SPRING 2008

The Hug Bug Club

I hope that you are having a wonderful spring.  I love seeing Nature wake up and start growing again.  It is quite magical seeing the leaves popping out of the ground and the flowers bursting into bloom.  I have daffodils, crocuses and tulips in my garden.  What spring flowers to you see around your home? 

"Each of us is a flower, growing in life's garden."

"Somos como las flores en el jardín de la vida."(Spanish)

"Nous sommes tous comme les fleurs dans le jardin de la vie." (French)  

By Charlotte Diamond recorded on “10 Carrot Diamond”

Listen to "Each of Us is a Flower"

I love to read; it is a wonderful way to explore our world, our history and our many cultures.  I also love to hear a good story.  I have written a new version of the song, “Four Hugs a Day” to encourage families to read together. Have fun singing this new song and add your own ideas!  Do you like to write stories?

Nobody reads enough books a day,

 ‘cause the minimum number is three,

We can read everywhere, on the floor, in a chair, 

on a bus; there are stories to read.

Chorus:

Three books a day, that’s the minimum. Three books a day, not the maximum.

Three books a day, that’s the minimum. Three books a day, not the maximum.

Step One: Read a sign on the street,

Step Two: On the foods that we eat,

Step Three: In a comic book,

Step Four: A recipe that we cook. 

Chorus:

Step One: Let’s read about whales,

Step Two: Or a dragon’s tale,

Step Three: Solve a mystery,

Step Four: Dive under the sea.

Don’t forget, your Mama and Papa, 

Grandma and Grandpa can read to you, too,

Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles; 

Have some fun; it’s easy to do.

Let’s read: One, Two, Three or more!      

Let’s read: One, Two, Three or more!

Let’s read…    Chorus

Don’t forget to read at least three books a day!

** Mem Fox, an Australian author of wonderful children’s books, said in her book, “Reading Magic”:

“If every parent and every adult caring for a child read aloud a minimum of three stories a day to the children in their lives, we could probably wipe out illiteracy with one generation.”

Visit Mem Fox at: www.memfox.com/welcome.html

Do you know my song “Puddles”?  We often have rainy days in spring where I live near Vancouver on the west (wet!) coast of Canada.  I love jumping in puddles!  

Put on your rubber boots and let’s go….Splash!  Did you get wet?

I’m ready for, you’re ready for, we’re ready for the puddles!

I’ve got new boots, a raincoat, too; I’ve got a hat, and it’s bright blue,

The sky is gray, raining cats and dogs,

I’m ready for, you’re ready for, we’re ready for the puddles!

I don’t care, if it rains all day; I can’t wait to go out and play,

Splishin’ and splashin’ my cares away,

I’m ready for, you’re ready for, we’re ready for the puddles

By Charlotte Diamond recorded on “My Bear Gruff”

I hope that you enjoy being outdoors, going for walks, smelling the fresh air, listening to the birds in the morning and …jumping in puddles!  Write to me, I love to receive your letters.

Visit my previous Hug Bug letters for lots of fun ideas with music!

If you want to look at previous newsletters, you can click here for Winter 2007, and here for Fall 2007

To join the Hug Bug Club, please send your name and address to:

New Address for Mail!

Charlotte Diamond
The Hug Bug Club
Box 26508 - Blundell Centre
Richmond, B.C. Canada V7C 5M9

or email fanmail@charlottediamond.com