Instead of trying to do a wrap up of all the best books I have read at the end of the year, I'm hoping to do a brief review of the books we have read each month. Some months, I know I'll read little, such as the middle of the summer, but in the months that I've been inspired by our reading, I'll share the highlights with you.
I'll include children's picture books, family read alouds, adult books, and maybe even persuade Ed to share what he is reading. Though maybe no one else will be interested in a pastoral library! Please remember that I'm not saying that I loved everything about these books. No book is perfect.
These are the books in our library bag and night stand in January.
Children's Picture Books
The Empty Pot by Demi
The importance of honesty set in China illustrated with Asian style art.
Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer
A celebration of the warm coziness winter brings.
Sam's All-Wrong Day by Gyo Fujikawa
An endearing story of Sam's bad day that turned out okay after all.
The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews
Even the little things we do for others can have an impact on the world. The story of several Americans - slightly confusing for the younger ones in the way the author merged the stories together.
Tell Me the Day Backward by Albert Lamb
My two year old's favorite book this month.
Bird, Butterfly, Eel by James Prosek
The incredible migrations of three creatures.
Sisters of Scituate Light by Stephen Krensky
The true story of two brave sisters who saved a town during the War of 1812.
Read Aloud Favorites
The Reluctant Dragon by Margaret Hodges
A silly tale that was the perfect connection with our study of medieval history. A knight and a dragon try to find a way that can get out of the fight that the townspeople expect.
Treasures of the Snow by Patricia M. St. John
What a pleasure to introduce my children to one of my favorite books. The setting in the Swiss Alps and the example of forgiveness has lasting charm.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Ronald Dahl
Ed shared this fun story with the children and could usually be persuaded to read "just one more chapter."
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
Another "just for fun" story that had us all in giggles.
My Books
Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
A classic set in South Africa that took a little to get into. But by the end I was angry that no one in my 35 years ever pushed this book in my hands and told me to read it. The pleasure was magnified by sharing this book with our book club. Looking forward to visiting this book again.
Style by Joseph Williams
I have finally decided that if I'm going to pretend to write, I should learn to write better. I was slightly overwhelmed by this book. I need to go through it again slowly and work through the exercises. I didn't even want to admit that I read this book as you all know, better than anyone, about my poor grammar skills.
Saint Ben by John Fischer
This book had me crying, laughing, and thinking, harder than any other book I've read recently. It is a little embarrassing to walk into church wiping tears because you've just been reading a story! The two ten year old boys in this story had a way of wiggling into my heart.
I'd love to hear what books you've enjoyed recently!
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Why, what a good idea, sharing your reading list for the past year! You put me on to to some new-to-me books - - thank you! Speaking for myself, I am interested in knowing what Ed read, too. You never know when something you write will help one of your readers or a reader's friend or relation.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog. It never fails to brighten my day.
I love Alan Paton! Haven't read him for years, though, because it's so intense.
ReplyDeleteGot a new Bill Peet book from the library today for the kids - I think I learned of Bill Peet from you, thank you! The kids love him.
I'm going to read Swing Low by Miriam Toews with my book club. She's a Canadian Mennonite and the book is about her father and his tragic life - a friend recommended it to me. But tonight, I'm starting a new Mary Stewart book. Mary Stewart is probably my favorite author of all time. Her books are entertaining, but not dumb or trivial. Ok, off to bed to read :)
hello for you in France
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Your books all sound very interesting. The book the girls and I are reading now is "And the Angels Were Silent" by Max Lucado. It is a book about what Jesus did His last week on earth. I thought it would be a good read aloud book to bring us into the Easter season. Enjoy your day and God bless.
ReplyDeleteI recently started reading your blog, about 4 months ago. Let's see, Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker. We practice some of the things and will try to add more. Plain Wisdom by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud. An enjoyable read. I'm currently reading The Swiss Family Robinson, a long time favorite. My 10 year old daughter is reading it for the first time and has almost finished it in 2 days! I'm getting ready to start The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.
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