You will begin to notice, after following my blog a bit, that I am quite obsessed with all things England. I wonder if my interest began when I was a child. I used to tape episodes of Wonderworks, the collection of films on PBS. (They once showed Kevin Sullivan’s productions of Anne of Green Gables
, which was, of course, a favorite), but they also aired a perfect rendition of A Little Princess – Wonderworks Family Movie
(good luck with the link — you can only buy it on VHS, and through independent sellers, but I thought you’d be interested to know which edition it was, anyway). I watched it again and again — so much that eventually I was Anglicized enough to enjoy the desaturated, rainy-day color characteristic of many British films.
When I had watched the tape enough times to run my VCR ragged, I read the book
. Hands down, it was my favorite book of my childhood. It was the first time I was sad when I only had ten pages left to read, and after it was finished, I carried it around the house for days, not wanting the story to end.
I received your blog from Brooke McLay this morning. We were in a ward at BYU together then met again during our little stint in Colorado Springs (now live in Vancouver WA). I was so happy to see another Mom trying to do her best to contribute to the World! You have inspired me this morning! I will do better as I get our four children back to school this week!
I love all the same books you sited! (except I have an ornery streak that I won’t read Myers books just because they are so popular! I would probably love them too!) Ii’d like to suggest you read some YA books by Cameron Doxey. They are sweet re-telling of fairy tales. I quick read and harmless with a simple kiss when the prince saves the day.
I also suggest the series of how Peter Pan came to be: “Peter and the Star Catchers” is the first by Dave Barry – yes the columnist. I love to read these outloud to the kids at bedtime – even the three year old (now 5) would color while I read so he could hear it!
I just had a friend suggest I read The Little Princess to my girls (7 & 9). I’ve seen several movie versions and enjoyed them. I’ll pick it up on Tuesday at the library. (Incidentally the library is always where I saw Brooke and her children!) We regularly read Little House and Secret Garden. (I read them myself annually so I can be inspired by Ma).
Okay – I have to get back to my Sunday routine before the schedule is lost and we’re late and unhappy to church!
Thanks for your great blog – I’m sending it to other moms I know!
Lori Weston
Love all the food pictures on your blog. But you know that Anne of Green Gables is Canadian, right? From the province of Prince Edward Island. This year is the 100th anniversary of Anne.