Read-Aloud Thursday (The Picts & Martyrs)

 

Jibbooms and bobstays! Those two Blackett sisters are back at it again, and Nancy is right there in the thick of it. Their mother (doubtless suffering from exhaustion) has gone off sailing in the North Sea with Captain Flint on a rest cure, but she has allowed her two daughters to stay a fortnight at Beckfoot on the lakeshore with their trusty cook. She's also permitted their two old friends, Dick and Dorothea Callum, to come up for a visit. But when their redoubtable Great Aunt (aka G. A.) hears of their abandonment, she's horrified and off on the next train. The Amazons are dismayed; not only will their solo holiday be ruined but now they'll have to hide their two guests in the woods in an abandoned shepherd's cottage (where they'll be forced to live off the land like savages, ergo "The Picts") while they'll be required to dress up in white pinafores, practice the pianoforte, and recite reams of parlor poetry aloud (ergo "The Martyrs"). Not much stretch here; no one dares trifle with the G.A.

As usual with Ransome, the fun is gentle, the action nonstop, and the instructions on everything from tickling trout to setting anchors are precise and informed. Even the formidable maiden aunt proves to have virtues, not the least of which is her ability to say she's sorry.

 The Picts & the Martyrs is the eleventh book in the Swallows & Amazons Series. This story took us awhile to get into. This is one of Ransome's slower moving books where most of the action happens at the end of the story. What makes the story bearable is the great lengths that Nancy and Peggy go to to hid Dick and Dorothea from the Great-Aunt. They do it so well that in the end the Great-Aunt goes away impressed with their behavior!

This probably wasn't our favorite book of the series, but nonetheless it still was a very enjoyable read. If you children love adventure stories I highly recommend this series.

Other's we have read: 

Swallows and Amazons

Swallowdale

Peter Duck

Winter Holiday

Coot Club 

Pigeon Post  

We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea 

Secret Water

The Big Six

Missee Lee

See what others are reading aloud over at Hope is the Word.

A-Z Wednesday

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This weeks letter is: W


The World of Pooh: The Complete Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner (Pooh Original Edition) by A.A. Milne

Book Description

The world of Pooh is a world of enchantment. It is a world forever fixed in the minds and hearts of countless children--a world where Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga, and the others share unforgettable adventures with Christopher Robin.

As he wanders through the pages of this book, Pooh remains the whimisical philosopher, the staunch friend, hampered at times by his over-weight but resigned to the futility of trying to control his appetite.

Although Pooh persists in thinking of himself as a Bear of Very Little Brain, the reader soon discovers that his whimsy inevitably leads to wisdom.

For many years, A.A. Milne's inimitable characters, delightfully represented in E.H. Shepard's celebrated illustrations, have frolicked though two classics of childhood: Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner.

Here the books are presented in one never-to-be forgotten volume. And Mr. Shepherd has added a series of full-color pictures to the familiar black-and-white drawings. To see Pooh and his friends, their homes and the forest, in color is a pleasure for young and old.

"Silly old Bear...the Best Bear in All the World"--Pooh comes walking through the forest, humming proudly to himself. Let us all join him in the song:
Sing Ho! for the life of a Bear!
Sing Ho! for a Pooh!

My thoughts:
I grew up listening to stories of Winnie-the-Pooh from records from the library. I didn't actually read the book until I read it aloud to my kids about 5 years ago. I have come to the conclusion that to enjoy the full benefit of Pooh and his friends you have to read this book as an adult. You will see a lot of people you know in the wonderful characters that A.A. Milne created, plus you will enjoy some great laughs!

A-Z Wednesday

A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.

This weeks letter is: U



Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott

Book Description:
This is a story of two runaways--Ben Brown and his dog, Sancho--who have escaped from a hard life in the circus to search for Ben's lost father. Tired and hungry, the pair are taking in by young Bab and Betty Moss and their mother, as well as the Mosses' neighbors, Miss Celia and her brother, Thorny. Thanks to their kindness, Ben soon finds a job, a family, and a chance to go to school. But can life with Miss Celia and his other new friends ever compare to the excitement of the circus? And will Ben stay out of mischief long enough to find out?

My thoughts:
Here is another book I read when I was a teenager, so I don't really remember it. I did buy the book for the collection, so I must have liked it.

A-Z Wednesday

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This weeks letter is: ?T



Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Book Description:

Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Lincoln's political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prairie lawyer rises from obscurity to prevail over three gifted rivals of national reputation to become president.

This brilliant multiple biography and New York Times bestseller is centered on Lincoln's mastery of men and how it shaped the most significant presidency in the nation's history.

My thoughts:
I listened to the audio book a couple of years ago and found this book so very interesting. I learned so much from this book and you really get to see a different side of Abraham Lincoln than what is usually portrayed. This is not a quick read at over 750 pages, but if you really enjoy history I don't think Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln will disappoint.

A-Z Wednesday

A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.

This weeks letter is: S


The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp

Book Description:
With nearly 1,500 Broadway performances, six Tony Awards, more than three million albums sold, and five Academy Awards, The Sound of Music, based on the lives of Maria, the baron, and their singing children, is as familiar to most of us as our own family history. But much about the real-life woman and her family was left untold.

Here, Baroness Maria Augusta Trapp tells in her own beautiful, simple words the extraordinary story of her romance with the baron, their escape from Nazi-occupied Austria, and their life in America.

My thoughts:
I read this when I was a teenager and I remember that I really enjoyed it. My oldest son just finished reading it and I kept laughing every time I heard him say, "Man, this is nothing like the film!"

A-Z Wednesday

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This weeks letter is: R



Rilla of Ingleside (Anne of Green Gables, No. 8) by L.M. Montgomery

Book Description:
Anne's children were almost grown up, except for pretty, high-spirited Rilla. Rilla wasn't yet fifteen, and she was still looking forward to her first dance and her first kiss. But undreamed-of challenges awaited irrepressible Rilla when the happy world of Ingleside was endangered by a fearful far-off war. Rilla must join her courageous family in a dramatic struggle that would change her life and leave Rilla no longer a girl, but a proud woman.

My thoughts:
Rilla of Ingleside is the last book in the Anne of Green Gables series and one of my favorite in the series. A couple of years ago when I was re-reading the series, I realized how World War I affected those who were involved in all the years of the war. This is a more of a serious story compared to the other books, the story of Rilla is not a disappointment and is a very satisfactory ending to the saga of Anne.

A-Z Wednesday

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This weeks letter is: Q




The Quick and the Dead by Louis L'amour

Book Description:


My thoughts:
I had to raid my husband's pile of books to find a "Q" book. I have not read this, but I have seen the film (that counts,right?).

A-Z Wednesday

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This weeks letter is: P



Peter Pan (Puffin Classics) by J.M. Barrie

Book Description:

One starry night, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell lead the three Darling children over the rooftops of London and away to Neverland - the island where lost boys play, mermaids splash and fairies make mischief. But a villainess-looking gang of pirates lurk in the docks, lead by the terrifiying Captain James Hook. Magic and excitement are in the air, but if Captain Hook has his way, before long, someone will be walking the plank and swimming with the crocodiles...

My thought:
This a favorite book in our house. My kids absolutely love the story of Peter Pan. I enjoy it for the most part, but Tinker Bell really gets on my nerves!

A-Z Wednesday

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This weeks letter is: O



Oliver Twist (Puffin Classics) by Charles Dickens

Book Description:
Nine-year-old Oliver has spent his life in a workhouse orphanage, where he becomes notorious for daring to ask for more food. Frustrated and hungry, he runs away to London, where he falls into the company of a gang of clever pickpockets, including Fagin, Bill Sykes, and the Artful Dodger. OliverÂ’s future looks uncertain, until a mysterious plot against him is unraveled by the kind Mr. Brownlow. What will become of poor Oliver Twist?

My thoughts:
Here is another book I have yet to read that is sitting patiently waiting to be retrieved from my shelf. (sigh)

A-Z Wednesday

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This weeks letter is: N



Nesting: It's a Chick Thing by Ame Mahlor Beanland & Emily Miles Terry

Book Description:

Check it out--the Chicks are back. Authors of It's a Chick Thing, with 110,000 copies in print--"A must book for the reader who knows that chicks rule" (Publishers Weekly), "a smart and sassy compilation" (Chicago Tribune)--Ame Mahler Beanland and Emily Miles Terry celebrate chicks nesting, or what it means to have a home filled with laughter, good friends, lovingly prepared foods and crafts, all with personal style.

Seasoned with attitude and packed with stories, history, how-tos, quips, advice, recipes, folklore, and crafts, Nesting is all about finding personal style and showing it off, putting an entirely fresh, it's-a-chick-thing spin on entertaining, decorating, cooking, and gardening. In "Chicks and Chow," the food chapter, there are unexpected stories by M.F.K. Fisher, Ruth Reichl, and Erma Bombeck; a Spice, Spice Baby! guide to spices; sixteen recipes for great Chicktails; and Towels That Snap Back (how to make personalized dish towels). "Flocking Together {hen parties and sassy soirees}" has Sally Quinn on being a guest while in labor; Ina Garton's "The Worst Party I Ever Had"; the How to Be a Hostess Cupcake guide to party girl preparedness; Upper, Lower, and No-Crust hors d'oeuvres; Monotony Killers; and decorating inspiration from Elsie de Wolfe: "I believe in plenty of optimism and white paint."

Nesting is totally un-Martha in its approach--it's easy, it's light, it's like your best friends hanging out and offering advice with a quip--and it's illustrated throughout with hilarious retro photos and illustrations.

My thoughts:
I bought this book all because of the title. I haven't read it yet, but it looks like a lot of fun.

A-Z Wednesday

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This weeks letter is: M

Mother Carey's Chickens by Kate Douglas Wiggin

My thoughts:
I read this back in 2007 and really enjoyed the story. You will recognize the name of Kate Douglas Wiggin from the book Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. Also, the film Summer Magic is based (and I use this term loosely) on this book.

You can read my review here.

A-Z Wednesday

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This weeks letter is: L



Little Britches:Father and I were Ranchers by Ralph Moody

Book Description:

Ralph Moody was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes we experience the pleasures and perils of ranching there early in the twentieth century. Auctions and roundups, family picnics, irrigation wars, tornadoes and wind storms give authentic color to Little Britches. So do adventures, wonderfully told, that equip Ralph to take his father's place when it becomes necessary.

Little Britches was the literary debut of Ralph Moody, who wrote about the adventures of his family in eight glorious books.

My thoughts:
Little Britches is a wonderful story of a Ralph Moody's family's will of survival which is continued in subsequent books. Ralph Moody is a wonderful and mesmerizing storyteller. Our whole family has enjoyed his books. I also highly recommend the audio series of the Little Britches series.

A-Z Wednesday

A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.

This weeks letter is: K


Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Description:

When young David Balfour's father dies and leaves him in poverty, he tracks down his Uncle Ebenezer to seek his inheritance. But his uncle is a mean, nasty man with a dark family secret. David finds himself in terrible danger when he is kidnapped and taken prisoner on board a ship bound for slavery he must escape. With the help of daring rebel Alan Breck, David faces a wild adventure as he is hunted across the desolate Scottish moors.

My thoughts:
My oldest son, Caleb, recently listened to this book, which he really enjoyed. I was only able to hear parts of it, but it sounded really exciting. Hopefully, I'll be able to enjoy the whole story some time in the future.

A-Z Wednesday

A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.

This weeks letter is: J



Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott

Book Description:

When a sledding accident leaves Jack with a broken leg and Jill bedridden, the two inseparable friends become even closer as they recuperate. Rather than dwell on misfortune as the holiday season approaches, Jack and Jill's friends and family resolve to make it the happiest Christmas yet. With the help of Jack's mother, the wealthy Mrs. Minot, anything is possible. Visit from friends, a wonderful Christmas celebration, and the winter theater production are only a few of the joys as they help Jack and Jill recover.

Yet the elders of the town cannot help but wonder how severe the two friends' injuries really are. Will athletic Jack ever be able to play sports as he used to? And will Jill ever be able to walk again? One thing is certain: The accident will change the lives of these close friends forever.

My thoughts:
I have to admit it has been many years since I read this, but I remember enjoying it enough to buy a used copy for my collection. My son, Caleb, just read this and he really enjoyed it. Librivox.org has this on their website and I may download it to my Ipod and "reread" it when I get the time.

A-Z Wednesday

A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.

This weeks letter is: I



Is There Life After Houswork? by Don Aslett

Book Description:
10th Anniversary Edition Don Aslett has won the hearts of millions by showing them how to save up to 75% of the time they spend on housework? With the help of his cleaning classic, Is There Life After Housework? Here you will find a revolutionary approach that frees you from the drudgery of housework by bringing the efficient methods and materials of the professional cleaner into the home, plus step-by-step instructions on how to clean every area of your home. How to find the life?? Professional secrets to clean faster and better ? How to speed-clean the house for company ? The right way to do every household chore ? Where to get professional tools and supplies ? How to choose and use chemicals that will do the work for you ? How to get others to help ? Quick checklists and charts for at-a-glance reference.

My thoughts:
Another book I haven't read, but is patiently waiting for me to rescue it off my shelves. (sigh) So many books and so little time!

A-Z Wednesday

A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.

This weeks letter is: H



Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt

Book Description:

Honey for a Child's Heart is a compelling, essential guide for parents who want to find the best books for their children. Thousands of parents have used it to furnish their children's inner spirit with the wonder and delight of good reading.

A good books is a giveaway into a wider world of wonder, beauty, delight, and adventure. But children don't stumble onto the best books by themselves. They need a parent's help. Author Gladys Hunt discusses everything from how to choose good books for your children to encouraging them to be avid readers.

Completely revised and updated to keep pace with the ever-changing world of children's literature, this fourth edition of Honey for a Child's Heart reflects Hunt's broad tastes in books. Rooted in experience, her suggestions will enrich the cultural and spiritual life of your home. She shows you how to:
-Understand the importance of reading aloud to children
-Give you children a large view of the world, of truth, of goodness
-Encourage each child's imagination and good use of language
-Teach your children about life's choices
-Find the best books for your children

Illustrated with drawings from dozen of children's favorites, Honey for a Child's Heart includes book lists geared to your child's age and filled with nearly 1,000 long-time favorites, classics, and wonderful new books that will enrich your child's life.

My thoughts:
When I first started to homeschool I kept coming across the title of this book and checked it out from the library. I felt like I had found a treasure and I quickly bought myself a copy. This book is full of encouraging ideas and a wonderful resource filled with list upon lists of books!