On the Subject of Reading

It is very obvious that I have a lot to say about reading. Books are very important to our lives. (Have I said that before?) In reading The Charlotte Mason Companion, I have found that not everyone thinks book series are a good idea for children. I cannnot imagine Hannah's middle school days without Anne of Green Gables or Sarah's without Susan, Peter, Edmund, and Lucy of The Chronicles of Narnia. These are characters that became part of their lives and the lives of our family. Our family knows phrases like:

• "What else is a mother of five daughters to do?"
  
• "As you wiiiissshhh...."
  
• "'Wake up, wake up, wake up!!' shouted the red-winged black bird."
  
• "It's a clue to the mystery."
  

These words and many more came from books that have shaped our girls' lives. Mary is reading the Nancy Drew series right now. Thanks to Aunt Robin and Catherine for introducing us to Nancy. She is a vital part of the family now. Mary has picked up her wonderful vocabulary and even dresses like she does as often as possible. (And with today's styles, I am so thankful about that.) We all have read several of the Boxcar books and were able to talk a lot about how all of the children were so brave, resourceful and resilient. Where would Violet and Benny be if it weren't for Jessie and Henry? There is something very comforting for a child to go back to her favorite books and characters. Our world is always changing. Why not let the children have the joy of friends of their imaginations?