Logan and I finally made it to this 1986 classic a few weeks ago. The story was beautiful, the illustrations “classic” in every sense of the word, and of course, we’ll always remember that cover with the toddler making a complete mess in the bathroom. For the heartbreaking story behind the book, click here.“Love You Forever” is Logan-Approved!
BOOK DETAILS // LOVE YOU FOREVER by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Sheila McGraw // 1986 // Paperback, 32 pages // Firefly Books
Logan and I finally made it to this 1986 classic a few weeks ago. I doubt there are many people who haven’t at least heard of this children’s book. A paperback copy was gifted to Logan recently and we couldn’t wait to read this special story of a mother’s undying love for her child. This was guaranteed to be an extremely emotional read (we knew this before reading it); when I did some research and discovered the heartbreaking personal story behind the book and song (“I’ll love you forever / I’ll like you for always / As long as I’m living / My baby you’ll be”), it tugged at the heart strings even more.
We read this book with Mimi, who shared memories of having experienced it decades ago. She remembered the book from when I, Mama, was a little girl in grade school and my teacher read it during a parent-child Mother’s Day event. Mimi said my teacher warned everyone beforehand that she would try very hard not to break down and cry while reading it.
Yes, it’s one of those books.
One of those books where you’re looking around the room, asking “Who’s chopping onions?”
But that’s no surprise, because we expect any story about a mother’s love for her child (a son) to be heartfelt and sentimental. We were a little concerned about the part where the little old lady climbs up a ladder into the upstairs bedroom of her grown son! We understand that the book is simply making a point of how much this woman loves her dear child, but we thought that was a mite eccentric. I don’t know too many grannies climbing ladders, do you?
The story was beautiful, the illustrations “classic” in every sense of the word, and of course, we’ll always remember that cover with the toddler making a complete mess in the bathroom.
If you don’t know about this book, I have to ask: which rock have you been hiding under? And if you just remembered this book, why don’t you grab a copy and experience it again? It’s probably still one of the sweetest stories you’ve ever read. The book has been deemed a little “over-the-top” or strange to some people, and I can see where they’re coming from. And it’s heartbreaking when you learn the story’s origins. But we think it’s still one of the sweetest and most unforgettable stories of the last half-century.
Mama’s not too embarrassed to admit that she was a little scared to turn the page sometimes, the artwork was so detailed!! She’s not crazy about sharks but she liked the book because it was so informative and engaging. We recommend!
BOOK DETAILS Usborne Lift-the-Flap Sharks by Kirsteen Rogers, illustrated by Peter Scott 2005 Hardcover, 16 pages Usborne
Mama, Mimi and I read a great science book about sharks recently, and now we know more about this species than we thought possible!! Of course, the reason we loved this book so much is because it’s one of the awesome titles offered by Usborne Books and More!
The book is thoroughly researched with so many shark facts that when I’m older, I’m going to really dive into this one again. This is a Lift-the-Flap title and offers a fun, interactive way to explore the underwater world of sharks. We learned about some of the most recognizable players in the shark world (for example, great whites and hammerheads) but the book also highlighted some less well-known (but just as potentially dangerous) species as well.
We also learned that sharks rarely attack humans and when they do it’s because they’re mistaking them for food — not because sharks naturally enjoy snacking on humans. (In fact, they’d much rather have a fellow sea creature for lunch!)
The book is a nice size, full of colorful artwork and best of all, is as interactive as any kid would like! The Lift-the-Flap feature makes this already wonderful book a full 5/5 coffee beans for us.
Mama’s not too embarrassed to admit that she was a little scared to turn the page sometimes, the artwork was so detailed!! She’s not too fond of sharks but she liked the book because it was so informative and engaging. We recommend!
First thing we’d climb a tree And maybe then we’d talk Or sit silently And listen to our thoughts With illusions of someday Cast in a golden light No dress rehearsal This is our life
— “Ahead by a Century,” The Tragically Hip
“An Inward Treasure is Born” (Season 1, Episode 4)
In between daily nursings, bottle feedings, nappy changes, fussy time, playtime, and the beloved naptime, I carve out time for a humble little Netflix show called “Anne with an E.” Based on the classic “Green Gables” and “Avonlea” books by L.M. Montgomery — a series I am just now exploring — the show debuted in March 2017, ran for three seasons with promise of a fourth, but was discontinued in November 2019. Fans of the show took to the internet in hopes of saving the show, to no avail. (I didn’t start watching the show until this time, or I certainly would have protested the end of “Anne.”)
According to representatives for the show, the reason for the cancellation was the disintegrating partnership between the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Company) and Netflix. Basically, the CBC didn’t want to partner with Netflix for big-budget series to help further Netflix’s economic security ahead of their own. As usual, it came down to money and self-serving interests. However, like Anne, I have an overactive imagination and I can think of several reasons why the show probably would not have lasted in today’s world. (I’m surprised it made it to three seasons).
“What We Have Been Makes Us What We Are” (Season 2, Episode 16)
“Anne” is too much! She’s too honest, loving, intelligent, bold, dramatic, passionate, etc. a character for most viewers to relate to
We are living in a one-dimensional world, and I see evidence of it everywhere in modern society, especially entertainment. I contend that “Anne” the character, and the show itself, are too intelligent for many – certainly not all — viewers tuning in to platforms like Netflix. Most streaming offerings cater to the masses with bright-colored, flimsy fluff that has little substance. Everything seems too predictable, and most plots are thin and devoid of soul. The few shows like “Anne” that tend toward something a little different, something much deeper and meaningful…well, they tend to crash and burn while still in their prime.
“Anne” the character is certainly intense, but everything about her personality seems to be what is missing from modern entertainment. She’s meant to be exasperatingly funny, dramatic, intelligent, creative, passionate, frustrating, mind-boggling, etc. She’s both unpredictable and a contradiction in terms, with her head in the clouds and her feet firmly planted on the ground. Her soppy enthusiasm for life isn’t as inane as it first appears, in either the book or show, for she’s not boundlessly happy. She has dark and sad moments where she’s utterly hopeless and melancholy. She’s anything but a one-dimensional character, and sadly, I’m afraid she’s just too much for the modern viewer. In reflecting our own natures right back at us, Anne’s intensity might be her downfall.
“Struggling Against the Perception of Facts” (Season 2, Episode 15)
The show addresses serious themes and issues (like abuse, racism, sexism/gender inequality, xenophobia, discrimination based on sexual orientation/differing lifestyles, family/societal pressures, etc.) and it gets heavy often
I am nearing the end of the show, and plan to watch it again in the future. (I am reading the second book “Anne of Avonlea” so I cannot speak for the content of the book series yet.) “Anne” is one of those shows where you have to think and feel and reflect and a lot of people don’t want to do that. Especially during current times, when the stress of everyday can feel overwhelming enough, we don’t want to think about the heavy items in life. But shows like “Anne” force us to, and there are precious few moments of true escape when faced with such serious entertainment.
“Anne” takes place during the late 19th century in the fictional community of Avonlea, on Prince Edward Island, Canada, and finds the feisty redhead fighting for social justice in some capacity almost every episode. Each forty-plus-minute episode (27 total) addresses significant issues facing society, proving that Bob Dylan wasn’t completely accurate; the times haven’t changed as much as we’d like to believe.
Throughout the short-lived series, Anne fights valiantly for many principles and people in her close-knit circle: she works to educate and enlighten Matthew’s hired help Jerry Baynard; she pushes for community acceptance of Cole Mackenzie, a gay classmate, friend, and fellow creative; she campaigns on behalf of the unconventional “schoolmarm” Miss Muriel Stacy; and perhaps fights hardest throughout the trials and tribulations of her friendship with “kindred spirit” Diana Barry. Throughout the show, Anne struggles to come to terms with her past, and the revelations surrounding her parents and her adoption history set up and sustain the show’s overarching drama. There is nothing half-ass about Anne’s fighting spirit, and the themes get heavy, maybe too heavy if one is not in the mood for it.
Racism and xenophobia also play a role in the series, as do themes of gender inequality and family/societal pressures. None of this is easy to digest, in entertainment or the real world. Again, “Anne with an E” provides multi-dimensional perspectives and considerations of these issues, allowing Anne to serve as moral guide and/or conscience. This might feel like emotional and mental “homework” to much of today’s viewers.
“Signs are Small Measurable Things, but Interpretations are Illimitable” (Season 2, Episode 9)
I’m afraid the show, even with its adventures and misadventures, isn’t “riveting” enough for most
“Riveting” means “completely engrossing, compelling,” and as mentioned above, while these themes and issues are exactly that, many people don’t turn to entertainment to indulge in those things, but to escape them; “Anne” does not provide that luxury. Personally, I’m thankful for TV shows that require more than just a basic attention span, making me think and feel. That’s my idea of “riveting,” but I’m strange like that.
For many, “riveting” media includes at least some of the following elements: sex/nudity, action/adventure, violence/gore, shock and awe, various modes of vulgarity, etc. and without those things, many modern shows suffer. (I’m shocked that “Game of Thrones” didn’t air for 18 seasons, considering those elements were available in surplus. I stopped watching “GOT” after a few seasons because I saw that it was just another gimmick.) “Anne” is as far from a gimmick as one can get, and there were enough of us watching who would have loved to continue the “riveting” conversations the show put forth. As usual, these good things must come to an often-premature end.
“What Can Stop the Determined Heart” (Season 3, Episode 20)
Those who haven’t read the books probably aren’t interested
Even though I almost passed on the show because I haven’t read the series yet, I am glad that I took a chance on this one. The script is great, with a wonderful cast, and visualizing the characters while reading adds to the enjoyment for me. Those who have not cracked the cover of the first book are not likely to dive into a wholly unfamiliar show, and 27 episodes is a big commitment for people who haven’t already fallen in love with the likes of Anne, Marilla, Matthew, Mrs. Rachel Lynde, and other various characters.
“The Growing Good of the World” (Season 2, Episode 17)
As a self-described “old soul,” I find it hard to dive deep into today’s media. There’s not much available for people like me who crave shows with heart, intellect, and passion. Forget the sex, violence, drug use, etc. that has come to define most of the entertainment industry; “Anne” is and always will be more my speed, and I’m not going to apologize for that. No accounting for taste, but there’s also no accounting for common sense. What is common sense, really, in a world where “Anne with an E” was cancelled right when it was just getting started?
So, just what was this humble little show accomplishing before it was cruelly struck down, financial bottom line or otherwise?
Bringing critical issues to the forefront of discussion? Check.
Not relying on gratuitous elements to attract an audience? Check.
Bridging the gap between classic literature and modern entertainment? Check.
Showing the modern world that humanity, humility, and grace are still quite possible, despite signs everywhere saying otherwise? Check.
Highlighting the importance of reading, books, and having an imagination? Check.
The wonderful universe of “Anne with an E” is just too much for the world — and probably always will be. Too bad because I relished the idea of season 4. But I’ll move on, for Season 1 Episode 6 is titled “Remorse is the Poison of Life” and isn’t that the truth!
Let me know what you think about this commentary; please share your thoughts!
“Anne with an E” is available on Netflix for your viewing pleasure.
L.M. Montgomery’s classic series is available in several formats, including the convenient Serial Readerapp.
Allison Barilone [send her mail] writes about the books she and her 8-month-old son read together in the blog Baby Stole My Book. Her first blog is called { pages for breakfast }, formerly Readage. She is passionate about literacy and maintains a rigorous social media presence to stay connected to the bookish world. She daydreams of libraries in between changing nappies. Her motto is: “Don’t look back, you’re not going that way,” unless the library is in that direction, then of course go back.
Logan and I read a stellar children’s book about Katherine Johnson. If you’ve seen the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures,” you already know about her. She was an amazing woman, and I was proud to introduce my son to her story. We will revisit this one when he’s older.
BOOK DETAILS A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison 2019 Hardcover, 40 pages Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Logan and I read another stellar children’s book a few days ago — this time about a real-life figure we were already somewhat familiar with: Katherine Johnson. If you’ve been living under a rock the last few years, you might not have heard of this awesome lady, but if you’ve seen the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures” or paid any attention to NASA, you certainly know about her. (In fact, you also probably know about Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, as well.) Katherine Johnson was the last surviving member of this empowered trio until she passed away at the age of 101 on February 24, 2020.
Photos courtesy of the publisher (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers); my photo arrangement in Pic Collage
Genres: Non-fiction, picture books, children’s books, history, African American, gender, women, artwork, biography Themes: motivation, intelligence, power of perseverance, heroes, education Recommended for: general audience
Katherine G. Johnson refused to be limited by society’s expectations of her gender and race while expanding the boundaries of humanity’s reach. – – former President Barack Obama, who presented Johnson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015
Portrait of Katherine Johnson, Credit: NASA For more information, click here
The beautifully-illustrated picture book “A Computer Called Katherine” was released in spring 2019 to much acclaim. Since our public library has been closed for a while now, we can’t access a physical copy of the book, so we read an ebook copy on Mama’s phone. We know without a doubt that the experience of the physical book would have made the reading of this book even more wonderful, and we hope to revisit it as soon as possible.
We won’t reveal the details of the book because we definitely want you to pick it up for yourself, but we will tell you without reservation that this is one great title, for littles and adults alike. The amazing (I can’t find a better word!) artwork by illustrator Veronica Miller Jamison and the biographical narrative by children’s book author and scientist Suzanne Slade provide ample evidence that they are wholly devoted to their subject.
Children’s book author and scientist Suzanne Slade has written over 100 books for children, many of them science-based
Illustrator Veronica Miller Jamison’s glorious artwork shines a light on Johnson, one of America’s scientific heroes
The authors of the biographical book “A Computer Called Katherine”
The cheerful full-page spreads visually invite the reader into the world of NASA and American society during the time in which Katherine was doing her history-changing work. It highlights Katherine’s lifelong ambition and intellectual gifts in a way that young children will devour, making her personal determination and enthusiasm to achieve and excel an important talking point.
This book will help start the conversation about personal goals and the importance of having dreams — no matter one’s gender or skin color. It will also demonstrate how critical it is to disregard any voices saying (sometimes shouting) that something can’t be done simply because it’s never been done before. The story of Katherine’s entire life proves that if we are able to do something in our lives, we must then be willing — no matter what.
It’s simply inspiring from the first page to the last, and a must-read for young and old alike. 5 stars for the artwork alone. One of our favorite reads so far!
Logan and I read another great book about strong family relationships with “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrator Vashti Harrison. The story was simple and powerful, as the best stories tend to be.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry Illustrated by Vashti Harrison 2019 Hardcover, 32 pages Kokila
Read together April 29, 2020 Rating: 4 / 5 ⭐️ Book #26 in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge
Logan and I read another great book about strong family relationships with “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrator Vashti Harrison. The story was simple and powerful, as the best stories tend to be.
Adorable main character Zuri is a bright and shining little girl excited to spend quality time with her daddy while her mommy is out for the day. But it’s not just an ordinary day; it’s the perfect day to design the prettiest hairstyle!
That would be an ordinary undertaking for another little girl, but Zuri has wild and untamed hair. It kinks and coils and generally misbehaves, impervious to the comb and brush and always needing special care and attention. For this important mission, Zuri needs her Daddy’s help.
Lucky for Zuri, her daddy is hard-working and determined to give his daughter the best style. But managing Zuri’s hair is not for the faint of heart and even Daddy struggles to get it just right. Much time is spent in front of the bathroom mirror to give her a hairstyle that brings out her unique beauty.
Images courtesy of the publisher (Kokila) and cloudLibrary; my photo arrangement in Pic Collage
Eventually, the desired hairstyle is achieved and it’s all thanks to Daddy’s enthusiasm and hard work. He loves his little girl and it’s obvious how much he wants to make her happy. The beautifully-detailed illustrations by Harrison show the love between the two in cheerful spreads of color.
When mommy comes home at the end of the day, she hugs her little girl and compliments daddy’s handiwork. A memorable line at the end of the book: “My hair is Mommy, Daddy and me. It’s hair love.”
This is one of the sweetest family stories we’ve read so far. We enjoyed every page, and we think you will too! Highly recommend 🌺
BONUS: Watch the heartwarming Oscar- winning short film “Hair Love” from Sony Pictures Animation. Is someone chopping onions in this room, or what?
This Usborne Beginners Series book is a great children’s introduction to the exciting world of kittens and cats. It’s a detailed book, heavy on the science and biology of the feline species, but still elementary enough for little people. We enjoyed it and rated it 5 stars.
Cats Usborne Beginners Series by Anna Milbourne, designed by Michelle Lawrence 2006 Hardcover, 32 pages Usborne Books
Read together April 25, 2020 Rating: 5 / 5 ⭐️ Book #25 in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge
This Usborne book is a great children’s introduction to the exciting world of kittens and cats. It’s a detailed book, heavy on the science and biology of the feline species, but still elementary enough for little people. (Note: At almost 8 months, Logan is definitely not the target audience for this title — or most of the titles we read — so it is much more appropriate for an older child).
The book is interesting and full of facts, and I read some things that I didn’t know about cats, even as a cat owner. The graphics include both photographs and artwork and fill out the book in a streamlined way. It’s a good primer for cat newbies and lovers alike, or for anyone eager to learn something new about their feline friends. We will revisit this one when Logan is older, maybe about 4-5.5 / 5 ⭐️ for being richly informative and entertaining.
Another book review on the way. Continue to stay well and healthy, friends 🌼
#SerialSunday: a quick new blog feature where I highlight a recently read selection from Serial Reader. For more information about the Serial Reader app, click here: https://www.serialreader.org
Title: “The Adventure of the Three Students” (Sherlock Holmes Chronicles #27)
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Year: 1904
Genre: Classic British Literature
Format: short story
Read on the Serial Reader app
Rating: 4 / 5 ⭐️
Read: April 17, 2020
Notes: One-sitting reads, new-to-me author, classic literature, digital reads, ebooks
Quick Synopsis: Three students, about to undergo a rigorous exam for a scholarship, are suspected of cheating. Sherlock Holmes uncovers the unlikely culprit.
Comments: I’m pleased to discover how much I enjoy the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I started reading these stories earlier this year and have now read 4 of them in the app.
I love the rhythm and routine of each story and the OCD-like attention to detail always paid by…
Just a quick hello and update from Reader Land during Covid-19 statewide lockdown.
This is obviously a deeply unprecedented state of affairs (and of mind) we all find ourselves in these (strange) days. We have so many things to worry about and so many more opportunities to complain and despair. However, let’s try our utmost to rise above. Easier said than done, right?
Perhaps, and while we don’t recognize the world we now live in, let’s try our best to continue lifting up those around us — while safely maintaining social distancing. As much as books and reading inform our identities, we are human beings first and foremost. We can do this. We ARE doing this.
Personally, I’m bouyoed by the love and compassion of those in my beloved reading community. We’re making the best of a truly disastrous situation. Most importantly, although we’re distracted and concerned, we’re doing our best to keep turning pages.
We’re still discussing book plots and character development and generally bonding over the written word on the page. We’re doing this because losing such a huge part of our daily lives would completely devastate most of us avid readers, and we honestly can’t afford to lose this critical function.
It’s probably never been more difficult to concentrate on the book in front of us, but we need the power and comfort of books and reading now more than ever!
Stay safe out there and take this time to reconnect with the simple pleasures of life. As the generally empathetic people we are, we are well equipped to adapt and adjust and get through this hard time together — alone together, through our imaginations and our strong fighting spirits. May books and coffee (or tea) forever be our refuge in the violent seas of life.
Mimi sat down to read me another book recently; the book was from Mama’s childhood collection and it was well-worn and deeply loved. The book was called “The Friendly Duck” and it was another good one.
The Friendly Duck by Gina Ingoglia Illustrated by Deborah Borgo 1989 Paperback, 24 pages Western Pub. Co.
Read together March 23, 2020 Rating: 4 / 5 ⭐️ Book #24 in our “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge
Mimi sat down to read me another book recently; the book was from Mama’s childhood collection and it was well-worn and deeply loved. The book was called “The Friendly Duck” and it was another good one.
It was about a little boy who lives in a farmhouse and a cute little golden-colored duck who glides in the pond behind the house. Every day, the boy comes out to visit the friendly duck and give him bread and attention. The duck is always happy to see him, and looks forward to his daily visits.
But one day, the little boy doesn’t come out, so the duck makes his first journey across the farm and inside the farmhouse to find the boy. After a quick tour of the farm, the brave duck climbs the stairs to the boy’s bedroom and finds his friend in bed, sick with a cold. The boy is delighted that the friendly duck came to see him for a change.
The friendly duck showed the little boy how much he missed him and how willing he was to see his friend. It’s a quick, pleasant book about friendship.
We loved the illustrations and enjoyed the story; it was also special to read another book that belonged to my Mommy and now belongs to me.
Baby Stole My Book 