Little Women

Wonderfully enough, Little Women is one book that I was most looking forward to reading for this reading log. I've read Little Women as a child, and remember falling in love with the characters. To me, they were so completely endearing and lovable. I then remember getting the VHS movie with Winona Ryder as Jo, and still loving them. But, oddly enough I didn't love them as much this time. I found Meg pretentious, Jo rude, Beth so very weak and scared and Amy, well Amy was always hard to take. The real question of course is whether or not a child would enjoy reading this book, or at the very least have this book read to them. What I remember loving was all the "old fashion" references, and I think this is something that many children would enjoy hearing about now. Little Women is a classic, a book I'm sure many young girls would enjoy reading.

*Note- The copy of Little Women that I borrowed from the library was the original publication format, meaning it stops immediately after Mr. March arrives home after being at war, then injured. We also miss out on all the sad Beth stuff, so that might be ok for really sensitive children.

2.5 out of 5

Alcott, Louisa May Alcott. (this edition published in 1997). Little Women. Viking Press.

Genre- Classic Fiction

The Long Winter

What to do when your a family of six, gearing up for a long winter? Really, it's no big deal, make sure the winter tires are on the car and the woodpile is high. No worries if there's a blizzard, snow plows will be out in no time!

Not the case for poor Laura Ingalls the main character of The Long Winter, by Laura Ingalls Wilder herself, who's family is facing the longest winter in Seven years. Between lack of coal, food and cabin fever setting in, the family begins to lose all hope, until thankfully Spring sets in and all is saved. The wonderful moments in this historic tale really lie in the families love for one another and their humble attitudes towards life. Between celebrating Christmas and having Pa break out the fiddle every now and then (to lift their spirits), the family survives the long, snowy season.

Of course this book, first published in the 1940's doesn't necessarily have the best language or social attitudes (calling aboriginal people "Indians", making women and their lives be solely dedicated to the home and some rather heavy religious tones), but it has something that children will fall in love with, a way to really take a look at the "olden days". It's a way to talk to your kids about life back in the 1800's, and just a lot of fun to read!

I give this book a 3.5 out of 5!

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. (1940). The Long Winter. Harper and Row Publishing: New York, New York.

Genre- Historical Fiction

Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

Oh Grimm fairy-tales, why do you continue to terrify me, even at the age of 26?

I kid, I kid. Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs, translated by Randall Jarrell and illustrations by Nancy Ekholm Burkert, is the fairy-tale that we have come to expect, in that it is indeed the original story filled with the mystical (something that draws the child in) and of course, the violence which we always seem to forget exists in these pages.

The classic story leaves Snow-White cast away by her wicked step mother, but happily taken in by seven dwarfs (no worries, she repays them by being their lady-servant and doing all the household chores). Snow-White's Step Mother has the magic mirror that will NOT stop selling Snow-White out, claiming her alive every time the Step-Mother asks, mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? Her attempts at killing Snow-White all fail, and the good news? Snow-White's prince charming comes along, and she (thank god!) lives happily ever after.

Should children read this? Sure, it's history but please, please talk to your child about this. And if they look the least bit frightened, just look at the beautiful illustrations!

I'd recommend reading this book to a child 6+!

I love the Snow-White story, in all it's wickedness,

5 out of 5

Genre- Folktale/Fairy Tale