Monday, October 01, 2007

Children's Book Monday


Glass Town
by Michael Bedard
Paintings by Laura Fernandez and Rick Jacobson







Here is a book for your eight to twelve year olds, although younger ones will also benefit from a read-aloud by a parent.

Glass Town is a story about the early life of the Bronte children; Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and Branwell. It takes place in the year 1829, the year it was estimated that over a hundred miniature diaries were written by the Bronte children, a practice they carried well into their adult lives.

The story is told through the eyes of Charlotte; weak eyes, so she bends close to her paper as she writes. She describes her siblings lovingly, poetically- "Emily, too, is a solitary thing. She looks long, says little."

Charlotte describes the origin of their first "play", how their father, a parson in the remote village of Haworth, brought back with him from Leeds a box of brand new soldiers for his children. How they named their little men according to beauty and facial expressions.

The children name their city "Glass Town", and all of the adventures are held in and around that place. The pictures on the walls of their home kindle the stories, and even as they dust the sitting room and Papa's study, they feed their minds with the works of Milton, Cowper, Southey, and Lord Byron.

The adventures of the children's imaginations are captured vividly in both the story and the beautiful paintings by Laura Fernandez and Rick Jacobson - they positively pull you in to the pages. My boys were particularly fascinated by the ship "Invincible", being tossed on the waves in an imaginary storm.

This is a book filled with imagination, and wonderful examples of obeying authority even while feeling the chafe of unfairness and cheerless faith; escaping to the joy of writing is the promise that always beckons.

My favorite phrases from this book...She feeds on cloud and drinks the wind...From wood and paint we wove a web of dreams...All her quiet fell away...We dip our pens in dream...

Happy reading!


11 fellow travelers shared:

kari and kijsa said...

It's a busy morning here to-Mondays are always hectic- Wonderful blog!
blessings,
kari & kijsa

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

Sometimes life is just too busy, huh? Here's to hoping for a smooth Monday for you!

Melissa Stover said...

i love it! you find the best books.

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

Another Michael Bedard book?
Say it's true!
I am clicking over now to the library website to put hold on a copy for all "da farm kids," (as my nieces call our tribe).

We all send exuberant hugs to the Hoopers. Though never met, deeply appreciated.

You are loved,
Ann

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

(P.S. They do! They have it, they do! *Thank you.*)

Sheila said...

Glass Town sounds like a book *I* would've liked as a little girl!

~nanashouse~ said...

I already requested this book for my after-school-program kids. My local library is rural and very small so that means I will be reading this book in two weeks!

Jennspiration said...

I enjoy reading your Children's Book Monday...My kids love to read and I love to read to them! I can't wait to try out some of those that you have suggested.

By the way...the cousin of Mike's is named David Gapen...I'm not sure if you would be familiar with this side of the family-it's him birth father's side.

Oh and thanks for the comments on the roses!

Beka said...

Sounds like a book I'd enjoy reading!!

Anonymous said...

OKay, I had to stop by and tell you that I LOVE this book!! I have read it to the children several times - it is one of our favorites that we get out of the library every couple months!! Truly a great October read! We will get it out next week when we go!
Thank you dear Elise for promoting this amazing book!

Inspiration Station said...

This book sounds fabulous, especially since it is about the Bronte children. Can't wait to check it out. The new library I signed up for is in Orem, not too close to you. I've heard there is a great library system in SL though. I think you can even check out books from other branches if they don't have the one you want in yours. Hopefully you don't have to wait too long for the ones you want. The main library right in the city of SL is a fun place to go too. They have so many books and a fun reading area for the kids. If we lived closer, we'd be there more often.
Take care,
:) Mindy

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