Homeschoolers love books. If a homeschooling dad wants to romance his wife, forget the flowers, build her another book shelf.
My kids love 'em all. From goofy joke books, field guides, our set of old Child Craft encyclopedias, and Usborne books to great literature.
Each night as I make the rounds doing the final pick up I sometimes get frustrated at the piles of books out all over. "Why can't these children learn to put their books away. They just don't appreciate what they have. I had to walk 5 miles in the snow, up hill - both ways, to read a book when I was a child." Grumble, grumble.
Other times, like tonight, I look at those piles and think, "Wow, they read a ton today. They did not watch any movies or need computer games to fill their free time. They love to read, this is great."
But it's more than that. They are being mentored by some great minds. Tolkien, Wilder, Lewis, Henty, Wiley, Doyle... the list is endless, varied and rich. Books take them to exciting places or discover excitement in the mundane. The lessons they learn from books will help carry them through trials and help lead to triumphs. Truths learned in literature will lead them ever closer to God. Language in good literature teaches them how to express themselves well. When a person can do that, they may become part of 'the great conversation'.
There has been book talk on the blogs (always). Lissa goes back to the time she wrote the first Martha years book, Little House in the Highlands, during her tiny daughter's battle with cancer. Elizabeth writes about the influence the Little House books had on her childhood and the beauty of Lissa's books. Nissa has a great list of living literature for boys.
What a grand era we live in, to have access to so many great minds.
I KNOW what you mean Bridget! My kids fall asleep with them in bed and I hear them hit the floor a few hours later ...the books not the kids...lol... That is the time to appreciate good bindings...haha
I have a love affair with bookshelves too!..ask my dh. We always say there is always room for more (talking about kids, but the same applies to bookshelves and bookcases) I think they are the best thing since sliced bread. I have put them in the smallest places...leave no wall untouched by one!! Does that mean I am obsessed...umm...aah..nah! ;o) They are great for "treasure" storage too...like pet rock collections and the like!
Thank you for the mention of my Usborne books site! I really appreciate it!
{{{{HUGS}}}} Have a blessed day!!
Posted by: Donna Marie | September 29, 2006 at 10:21 AM
"Note to self: Build more shelves for Bridget and the kids..."
Posted by: Kevin | September 29, 2006 at 08:41 PM