the lovelies | good reads
i recently began reading The Witches to m’lovelies. aside from it convincing them that witches might really be ordinary women wearing ordinary clothes, errr, it has been a wild romp of a read.
i post all my current reads here so when this one updated, another mama messaged me about any other suggestions i might have for the littles in our lives. when i reflect on the books the lovelies and i have read over the years, i realize we’ve been flying by the force of some really good stories.
so.
here’s our answer to your Q, sweet mama. . .
we are zees close to being done, and let me tell you. . .this book is just scrumptious. there is a grand high witch who speaks vith a verrry strrrong accent, making it ridiculously fun for the reader. and delightfully dramatic for the listeners. with belly laughs guaranteed all the way around.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck, both by Brian Selznick
his books are masterpieces because to write and illustrate as beautifully as he does is no small accomplishment. we read the invention of hugo cabret well before it was ever a movie. so, imagination ran free and wild while we conquered the book.
what i carry with me from this story is (1) it was the first book ever to crush the lovelies because it ended. (2) as they walked out of the movie years later, they were resolute the book had been better. (3) and both were eager to start selznick’s second book before it was even released. all of which, in my opinion, are the makings of a genius storyteller.
The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall
this is a modern day series about 4 motherless sisters — rosalina, skye, jane, and batty — and their adventures together. each book is witty. nostalgic. and completely charming. just like i remember the girls in little women, my lovelies reference the penderwick girlies often. so, i know these stories found an opening in their hearts and fell on inside.
Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles by Rupert Kingfisher
last christmas, i gave this book to our lovely who is obsessed with paris and delicious delicacies equally. she wanted to read it by herself, but every evening she would thrill telling us the details of a little girl named madeleine who works for her horrid uncle in his awful restaurant. when out on an errand one day, madeleine wanders into madame pamplemousse and. . . well, you’ll have to read it to find out. let me just say, the book charmed my lovely so much, she has read it two more times. . .
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
this is an extraordinary story. the narrator is ivan, a gorilla. and let me just say: every single word shines. not a syllable wasted. the characters are exemplary. and the story is simply unforgettable. writers are often encouraged to show, not tell. and this book is perhaps the best example of how powerful restraint can be when telling a story.
by now, this book has deservedly won numerous awards and accolades. and i just know it will make you gasp with wonder, too. but hold onto your heart because ivan will tug.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, illustrations by Lauren Child
our final favorite is a throwback from years ago when the lovelies and i were all much younger. gah!
this is a spunky and spirited read. partly because the pippi story simply delights any reader, and partly because lauren child’s illustrations are quite the compliment to her rowdy adventures. confidence is the primary ingredient to any success, and pippi embodies it head to toe. truthfully, if i picked up this book today and started reading aloud, within seconds, the lovelies would be by my side lapping it all up again.
jump into the conversation and let me know your favorite books. because sure as sugar, we all love a really good read!
xo
