Lissa wrote a post mentioning all the books she wants to read and linking to the reviews that made her want to read the book. So I thought I would narrow my book post today to books we (or I) have read thanks to other bloggers.
First up, Mariposa and Ami's reading lists. You know you are very far far behind when you are trying to keep up with a seven year. ;) I read two books Mariposa suggested, A Light at Tern Rock and Mary, Bloody, Mary. The reading of Mary prompted a reading of Beware, Princess Elizabeth by the same author and Nine Days a Queen by Ann Rinaldi. I should be reading Antonia Fraser's Wives of Henry VIII, a book on my 4 x 10 Reading List. I need to update and tick off what I've read from the list.
I loved The Light at Tern Rock. The main character Martha Morse is wise, simple and content in solitude. Her wisdom delighted me from the first pages. I really can't do the book justice but I highly recommend reading this slim 52 page book. The story is set during the season of Christmas but reading it far removed from the season offers even more poignancy. I was especially fond of the message that lighthouse keeping is "good work." We need our children to read more messages that the honest work of farmers, repairmen and bakers is good work. This is a story about broken promises and forgiveness and of facing adversity with enthusiasm. To be honest, the little book is a perfect parenting manual. The young boy in the story is angry over the broken promise and Martha knows just how to love him in the situation. Her patience is inspiring. How did I miss this book (a Newbery Honor 1951) for all these years? I will be tracking down a used hardcover copy of this book to read to Cate and again to Si and again for myself and again for my grandchildren.
Mom and Kiddo suggested The Curious Garden in her Urban Picture Book series. The story follows a boy (Liam) who discovers a small patch of flowers at the top of an abandoned railway track. He tends the garden and it grows and grows. There are wonderful wordless pages that Cate enjoyed. She enjoyed it so much that she wanted to give it as a birthday present to a friend. The birthday girl liked it so much that her mother decided to give it as an end of the year teacher gift. That makes me happy.
Kate, Oh how I wish I could be as consistent as Kate's Tuesday Book posts. There is always a gem or two to discover. Kate suggested A Farm of Her Own and it did not disappoint. I too found that I wanted to have a farm of my own after reading this beautifully illustrated book to Cate. We enjoyed reading and seeing the rhythms of the Summer farm. Kate also wrote about Rocks in His Head, a story of one man's love of rocks and minerals. The story takes place before, during and after the Depression Era. Through the economic ups and downs, the man stays committed to something that doesn't cost money, his passion for learning about and collecting rocks. A must read for kids who like rocks and a great subtle add on to the study of the Depression.
Sara suggested The Kitchen Knight which Cate loved. My husband introduced Cate to castles and King Arthur and it has been fun to encourage her interest. The Kitchen Knight is a single story from the King Arthur ledgend illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. I love to read a single fariy tale or legend in picture books and this one is especially good. If you have a child at all interested in King Arthur then this is a must read. Sara has mentined to me that she might write up a post about the other Knights and Castle books they read this year. I'm looking forward to it. ;)
Our reading has been limited lately. Silas is always present and always demanding to read his books. Apparently, we are far more interesting than any toy I could offer. When I do manage to start reading to Cate, he starts climbing all over us and that sends Cate into a fit. We do read at the end of the day but sometimes at that point I'm spent. I try and remember that I have many years to read to them but I feel like we are not reading as much as I wish. Presently, we are reading On The Banks of Plum Creek, some Mother West Wind stoires, and picture books in the evenings.
So thank you, friends, for writing about the books you enjoy. It is nice to know that I have great books in my library bag.