On Story Bent

"The exciting quality of Christmas rests on an ancient and admitted paradox. It rests upon the paradox that the power and center of the whole universe may be found in some seemingly small matter, that the stars in their courses may move like a moving wheel around the neglected outhouse of an inn." G.K. Chesterton ~ (with some slight adjustments, reposting the review below from 2023) "Experience the warmth of Christmas through the winsome wit and wisdom of beloved writer G.K. Chesterton. This devotional -- perfect for the Christmas season -- includes selections of Chesterton's writings, accompanied with commentary, Scripture readings, and reflections. Be encouraged by Chesterton's insight, charmed by the Victorian-inspired artwork, and delighted by the traditional English recipes. Make Chesterton's poetry, short stories, and essays a part of your Christmas tradition! A festive celebration of childlike wonder..." Fresh off the press, my sister sent me this...

(reposting from 2023) I read this book over this past Advent and I'm so glad I did! It's just beautiful... Thoughtful, reflective, contemplative, and deeply encouraging.  We always want to be on guard against experiential eisegesis (i.e. exegeting a text through our own experiences) and/or reading ourselves into a passage and -- given the premise for this particular title -- I kept an especially scrutinizing eye open for that throughout. At the same time -- given all the rich complexities of our existence -- there is a place for colloquial communication, and God's words and ways should also be on our tongue night and day, spilling over... So taking all the above into consideration, all in all I think the author does a good job using each beginning anecdote as a springboard to the biblical text.  She does an excellent job continually pointing us back to Christ, to what He  has  done, what He has already fulfilled -- and is doing still. It brought me to tears in numero...

This cheerful rhyming book narrating the journey on the Mayflower through to the first shared Thanksgiving is historically accurate and an absolutely fantastic addition to our library. I particularly appreciated how the refrain for each section was a moment of thanksgiving for God's kindness and provision even through all the difficulties. Can be read to a wide variety of ages. Definitely deserves to be more widely known and definitely recommend!  

"It's almost Halloween and little Sylvie Ann has found the biggest, fattest pumpkin. But before she can carve it into a giant, crooked-toothed pumpkin moonshine (or jack-o'-lantern), she has to get it home." (from the dustjacket) Inspired by the adventures of Tasha Tudor's niece, this classic is just darling. The text is sprightly and the artwork so sweet.  Obviously, the entire premise does revolve around All Hallow's Eve, but it doesn't delve more deeply into the festival beyond discussing jack-o-lanterns. Just an fyi, though, in case your family doesn't observe the occasion. That said, a standby I've read for years, it's grown on me even more over time and this autumn ended up being one of my particular favorites. :) Definitely one I look forward to pulling out in the future as well!

"When Bartholomew, Remember, and Mary Allerton and their parents first step down from the Mayflower after sixty days at sea, they never dream that life in the New World will be so hard. Many in their Plymouth Colony won't make it through the winter, and the colony's first harvest is possible only with the help of two friends, Samoset and Squanto. Richly detailed paintings show how the pilgrims lived after landing at Plymouth, through the dark winter and into the busy days of spring, summer, and fall. Culminating with the excitement of the original Thanksgiving feast, Three Young Pilgrims  makes history come alive." (from the back cover) If I had to choose one book about the pilgrims, this would be it. Absolute top favorite. I loved it as a child and I love it now. (And yes, my daughter enjoyed it too.) Beautifully illustrated and told perfectly, the author touches on all the salient points -- the voyage, the hunger and sickness, the loss even children had to face, and...

"One chilly fall day, Pa tells Laura and Mary that he must go into the Big Woods to look for a deer, for there is no meat left to eat in the little house. The next day Pa comes home not with a deer, but instead with a very special story to tell Laura and Mary." (from dustjacket) One of the first Little House picture books I remember from my growing up, this one is very autumnal and gentle. I must admit, with the passing of years, I do think this story of Pa's is curious. I can see him leaving the doe and her fawn, but, I mean, when (in that day and age particularly) would you not have shot the buck? My daughter must also be a country girl through and through as she was puzzling over the same question on her own. xD But on the other hand, though many details in the full length books were adjusted from the way they happened in real life, I'm not exactly sure why Laura or Rose would have felt the need to soften this particular story (when other similar frontier subjects ...

Follow squirrel as he zips round the farm getting ready for winter... While we have a full size copy of this, I can see why they also sell it as a board book, as it has that feel. It's really a charming little title with bright, cheerful illustrations, and a cute ending. A sweet read and perfect for short attention spans. Recommend!