Review- Before Green Gables

Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson is a prequel to the beloved and classic Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Writing a sequel or prequel to a beloved book with a cult-like following can be a precarious undertaking. Followers of such books will have their own opinions on what the heroine would or would not do, how they would feel or react...we love and defend our favorite literature characters fiercely. I have read sequels good and bad to other classic books, most bad...a rare one or two well-done.

This book was well-done. The author approached the story as an answer to a question serious lovers of the Anne series must ponder...I know I have wondered this;
How can such a bright, hopeful, resilient child-with such a love and knowledge of poetry and big words-spring from such a dismal early life full of violence, drudgery and poverty. I've wondered myself how Anne would have received any schooling caring for Mrs. Hammond's eight children. (Including the famous "twins three time in succession"...) I've wondered how she could grow up sweet and full of love, did anyone love her as a baby or toddler? Who bothered about her when she was sick or sad? Who taught her big words and listened to her endless talking?

This book not only fills in the gaps of Anne's early life filled with work and want, but fills in her story in a truly satisfying and believable way. I think the author did a wonderful job and actually evokes some feeling of sympathy for the Thomas and Hammond families- something I did not expect to feel.

I think this book would be a great addition to your Anne library. A little different in flavor, after all, it was not written by Montgomery- but a very satisfying, likeable read. I plan to assign this book to my girls after they read the entire Anne series.

Tuesday night notes

Well, we are on day 2 of our grand kid's sleeping loft adventure. No photos yet, I will post some tomorrow...I forgot the light is gone, since THERE IS NO CEILING in my kid's room right now...

I stumbled upon this Phonics Curriculum, called HeadSprouts Phonics. It looks very, very, well done. I am thinking of purchasing it for Amie, at least. Last night, as I was running through some of their demo lessons- Demi and Amie were stepping all over each other in the attempt to sit in front of the computer and 'play' the reading games. (which were lessons). How I wish I had found this last year...


I just finished reading "Cassandra's Sister- growing up Jane Austen" by Veronica Bennett.
I was pre-reading it for my older girls, and I have to say that I really, really enjoyed it. It would be a really great reading assignment for that time-period, and would also be a great introduction to Jane Austen, before trying out her books. It is historical fiction, taking the events and people of her life and weaving them into a story. While reading it, I kept thinking about the movie "Becoming Jane", which I just loved.

The reading level is listed as "young adult", and the opening chapter is a little intense describing the feelings and thoughts of someone on the way to the guillotine. The rest is much lighter. All in all, it was a good read, and would further a young student's knowledge of Jane Austen's times- family customs, relationships and the sphere women of the time moved in.

book notes for June

First, I will start with a book review:

"The Mother-Daughter Book Club" by Heather Vogel Frederick
is about 4 very different girls roped together by their mothers- to form a book club. The mothers decide the book for the year will be "Little Women". The story of what happens next is told in alternating chapters between the four girls. The girls are each very different from each other, I think young girls reading will find someone in the story to identify with.

Emma is the quiet, bookish daughter of the town's librarian. Jess is Emma's close friend and lives on an organic farm- her mother is working in New York and Jess finds herself missing her mother and dealing with a broken family. Cassidy is the new girl in town, her mother is an ex-super model- a lot to live up to, or to live down- if you are a hockey playing tom-boy who looks nothing like her. Megan is from a newly wealthy family, and used to be best friends with Emma, but is now running with the mean girls.

There is enough information sprinkled throughout the book to get girls interested in Little Women if they have not read it, and girls will not be handicapped by not having read it.
I loved that the girls begin to ask themselves..."what would Jo March do?" - and that at the end of the book when asked which March girl they identified the most with, the girls gave some surprising answers.

I am wary of books with spoiled/bratty kids, disrespect towards family, plain old attitude....we skip over many popular series for this reason...but this book was free from anything off-putting, I thought. There was some tension between a few of the girls and their mothers, but normal - mother/daughter angst...'she doesn't understand' type stuff that was realistic and not over-the-top. The ending was a little too fairy-tale-ish for me- despite the fact I love a happy ending, it was a little too-sweetly wrapped up...but yet, a fun, clean read for girls.
I think it is a can't miss summer read for girls ages 5th to 6th grade...even 7th.

Next, our Summer reading- so far...

I am reading "When the brain can't hear, unraveling the mystery of auditory processing disorder" -see it here at Amazon, I am reading this to understand better how to help our bonus student, Teddy, who has been diagnosed with APD.

I am also reading "Pride and Prejudice", just because I needed a Elizabeth/Darcy fix...

Meg is reading "Double Identity" , which is a mystery/thriller- she has a thirst for those, but it is hard to find ones that are age-appropriate, clean, and won't give her nightmares...I read this one first and approved it- and enjoyed it, a very well-done story. The main character in the story is twelve, and the grade level is listed as 5th to 8th.

Meg is also re-reading the Harry Potter series...

Josie is re-reading the Warriors series... I am reading "Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg" with Demi and Amie right now, and Demi is reading lots of "Calvin & Hobbes", as always.

Next up on our list is "Peter and the Starcatchers" which was recommended
by OC Mom, and "The Mob-feather and bones series" which is a series about crows- a favorite study subject of Meg's, I think she might like it...

So, what are you reading? Any good recommends?

Show and Tell- Child's book of character building


Homeschool Show & Tell

I have to share with you one of my favorite teaching resources. We were first introduced to these books when Meg was in a preschool co-op, oh so many years ago.
A Child's Book of Character Building by R. Coriell presents 13 different character traits such as "attentive", "obedience", and "contentment". My girls can still, years later give you the definitions of many of these traits.

Each trait is introduced with an easy to remember definition and a Bible verse, then you are given 4 stories-
for example: "Attentive" - "listening with my ears, eyes, and heart" the stories that follow are; "Attentive in the Bible", "Attentive at home", "Attentive at school" and "Attentive at play".

We always started with "obedience" - it's just flat out needed if you are going to homeschool... then followed with "Attentive", also really needed for homeschooling- if for example, I have a student goofing off during read aloud, we can talk about what part of attentive they are missing...are they using their ears?, are their eyes somewhere else? Can you just imagine all the teachable moments for these traits?

I wrote earlier about adding a new student to our homeschool, we fairly early hit on some behavior problems- and I immediately reached for these books and introduced them as a subject we tackle first thing with the 3 youngest students. Because of the dynamics we were facing with our new student, I jumped to Book 2 of this series and started our first week with the word "responsible", which means "doing what I know I ought to do".

We start each day repeating the word and definition together several times, and we try to point out how they are demonstrating the word in our day to day life or when we see it in others. When we were in co-op, the lesson was stretched into two weeks and we were given a chart with the word, places to put stars for the child saying the definition daily, and a place for stars when caught demonstrating the word. I am skipping with the chart this time around, and just chanting it a lot with the kids.

I really cannot praise this series enough, it is really time well spent- and wonderful, needed attributes to hide in your children's hearts.

Sentinel- an allegory for growing godly young men

Here is a book that would make a great devotional read-aloud.
Sentinel, city of destiny is aimed at boys ages 8 and up- but girls will enjoy it too.

The story, written in an allegory-pilgrim's progress meets Narnia style-
is about two brothers setting out on a coming of age quest toward the city of Sentinel. They must travel far, face many challenges and find the four keys (courage, integrity, service and vision) to unlock the gate of Sentinel and enter in to serve the King.

The two brothers make very different choices on their journey- beginning with the choice of companions...one brother brings a royal falcon named Prayer, the other brother brings his pet pig named Sin.

The Author wrote this story for his own sons, and he touches on several important topics young men need to consider and learn to approach wisely as they grow up; subjects such as the narrow vs. the broad road, idleness, debt, gambling, gaming, corrupting music, greed, etc.

One brother Jerol, faces his quest with courage and steadfastness...

"As was his morning custom, Jerol spent time reading and meditating upon the Logos, immediately followed by sending Prayer off with more notes to the King." page 131.

Jadan is ruled by his impulses,...
"The brothers stopped and stood in silence studying their choices. "Well, the best way to me is obvious. Come on, follow me," Jadan barked as he hoisted his gear, winked, and quickly headed down the wide road with Sin hurrying to catch up. "Anybody with half a mind can see that the way traveled by the most people has got to be the best way to go!" page 89

The author added his own illustrations, all well done and a helpful addition to the text. My favorite part of the story was the warning on debt- and the illustration was great- here it is:

A picture of Jadan with his fetter, debt- who had grown too large to manage...

Here is an excerpt from that chapter...
"By Jadan's estimation, she was growing at least three hands wider every day! Jadan was in a desparate situation. To feed her, he was forced to trade back every belonging he owned just to survive." page 153

Jadan and Jerol's story is one of warning, imitation and encouragement. Through the actions and choices of the two brothers, your young boys should find warning of what not to do and be, and good example of what kind of character to strive for. The allegory is a gentle way to impress on your boys the lessons you hope they will learn, without lecturing to them- I think story is more often the better vehicle for life's lessons to youngsters.
Passages such as this one; "One particular morning, Jerol began his day as he had many times before. First, he searched the Scrolls for direction. This discipline had proved its worth like a candle in the dark, helping him often to avoid unseen dangers. He then called Prayer and launched him off ..." page 209 and this one, "I know what I can do. I will send out Prayer on his behalf. Prayer is so much stronger than I am.." page 208 - coupled with our example can often speak to a heart better then a hundred urgings.

This story is written for ages 8 and up, and while Demi-Sky, age 8, was really captured by the action, I do think the finer lessons escaped him. I will be re-reading Sentinel to him at age 10 when I think he will absorb it better. Meg age 12 and Josie age 11-though girls and not the intended audience, really enjoyed the story and understood the underlying themes.

The book is meant to be entertaining for the boys and a teaching tool for parents, to that end, you will find a study guide at the back of the book.

The last sentence of the book sums it up, really...

"I hope that hearing about Jadan and Jerol's crossing will help you to find your way to manhood. Just like them, you must choose which road you will take.
Choose Wisely."

Sentinel can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Borders, etc.

begs to be read aloud


I stumbled upon this great read quite by accident, I picked it up thinking it would interest Josie age 10- who seems to be between books right now...She hasn't picked it up yet, but I did- and wow, what a cute/fun/sweet book.

This is homeschool family read-aloud-fun, people!

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley Blume is listed for grades 4-6 or 5-7, but I think it would have a wider interest range as a read-aloud.

Cornelia is the 11 year old heroine of this story, mostly left to herself home alone with servants while her famous, pianist mother tours or vacations. Cornelia is a quiet, introverted little girl-and the housekeeper's attempt to compensate for the lack of attention by her mother -by smothering her-pushes Cornelia to resort to using big words as a shield, isolating her even more. Cornelia also struggles mightily with hating how people only show interest in her because of who her mother is. Just as Cornelia is feeling more alone then ever, a new neighbor moves into the apartment next door. Cornelia becomes friends with fascinating Virginia Somerset who begins to share wonderful stories of the four Somerset girls and their daring adventures during the 1930's and 40's. Cornelia begins to change alittle, and to become a little more adventurous due to the impact Virginia and her stories have on her. The ending was sad, Virginia is elderly and dying, but she makes an effort to connect with Cornelia's mother and influence the healing of their relationship. It was a good, fun story, though sad at times too. The ending was satisfying. Virginia herself says in the story,

"Notice I didn't say that story endings should be tidy, Cornelia," she added solemnly. "Very few stories have tidy endings, or entirely happy ones. But a story can have a positive ending without it being wholly happy."

That is exactly the sort of ending this story has.

It was a really fun, witty and satisfying read that just begs to be read aloud, specially the French parts. The next time you go to say "what?", you just might find yourself asking, "comment?", and you will always think of French china and chiens together and have to laugh.

Put it on your next read aloud list, you won't be disappointed.

gift giving ideas for little ones


Tonight at Barnes & Nobles I stumbled upon these two cute gift ideas. The board book, titled "Gallop!" is really amazing. The graphics, such as the one on the front cover- move much like flip-book type animation, or like old-time filming. Cute text to go with the graphics, any toddler or preschooler would be entranced, I'm thinking. I purchased it with one of my nephews in mind...getting a head start on my holiday shopping. The stuffed caterpillar from "The hungry caterpillar" fame is for my new niece. It's really, really soft.

Speaking of Barnes & Nobles, the roasted marshmellow mocha drink-thingy is very addicting. And good for you, full of calcium, of course.... And, I am a little put out that you cannot buy it at Starbucks. Just saying.

Sky spent the day painting the new bathroom. -apparently the wrong colors. We head back to home depot tomorrow morning and try again.

I recently finished "19 Minutes", "By bread alone" and "size 14 is not fat, either"...yes, I've been on a fiction run. Book reviews coming soon. -"By bread alone" is worth the read just for the sourdough bread recipe and instructions included at the end...besides being an enjoyable read, and besides being by the author of one of my favorite books, "Blessed are the cheesemakers"- (my review *here*).

I am also working on "Confessions" by St. Augustine -(working on a teaching co. lecture series on St. Augstine), and "Lies my teacher told me"...nonfiction just seems to take me longer to get through...

Is anyone else alarmed at how early all the holiday stuff came out? I saw a tree lot set up last week, no trees yet, but still... Sky told me today that he read about stores trying to move the day after thanksgiving sale up to thanksgiving day! ...that's just crazy-talk, people!! So, do you think the stores will try it? Do you think many shoppers would show up?

rambling thoughts for a rambling sort of week...how was your week?

Wrap-up, Spring reading thing


Today is the first day of Summer, and time to do the
Spring reading thing 2007 wrap-up

Katrina hosted the Spring reading challenge over at her place, go *here* to see a list of wrap-ups!

So, how did I do?
Well,... here is what happened with my list:

  • Life Study of Romans by Witness Lee (from last list...it usually takes me a year to get through one of these) well- I'm going to have to move it over to the next list..not done

*The original home education series vol. 1 by Charlotte Mason -finished, what can I say, it's a classic and a gem.

  • The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau -finished, really, really good- I did a book review on it *here* I also went on to finish #2 and #3 in this series.

  • Orbit by John Nance -didn't read, never reserved it at the library

  • The Novelist by Angela Hunt- Finished- very well written, but not something I really enjoyed..but, I was impressed with her writing ability to pull off such a different kind of story.

  • Miss Julia speaks her mind by Anne Ross Finished! And I loved it! I went on to read #2 and #3 in this series, and I will for sure look for more. Miss Julia rocks!!

Now I have to add all the other books I read, not on my list...ahem..

*Queen Bees and wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman
*Lion boy by Zizou Corder -great read, I am now reading #3 in the series
this book is a great one for kids, very clean.
*Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
*Princess in the Spotlight
*Princess in waiting
*Princess in Love

ahem...yes, I was having a binge-fest, as chronicled in this post...

*Framed by Frank Boyce -Finished, another pre-read for my kids, it was a good read, clean.

-the rest of my list:

read aloud with Josie

  • Little House in the Highlands by Melissa Wiley (look for the unabridged version)Finished! but we both read it independently, the tandem reading fell by the wayside.

Read aloud with Josie and Meg

  • Laddie by Gene Stratton Porter -started, but didn't get far..the kids loved it

Read aloud with all 4 children

didn't get to this one, couldn't find a copy-another book for next time!