5/20/2023

    Welcome to Mrs. Clifford: The Big Read (Red) Blog! My name is Savannah Clifford. I have been teaching elementary students for 10 years, and have two littles of my own under 5. I have a great love of books, especially children’s books. I recently felt inspired to write about the wonderful books that I find and share them with my friends. I hope you will help me spread the word about these fabulous finds by sharing my blog with your friends. 

    Anyone who truly knows me knows that my favorite holiday is Halloween, and that I believe there is no wrong time of year to enjoy it.  In honor of that, the first book I’ve chosen to share is “Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party,” written and illustrated by Erin Barker. This short and sweet masterpiece came across my way as I perused books online. I bought it not knowing truly what it would be, and I was delighted by the treasure I had stumbled upon. 

    The book counts up to 13 while describing Mr. Pumpkin’s friends and the goodies they bring to his party.  Ms. Barker’s beautiful illustrations present a *chef’s kiss* of my most dear Halloween and dapper dreams mixed together as she introduces each of Mr. Pumpkin’s guests. The book is a perfect autumn (or anytime) bedtime story. The rhyme scheme gently rocks the reader and listener into cozy reverie as the story winds down to its close.

    My oldest little has enjoyed and asked for “Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party” again and again! If you’d like to know more about “Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party,” you can visit Erin Barker’s website here! http://erinbarkerillustration.com/  Her illustrations are lighthearted and lovely, and I hope to explore her other books soon.