The Christmas Angel

A special visitor came to the library the last week of school before winter recess. Paula Poulson, who worked in the Bella Vista Library for six years, returned to share a Christmas story called "The Christmas Angel" by Pirkko Vainio.

Students and teachers were delighted to see Mrs. P again. Paula is a compassionate person who has suffered great adversity in her life this past year with the passing of her husband in September from cancer. She shared "The Christmas Angel" story with the children and expressed her appreciation for all the angels in her neighborhood that have helped her through this difficult year. Students and teachers who know Mrs. P enjoyed her surprise visit and will remember the message she left with them to do something compassionate for others during this holiday season.

The teachers and students honor Doug Poulson and the wonderful life he lived. Paula knows her husband is now an angel watching over her.

May we feel a deep gratitude in our hearts at this Christmas time for the gifts Christ has given us through the compassionate life he lived and the Atonement he has provided for all mankind. Merry Christmas!

Fiction and Nonfiction, What's the Difference?

A long time ago when I was an elementary school student, I remember never really grasping the difference between fiction and nonfiction books. I wish the book, "Bored Bella Learns About Fiction and Nonfiction" was around back then. It would have enlightened my understanding like it is doing for elementary school students today. Thank you Sandy Donovan and Leeza Hernandez for making this remarkable book!

According to Sandy Donovan, there are many ways to find out if a book is fiction or nonfiction. One way is to read the description of the book on the back cover or inside flap. When you read it, ask yourself:
*What is the book about? What happens in the book?
*Is the purpose of the book to give information or tell a story?

If a book gives information, helps you learn something about real people, places and events it is nonfiction. If a book tells a story with content or characters that don't exist in real life, yet may contain true facts, it is fiction.

"Bored Bella Learns About Fiction and Nonfiction" was a gift from our school district office. It is not available in retail stores...yet.

www.facthound.com is a child-friendly website to search for relevant topics.
"FactHound" will fetch the best sites for you!"