Half Magic

 

If you found a magic talisman, what would you wish? Don't forget the rule...!

Michael (7): "I wish we were at Disneyland, but twice as far."

Daniel (7): "I would wish for two halves of an owl." 

Evy (10): "I would wish for 20 chickens and 30 dogs."

(The bigger kids don't care much for answering these questions nowadays. Well!)

Mom's Notes: We needed a fun book to usher in the summer, so I figured a magic story would do the trick. Growing up, there was always something so memorable for me about this book. Maybe it's because every child finds a coin on the sidewalk at some point. And imagining that it could grant wishes - even half ones - is just such an exciting prospect! 

Three Tales of My Father's Dragon

 

If you were setting out on an adventure like Elmer was, what would you pack in your backpack? (might as well recycle the question from the last reading with the bigger kids...again!)

Michael: "I would bring a computer, binoculars, a grabber hook, food, and a bunch of candy." 

Daniel: "I would definitely bring food, a telescope, a map, and my money... so I could buy some United States things."

Mom's Notes: The buddies have heard the first book, but they asked that we read all three. We had recently finished a second My Book House volume for the year, so this was just the thing to finish out the month until summer. I really enjoy reading aloud to just the buddies, because they laugh and giggle at anything remotely funny. ("Mr. Wagonwheel.... ha ha ha!") We have a good time! Most of these chapters were read on the top bunk or out on the tramp in the sunshine. 

 There's so much "scope for the imagination" when thinking up a name for a home. ;) What would you call ours? 

Michael (7): "The Yellow Explorer"

Daniel (7): "Apple Mania"

Evy (9): "Happy Sunshine Place" 

Gabe (12): "Small Comfort"

Julia (14): "The Final Resting Place of Many Fish."

Anne has a knack for getting into scrapes. Which one is the most memorable to you? 

Michael (7): "When she tricked Marilla that she slipped the brooch over the bridge."

Daniel (7): "Green hair!"

Evy (9): "The raspberry cordial." 

Gabe (12): "When she died her hair green." 

Julia (14): "When Anne almost drowns, then has to be saved on Gilbert's 'ship'... and the ship is born. 'glanne' for lyfeee. <3" 

Mom's Notes: This has been a favorite, beloved book of mine since I read it as a girl after playing "Minnie May" in a community theater production of the timeless story. How can you not love Anne Shirley and be inspired by her passion for all that is beautiful in this world? You can imagine my delight when Jonny told me he was listening to an audio version on his commute! He loved Anne immediately after meeting her, just like Matthew did. It was so fun to get the recap of the goings-on in Avonlea from Jonny each evening. I knew the rest of the family had to be involved in the conversation! (Actually, I was tentatively planning to read this book aloud early next school year. Jonny reading it nudged me to put it off no longer! I'm so glad.) All of us were invested in her humorous, sweet, and touching story of change, growth, and love. We laughed at Anne's ridiculous, but relatable antics. We yearned for her to forgive Gilbert. And cried along with Anne and Marilla when Matthew's time came. I personally relished in listening to this audio version read masterfully by Mary Sarah. I had to grab my hard copy book to annotate - only to find I had already underlined those very passages. I plan to go a page in my commonplace book with all the quotes about prayer. We thought the book ended perfectly: "God's in his heaven, all's right with the world." 

Lady cake Farm

Mom's Notes: I read this little story on my own a year or so ago. I was very much looking forward to sharing it with the kids. The love that the family members have for their home and new farm, the majestic maple tree, the prized dictionary, and especially for one another make this book a gem to read and treasure. There's a whole lot to discuss along the Freed family's bittersweet journey. The ending was wonderfully "ladycake," and it had Julia googling recipes on the spot! She and Evy made this lovely cake. I think Julia's torch work was a brilliant touch! 

Escape by Night

Mom's Notes: This was a simple, quick read to give us an idea of life for children in the South during the Civil War. It's hard to imagine wartime life and the scenes were gentle enough, yet portrayed a realistic picture for the kids. I appreciated the mention of the soldier's commonplace book, and I took the opportunity to share mine.  Also, with Clay as our new puppy, the dog being a main character was fun and even applicable for the first time! 

Amos Fortune, Free Man

Mom's Notes: We're learning about slavery in America. It's not an easy topic, but it is an important one. Books like this one help to show to perseverance of the human spirit, even in the direst of circumstances. We've also been inspired by narratives of slaves on the Underground Railroad, specifically stories or Harriet Tubman's remarkable life of selfless service and sacrifice. I myself have read her narrative biography, as well as that of Sojourner Truth. Jonny and I both read, discussed, and now appreciate and cherish Uncle Tom's Cabin. 

Ink on His Fingers

Mom's Notes: This story complimented our short study about the reformation and the Bible. While we didn't feel the story flowed as well as another we've read by Vernon, we did learn more about the time period, the nature of apprenticeships, and the great challenge it was to bring us the printed Bible.