Kathleen’s Likes and Dislikes

Entries categorized as ‘Children’

I’m Baaaack !

March 21, 2008 · 1 Comment

This is embarrassing?! After, getting such a flying start with my blog- I haven’t done a thing for a long time ! Ah well, back in the saddle again !

Three things I have really enjoyed recently: 

 Persepolis is a wonderful movie. Using illustration, it very effectively translates to the screen the autobiography of an Iranian woman which was published as a graphic novel.

 The Monk Downstairs and The Monk Upstairs by Tim Farrington are a gentle reads !  I found “Upstairs” first and read this sequel before I read the previous title (A National Book Award winner).  In it, the monk (Mike) is marrying his landlady and lover.  Mike was a cloistered Roman Catholic monk for twenty years and Rebecca is truly worried that, at forty-years-old, he will not be able to “make it”. Truth is, she may chicken out first.  Mike’s love and care for Rebecca, her eight-year-old daughter, and Rebecca’s handicapped (because of a stroke) mother, are delightful.  I can hardly wait to start “Downstairs” !  I recommend this book for people who like to read Jan Karon and Sue Monk Kidd.

Finally, I froliced all last week with people affiliated with the Arizona Aloha Festival.  I was lucky enough to meet and greet the major entertainers and spent last weekend at the Festival itself.  More about this in my next blog.

Categories: Biography · Book · Children · Fiction · Graphic Novel · Iran · Monk · Roman Catholic · Stroke (Medical Condition) · movie

Two Wonderful Children’s Books

January 5, 2008 · 1 Comment

One of the great delights of reading is discovering a mentor and role-model. As an adult reader I discovered a “feisty old lady” who, when I-grow-up (and find some courage), I will emulate.  Richard Peck, in two children’s books, introduces Grandma Dowdel. She is as “tough as an old boot” and suffers neither fools nor sentimentalists gladly.  Yet, as we
share her adventures with her city-slicker grandchildren, we discover that under her overalls and rough exterior grandma is a true friend- particularly to the two home-sick children.  Brave, clever, and supremely practical – I love Grandma Dowdel !  Set in rural Indiana from 1929-1945,
I recommend reading these aloud to a friend or family member – they are books to share!  The first book, narrated by the grandson, is A Long Way from Chicago; Mary Alice, his younger sister, shares her story in A Year Down Yonder.

Categories: Children · Grandma Dowdel · HIstorical Fiction · Uncategorized