Escaping into a Book
I cannot express the sheer joy I experience every time I see Becca curled up with a book. Although she cannot “read” yet, I know that it is only a matter of time that she is jumping into worlds, living, breathing, feeling the stories. Ethan being surrounded by a house of readers is bound for the same fate and shows interest in listening and experiencing the stories.
That is how I read, I live it. I get completely and utterly lost in the story. A good book draws me in, I am not a mere observer, I am there. An author that can make me laugh out loud, shiver in terror or cry in sorrow, captures my imagination, thrills me like nothing else. I have vivid memories of particular books that left a lasting imprint in my mind. For a long time I could not reread a story because it would last so long in my imagination that reading it a second time would be boring and a waste of precious reading time.
As a young child, I adored the books with animals as the main characters. Titles are alluding me now, but I am sure they are pretty standard for that reading age group, for I did not have anyone assisting me in finding the books. The concept that animals (dogs, cats, horses, wolves) had personified thoughts and emotions tickled my fancy. I gobbled up story after story of lost dogs, horses, cats … I distinctly remember going to see the Incredible Journey with my Dad in Regina. He was gone a lot at that time, away working, so any time with him memorable. The movie only sparked my imagination more. My memory takes us to the Natural History museum there for the movie, not sure why.
When SourceBooks asked if I would like to review a new book series for young girls, I jumped at the chance to relive my childhood love of reading books with animals! The Lucky Foot Stable series by JoAnn S. Dawson, includes humans in the mix, allowing children to enter a world of friendship, horses and adventure. I started reading the first book and totally found myself lost in the character’s lives, looking forward to finding out what was up with their horses!
While it will be a few more years before my daughter is ready for chapter books, these stories are totally what I would want her to read. Targeted at the 8+ years old girl range, the Lucky Foot Stable series, is wholesome, but action packed. I am pretty protective and shield the children from the outside world a lot. I have yet to have to worry too much about books (although some Becca has found in the library have been questionable!), but a day will come when I have to monitor the media that enters our home.
Want to Win the first three books in the Lucky Foot Stable series by JoAnn S. Dawson? All you have to do to enter is leave a comment, including your favorite chapter book as a child … After the weekend I will randomly pick a winner. This is open to all! I look forward to reading your favorites!
March 20th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I loved the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace.
March 20th, 2008 at 10:44 am
The Little Princess and The Secret Garden are still my all-time favourites. I must have read them a dozen times each as a child.
March 20th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I couldn’t have said it better than what you said about being lost in a book. I find I even sound (in my head) how I imagine the characters sounding if they were talking.
My favorite? My Friend Flicka, and basically any book that dealt with horses. But I did read, A LOT when I was younger, and as you, they were mostly about animals. To this day I’m an animal lover and love Black Beauty, Flicka, etc.
March 20th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I use to love reading the Little House on The Prairie books, I really was a Little House “geek”. I still am LOL. I love Pa Ingalls, he was the “perfect man” back in the day.
I can’t wait to crack open the new set I bought with Kamryn.
March 20th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
One of my favourite chapter books was called “the Rats of Nimth” It really got the imagination flowing. And then of course, Charlottes Web. I basically loved anything where you had to go into the imaginary world of animals ….. oh and Enid Blytons Enchanted Wood series …..
March 20th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I cannot stop reading Lionel Shriver’s Post-Birthday Club. It has consumed me (just to tell you about my latest book).
What I love is when we are out the kids will recognize books I’ve read being carried by other people. They practically attack anyone with a copy of Water For Elephants and tell them how much I loved the book.
March 21st, 2008 at 11:27 am
I had so many favorites (still do!) that it’s hard to name just one (or even a few). Those that come to mind right now are the Little House books, the Betsy series by Carolyn Haywood, the Black Stallion books, and Bobbsey Twins.
I read like you do - completely drawn into the story. And with Abby starting to devour chapter books now, I love to see her engrossed in books as well.
March 21st, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I love to read. It’s a joy to see young children so interested. When they read when they are little they grow up loving it.
Have a Happy Easter with your family.
March 22nd, 2008 at 1:34 am
I’ve had to have long talks with myself about not being devastated if my kids don’t grow up as passionate and independent readers, like I’ve been. They may very well breathe books, too, but if they don’t, I have to find a whole new way of appreciating the gifts they do have.
‘Cause I will be disappointed.
Time for more talks with myself.
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I always had a tough time reading as a child but now I cannot stop reading but my love it to read health books non stop.
March 22nd, 2008 at 10:50 pm
My favourite chapter books were the Little House on The Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Even as a child I longed for a simpler life.
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March 23rd, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I used to put books in Brendan’s crib when he was a baby. To this day, he still loves books. When we are at the mall, he would rather go in Borders Bookstore, then the toy store.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Faith has just went from Junie B. Jones chapter books to The Boxcar Children series and she loves it!
Reading is very exciting! Go Becca!
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.
March 24th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
[...] am much more distracted from writing than I have ever been. After writing the last post on escaping into a story, I realized … that which was missing. Any good writer will tell you [...]
March 25th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Oooh, I’m probably too late but I still want to tell you…
Anything by Judy Blume
The Babysitters Club books
And about a thousand more that I can’t remember because I have mom brain!