Paula Garretson is a Read Aloud volunteer at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School and co-owner of Chestnut Ridge Country Inn.

What are you reading in the classroom?

I read “The Lizard Who Followed Me Home,” by Cade Allen. That was a really cute one because the kids, the boys especially, thought that was kind of neat that a lizard would go traveling in a suitcase all over the world. The other one I read was called, “First Snow in the Woods,” by Carl R. Sams and Jean Stoick. It has beautiful pictures in it. It’s a story about how the fawns have to get ready for the winter and it talks about other animals and how they get ready for the winter.

Why did you decide to be a Read Aloud volunteer?

I started a year before last and, at that time, I started reading to my grandchildren, who live in North Carolina, through the webcam. Then, I was working at the school, volunteering in a second grade class, helping the kids with some of their material. Then Cindy asked if I would like to come and read, and that’s how I got started. And, mainly because I couldn’t read to my grandkids as much as I would like to and knowing how much fun I had doing tutoring. My father was a very big reader, and I guess reading to me was something that could [take you] anywhere in the world. All you have to do is pick up a book and go.

What are you reading?

I’m reading a series of books, “Amish Women in Lancaster County.” I got them from church. I particularly like this author, Beverly Lewis. One of the reasons I read [them] is because my husband and I lived in York, Pennsylvania, for over 20 some years, so Lancaster County is an area that I’m very well familiar with. It kind of puts me back home without being there.

What is your favorite book?

It would probably be “Peter Rabbit.” It’s a book I got my son when he was born and then when Tristan was born – my youngest grandson– I bought it for him. That would be my favorite book with memory [attached] to it. I’ve really enjoyed the book that I got, “First Snow in the Woods.” It was actually given to me by a guest at our Bed and Breakfast. She bought it down at Cass Railroad, and she thought it would be a great book to have for kids.

Book List

“The Lizard Who Followed Me Home” by Kate Allen and Jim Harris
“First Snow in the Woods,” by Carl R. Sams and Jean Stoick
Amish Women of Lancaster County series, by Beverly Lewis
“Peter Rabbit,” by Beatrix Potter