Ten days ago, we were at the library. A*, who often does not know what she really wants, needed some books to read. So, we went up to the very helpful children's librarian and asked. She walked us around the fiction sections showing us her favorite reads. One of them was The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Again, A* doesn't know what she wants...at least not yet...and turned up her nose at the book. But I thought it looked interesting and put it in my book bag to check out. (I have this funny way of sticking books into my bag that I'd like my kids to read. And read them they do, once they are done with their own chosen books. A* is reading over my shoulder as I type this. haha Let's hope she doesn't tell her brothers.)
So yesterday, I picked up ths bookto read to E* as he was sick in bed and needed to pass the time. A* heard the reading from down the hall and came in and sat to hear more. When I got tired of reading, she picked up the book and read the book from the beginning, to catch up what she missed. In fact, by the end of the day, she had finished the book.
This afternoon, we needed to pass more time so I had all 3 kids come up to my bed. After some squirmishes to get everyone situated, and C* protesting that he had heard this book aloud and read it on his own and he DID NOT want to hear it again. So, we started the book from where we left off yesterday. What a journey we went on. A few giggles. A coughing E* supplied the sound track during the part of the story about the little sick girl. I know I wished for one ending...and then another...as the story progressed.
At one point, I just had to ask #1 and #2...did you cry when you read this book? Yes. Yes? Oh dear. I had already tried to read on with out a shakey voice during other beginning parts. But oh...what a wonderful ending and lots of tears. Heartbroken tears... and then... lots of tears of joy. Happy tears.
Then came the discussion with the kids of how this applies to our lives eternally. How we need to be humbled, how we get bruised and broken and how Christ can be that doll mender that helps us recover. And oh what a welcome home we can have. But we have to go through the bumps and tangles of this earth life first.
Run to the library and check out this book by Katie DiCamillo...who also wrote Because of Winn Dixie and Tale of Desperaux.
4 comments:
It sounds like you had a wonderful time together reading this book Dawn and it also sounds like you have a wonderful relationship with your children. I love how you all discussed your thoughts and feelings about it at the end.
Again what great family time!
I used to hate when I read aloud to my class and the book was really emotional. I'd be finding it hard to read, the kids would be teary but you know what there would also be little hugs too! I think its called, humanity!
We have read all three of these books and enjoyed them very much. I think Tale of Desperaux is our favorite - the book is soooo much better than the movie!
I'll be checking out this book, Dawn!
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