Molly's Bedtime Reading

[naomikritzer]

Ed decided to read Molly The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. She seems to be enjoying it. Thanks to everyone for suggestions.

Beverly Cleary was a popular suggestion, though a couple of people wondered if her books might seem a little dated to our kids. I've re-read a couple of the Ramona books (we have them around -- when I spot a children's book I liked as a kid at a garage sale, I pick it up) and they hold up pretty well. I loved Joan Aikin as a kid, but I think Molly would find the books a little scary and a little confusing. I do think she'd love Roald Dahl. Watership Down is a great book but might be a bit heavy -- the story from the survivors of the doomed warren was really disturbing to me at eleven.

We have a copy of Good Night, Mr. Tom but that one's going to have to wait.

Comments

[jimhines.livejournal.com]

I read Lion, Witch & Wardrobe to Skylar earlier this summer, and she loved it. Suddenly storytime was her favorite part of the day :-)

[corinnethewise.livejournal.com]

I remember reading Beverly Cleary books as a child and being a little confused about how some things were, partly because that just not what I was used to, and partly, I'm sure, because the were written before my time. I still loved them, however because none of the little background details changed the stories. I wouldn't worry about them being dated.

[perimyndith.livejournal.com]

My 5th grade teacher read Watership down to the class when I was in the 5th grade, which must be about age 11. I don't remember being too disturbed about the book, but of course once we'd read the book we wanted to see the movies--and they were all horribly gruesome.

[rgeorge.livejournal.com]

Abi was reading this to me, and I said, "Lloyd Alexander!" and named a few of his books. She said, "huh?"

Same deal with Susan Cooper. (She did say "ohhhhh" when she made the connection with The Dark Is Rising though.) I am still amazed that I was allowed to read her stuff.

I've always liked Uncle Shelby's ABZs (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/067121148X/002-9999767-0448064) but none of the parents I know feel likewise.

[naomikritzer]

I think Molly may actually be old enough now to get the humor of Uncle Shelby's ABZ book. Maybe. I think I'll wait a few years, though.