We have been having so much fun reading Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. Four siblings are given permission to take a sailing boat and camp alone on a small island. The real events of sailing, camping, and fishing are woven into something magical through their imaginary life as explorers and pirates. Despite its hefty length and long passages of sailing jargon, it has enchanted Carbon and inspired backyard games galore. Old-fashioned childhood joys are celebrated here, and the call of the outdoors comes across loud and clear. Hat-tip to Cathy for making me aware of this wonderful book.
On the other hand, I’ve just read a funny spoof of “old-fashioned childhood”. I wasn’t sure The Willoughby’s would be good for Carbon, so I just read it to myself. It’s really funny, and I think a 9-12 year old would love it, but it is a bit dark for younger kids. Lois Lowry spoofs Mary Poppins, Heidi, and many other classic children’s works as she spins a tale of children who want to be “old-fashioned”, and also to get rid of their parents and be orphans. The parents want to get rid of the kids also (Hansel and Gretel is mentioned), and there is a bit of the feeling of A Series of Unfortunate Events. If you’ve read lots of children’s literature, you will catch allusions and jokes in this cute little spoof.
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