"We are all wanderers on this earth...our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams." ~ Gypsy proverb

Thursday, March 10, 2011

I'd like to say... (and one more giveaway)

Congratulations to Rosina from Rosy~Posy (comment #25 via Random.org) for winning the top ten life-altering books giveaway!! She chose Animal, Vegetable, Miracle as her choice!!
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I'd like to say my kids love the books I love.  I'd like to say that when I ask them what their all time favorite books are, that without hesitation they tell me The Cat Who Walked Across France by Kate Banks, because of its gorgeous illustration and sweet story of a cat finding his way home.

Or that Ox-Cart Man was their favorite because they love the beautiful, historical tale of how life was all handmade and hard work in the 'ole days (not to mention its mesmerizing, colorful detail).

Or that without a doubt Mother Earth and Her Children by Sibylle von Olfers was by far their favorite because it reminds them of their own love for nature.  I would like to say these things, but they are far from true.  These are among my favorite children's books, perhaps because I can appreciate what kind of care and love has been put into them.  The creativity, the thoughtfulness, the love for detail, the love for story, and the astounding beauty of each page I turn.  But, for my children, they have their own heart's desires, their own recipe for what makes up a favorite.  For my daughter...

Mythical Monsters, the latest addition to her monster collection, full of werewolves, vampires, and the Loch Ness to name a few.  Then there is the The Zombie Chasers by John Kloepfer which is exactly what you would think it would be.  We read this one in less than two days (and it was actually funny)!   And for my son...

Making Paper Airplanes which took him about 3 days to do them all, and Guiness World Records Gamer's Editon 2008 which I'm thinking we should upgrade to 2011 if it's one of his faves.

What I love about reading with my children is that they never ever turn a story down.  They really do love what I love.  They love the time spent together, the snuggle, the imagery, the escape, the excitement, and the beauty (or the scary).  In the end, it turns out that it really doesn't matter what we're reading, we welcome Medusa, Mario, and Mother Earth just the same :). 

GIVEAWAY!!
For our third and final giveaway I would like to offer any one of our favorite children's books above--EXCEPT MAKING PAPER AIRPLANES--only because I can't find any new copies (which is necessary as they have planes you can rip out as well)--so sorry! Please leave a comment telling me which one you would pick!! Enter until Thursday 9pm EST, and I will post the winner Friday morning !! 

I've had so much fun posting my favorite books and giving some away this week.  Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing in your love of books with me!!

7 comments:

  1. MJ, thanks for the comment about Tallulah. I have a lot to learn, but am looking forward to it.
    I understand about your children. I LOVE Dr. Suess and my children do not. How can this be!? I use to beg them to let me read them Suess stories. I guess everyone has to have their own favorites.
    Warmly,
    Tracey

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  2. I love how you can acknowledge what you *wish* were your childrens' favorites while at the same time completely appreciating and honoring who they are, and what they really do love the best!

    It sounds cheesy, but it's true that I feel guilty taking when I get so much just from reading around here as it is ;) If I were your random winner, however, I suppose I would love to see Mother Earth and Her Children in its entirety. Each of those books is new to me, and they all look wonderful! :)

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  3. Lovely selection of favorites! I would love to see more of Ox-cart Man.

    Andrea Jennings
    andrea.jennings@live.com

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  4. Je voudrais gagner le livre "The Cat Who Walked Across France' parce que j'aime tous les choses francaises.

    I think you know which one I like. : )

    ~Andrea~

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  5. Wow! What an impressive string of give-aways, MJ! I would love Mother Earth and Her Children.
    Thanks!
    Nicola

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  6. I can so relate -- I love the way you presented this with your favorites and the kids' favorites! :)

    (btw, no need to enter me in the giveaway... we're good!)

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  7. Oh, I missed another giveaway!! Grr...shoddy vacation internet...well, I was on vacation so I guess I won't complain. Awesome books, though! Love the look of the Ox-Cart Man!

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“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
~ George Bernard Shaw