The Secret Garden | Jennifer Adams

Title: The Secret Garden
Author: Jennifer Adams


Being a mom is hard sometimes. Ora has been really difficult this evening. No matter what we did, we could not make her happy. She had a long nap. She didn't want dinner. She didn't want to be held. She didn't want anything. It was beyond frustrating, and I was starting to wonder if she didn't feel well.

She eventually started watching Boss Baby and calmed down a bit. But as we started getting the kids ready for bed, I sat down with her and read this book. My mom bought Ora a set of these a while back, but she prefers the stuff her older brother looks at generally.

She enjoyed reading it. She especially enjoyed the page about "Poppy"--the flower, of course. She calls her grandfather (my dad) "Poppy," so I'm sure that's what she was thinking about. She wanted to linger on that page, though, so we did.


Reading to our children is so important. I don't just say that as a literature nerd. According to research, literacy in young children not only promotes a strong sense of well-being, but they perform better in school and have a healthier self-image. This is something that carries over through their entire lives.

We are living through something we haven't had to deal with in modern times. If there are things you've been meaning to make time for but haven't been able to, I encourage you to read to your kids. Even if it's something simple and kind of boring (for me) like this book, it only benefits them in the future.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars, only because there's no plot, and I was bored just saying the names of flowers and little sentences about what was going on with them. My kid seemed to enjoy it, though, so that warrants a higher score than I would give it generally.

--------------------------------
READING PROGRESS:
Last Day by Luanne Rice: 69%
Maul: Lockdown by Joe Schreiber: 29%
The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan: 12%
The Green Mile by Stephen King: 48%

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Women | Kristin Hannah

Image
Title: The Women Author: Kristin Hannah Kristin Hannah's The Women opens with a description of a wealthy estate. The scene is clear, but the prose feels uninspired. Phrases like "a world unto itself" and "twilit evening" come across as cliches, failing to set a vivid or engaging atmosphere. So we didn't get off to a good start. Unfortunately, it didn't really get better. While some readers might prioritize intricate plots over writing style, I think that, while plot is obviously very important, I also value prose that's fresh and avoids overused expressions. Generic descriptions can make the story feel flat. It's important to note that Kristin Hannah is a bestseller, and the story itself is compelling. However, if you, like me, prefer clear, concise writing that paints a picture with its words, this book might not be the best fit. The descriptive language doesn't quite deliver the evocative power it strives for.
Read more

Educated | Tara Westover

Image
Title: Educated Author: Tara Westover Tara Westover's Educated is a captivating memoir that chronicles her extraordinary journey from a secluded, isolated upbringing to a world of academia and intellectual exploration. Raised in a survivalist family in rural Idaho, Westover's childhood was marked by a lack of formal education and a deep-seated distrust of mainstream institutions. Despite these challenges, Westover's innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge propelled her to defy societal expectations. She taught herself mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and eventually earned a scholarship to Brigham Young University. Her determination and resilience led her to Cambridge University, where she earned a Ph.D. in intellectual history. Educated is more than just a personal narrative. It is a poignant exploration of the power of education to transform lives and challenge deeply held beliefs. Westover's honest and unflinching portrayal of her family's unconventional lif...
Read more

Nothing Rhymes with Orange | Adam Rex

Image
Title: Nothing Rhymes with Orange Author: Adam Rex Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex is a juicy read (pun intended!) that bursts with humor and a heartwarming message. The story centers around Orange, a dejected citrus fruit left out because, well, nothing rhymes with orange! As other fruits sing their rhyming praises in a playful parade, Orange feels like the odd one out. But fear not, fellow readers! The astute fruit step in with a clever solution that not only includes Orange but celebrates his unique identity. Rex's witty wordplay and use of silly rhymes will have kids giggling, while the underlying message of acceptance and embracing differences resonates with adults as well. The vibrant illustrations, a playful mix of photographs and drawn expressions, perfectly capture the personalities of each fruit. Nothing Rhymes with Orange is a delightful tale perfect for story time or independent reading. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, leaving both children and adults with a...
Read more