Babies and Books

This is a stack of books I've read or am currently reading in the last 2 months. Because when you have a newborn to feed what better to do than to devour books!

Peter Hessler is a journalist who knows how to keep your attention. While this book would be labeled as non-fiction it truly reads as easily as a fiction novel. Drive deep into China with Peter Hessler while learning about daily life in China. The driving rules are hilarious and scary, the daily life of peasants is sad and eye opening. Two other books by Peter Hessler that are on my shelf waiting to be read are, "Oracle Bones" and "River Town".

Yes, this is the famous Julie Andrews from Sound of Music, and Mary Poppins! She wrote a delightful book about an orphan named Mandy who spends her free time at the orphanage sneaking away to a deserted cottage and fixing it up. I think this is every girls dream!

"Indian Captive" was recommended to me by a friend and will definitely be going on my 'school' bookshelf. It is based on the true story of Mary Jemison's capture by indians and her early years of living with them. After reading the book, I want to know more about her later years of life- she stayed with the indians for the remainder of her life.

 I am presently reading "Caddie Woodlawn" The review on the back of the book by Jim Trelease says "You take Little House on the Prairie; I'll take Caddie Woodlawn." Caddie is spirited and lively and deserves a review like that. This book is based on the true story of Caddie Woodlawn and her life in Wisconsin. She has gotten into more trouble (or adventure) in the first few chapters than my 4 year old has in the past year.

This is a beautiful and large book of Children's poetry by Robert Louis Stevenson. Here is one of the poems from the book. (And the illustrations are gorgeous also!)

The Swing

How do you like to go up in a swing,

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing 

Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall, 

Till I can see so wide, 

Rivers and trees and cattle and all

Over the Countryside - 

Till I look down on the garden green,

Down on the roof so brown - 

Up in the air I go flying again, 

Up in the air and down!

I've read this book before and even mentioned it here before. It's a wonderful book to read during the newborn days, family changes, and times when you feel overwhelmed with parenting. It only takes a paragraph, a chapter, or a phrase to chew on for the day.

I just finished this book today. It is very short, but so on point. I think it would be a good read even if you weren't planning on homeschooling your child. The Unhurried Homeschooler is only 8 short chapters and my favorite part are the 'think about it' questions at the end of each chapter. It would make a great book for group discussion among homeschooling moms.



What are you reading right now?


Sarah