Great Books: Peter Pan and Old Yeller

We finished listening to Peter Pan, by J.M. Barrie a few weeks ago. It was a bit hard for the kids to get in to but I absolutely adored it (I think some of the language was a bit over their heads). We have a few rules about listening to books: the three kids all have to be present, and after we finish a book, we can watch the movie. My goal (or hope) is that the kids will realize how much better the movie always is and will want to read more and more- so far it's been working pretty well. Usually I'm the only parent who gets to enjoy the books along with the kids, but for the second half of Peter Pan, we were on a long drive with dad so he got to listen a bit as well. It was fun to have another adult listen along and laugh at the funny statements Peter and Captain Hook would make. Petter loved Captain Hook and the way he acted. For Captain Hook, the most important thing of all is having "good form", and he was always frustrated because Peter always showed good form and it was Hooks greatest wish to have him show bad form. So, of course, Hook finally gets his wish and can die peacefully knowing that his last wish finally came true. Peter is so blunt and honest, just like a child, it's hard not to fall in love with him and have a secret wish that he would come through my window. (don't laugh, I'm bearing my soul here) The kids seemed to enjoy the story more when we would discuss it. I think they will understand it better in a few years, it's on my list of books to have my kids read again, and again. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

"You know that place between sleeping and awake, that place where you can still remember dreaming? That's where I'll always think of you."

— J.M. Barrie

"If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree, I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up! Not me!"
— J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)

"Fairies have to be one thing or the other, because being so small they unfortunately have room for one feeling only at a time. "
— J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)

Tinker Bells character was so cute. I love the quote above describing Tink when she's steaming mad. She gets so mad and jealous towards Wendy, she has no room for any other emotion. (I must admit, I think I might be part fairy- I feel like I only have room for one feeling sometimes)

Just a few days ago we finished listening to Old Yeller. Best book ever!!!

This book is perfect for kids of all ages, (mine range from 3-9) and whether boy or girl, they will be into it. I can't believe I hadn't read it before this, but now I'm so in love with it, I want to buy the written version. It is exciting, funny, believable, relatable, and sweet. It teaches so many lessons about family, hard work, remembering what we've been taught, and love. Sooooo good- a must read! (or listen)

We just started listening the Alice in Wonderland. Jayda is going to be performing in the ballet, Alice in Wonderland in May so I thought it would be fun to know more about the story. She will be doing two dances: as a flower, and as a flamingo.

We are also reading the third book in the Little Britches series, Fields of Home and are loving it. Every time I finish reading a chapter to the kids, they want me to read another.

For my personal reading, I am still reading Robinson Crusoe. I only read it when I run on the treadmill, so it's taking me awhile (not because I don't run a lot, it's a huge book) and for the book group I just formed, we are reading The Real Benjamin Franklin, so far so good.

Olivia just finished reading Gulliver's Travels and Les Miserables- they have amazing classics for kids with the real story but a bit easier to read for kids- just to lay the ground work for when they are ready to tackle the real thing.

I never would have thought 10 years ago that I would be such a book worm- I absolutely love reading, especially the classics, and hope it rubs off on others.