Just got back from the theatre, where the children and I watched The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It was fantastic. Spectacular. Wonderful. Marvellous. Enthralling. Astonishingly true to the book, the movie begins in London during the Blitz. You see the Pevensies coming to the country to live in the… Continue reading Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Month: December 2005
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
I discovered Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle at the age of 12. I fell in love with her, and I am now reading these stories to my 4- and 6- year-old sons. There are four books in the series by Betty MacDonald: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Hello Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle’s Farm, and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle’s Magic. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a… Continue reading Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
Beginning Books for Early Childhood
The Cat in the Hat and other Dr. Seuss (aka Theo LeSeig and Theodore Geisel) books are some of the best kids’ learning books available. The stories are short, simple, and easy to read. For pre-readers, they make great bedtime stories, with their bright, active pictures and beginning vocabulary. For beginning readers, they are a wonderful… Continue reading Beginning Books for Early Childhood
The Phantom Tollbooth
This is one of the best books for kids on the planet. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster is graded for kids aged 9 to 12, but I have found that even 5 and 6 year olds can enjoy the story if it is read to them. The video is good enough to have made… Continue reading The Phantom Tollbooth
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Mr. Popper’s Penguins, by Richard and Florence Atwater, is one of the very best books I ever read as a child. Excellent for reading aloud, and written with just the right mix of easy and advanced vocabulary to challenge the intermediate reader. This is a Newbery Honor book. The story is that of the Popper… Continue reading Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Pegeen
I came across Pegeen when I was 10 years old, and it was an intimidating book: 2 inches thick and larger than a typical hardback. (It was in very large type, with many pictures.) I was, and am, so glad that I was brave enough to read it. In my adulthood, I searched for it… Continue reading Pegeen
Make Way for Ducklings
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey is a childhood favorite. The day I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I started looking for a copy of this book. For those who like to know these things, it’s a Caldecott Medal winner. Mother and Father Mallard are seeking a place to build… Continue reading Make Way for Ducklings
Is My Child Sleep Deprived?
Of great importance and relevance to all parents is the book Is My Child Overtired? by Dr. Will Wilkoff. The section on the sleep needs of teens is highly informative, as is chapter 12, “It Takes a Well-Rested Parent….” Studies show that most children and a large number of adults are sleep-deprived. Sleep-deprivation causes irritability, health… Continue reading Is My Child Sleep Deprived?