What to Read

{You can see more photos of these cuties here.}

Fancy Nancy - if you have a girl and haven't read any of the Fancy Nancy books, you are missing out! Run {don't walk} to your nearest library or bookstore to get a hold of these gems. This particular book is Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words by Jane O'Connor. Fancy Nancy takes you on a journey through her favorite words from A (accessories) to Z (zany). My favorite word from the book (at least for today) is xenophile. Fancy Nancy and I are kindred spirits. We both love all things French! (See last week's What to Read post.)

Here's a note of caution. You've probably already figured this out, but if you've spent any substantial time around the male population (young & old), they're probably not going to enjoy this book. We know that matching books to interests is HUGE (I repeat, HUGE) in engaging and hooking readers. Here's a simple strategy to help pick a book that is just right for you or your loved one. (I've borrowed this from The 2 Sisters.) You can use the simple acronym I-PICK to help you out.

I - I choose a book.
P - Purpose. Why am I reading this book? For fun, to learn something new, etc.
I - Interest. Am I interested in this book?
C - Check for understanding. Am I understanding what I just read?
K - Know. Do I know most of the words?

Next week, I promise to highlight a book that will appeal to both genders. Happy reading!

Blue & Cute | Kendallville Child Photographer

Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for any envy that may result after looking at these blue eyes and just all around cuteness!



This is the second time this summer that I've done pictures at this park in Middlebury. Each time it has been hot and humid, but thankfully we've survived! As I was shooting away, the older brother was telling me that he could see my eye through my camera (I believe that would be the viewfinder, but I'd be shocked if a 4 year old new that term). So, I asked him what color he saw. To which he responded, "Blue!"

"Wow! I didn't know my eyes changed colors," I said as I kept clicking away. You see, I have this thing with blue eyes. I want them! My eyes are so dark that you can't even see the pupils (and that bothers me). When people find out about this preoccupation I have, they think I'm crazy. And well...I am. I really do need to get over it.

The mom of these two and I have the same (first) name, so it makes sense that she has great kids! Thanks T, boys, and grandma, too!

4 | Bristol Family Photographer

We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather for this family session! This little guy had recently turned 4, and his mom wanted to take a picture with him and the number 4 somehow. As we were shooting around one of the buildings, I looked up and saw the number. It was just too perfect! This family was great to work with, and they were game for any idea that I had. You'll see them again soon on a What to Read Wednesday. Thanks family!

P.S. Feel free to drop me a comment!

Patty Cake | Elkhart Child Photographer

I always get excited when friends call me up to take pictures of their children. This little guy's mom and I spent nearly 2 years of Saturdays together working on our Masters degrees. We've been through the fire and back together {not really, but it sure felt like it in the middle of it}! I also get excited when I get to try out a new location. We ventured into downtown Elkhart. It's quite fortunate for you that photos don't smell. There were some fowl smelling dumpsters around. Thanks J & A for spending your morning with me!

What to Read

{You can see more photos of this great couple here.}

It's time for the 2nd installment of What to Read Wednesday. Click here if you missed the first one. This week I decided to highlight one of my favorite all time books by the amazing author/illustrator Chris VanAllsburg. The Sweetest Fig.

If you would visit my home or classroom, you would quickly figure out that I'm {mildly} obsessed with all things Paris, especially the Eiffel Tower. There's just something about that magnificent piece of architecture that I'm drawn to. I've never been to it...but maybe someday my prince will take me there. :) Why am I talking about Paris? Well, The Sweetest Fig just so happens to take place in the City of Light. A not-so-nice-dentist named Bibot extracts a tooth for an elderly woman who is unable to pay him with money. Instead, she gives him two very special figs. This does not make Bibot very happy because he is darn right mean. You'll have to read the book to see the craziness that ensues.

This story is great if you like inferring, or figuring out what is going to happen before it happens. We know that when readers infer before, during, and after a text, they are more likely to be actively engaged in what they are reading. Which leads to deeper, lasting comprehension. I have found that women are naturally very very good at this because we like to "read into" everything {or at least my husband thinks I do - which is true}. So, as you're reading by yourself or with your child, stop during the story and think about what might happen next, why you think the author wrote that, what a character is feeling/thinking...and on and on and on. Happy Reading!

Newest & Nothing | Goshen Family Photographer

My friends and family have experienced a baby boom in the last couple of months. Last Saturday, I got to spend some time with my cousin's family and their 11 day old son. When I walked into their home, their nearly 3 year old said, "Traci, I'm in here!" He really is the cutest little guy ever (as you saw). In the picture of just him that I posted, he gave that look after he asked, "What are you doing?"
I responded, "Nothing."
And of course he's smart enough to know that I wasn't doing just nothing. :)

Update

I've taken the plunge and purchased my very own domain name. You can still get to my blog through the old address, but here's the brand spankin' new address: www.tracishupertphotography.com Be sure to update your bookmarks!

And what's a post without a picture?! Here's another of my favorites from the session with my niece. We're having an early birthday celebration for her tonight. My sister made a cake with the balloon picture above. Can't wait to see it!