I love this so much -- you quoted so many of my favorites (Rachel Held Evans, Kate & Matt)! Have you checked out the Annotated Charlotte's Web? It's the original text, accompanied by notes on how the book was written, White's life and work, etc. from Peter Neumeyer. I found a used copy a few years ago, and it's a delight!
Lindsey, I'm with you; I'm a retired Elementary School teacher who has too many picture books and chapter books and many of those you mentioned are on my shelves. I love read alouds.
As to reading (not children's) books - wink - I'm on my 3rd Gary Schmidt book after first being introduced to 'Hercules Beal' thanks to Shawn & Maile on the "So We Bought a Bookshop" podcast. I honestly don't think I've laughed or cried more or been more astonished by the remarkable writing of this supposedly middle grade novel.
They also mentioned the Kate DiCamillo podcast which I need to listen to!
Jody--I didn't even mention Hercules Beal in this piece, but it is absolutely one of my very favorite books, and I don't think it has received nearly the attention it deserves!!
Marvelous piece! My wife and I also read to our children extensively (up to and including The Lord of the Rings) and it has been an enduringly wonderful part of our lives together.
Can I offer another connection point -- Wendell Berry's long short story "Fidelity."
I love this so much -- you quoted so many of my favorites (Rachel Held Evans, Kate & Matt)! Have you checked out the Annotated Charlotte's Web? It's the original text, accompanied by notes on how the book was written, White's life and work, etc. from Peter Neumeyer. I found a used copy a few years ago, and it's a delight!
Dana, I have heard of the annotated Charlotte's Web but it totally fell off my radar. Thank you for reminding me of it!! I can't wait to check it out.
Lindsey, I'm with you; I'm a retired Elementary School teacher who has too many picture books and chapter books and many of those you mentioned are on my shelves. I love read alouds.
As to reading (not children's) books - wink - I'm on my 3rd Gary Schmidt book after first being introduced to 'Hercules Beal' thanks to Shawn & Maile on the "So We Bought a Bookshop" podcast. I honestly don't think I've laughed or cried more or been more astonished by the remarkable writing of this supposedly middle grade novel.
They also mentioned the Kate DiCamillo podcast which I need to listen to!
This is a wonderful wrap up; thank you.
Jody--I didn't even mention Hercules Beal in this piece, but it is absolutely one of my very favorite books, and I don't think it has received nearly the attention it deserves!!
Agreed—Schmidt is the m a s t e r of storytelling, IMHO, and I have read a lot of books—as a retired elem. teacher and Nana.
Marvelous piece! My wife and I also read to our children extensively (up to and including The Lord of the Rings) and it has been an enduringly wonderful part of our lives together.
Can I offer another connection point -- Wendell Berry's long short story "Fidelity."
I haven't read that story! Thank you for the recommendation. I'll check it out!