April 2011
I like to say that our family keeps the library in business. Even the superintendent of the county system recognizes us by name. “I know that you and your family check out a lot of books,” he told me over the phone when I called to renew some interlibrary loans. At a given time I, personally, might have as many as ten books waiting to be picked up, another ten in transit, and another ten pending. Our library shelf in the living room is often crammed two books deep, and this month was no exception. Mama and Littlest Sister picked up books once or twice a week, once to be met back home with the announcement, “The library just called and said I have three more items waiting to be picked up!”
One reason for the sudden deluge was the discovery I made of a book list I took from Catherine Levision’s handbook on Charlotte Mason education. (By the way, here is a very thought-provoking article on book-lists.) I found and borrowed as many of these that I could, and many of these titles suggested others that I then also requested. I discovered quite a few really good books this month; if you have time for nothing else, do scan over the four- and five-star reviews.
Books Read This Month
These are books that I read entirely for the first time. Dates are dates of completion. Stars indicate my own overall rating of the book, five stars being the greatest score. Please read the synopses and notes I include to get a better idea of the reason behind the scoring; scoring takes into account not only the story, but the writing, illustration, and the extent of my reservations (indicated in italic text).
Adam and his father Roger are traveling minstrels in thirteenth century England. Roger tells his son about the road: “It brings all kinds of people and parts of England together. And it’s home to a minstrel, even though he may happen to be sleeping in a castle.” Accidentally separated from his father while searching for the man who stole his beloved dog Nick, Adam encounters many exciting adventures on the road—including robber knights, dishonest minstrels, and a concussion. Throughout all, Adam keeps to the road and depends on it to bring a happy reunion. There is reference in one of the minstrel’s story to fairies.
Introduce your preschooler to the delights of each season through these really beautiful and nostalgic watercolors, accompanied by only a few words. Families play together, work in the garden, enjoy picnics, sail boats in rain puddles, bake cookies, and enjoy life together. Summer scenes include young children in one-piece suits and speedos.
This is the poetic story of the water cycle, told as though by the water itself. The water describes, almost musically, its passage from rain to mountain stream, waterfall, lake, river, sea, mist, clouds, storm front, thunderhead, storm, and rainbow. Readers will enjoy the poetic phrasing and colorfully dynamic wording—cascade, spiral, plunge, overflow, wind, sparkle, dance, rise, float, drift, rage, drench. The following is an example:
I pass through a gateway
of high stone palisades,
leaving the land behind.
Cool silver moonlight
sparkles and dances
on my waves.
I am the sea.
Drawn upward
by warm sunlight,
in white-silver veils
I rise into the air.
I disappear.
I am the mist.
Thomas Locker's gorgeous oil paintings directly communicate the beauty and adventure of the water cycle. ("The water you used in your bath last night could have been in the Nile River last month," a child will be excited to learn.) We don't have to kill the joy by listing bald facts of the water cycle; there is real excitement and wonder in the natural world, created by our Father for our delight and his glory.
Following the story is a more factual discussion of the water cycle, which will be enjoyed by older children—and appreciated by parents answering a young child's questions about the water cycle. Here (and on the front inner flap of the dust jacket) macroevolutionary theory is referenced with the phrase "for hundreds of millions of years." This can be easily substituted in reading aloud (or with a pen) by the phrase "since the earth was created." (Also, I would have preferred the phrase "since the world was created" to "since the world began" in the beginning of the story.)
I finally read this book, in the hopes that it would be similar to MacDonald’s insightful story “The Wise Woman.” I was disappointed in this. I can tolerate some level of fantasy, but I found this book decidedly strange and without the redeeming quality of MacDonald’s percipient asides (there were only two). I enjoyed a few laughs at the goblins’ expense, but I did not find the story itself edifying. Strong elements of fantasy.
Scotland is torn by civil war, and many great families sent sons to both sides, hoping to preserve the family fortune whatever the war’s outcome. A flip of a coin begins a tragic, life-long feud between the two brothers of Ballantrae. This book examines the evil effects of revenge, hatred, and bitterness in a family.
I didn’t realize how much I had missed Stevenson until I picked up this book at Next Sister’s request. The Master of Ballantrae is a novel told in the documentary style by the loyal and precise steward of the family, Mr. Ephraim MacKellar (who I enjoyed very much as the narrator). This is a tragic story without a hero; the main characters are a villain you will love to hate and a “good guy” to be pitied rather than admired. MacKellar himself is an endearingly honest narrator, a very real character with his mix of strength and weakness. This is not a book for children, as it contains references to adultery and murder.
Probably every child has dreamed of his toys coming alive. Omri is thrilled when a magic cupboard changes his plastic toy Indian to a real Indian; but Omri soon finds that “Chief Little Bear” is more than he bargained for. When his friend Patrick discovers the secret of the magic cupboard, Omri has an even more difficult time keeping his little friends happy and safe. This is an exciting story that is simple but well-written. Magic is involved, and mention is made of the good and bad spirits revered by Native Americans. Omri and his older brothers do not always get along well. A sensitive child might find the mild violence disturbing.
This is a stunningly beautiful book. Simple but engaging text is accompanied by photographs that reveal the wonder of water’s behavior as a liquid, a solid, and a gas—droplets, wild waves, iridescent soap bubbles, snowflakes, clouds, rainbows. The book suggests simple but fascinating experiments; instructions are given in the back of the book. This book immediately found a place on my wish list.
This book, beautifully and accurately illustrated by a botanical artist, introduces children to the wonderful design of the tree—of many kinds of trees. Leaves, sap, bark, and roots all work together to nourish the tree throughout the changing seasons and the passing years. This book immediately found a place on my wish list, though I was disappointed to find that it is currently out of print.
04/14 Where the River Begins. Thomas Locker. ✩✩✩
As they watch the river flow past their house, two boys make up stories about where the river begins. Their curiosity takes them on a special hike-and-camp trip with their grandfather to find the river’s real source. This was Locker’s first publication, and I think that shows in the quality of the paintings; these aren’t his best. (They are still quite beautiful.) The text is always Locker’s weak point, so without the redemption of absolutely gorgeous artwork, this book fell a little flat for me. The story itself is an interesting idea, but Locker, I feel, failed to take full advantage of it.
04/14 Family Farm. Thomas Locker. ✩✩
The character Mike shares his family’s struggles to keep their farm through a difficult year that includes the local school shutting down, milk and crop prices falling, and their father having to take a factory job. Although this is a picture book, I didn’t really feel that it is a children’s book. An older child or adult would better appreciate the tension and the hopeful resolution of the story. Some family tension may be disturbing to sensitive children.
The mountains seem so still and permanent, but they can be quite dramatically dynamic as well as quietly changing. Volcanoes, fault blocks, domes, folded mountains, and erosion are all described in the lyrical language that makes this a companion to Water Dance (reviewed above). Mountain Dance features some of Locker’s most beautiful paintings. Unfortunately, this book also contained multiple references to macroevolutionary theory—the phrase “for millions of years” appears twice in the story and three times in the “scientific” section.
04/16 Birds Do the Strangest Things. Leonora and Arthur Hornblow. Alan D. Singer ✩✩✩✩
Birds indeed do the strangest things! The antics of these feathered (and unfeathered) creatures will delight and amuse you. I found most intriguing the chapters on the bowerbird, honey guide, and herring gulls. Each chapter is short and written simply for young readers. In the story of the loon, his strange call is compared to a “ghost laughing on Halloween.” (I read the revised edition from Step-up Books.)
04/16 Reptiles Do the Strangest Things. Leonora and Arthur Hornblow. Jack Graber ✩✩
It is a shame that the Creator was not given credit for the fascinating design of these amazing creatures! The first two and last chapters contain multiple references to the macroevolutionary theory, especially to the belief that dinosaurs died before people lived. (I read the revised edition from Step-up Books.)
This book chronicles the passage of the seasons, and how they affect the sky and the tree. I wanted to like this book; I really did. The paintings are gorgeous, of course; the sky and trees are what Locker paints best, and he’s at his prime here. The text, however, I found a little dry. I saw the potential for an interesting narrative, but Locker shares only uninspired descriptions. Most little children will be scooting off your lap before you’re done reading. This is one I would get from the library, rather than purchase for repeated reading. The pictures, though, are pretty enough to be framed. Hmmm...
Despite the tree-hugging illustration adorning the front cover, I did enjoy this book, which introduces preschoolers to the parts of a tree by comparing them to parts of the human body. (My two favorites were the one comparing the branches to a mother’s arms, and the other comparing flowers to smiles.) The colorful illustrations demonstrate the wonderful variety of trees and cultures around the world. The story is followed by smaller-print descriptions, full of fun facts, for each tree featured in the book.
The dust jacket reads, “A brave young mouse and his lady fair find a seemingly deserted castle one fine summer day, cross over the drawbridge, and venture in, unaware that a villainous outlaw was been stalking them. Once they are inside, the villain slams shut the heavy outer door and turns the key on them.” This wordless book tells its story through the enchanting watercolors of Mr. Goodall. A storyteller sharing the book with a little one can make the tale as long or short, simple or elaborate as the occasion requires. Mr. Goodall devised a new format which alternates between full and half pages of watercolor illustration, increasing the suspense of the story. I will be borrowing some of Goodall’s other picture-books: Puss in Boots, Great Days of a Country House, The Story of a Farm, and more.
From the dust jacket: “Here are adventures of Captain John, Mate Susan, Ableseaman Titty and Ship’s Boy Roger on holidays devoted to self-organized, serious play, chiefly in boats, completely unsupervised but sympathetically supported.” This is a thoroughly delightful book full of fun, facts, and fresh air! A recurring thought as I read this delightful book was that Free Range Kids people would love it. It reminded me of the long, elaborate games I used to play with my siblings, and the kind of games I’d like my children to enjoy some day. While camping on a little island, the Walker siblings (the Swallows) meet the Blackett sisters (the Amazons) and begin their camaraderie with friendly warfare; but they soon declare a treaty and unite forces against the notorious Captain Flint (the Blackett’s uncle).
This book did not receive a perfect five stars because of some incidental issues. Several times the children demand that another “shut up.” Usually the request is warranted; I would just personally prefer less harsh wording. Also, the Blackett girls practice some passive deception against their parents, sailing at night when they are “in bed properly.” Lastly, the children at various times speak and act disrespectfully to “Uncle Jim/ Captain Flint.” To be sure, it was mostly part of the “game”; but, upon reflection, I decided that I would not like my own children to interact with an adult in this way, and I might mention it to them if reading this book aloud.
04/27 The Chalk-Box Story. John S. Goodall. ✩✩✩
A box full of colorful crayons, a sheet of white paper, and the thrill of possibility... When each crayon takes his turn adding to the picture, the result is a colorful but unhappy scene. The crayons are distressed by the unresolved story, but when the picture comes alive, everything is brought to a happy conclusion. This is a little-known book from the author and illustrator of the classic Corderoy. This book earns three and a half stars.
Next Sister and Biggest Brother recommended this book to me, and, as I love the movie adaptation, I readily picked it up. The sheer ingenuity, plucky spirits, and dogged character of these imprisoned men was amazing to me. Roger Bushell, “the Big X,” led a daring plot to get 220 men out of a German prison camp—all at once. This is the tragic but defiant story of their tenacity and bravery. This is not for children and young readers as it involves mature subject matter—violence, repeated (very bad) language, and some s*xual references.
This is the delightful story of the brave and resourceful Anatole, mouse magnifique, and the amazing air-borne journey he took with his friend Gaston, his wife Doucette, and his six children.—Paul and Paulette, Claude and Claudette, and Georges and Georgette. This is a wonderful story for reading aloud, made especially fun by French words and phrases. Illustrated in the national colors of France, with some black and white illustrations.
04/29 Ant City. Arthur Dorros. ✩✩✩
Introduce your young child to the intricate wonders of the harvester ant colony, with its wonderful organization, specialized ant roles, and some aspects of ant life. Other kinds of ants are briefly described, and the book ends with instructions for making your own ant farm. This simple book features interesting facts and childish illustrations.
04/30 Rain Rain Rivers. Uri Shulevitz. ✩
Watercolor paintings in a sickly hue are accompanied by dull attempts at poetic language. Need I say more?
Other Books
These are the books that I revisited or did not read completely.
These 241 black and white plates are detailed and realistic depictions of the famous Biblical scenes. Because Doré was a Roman Catholic, his plates include scenes from the Apochrypha; this led to some interesting discussions in our family about the Biblical Canon. Catholic belief is also reflected in some illustrations of the “Holy Family,” with halos of light surrounding the heads of Mary and Joseph as well as Jesus. Nudity and violence in some illustrations. You can view and print selected plates at the website for Catholic Resources, which seems a good choice for those who would like to use some of the beautiful plates for Bible time while avoiding those that are less desirable.
The Histories and the Annals. P. Corenlius Tacitus.
This is not as narrative as Plutarch, but nevertheless very interesting. I hope to pick this book up later, when I have more time to plough through the tiny print and formal language.
Making and Decorating Your Own Paper: Innovative Recipes and Original Projects. Kathy Blake. Bill Milne. ✩✩✩✩
Simple, clear instructions and lots of decorative ideas. Recycle old paper to create your own beautiful notes cards, book covers, and more. [148 p]
The Once and Future King. T. H. White. ✩
I was looking forward to the “classic against which all others are measured,” so I was startled by the flippantly crude beginning of the book. I flipped suspiciously through the next few pages and found to my horror that these knights and maidens talk like Bertie Wooster and his friends; that is, with 19th century British slang—funny in its place, but atrocious in Camelot. It was very jarring to have one knight ask another to “Wait a sec.” The descriptions were similarly incongruous: “Clang! went the armor like a motor omnibus in collision with a smithy.” My greatest objection, however, was the lingering and sympathetic exploration of the liaison between Queen Guinevere (“Jenny”) and Sir Lancelot (“Lance”). It seemed impossible to read the book if you were going to skip all those parts.
I borrowed this book as part of casual research on the topic of “salvation diets.” I did not read this book entirely, but did scan through most of it. While I was glad to see that Dr. Colbert did not actually state that his diet is the only Christian way, he treads a very fine line. I was disturbed by his use of Jesus’ name to promote a diet that is at best common sense and at worst faulty reasoning. (He basically promotes a version of the “Mediterranean” diet, a diet with its own flaws.)
There was not as much Biblical information as I expected from the promises on the dust jacket. References to the dietary laws and their connection to health were remarkably brief and shallow. Although Dr. Colbert promises to outline a diet such as Jesus would eat, I noticed he encouraged the use of soy, a food Jesus did not eat and one which is not recommended (except as a fermented condiment). There are other instances when Dr. Colbert encourages foods or health principles that would not have been typical of what Jews ate in Jesus’ time (skim milk, no added salt, etc.)
There is some misinformation in here that I found very disturbing, especially about cholesterol and fat. (He recommends skim milk for adults. He then goes on to describe the benefits of the calcium and vitamin D in this milk. But wait! Calcium and vitamin D can’t be utilized by the body without... the fat.) This glaring fault especially raised my ire.—Dr. Colbert advocates a no-salt diet, and mentioned the new idea of “salt addiction,” writing that “Those who crave salt are often people who feel fatigued and exhausted. These people tend to have sluggish adrenal function.” Ahem. I didn’t read The Fallacy Detective for nothing. The truth is that both salt cravings and low adrenal function indicate an urgent bodily need for.... that’s right—salt. In fact, an appropriate amount of whole (unrefined) salt (like Celtic Seas Salt) is a major aspect of natural treatment for adrenal fatigue. (The Adrenal Function Panel actually recommends a glass of salt water in the morning for those experiencing adrenal exhaustion.) Dr. Colbert did mention Celtic Sea Salt, but so reservedly that one feels that it would be cheating on a “healthy diet.” In fact, Dr. Colbert rates Celtic Sea Salt third place—after no salt and Nu-Salt (a chemical sodium-free salt substitute). Read my previous post A Grain of Salt for my research on salt.
“History and Politics”; “Literature, Theater”; “Religion, Philosophy, Learning”; “Visual Arts”; “Music”; “Science, Technology, Growth”; and “Daily Life” are the categories highlighted in this tabular organization of world history. It was such fun to see what important events occurred around the world in the same year. This big heavy volume is not only wonderful for pleasant fact-dipping, but it could also be very useful in planning an integrative homeschooling curriculum. The book is not Christian in its perspective, which will be reflected in some entries.
The Timetables of American History. Laurence Urdang and Arthur Meier Schlesinger, Jr. ✩✩✩
History and Politics, the Arts, Science and Technology, and Miscellaneous are the categories highlighted in this tabular organization of American history from 1000 A.D. to 2000 A.D. The format of this volume is cumbersome, attempting to track not only the events of America, but also the major events of other countries in each category. I found the book very narrow and unsatisfying in its scope. The book is not Christian in its perspective, which will be reflected in some entries.
Additions to the Library
These are the books that were added this month to my personal library. These titles are always carefully chosen and have my highest recommendation. Read more about them at Bibliotheca.
The Gift of the Magi. O. Henry. ✩✩✩✩✩
I purchased the beautiful edition illustrated by Patrick James Lynch.
From an Amazon review by Alix Wilbur: “Bilbo Baggins [is] an upstanding member of a "little people, about half our height, and smaller than the bearded dwarves." He is, like most of his kind, well off, well fed, and best pleased when sitting by his own fire with a pipe, a glass of good beer, and a meal to look forward to. Certainly this particular hobbit is the last person one would expect to see set off on a hazardous journey; indeed, when Gandalf the Grey stops by one morning, "looking for someone to share in an adventure," Baggins fervently wishes the wizard elsewhere. No such luck, however; soon 13 fortune-seeking dwarves have arrived on the hobbit's doorstep in search of a burglar, and before he can even grab his hat or an umbrella, Bilbo Baggins is swept out his door and into a dangerous adventure.” The Seventieth Anniversary edition I purchased is beautiful.
This book, though a favorite of mine, is not included in the list at Bibliotheca, because it features fantasy. I try to avoid recommending such books at Bibliotheca where I write to a general, unknown audience. That said, I do enjoy (very) few of this genre. J. R. R. Tolkien was a masterful storyteller and The Hobbit is a delightful tale, far less dark than its successor The Lord of the Rings (which I also enjoyed).
How Children Learn. John Holt. ✩✩✩✩✩
(I reviewed this book in January.)
Music
I have been preparing for teaching the Soirée Society of the Arts in June. My subject is English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, and I have been listening to much of his beautiful music. Most I already knew, though I immensely enjoyed learning about their history and inspiration. Two pieces I had heard before which only this month became part of my “Well Loved” collection are:
Prelude for 49th Parallel: The New Commonwealth ✩✩✩✩✩
Ralph Vaughn Williams’s first music for film was written for the British propaganda-adventure film 49th Parallel. He agreed to the task after from some insistence from film composer and conductor James Muir Mathieson. The work helped to assuage some of the guilt Vaughan Williams felt in being unable to participate in the British war effort. This beautiful prelude, which graced the opening credits of the film, is gently soaring with an almost wistful quality, typical of the Romantic composition of Ralph Vaughan Williams. The final triumphant note assures us that good will prevail. You can listen to the entire piece at YouTube HERE.
By the way, we watched the 1940 movie and thought it was very good! (Some violence may make it inappropriate for very young or sensitive children.) You can view the trailer at Youtube HERE. In fact, you can watch the entire movie at YouTube starting HERE.
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis ✩✩✩✩✩
This beautiful orchestral work is darkly Romantic but quietly hopeful. You can listen to the entire piece at YouTube HERE.
Poetry
This remains my favorite multiple-author poem anthology for children. I’m afraid this is not as complimentary as it sounds, as I am still looking for a really good one. (Mama says I’ll need to compile my own.) There are beautiful poems from Robert Lewis Stevenson, Thomas Hood, Emily Dickinson, Christopher Morley, George Cooper, Eugene Field, Christine Rossetti, Robert Frost, Nancy Byrd Turner, A. A. Milne, and many more. Some fantasy poems.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011