Tuesday, June 05, 2007

lagging behind...



Finally finished my second book for the Once Upon a Time Challenge. As I said before, there's no way I'm going to finish in time. But that's okay...I'm committed to finish my list sometime. I'm so glad I joined in the fun anyway. Fantasy has never really been my thing, but I've found that I truly enjoy it!

Now, as for The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards. I chose this book both because I just loved the title and because Annie read it back in first grade and adored it. I have to say that it was not the best written book I've ever read. Certainly won't make my all-time favorite reads list. And yet I did enjoy it. It was a fairly fast read, being only 271 pages and of a light manner. The story was cute, but not exceptionally "deep". Still, I loved the whole focus on the miracles wrought by imagination.

At one point, the lovable, eccentric Professor Savant tells the children, "...I don't want you ever again to take something at face value--to take things for granted. Let your curiosity run away with you. Know that beyond every ordinary explanation there is a deeper and more exciting discovery to be made." I absolutely love that advice!

So, overall, I think it would be a delightful book to read with younger children...I would love to read it to the boys, but it's not really up their alley. But as for adults who just love children's/YA lit, I'd say there are plenty of better choices out there.

4 comments:

Ana S. said...

There is a lot of wonderful fantasy out there. I'm glad to hear you're warming up to the genre!

Kelly said...

I think that is the most important thing, that you ventured into a new genre!

Unknown said...

Yes, the title alone would make me curious! I'll have to try and find it for Hannah ;-)

PS - I just got your comment for my post "Explosion." I believe children from dysfunctional families either emulate their parents or reject them completely. Fortunately for my sisters and me, we learned from their mistakes. I have an okay relationship with my mom, but it hurts not having a dad. At least I have a WONDERFUL grandpa and father-in-law.

Kim said...

I think I would have read it just for the "Whangdoodles" too!