Posted: Nov 27, 07 7:07pm
The books of yesterday shaped us in so many ways. Today, as I left the library embracing a stack of books, I was thrown back to my childhood days. During difficult times, books of fairy tales and adventures transported me to kingdoms unknown. As I grew older, biographies taught me much about different cultures and times. Adventures through the eyes of a skilled author awakened my imagination.
My grandmother was a lover of books. My aunts and mother all kept the beautifully illustrated books she gave them as children. Following in that tradition, my birthday wish was a new, beautiful book that I could curl up with and love. They were always absolutely gorgeous treasure that I would return to time and again.
To this day, I love a good tale. If the story isn't compelling, then give me one that is written so beautifully it is a celebration of our language and a joy to read. In our home, we were required to have an hour of "Quiet Time" each day. No television, radio, or phone calls. The only thing we were allowed to do was be creative in our hobbies, or read. It instilled in me a joy of reading and I follow this wonderful ritual even now, at 52, when life does not intrude.
My children are grown and now I'm collecting the books that I loved as a child:
Beatrix Potter Tales
Winnie the Pooh
Alice in Wonderland
The Hobbit
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Princess and the Goblin
On the Back of the North Wind
The Good Master
The Wind in the Willows
The Little Princess
The Wizard of Oz
The Jungle Book
All of Madeline L'Engle books
..................And so many that I have forgotten
What about you? What were your favorite books? Did you love the illustrations? If so, who were the illustrators you remember best?
Do you have small children or grandchildren to whom you read? What are their favorite books?
As you grew and could read more complex stories, what were the ones that captivated your imagination?
Children's books are wonderful these days and I still buy them for any future grandkids that may bless my life. Then, I secretly read them and smile. How about you?
Jump in and share your stories and memories. (Sorry, but Spell Checker in not working!!)
