Swiss Family Robinson

Mom's Notes: We did it! I've been considering reading this for years. A trip to an island of Hawaii seemed an appropriate time. (The kids are very familiar with the movie version, though I had never seen it all the way through until we watched it together after reading.) This book was not a page-turner, as there's not much of a plot and there is A LOT of description of how things are built and such. But the kids voted to keep reading, so we did. And I'm glad. It was quite fascinating to think about living off the land and figuring out how to do that as a family. The animal encounters were exciting! The tree house dreamy. 

We had a good laugh when the last episode of "The Voyage of the Mimi" had a reference to Swiss Family Robinson. I love some good, unexpected connections! 

Freckles

Mom's Notes: I love Freckles. Once you know him, you can't help but love him. This beautiful, exciting, heart-wrenching story stands the test of time. G.S. Porter often writes her characters melodramatically, but that makes them even more exciting to root for, or boo at. Her stories are carriers for the flora and fauna, but I appreciate it all. I think the kids will always remember the nature-loving, goodness-defending, hardworking, honorable, devoted-friend and lover Freckles. 

His Indian Brother

Mom's Notes: This was a great story to read near Thanksgiving time. Another wilderness survival tale to add to our list this year! A little context of the location in the Maine woods was a bonus for us. It was inspiring to read and think about how a white boy from Boston and a Penobscot Indian boy can learn to live together, and even grow so close as to call one another "brother." 

My Side of the Mountain

Mom's Notes: The very idea of living alone in the woods is the stuff of dreams for young boys especially, so this book was a fantastic summer read for the buddies and me. The details about living off the land, written in journal format, were so very interesting. Sam's eventual return home was realistic and timely. 

The Last Battle

Mom's Notes: We finished the Narnia series for the second time as a family! The Last Battle was especially powerful this time, with the kids being older and more aware. I love this line about Puzzle the Donkey's shame, then hope through redemption. "The Lion bowed down his head and whispered something to puzzle at which his long ears went down, but then he said something else at which his ears perked up again." 

This beautiful illustrated book was a fun addition to our reading. Sometimes we listened to the audio book, but followed along with the amazing original illustrations by Pauline Baynes. (We read a lovely and interesting picture book about her as well.) 

 

Return to Gone Away Lake

Mom's Notes: Whenever these kids hear there's a sequel, they are all about it. This one was fun because it prompted some "Antiques Road Show" viewing. The kids even filmed their own episodes with old-ish stuff around our house. We went down other rabbit holes as well, including reading Pandora's Box and other Greek myths. 

The Silver Chair