Monday, September 03, 2007

Children's Book Monday

First of all, I am well in body, mind and spirit. Thank you for your prayers...we are still waiting for the pulling away, but Psalm 27 has been given to me by the Father as a promise and an exhortation to wait on Him. His grace has been, as always, more than sufficient.

Despite moving to a new state and setting up house in an apartment that has, providentially, much more room for our bookshelves than we thought, we have been to the library four times already.

You read that right. The first time, we could only check out five books per card, since we were new members. This will never do! we signaled to each other with our eyes. The kind librarian then informed us that we could come back the very next day and check out twenty-five more (per card) if we liked, which of course we did.

Within four days, the boys wanted to return. I suppose a library that is roughly six times the size of the one we just left behind does appear to have more to offer, although I will miss being the only mama in the children's section, sitting on the floor surrounded by my choices in large piles.

And since then, we have rounded out our lists with books we placed on hold that could not be gotten from our sweet old library in our sweet old town.

To quote Thomas Jefferson... I cannot live without books. My fat bookshelves can attest to that. And I promise you, there are at least half a dozen boxes of books currently in storage. How I miss them.


Ox-Cart Man
by Donald Hall
Pictures by Barbara Cooney

Yes, another book illustrated by Barbara Cooney. Not only are the pictures beautiful and captivating in their simplicity, but this story is a gem as well.

In October, the ox-cart man and his family pack the cart full of everything they made or grew all year long that was left over, and he travels with it to town.

Once there, it is all sold, and you will be surprised by what he does next!

It is hard to review this simple book without retelling it exactly, so I will simply tease you with the words Autumn...linen...candles...birch brooms...goose feathers...maple sugar...Portsmouth Market...and good, old-fashioned hard work.

This book is so good to read with children, especially mine, who sometimes view their days as revolving around them, filled to the brim with entertainment. I liked the look in their eyes as they took in not only the hard work that the entire family joined together to accomplish, but also when they realized the reward for labor of that kind.

Put it on your list - you will not be disappointed! Happy Reading!


16 fellow travelers shared:

randi said...

I will keep you in my prayers, Elise. It is a blessing to hear how the Lord is sustaining you and your family!

I happen to have that same book checked out for our history lessons for Aubry. Now I will be looking forward to the day it pops up on our lesson plan!

Grafted Branch said...

O.k...I'll have a go at this theme. I've been blessed by some of your selections, and realize that I've stumbled upon some titles worthy to share as well.

Thanks for hosting, Elise.

Inspiration Station said...

It's so good to have you back sharing your wonderful stories with us that I wanted to be a part of it too. What fun you and your children are having checking out all those books from your new library. It's hard to believe you're not so far away. So good to hear you are doing well! Praying for you!
Mindy :)

Anonymous said...

Elise,
I've been posting Children's Book Monday for the last 3 weeks. Today I didn't write a review because I wasn't sure if you were still going to host this event! :) I left my link for my last 3 reviews anyway.
Continuing to pray for you...
Anna

Joyful Days said...

This is another of our favorite books. We've always enjoyed it.

Blessings to you Elise, still keeping you in prayers.

Julie

Anonymous said...

So glad you're hosting this! I'm a children's book LOVER and am glad to share my reviews and REALLY glad to read others'! Thanks!

Christine said...

We love that book! I'm so glad you're back with us! I have one to add, however pathetically, in this comment. I have been meaning to get around to a Children's Book Monday but can't seem to fit it in!

We absolutely love the book The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller. The little commentary by the states and other cartoon characters is a hoot!

Maxine said...

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14. I've clung to this verse on more than one occasion through the years. Praying for you, as promised. Got your message--thanks. :)Same back to you!
Libraries are wonderful, aren't they? I enjoyed them so much when the children were small. Enjoy.

Anonymous said...

I love your children's book Mondays! We have been very happy readers these last few weeks! Thank You!

schnuckiputzi said...

May God continue to strengthen and heal...and I just got back from our library book sale with two grocery bags full of treasure! Especially some crafting books that have me thinking...Christmas!

Beverly said...

I love this book, Elise. I came across it a year ago while browsing in the children's section. I didn't have a child at the time, but I just love children's books.
I have been praying for you again and again, and I am glad that God is sustaining you. I will continue to pray that you will not have to wait too long, friend.

Kate said...

I'll be praying for you and your family Elise. I'm sorry for your loss and joyful for your faith.

How awesome that you are near a good library and can bring books home by the basket full! The library is the first thing that we make a bee line for when we move. It makes us feel at home.

Kate

EEEEMommy said...

We've loved this book as well, and since the kids have grown older, we've appreciated being challenged about how little work we do compared to "back then" by reading the Little House books, especially Farmer Boy. There's one chapter where they're at the fair and Almonzo asks for a nickel to buy some lemonade. His father does an economics lesson on the value of money right there on the spot...excellent!

Anonymous said...

i've lurked a few times, but wanted to tell you now - i just prayed for you. for your peace, for your cleansing, for your comfort, and for as many more blessings as you desire.

Jenn @ Knee-Deep in Munchkin Land said...

I'm continuing to pray for you... In fact, I awoke at 3:00 in the morning this past weekend, and spent some time on my knees uplifting you and your family.

I'm so glad you guys found the library and are digging through the books. Sounds like life is returning to "normal" after the big move. =)

Anonymous said...

I would like to start doing the Children's Book Monday on my blog. I am not sure what exactly I need to do. I plan to review a children's book on my blog. Do I have to e-mail you each time? (SOrry but I am a new blogger.) I am getting together books for my preschooler and also trying to find an activity to go with the book. I want to use them for his preschooling at home next year.

Sorry to hear about your heartache for your wee one. In the arms of Jesus though is a nice place to be. I too lost a child (our first) and it is extremely hard but the Lord is good and will bless you for resting in Him. My prayers are with you and your family!
SchoolinRhome

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