Jeremiah Learns to Read - The Great Elementary Read

Jeremiah Learns to Read

Written by Jo Ellen Bogart

Illustrated by Rick and Laura Fernandez

Scholastic Canada $7.99

Recommended for ages 5-10

On the heels of The Big Rothesay Read, another celebration of literacy has launched: The Great Elementary Read. This year’s title is a family favourite of ours that tells the tale of old Jeremiah who has never been taught to read and the children that fill his days with wonder and encouragement.

Jeremiah is a white-haired gentleman who “knew how to grow beautiful tomatoes, long green cucumbers and juicy cobs of corn, but he didn’t know how to read.” He looks for advice on how to learn to read from his brother, Jackson, his wife, Juliana and even his old sheepdog. None of them can offer him the help he needs so he takes matters into his own hands and heads off to the one-room schoolhouse with the village children.

Mrs. Trumble welcomes him with open arms and begins to teach him sounds, letters and eventually how to write. As the days pass, Jeremiah spends his time teaching his classmates to “chirp like a chickadee and honk like a goose”. He even “taught Mrs. Trumble to make applesauce and to whistle through her teeth.”

Eventually Jeremiah is able to fulfill Juliana’s wish to have him read to her. One special night he chooses a book and reads a lovely selection of poetry to her. This in turn inspires her to learn to read. “Jeremiah smiled at Juliana. “First thing after breakfast, my love.” And Jeremiah turned off the light.”

This simple yet meaningful story reminds us that everyone has their own strengths. All of us have something to offer to the world!

In celebration of The Great Elementary Read, Jo Ellen Bogart will be visiting Benjamin’s Books on April 26 from 3-5. Everyone is welcome to join us.