The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Everyone thought this would be the worst pageant, but they were wrong! What do you think made it the best?

Evy (6): "The Herdmans been good in the Christmas pageant. They were good acting and they weren't being mean."

Gabe (9): "It was really nice of them to give away their ham. It symbolized what the Wisemen gave." 

Julia (11): "Imogene Herdman felt the spirit there."

While we read this book, did you learn or realize anything new about The Nativity Story? 

Evy: "I thought the wiseman traveled in one night, but they actually traveled for, like, a week... or a month? And then Baby Jesus was like two years old." 

Gabe: "No, I was just listening to the story." 

Julia: "No, not really."

Mom's Notes: Julia read this for her neighborhood book club and insisted we read it together. We laughed and learned and came out with a better understanding of the Christmas story, and human nature in general. We'll definitely revisit this story at future Christmastimes. 

The Door in the Wall

What do you think it means when the author says Robin "found his door in the wall"? 

Evy (6): "He found something fun to do and he can work and do stuff."

Gabe (9): "Even though he had a hard time he did what was right." 

Julia (11): "It means he found his way through his hardships." 

Mom's Notes: These unit-themed read-alouds really do enrich our history study, and in such a natural and effortless way. Besides references to what we're learning in our The Good and The Beautiful lessons, it was interesting and fun to hear the dialect of 14th century England. We laughed aloud sometimes and went about quoting things like, "Are we near, think you?"  and joked that we'll say that on our next road trip instead of "Are we there yet?" Robin showed true perseverance and courage, with a lot of thanks to the monks and others who were so dedicated to helping him. It was sweet to read this story at Christmastime, as Robin is reunited with his family in time for Christmas Eve. 

The Golden Goblet

What is an example of Ranofer's bravery that sticks out to you most? 

Julia (11): "He had to stick up to his cruel half-brother.”

Gabe (9): He went in to the tomb where there were dead bodies and it was creepy."

Evy (6): "He went out at night and there was a scary cat. He thought maybe it was a goblin. But he was brave and didn't just run home."

Mom's Notes: This book was recommended reading to go with our history unit on Ancient Egypt. Even though the book was definitely slow going for a while, the ties to what we were learning in our history lessons kept the content relevant and interesting. Plus, these kids just seem to beg for another chapter no matter what the book! Ranofer's story was definitely one to sympathize with, and we were rooting for his many daydreams to come true. When the queen says she'll grant his any wish, and he asks for a donkey, I may have choked up a bit!

The Children of Noisy Village

How is "Noisy Village" different from where we live? What would you like about living in a small town? What would you not like about it? 

Evy (6): "It's so noisy - with only six kids! If I lived there, I would like spending my time outside." 

Gabe (9): "It only has three houses. It has less kids. The thing I'd like about living there is going to Grandpa's because he's funny. What I wouldn't like is that there would be no Jack."

Julia (11): "It's not that big, it's in Sweden. And I think it's a bit back in time. It sounds like they are in the country. I would like taking the long walks from school and home, and having a windows next to your best friend's house would be really cool. But I wouldn't like having to walk almost everywhere. That would be tiring!"

Mom's Notes: Julia suggested this sweet little book for the first read aloud of our homeschool year. It was just the thing for reading out on the grass, on the new swings, and by flashlight while camping. (The very last chapter, which I read as the kids dozed off one by one in their sleeping bags, was very appropriately about a camping trip!) Does a part of me wish we lived in such a time and town? Yes, yes, yes. But we live now, and I believe we can create a more simple life in this complicated world if we decide to! And we can keep our washing machines too. ;)

Tuck Everlasting

Given the chance, would you drink from the spring that grants everlasting life? 

Evy (6): "No, I want to see Heavenly Father."

Gabe (9): "No. It would be boring to live forever."

Julia (11): "No. Because it would be creepy for my children."

Mom's Notes: I've been meaning to pull this one off the shelf for years. I read it as a ten-year-old, and the fascinating, haunting story has never left me. The story is much more complex even than I remembered it, though. There is a lot to think about here, and there are difficult questions to answer. We read this in the summertime, so the beautiful, detailed descriptions of the late August world and sweltering heat were especially relatable. 

Fablehaven: Book Two

Mom's Notes: Honestly, I wasn't present for much of this story. Jonny read most every chapter, and the kids were always excited to fill me in on what I missed. I think it was fun to continue the Fablehaven story together, but I imagine the kids will take it on their own from here as their interest dictates.

The Little Lame Prince

Where would you go if you had a traveling cloak? 

Julia (10): "The Himalayas. It would be a breathtaking, amazing, beautiful adventure."

Gabe (8): "I would go to Michael Jordan's house and get his autograph on my golfing card of him." 

Evy (5): "I would fly to the North Pole to see Santa!"

If your legs were lame, how do you think you would feel when seeing (for the first time) other kids run and play? 

Julia: "I would feel envious, a bit sad, but try to think positively." 

Gabe: "Maybe I wouldn't want to see them. Because I want to play basketball, soccer, and jump on the tramp. I would also be happy for them. Because anyone would deserve that." 

Evy: "Sad, because I wouldn't get to play and have fun and walk anywhere." 

Mom's Notes: This book was from Grandma Julie's bookshelf, which I grabbed because I remember Mom mentioned it. Sure enough, it's a very sweet, simple story that can be much deeper when you ponder it. I especially treasured the part about the prince forgiving his uncle.