Small children live in the moment, and the "here and now" nature of these stories encourages kids to learn from their own thoughts and observations. Written by a famous educator, the illustrated tales range from those suitable for reading aloud to 2- and 3-year-olds to those perfect for third graders to read for themselves.
The founder of New York's Bank Street College of Education, Lucy Sprague Mitchell was a dedicated teacher and distinguished theorist on progressive schooling. Published in 1921, her Here and Now Story Book was among the first children's books to focus on the routines of everyday life rather than fairy tales. "One of my chief reasons for publishing this book," she noted, "was the hope of interesting teachers and parents in listening to the language of small children with ears that heard its freshness and beauty." Written to reinforce developing levels of cognition and socialization, these timeless tales are widely praised for their vibrant use of language.