The First Chapters of The Secret Garden

After having read a few of the chapters from The Secret Garden, I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. I thought it would be slow and boring, or at least more than it is. Although the book is easy to read and understand, the lanugauge is still eloquent. Frances Hodgson Burnett does a wonderful job of using sytanx to create the story and plot line. It is a children's book, but it can be read like an adult's book because of the langauge. Another thing that struck me as interesting was the character development at such an early stage in the book. Only about 15 chapters in, Mary and the other characters have begun to change and show differences from the beginning of the book. So far, The Secret Garden has been a joy to read and I can't wait to finish it. I wonder if it will turn out the same way as the movies!

I just found out that I got a job at a daycare in my hometown for this summer.  I am really excited but also a little nervous.  I am not an education major and Children's literature is not required for my major, but I just really enjoy being around kids and helping them learn.  Plus, I love to read kids books and they bring back great memories.  Anyway, I really think some of the things I have learned in Children's literature will help me understand more about the way kids think and the parts of the book that influence the way it is read the most.  I doubt I will be reading any of them the hobbit, but our study of picture books will defiantly help!  I also believe this class will help me be a great mother someday!

Dr. Seuss!

I didn't make it to class on Friday, so I did a little research on Dr.  Seuss.  His real name is actually Theador Seuss Geisel, which I find very interesting for some reason.  He was born in Massatusets in 1902, also something I thought was a little weird.  I guess I never realized how old he and his works were.  In college he wrote for the school newspaper, but got thrown out of his extra-curricular because he threw a drinking party during prohibition.  Typical college student, I guess.  His first book, To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street, was written on his return trip from Europe and was inspired by the noise the engine of the ship made.  All of the things I found out about Dr. Seuss made me laugh, just like his books!  

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

This weekend I finished my last outside reading book!  I read the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, for the third time.  I really can't get enough of the J.K. Rowling's books!  They are so cleverly written and planned out that it is hard to believe she began her story on a paper napkin while waitressing to make her living.  This book is obviously not as well written as the last book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, but it still has an amazing plot.  On of my favorite parts of the book is the chapter when Harry buys his school supplies in Diagon Alley.  The descriptions almost make it possible to go to Diagon Alley and have a stroll through the magic village!  

Reaction to Peter Rabbit

During our discussion of Beatrix Potter's Tale of Peter Rabbit I found a few things very intriguing.  First of all, I really enjoyed reading the book.  I know the story but I don't specifically remember reading it during my childhood.  What Dr. Robinson said about the layout of text and illustrations caught my attention.  I tend to wonder if Potter really thought all that through or just happened to get lucky :)  Either way, it is fantastic and fun to read.  One thing does strike me as odd, though.  Mother Rabbit so casually talks about father "having an accident" in the garden, and then getting put into a pie by Mrs. McGreagor.  To me it is very sad and it seems like something Peter should have taken into account before he went into the garden, but obviously he didn't.  Other than that, the story is great!

Last HOSTS Session :(

Next week is the last session of HOSTS (Helping One Student to Succeed) and I am really going to miss my two kids!  Over the past nine weeks I have gotten to know and help two first graders, Isaiah and Macey.  Each of them have made significant improvements in their reading level and spelling skills.  At first Isaiah didn't want to read or play games at all.  As I see them first thing Monday mornings, this is understandable.  Now he comes in smiling and ready to work almost every week!  Macey has also overcome obstacles and now enjoys reading longer and more challenging books.  All the students seem to have made progress and friends.  I will defiantly be taking part in HOSTS next year!

J.K. Rowling Sues

I read on www.cnn.com today that J.K. Rowling is suing RDR books, the publisher of a book that she claims violates copyright laws.  Steven Vander Ark wrote "Harry Potter Lexicon," an encyclopedia on the series.  Before writing the book he founded a website dedicated to Harry Potter and his fans.  Before suing, Rowling says she enjoyed the website and what it had to say.  

I find this whole situation a little disappointing.  No matter what anyone does, they will never be able to recreate the stories Rowling was able to write.  I do think that it is her right to sue for copyright infringement, but I'm not sure she will win.  She claims that some of the ideas in Ark's book are just hers rearranged.  A judge will soon decide who is correct.