Sometimes children have trouble with reading and sometimes their parents do. Today’s parents are the first generation who do not remember life without televisions and computers. This is partly responsible for a decline in reading in general, and the kinds of books we read in particular. It is encouraging that so many parents today still… Read More Trouble with Reading
I’ve been discussing the differences between old books and new books. Let me defend myself at the outset by saying that I do not have an attachment to old things just because they’re old. I have owned my share of antiques in the past, but like new furnishings as well. We have driven many old cars, but there’s nothing… Read More Is New Always Better?
Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter This is the story of a young man who does not fit in, but whose courage, determination, and heart endear him to those around him. Set in the Limberlost Swamp, this tale is full of the wonders of the natural world. For middle-high school readers. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson… Read More Top Picks: Nature-Themed
Reading aloud to my children is one of the sweetest pleasures I know. I cannot even guess how many hours of my life have been spent reading to them. I do know the investment has had huge returns for them and for me. They have not all responded to being read to the same, however. I read to my… Read More Reminiscences about My Reluctant Reader
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes If your children on read one book about the events leading up to the American Revolution, it should be this. Apprenticed to a silversmith, the hero of this story learns the hard and valuable lesson of humility. After enduring an incredible set-back, Johnny finds his place in the world of… Read More Top Picks: For Boys
Giotto Tended the Sheep by Opal Wheeler The author of the classic Composer Biographies wrote this story of Giotto, the medieval artist known as the “Father of Modern Painting.” Beautiful vintage illustrations accompany the text. Written for mid-elementary through junior high school readers. Millet Tilled the Soil by Sybil Deucher The beloved co-author of the Opal Wheeler Composer… Read More Top Picks: Living Art
One seemingly ordinary Monday morning, we began school singing the hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King.” As we finished I impulsively asked my eight-year-old son to look outside and tell me if the sunshine really had “golden beams” from the line in the first verse: “Thou burning sun with golden beam”. After a… Read More Golden Moments
Having spent most of my life in northern Michigan, winter has always been a long season. After the holidaysespecially, it became the tradition in our family to hole up, play games, and read good books. This winter is turning out to be a mild one here in southwest Virginia, but the habit is established. My two youngest sons and… Read More A Season for Reading
Realms of Gold in Children’s Books by Bertha Mahoney and Elinor Whitney. This is my “gold standard” of good book recommendations. It was printed in 1929, so the books are old, though many are still in print, or have been reprinted. The recommendations in this nearly 800 page book are very clearly categorized. Part I… Read More Top Picks: Books about Books
When you think of getting an education, what first comes to mind? School? And what associations do you make with school? Desks? Chalkboards (my age is showing)? Teachers? Textbooks? When you think back to your own school days, whether recent or distant, I would be willing to bet that you can still conjure up the… Read More what is a LIVING BOOK? part four