Ranger in Time

Ranger magically traveled in back in time to help Sam and his family on their journey out West. If you found a way to time travel, where would you go and who would you help?

Julia (7): "I would go to the time of queens and princesses. I would help princesses be free and do what they want to do."


Gabe (5): "I would go back in time to Super Heroes and save the world from danger."


Mom's notes: We all needed a light-hearted book after the sweet and sad tale of Billy's dogs, so Julia suggested this one that her teacher had recently read aloud at school. (And it was Julia's pick for the monthly book order.)

Where the red Fern Grows

Billy wanted his dogs so badly that he worked for two years to earn the money to buy them. Is there anything you would be willing to work that long and hard for?

Gabe (5): "A real iron man suit"

Julia (7): "I would want that poofy blue dress we saw in the Cinderella movie." 

Billy was very sad when his dogs died. What gave him comfort? 

Julia: "It was the red fern. He saw they loved each other like in the legend." 

Gabe: "The red fern because it happened on the Indian story. It means they would resurrect." 


Mom's notes: This book will always have a special place in all of our hearts. Jonny read most of it, but I had to take over during the tender chapter when the dogs go. After reading about Billy's tragic loss, we four huddled on the floor and cried together. I believe sweet Gabe cried himself to sleep that night. Life is full of love and loss, and a story like this that gives our kids the chance to sympathize with such deep sadness while being held by Mom and Dad is invaluable. Who can say but that these early experiences feeling grief and compassion (for real events as well as fictional ones) may provide comfort and hope for them when they face heartbreak of their own. 

The Time Garden

If you had a garden blooming with thyme, where in time would you travel?

Julia (7): "I would go to see Columbus. And some princesses."

Gabe (5): "I would go back in time to see the dinosaurs. And to make history better. And I want to see dragons!"


Mom's notes: We had taken a break from the Edward Eager box set, but after a few months Gabe insisted we finish the fourth book. Fine with me! (There are three others related to the series that I still need to purchase for our library. I love owning wonderful books. They're like old friends. I hope my kids feel the same and create a library of their own someday with only the best books. I'll be happy to contribute!) I had never read this one before and was happily surprised to find the March sisters from Little Women in the story. There was also much for the kids to learn in here as far as US History goes. Plus, smelling thyme from Nana's herb garden after reading this book was more exciting than you'd ever imagine it could be for these two little grandkids!

The Indian in the Cupboard

If one of your toys magically came to life, would you keep it a secret? If not, who would you tell?

Julia (7): "I would tell my best friend Lilliana because she is good at keeping secrets and she never tells. And then Amy. But that's all."


Gabe (5): "I would show Jack because he's my best friend. And we would make my big green army guy come to life."


Mom's notes: What kid wouldn't be absolutely fascinated with the idea of a tiny toy coming to life? And what kid doesn't dream of having a magic cupboard and a magic key? I'm still on the lookout for those things myself...

The Silver Chair

Would you rather live underground or above ground. Why?

Julia (7): "I would like to live up on ground so I could play with friends."

Gabe (5): "I would like the underground to be my playhouse, but live above the ground."


Mom's notes: Again, Jonny took the reigns on this one. We hope they continue to make movies of the remaining Narnia books. We so highly value these tales of good triumphing gloriously, but not without a struggle, over evil.

Henry Huggins

Mom's notes: Gabe (5) and I read this while the twins and Evy napped and Julia was at school. Nana brought it over and it was just the thing we needed for some special Gabey-Mommy time each day. Gabe loves dogs, and friendly Ribsy was no exception.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

How did the experience Eustace had in Narnia help to change his heart?

Julia (7): "It helped him to not be greedy and mean."

Gabe (5): "By feeling sorry." 

Would you choose to live in Aslan's Country like Repicheep did, or would you stay in Narnia a little longer?

Julia: "I would stay for one more day and then go and see the wonders of Aslan's World."

Gabe: "I would stay in Narnia so I could help fight the wars."

Mom's notes: Besides the first book, this may well be my favorite in the series. The story of Aslan helping Eustace transform from a dragon into a boy is so rich in beauty and symbolism that it brings me to tears every time.