• Book: “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett

    The girls and I just finished reading the Children’s Illustrated Classic The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.  They LOVED it!  It was a good story with enough of an adventure to keep them asking me to read “just one more chapter tonight, please Mom”!

    The story is about a little girl from India named Mary Lennox.  She was spoiled by everyone and had very little interaction with her parents.  When her parents died she was sent to live with her Uncle in England, Lord Craven.  Her Uncle was a sad man who was still mourning the death of his wife from 10 years ago and really did not want to have anything to do with Mary other then to make sure she had the food and necessities she needs.  Mary learns to love life in England and has grand adventures exploring the manor’s gardens.   As she continues to explore outside, learns how to garden, and meets new friends Mary was able to keep more then one hidden secret that took those living in the large manor by surprise.

    The girls really enjoyed having me read this book out loud to them.  The pictures and story really came alive for them as we processed on through the book.  If you have you girls (or boys) and you are looking for a good book to read to them you should check this one out!

  • Book: “Who Do You Love?” by Margaret Wang

    Several years ago my parents gave the girls  Who Do You Love? by Margaret Wang and they still love it.  I have read the book to them many times and now they can read it on their own.  The book is encouraging for the kids because it goes through the variety of people in their lives that love them.  This is a terrific book especially for younger kids as they are learning about the family members, (including siblings, parents, and grandparents).  When the girls were little after reading the book we would talk about their grandparents and share memories.  It is now great seeing them read it together and share memories with each other.