all kinds of book talk

I have totally loved the last three books that Emy and I have read together. She is in grade three but is reading at a grade 5-6 level at least; so she can read for hours on her own and do just fine. But still I really enjoy our time each night reading together. The time with her; the quiet cuddle time with no sisters in sight just us, and truth is I honestly really do enjoy these books myself! Reading out loud making all the different accents and voices, and together looking forward to what will unfold in our adventure tomorrow night. Deeelightful!

We are fairly picky with what goes in for our little people I have to say. You know the saying "garbage in garbage out" so we try to steer pretty clear of garbage and put in lots of good stuff for our girls. Now that her reading has moved beyond the younger stories it is a little bit harder to find good books that will challenge her reading and keep her mind occupied and entertained, while at the same time NOT being too old for her sweet 8 1/2 year old self, or containing "stuff" we wouldn't want her to read right now. Kind of like finding size 12 clothes that are still appropriate and "little girl" enough for an innocent little sweetheart in grade three, a challenge at times too I have to say.

Anyways , I am always up for book recommendations and so I thought some of you out here may be too. I am so so impressed with these three. they were each quite different but all good to the last page.

From the mixed up files of Mrs. Basil.E.Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

It is a great story of adventure and self discovery. And since the kids in the story are around her age Emy found it really fun to try and relate to them. As a bonus there is some cool learning about art history hidden in here as these two siblings hide out at the metropolitan museum of art in Manhattan in the 60s.

The tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

I never imagined a story about a mouse could be so entertaining ( but then again I was very skeptical of cartoons about Fish and cars LOL and they turned out to be great movies) This book made me excited to read more and want to keep reading even when it was well past bedtime and our time was up. Such adventure and a really cool perspective through the eyes of the different characters who make up the story. A Heartwarming tale about the strength of this little mouse who is too small and his ears are too big and in every way he doesn't fit in. It will give courage to any kid who has ever felt like that little mouse.

and Because of Winn-Dixie also by Kate.DiCamillo ( I really like her books!)

This book just comes alive with all of it's amusing characters. The story is made up of "outsiders" who all have wonderful stories to tell and lessons to teach....we really loved it.

note: I picked up the fairly recent movie because the book was so good, but it just doesn't compare, go for the book instead!

I was going to talk only about Emy's books but since I am talking books tonight, I have to say that the animal ark series has been really perfect for Tiara. We are on our third adventure with Mandy and James who are always saving an animal in trouble and Tiara who is a total animal lover, loves every minute of them. We are using our current "Beagle in a backpack" as a reward for getting dressed in the morning and getting to school smoothly because things were pretty rocky for awhile. She is such a determined little person that having something to work for is always good motivation to push past the troubles that may come for her. So she gets a whole chapter with me at night if all goes well and when things get tough we take away only one page at a time so she still has something to work for through the day. It is really helping. I had read "children are from heaven" by Dr John Grey when Emy was a toddler- and many times since. It is a wonderful book on positive parenting and I would highly recommend it to anyone with kids. He talks about rewarding them for what they do right instead of focusing on punishing what they do wrong, since kids really do want to please their parents. I love the idea of rewarding them with my time it is the most precious thing I can give them.

And since I have covered what the kids are reading I may as well share what I have been getting into lately. This past spring/summer I read The Alchemist three times ( yes liked it that much :) I got something different from it each time too just depending where I was at, The whole sisterhood of the travelling pants series- I had never read these when I was younger and always wanted to, it was fun and entertaining I listened to this one unabridged on audio book while I did the album track for CKU Nashville. It was nice to keep my mind busy for all of those hours, I do that often.

I read the time travellers wife- no comment really, it is what it is. well written and kept me reading but surprising at times and a bit too much for me. Not one I need to read again. I Finished Anne of Green Gables -I was such a fan growing up...still am, but it had been a long time and I wanted to read it again myself before reading it with Emy, just to be sure it was appropriate. mmmmmm that wonderfully imaginative Anne-girl inspires me LOL she reminds me of myself in many ways, needless to say I Loved it all over again! I jut finished a few books by Max Lucado He is such a wonderful writer and I always love his written perspective for both children and adults. It makes me think, makes me smile and makes me breathe a little bit deeper. And that brings us to right now; I have a few of Jeffrey Gittomer's books on the go in the van for school pick up days; He is great and the books are easy to read, I quite enjoy his writing, getting a lot from it. And Last but most definitely not least I am reading Ali's new Life artist book...so far I would say it is a must have for any scrapbooker at any level, her best book so far. She has written all good books but this one just has that extra heart and it strikes a chord with me, inspires me, beyond just scrapbooking.

So that is my book blabber for tonight, happy reading :)