Why are Mothers Angry?
I am afflicted by pangs of conscience following my negative review of “Screaming on the Inside.” I maintain that the book is […]
Your Kids Can Handle Old Books
Sadly, many people think their children are incapable of understanding old books. It is likely that attempting to read “Little Britches” or […]
Eleanor Estes’ “The Moffats”: A Series for the Whole Family’s Delight
People are often introduced to Eleanor Estes through her 1945 Newbery Honor book, “The Hundred Dresses.” Perhaps in large part because of […]
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 […]
Modesty and Mystery: Some Thoughts
Few can deny that the feminine form invites the eye. Nowadays, this is likely taken exclusively as a comment on personal sexual […]
Susan Sowerby in The Secret Garden: the nurturing presence of a mother
Good mothers are hard to find in literature. Often, stories feature mothers who are deceased, a beatific light from afar, a selfless […]
Inspired by children: The Betsy-Tacy series and books about innocence
In Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series, readers encounter the embodiment of innocence. The girls—Elizabeth (“Betsy”), Anastacia (“Tacy”), and later Thelma (“Tib”)—are far […]