Sheldon Vanauken’s “A Severe Mercy” and Our “Appetite for Eternity”
So great is our longing for experience beyond the ordinary crushing tide of mortal time that suburban moms are now resorting to […]
Lois Lenski’s “Regionals”: Fascinating Stories for Young and Old
Lois Lenski is often remembered primarily as an illustrator. An introduction to her work may come through the amusing picture book series […]
What Grit Is and How to Have More of It
Reading Charles Portis’s excellent little book, “True Grit,” you will likely be entertained. Personally, I did not find it to be as […]
Elizabeth Goudge’s “The Little White Horse” and the Power of Children Being Themselves
After reading Elizabeth Goudge’s “The Linnets and Valerians,” we were excited to try her highly recommended children’s book “The Little White Horse.” […]
Motherhood “In the Trenches”: Reassessing the Language of War
When a mother describes the daily care of babies and toddlers there’s an expression used to capture the experience: she might say […]
Astrid Lindgren’s “Mio, My Son” and the Immersive World of Fairy Tales
Astrid Lindgren, a Swedish author perhaps best known for her zany tales of Pippi Longstocking, offers a wide range of genres in […]
B.B.’s “The Little Grey Men”: Delight in Nature and in Story
Years ago, I read in a clipping from a magazine that Julie Andrews’ favorite book in childhood was B.B.’s “The Little Grey […]
Sentimentalizing Mothers and Mothers Who Are Not Overly Sentimental
Used book sales are a treasure trove of cast-off volumes, unwanted and unlooked for by most. Gorgeous old tomes sell for a […]
Patricia Polacco’s “The Butterfly”: A Story of Hope in Cruel Times
Patricia Polacco’s picture book “The Butterfly” strikes a rare balance: grim and gritty and yet hopeful. The story is based on real-life […]
Plenty of Life Left to Live: Accomplishment in Adulthood
It’s remarkable how quickly men can settle into a mid-life crisis. Like Julius Caesar weeping at the foot of the statue of […]