tiny grass

My neighbor’s child, Z, age 11, takes a trip to the library with M and I the other day. We spend about 45 minutes at the library, and Z wanders around and doesn’t pick out a single book. M get’s a stack together that is about 24 inches tall. Z is shocked that we would pick out so many books at the library. Z then tells me that every single book he reads is boring.

Z says: What usually happens is that I’m assigned a book, I have to read it, and I always think it’s really boring.

Me: Well, has there ever been a book you enjoyed?

Z: (Thinking for a minute, then face lights up) Actually, Yeah! It was called “_____________” (I forget the title now. Gotta ask him for it again)

Me: I’ll try to look that one up on the internet and see if I can find you similar book that you would also like to read.

Z seems interested.

Later, in the car, Z asks me if I always find books that I like at the library, and if I always finish them.

Me: I find a lot of books I like, and some that I don’t. I don’t believe there are any laws that say you have a finish every book you pick up. But sometimes you have to read several chapters of a book in order to tell if you will like it.

The next day, Arp talks with Z a little more about books. He recommends one of his favorite books, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh (Aladdin Fantasy)" onclick="javascript:urchinTracker('/outbound/www.amazon.com');">Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh. He loans Z a copy of the book.

Z, to Arp: After I read the book, are you going to test me on it?

Is there hope? I don’t know.

Share This

I was reading in the paper just this morning that a Nancy Drew movie is going to be released very soon. To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. Read more »

Share This

I’m curious if anyone has heard of a series of illustrated abridged classics from the 80s. I wish I still had this set , a series of small (5″ square) paperbacks that was available in B.Dalton (a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble). It was my first introduction to a number of great tales, including Robin Hood, Moby Dick, Heidi, Sherlock Holmes, Treasure Island, Edgar Allen Poe (Tale of the House of Usher, The Cask of Amontillado and The Gold Bug) and others. What made it fun was an illustration every couple of pages, something that I think would very much interest M as I’ve been keen on reading him classics lately (we’re currently working on Treasure Island).  I would LOVE to find the old series again - Googling & Ebaying has failed me so far.  Hoping someone out there remembers and maybe knows where to find them.

Share This

Reading to M has always been one of most enjoyable aspects of parenting, and now that he’s getting a little older, I’m getting the joy of revisiting some of my all-time favorites books. This past week involved the welcome return of Beverly Cleary with The Mouse and the Motorcycle. I had forgotten how wonderful her characters are, but it didn’t take long for me to get sucked into the tale. I’m honestly not sure who’s enjoying the story more! Now I’m curious to see how long before he starts going ‘ptt-bb-b-b-b’ when playing with our matchbox cars

I adored reading as a kid, and sharing these happy memories with my little boy is one of the best things I’ve ever experienced. Even more than introducing Trish to Bunnicula a few years back. Other books I enjoyed back in the day are

• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (the book that got me hooked on reading)
• The Littles
• Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (which I’ve always preferred to Superfudge)
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• James and the Giant Peach

I’m sure I’m missing some good ones - what books did y’all enjoy back in the day?

Share This

It’s been almost a month (I think) since we ditched the TV signal. The point of no return was last week, when we returned the receiver, remote and some doohickey on the satellite dish (which freaked me out since I had to climb onto our roof). So far so good - really good, I’d say. Since mindless TV watching is no longer an option, I tend to read or research stuff on the internet instead. Since I’m getting in the habit of reading, I find myself wanting to read even more during down times. M has adjusted quite nicely as well, spending a lot more time playing with J and reading.

Speaking of reading, he read his first word the other day, Mat from book #1 in Bob Books Set 1 (Beginning Readers). He was so excited that the he insisted on reading books #2 & 3 and managed to read another couple of words in #2. By #3 he ran out of steam, but we’re thrilled with the results so far. I look forward to the day when he realizes that a great book can totally take you away.

This isn’t to say that I’m not watching anything - we’re getting ‘The Office’ from iTunes because the big laughs are well worth it. And I got my first dvd from the library - Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth. I need to read the actual book because he is absolutely brilliant, using myth to explain people and cultures and even giving clues to the mindset of the modern human by illustrating the common mythological themes across cultures and time. What I find extremely refreshing is that when discussing religions, he seems to see a people as part of a culture whose mythology (which is what all religion is) expresses their views. What makes it so cool is that his knowledge is so vast that he can point out similarities for seemingly every tale out there, so instead of seeing differences, he always sees similarities.

Share This