The Search for Delicious

Mom's Notes: Natalie Babbitt's tales are still so vivid in my mind from reading them when I was young. I wonder if they'll stay with my kids as well. This one prompted some good discussion about charity towards opinions, and not getting worked up about what really doesn't matter. The mystery and fantasy of it was a magical carrier for these thoughts. 

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. 

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! 

My Side of the Mountain

The Last Battle

 

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