Lovely pic for the prompt Rochelle
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Thanks, Geeta.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely resonance to the image, Rochelle
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Thank you, Neil.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was taught to read during a short period of phonetic reading education experiment called ITA. It staved off the ability to actually read books- and totally destroyed any chance we ever had at becoming good spellers- but I cannot say it didn’t send me off as a voracious reader once we translated back to the actual alphabet from the phonetic one that we originally learned in first grade.
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Dear Violet,
I was actually reading before being introduced to Dick and Jane. My mom taught me to sound out the words. Honestly I don’t remember a time I couldn’t read. 😉 Thanks for reading and sharing your memories.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh does that bring back memories. I remember they had a cat named Puff.
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Dear Lisa,
Yes, a cat named Puff and a dog named Spot. Funny, funny Puff. 😉 Happy to bring back memories. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are most welcome and yes, it did.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Well fancy that! I never knew about those three children over your side, but I vaguely remember the Janet and John series in the UK, and very posh they were (just saying).
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Dear Chris,
Now I’m curious about Janet and John. 😉 I will have to check them out. Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I definitely remember Dick and Jane.
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Not surprised, James. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We didn’t have those I remember in Primary school having Janet & John books 😃
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Dear Ange,
Now I’m curious about Janet and John. It’s fun how the internet has brought our worlds closer together. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes it is very interesting – those early books stay with you 😊
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Dear Rochelle,
I went to a French elementary school for kindergarten and grade one and my neighbour three houses down, Stephanie, taught me to read in English. Before long, I was devouring everything in the Boucherville Elementary School library. It is truly a gift to know how to read. The things we learn!
Shalom and lotsa love and reading,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Colour me envious of your bilingualness. 😉 Reading is definitely a gift that can be taken for granted. Thank you for stopping by.
Shalom and lotsa it’s-Greek-to-me hugs,
Rochelle
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Opa!!
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Reading and writing rocks!! Good to see you’re still penning the good stuff Rochelle!!
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It was I
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Who wrote the above.
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Dear Shrawley,
Thank you for a lovely comment and for identifying yourself. 😀 Nice to see you back in the FFFold.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this, Rochelle. I just released my first (real) children’s book. I hope I can have that affect on someone someday. Thanks to my mom and grandmother, I was reading by the time I was 3. There was a lot of Dr. Seuss involved.
Just for fun, here’s an idea of what your plush friend might look like today, or at least last May. This is my mom’s Chimpy, who currently resides in my old room. He’s seen some shit, even if his hearing isn’t what it used to be.
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Yay! It worked. There’s my mom’s finger.
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Dear Nobbin,
I was an early reader, too, thanks to my mom. Her chimpy does look a lot like my BoBo. Sadly, I’ve no idea whatever happened to him.
Thank you. All the best on your children’s book.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The only books I remember from that time are Thomas the Tank Engine and Noddy and Big Ears, neither of which I found amusing.
You might recall my own endeavours in that field with my Jack the little Giant series, now available on YouTube!
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Dear C.E.
To each their own. 😉 I’ll have to check out your series.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We all have our favourite childhood books. ‘The Famous Five’, comes to my mind.
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Dear James,
If we are fortunate there are many books that shaped our childhoods. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This story brings back memories of my early days trying to read Janet and John in first grade.
Lovely memories, indeed.
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Dear Kwadwo,
Thank you for your lovely comment and share
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember those! After a bit you basically had the book memorized, but the illustrations were always fascinated me. Thanks for the memory!
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Dear Lish,
I’m glad I’m not the only one who remembers the illustrations. A lot of time, work, and talent went into those. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think the first book I read on my own was Dr. Dolittle. I remember the magic of forming those letters into words and then the magic of the book itself. I still wish we could talk with other species!
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Dear Sheila,
Thanks for sharing your experience. There was definitely magic in forming words and thoughts from the printed page.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of the most favourite books I remember reading in grade school was Rupert the Bear. He had the most exciting and interesting adventures. : )
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Dear Lily,
Thank you for sharing your adventure in early reading. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely memories, Rochelle. I really don’t remember my first read, though I imagine it might have been something by Enid Blyton.
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Dear Keith,
I’m sure there were many delightful reads along your path. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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nice proverb and story. thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Plaridel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I do remember this! What a lovely walk down memory lane. I wonder how many children learned to read enjoying his illustrations and readers. Thanks, Rochelle!
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Dear Brenda,
As an artist I can only imagine the time and effort put into those illustrations. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think I grew up on Spot the Dog and other more animal-based early readers. The result was an avid reader… and an animal lover. I would who I would’ve been if I learned with Dick and Jane!
Lovely little piece of memory, Rochelle.
Jen
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Thank you so much, Jen.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Right?
A long long time ago.
Or so they tell me.
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Dear Dawn,
Yet those times seem like only yesterday, don’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Indeed. ❤
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The gift of reading is a really valuable one.
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A gift indeed, Chioma. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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what a beautiful memory inspired by the prompt. I remember Dick and Jane, but forgot all about their little sister, Sally!
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Dear Michele,
Thank you so much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Early learning books are the best!
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Dear Laurie,
Early learning books are the beginning of many lifelong love affairs with reading, aren’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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