Hey Graham— I just welcomed you to the Mad circle… I love this newsletter concept-
A teacher for years and a parent of three - and as someone really interested in school reform (in the US) - I have lots I could connect with you about. Reading aloud to children is probably one of my favorite things to do…
My reading habits have shifted recently… because now I write when I used to read… poetry mostly, or memoir, or reflections of times and places…
Anyway, as an educator of young children I wanted to flood the elementary schools here with the UK’s Biff & Chip books (the learning tree?? Are you familiar with them?)
The first book that moved me to tears was Bridge to Terabithia, K Paterson, the first book that made me think hard was A Wrinkle in Time, L’Engle and a book that stays with me always is Tuck Everlasting, Babbitt (?)
Love your prompts in here and look forward to hearing your music. 🦋
Thanks so much for the warm welcome and your comment! I did indeed have Biff & Chip when growing up - my mum says they were a huge improvement on what came before. I love your book that moved me / made me think / stays with me - I have Bridge to Terabithia and will give that a read now! Will follow you over on the Subtle Sub!
I don’t have much to read in there right now, but I’m organizing lots of scribbles and docs backlogged — I am a firm believer in what you are doing. There might be nothing more important in this world than inspiring a child to read. Getting them to sing… such a bonus
The childhood reading experience I remember most keenly is the first novel I ever borrowed from my local library: Rosemary Sutcliff's 'The Eagle of the Ninth', set in Roman Britain at the time of the Lost Legion. It really captivated my young imagination. She's a wonderfully vivid storyteller, with a great grasp of scale and drama (and a consistent quality of work).
Thank you Ed! I read Eagle of the Ninth, too - though I don’t remember it clearly. It’s interesting how some books just stick in your mind from childhood isn’t it.
Would you say historical fiction was your go-to as a kid?
Not historical fiction per se, although I suppose most of the non-fantasy I read was set at some point in the past...
Lewis, Tolkien, Sutfcliff and Arthur Ransome were probably my quartet of absolute favourites.
Speaking of C.S. Lewis, I'd highly recommend his essay 'On Three Ways of Writing for Children' to anyone interested in the whole topic of childhood literature and reading.
Hey Graham— I just welcomed you to the Mad circle… I love this newsletter concept-
A teacher for years and a parent of three - and as someone really interested in school reform (in the US) - I have lots I could connect with you about. Reading aloud to children is probably one of my favorite things to do…
My reading habits have shifted recently… because now I write when I used to read… poetry mostly, or memoir, or reflections of times and places…
Anyway, as an educator of young children I wanted to flood the elementary schools here with the UK’s Biff & Chip books (the learning tree?? Are you familiar with them?)
The first book that moved me to tears was Bridge to Terabithia, K Paterson, the first book that made me think hard was A Wrinkle in Time, L’Engle and a book that stays with me always is Tuck Everlasting, Babbitt (?)
Love your prompts in here and look forward to hearing your music. 🦋
Thanks so much for the warm welcome and your comment! I did indeed have Biff & Chip when growing up - my mum says they were a huge improvement on what came before. I love your book that moved me / made me think / stays with me - I have Bridge to Terabithia and will give that a read now! Will follow you over on the Subtle Sub!
I don’t have much to read in there right now, but I’m organizing lots of scribbles and docs backlogged — I am a firm believer in what you are doing. There might be nothing more important in this world than inspiring a child to read. Getting them to sing… such a bonus
When do I read?
Every morning with breakfast (I get up while the house is still asleep).
An occasional short spurt at random intervals during the day.
Bedtime - until my eyelids refuse to stay open.
The childhood reading experience I remember most keenly is the first novel I ever borrowed from my local library: Rosemary Sutcliff's 'The Eagle of the Ninth', set in Roman Britain at the time of the Lost Legion. It really captivated my young imagination. She's a wonderfully vivid storyteller, with a great grasp of scale and drama (and a consistent quality of work).
Happy Birthday! :)
Thank you Ed! I read Eagle of the Ninth, too - though I don’t remember it clearly. It’s interesting how some books just stick in your mind from childhood isn’t it.
Would you say historical fiction was your go-to as a kid?
Not historical fiction per se, although I suppose most of the non-fantasy I read was set at some point in the past...
Lewis, Tolkien, Sutfcliff and Arthur Ransome were probably my quartet of absolute favourites.
Speaking of C.S. Lewis, I'd highly recommend his essay 'On Three Ways of Writing for Children' to anyone interested in the whole topic of childhood literature and reading.