My children are voracious readers. In search of something that would capture my oldest's attention, I discovered The Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence, the first in her The Roman Mysteries series at our local library. I made sure I read it before Nathaniel, because I was concerned about the character treatments, plot, and any... Continue Reading →
A Single Shard
An orphan boy and a crippled man live together under the bridge of a small Korean village in the twelfth-century. Crane-man and Tree-ear scrounge for food in the village's rubbish heaps by day. In the evenings, they discuss philosophies encountered throughout their day. For as Crane-man says, Scholars read the great words of the world. ... Continue Reading →
Frog & Toad
Beginning readers will enjoy getting to know Frog & Toad, characters created by Arnold Lobel. Frog and Toad are best friends. They enjoy spending time together, learning from each other, and helping to cheer each other up when one is down. The short stories trace their friendship and their usually-quite-funny predicaments - like the time... Continue Reading →
The Ides of April
My children read The Ides of April by Mary Ray for school a couple of weeks ago. This week, we started reading Beyond the Desert Gate aloud. After I read the first couple of chapters, I noticed on the cover that it was the sequel to The Ides of April, so I thought I'd better... Continue Reading →
Betsy-Tacy
I am surprised I did not find the Betsy-Tacy books as a child. My children and I have discovered them recently, and have enjoyed them. Maud Hart Lovelace wrote Betsy-Tacy based upon her childhood growing up in Mankato, Minnesota. Betsy hopes a family with children will move in across the street from her, especially a... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 