New Traditions - Lovely Classics

{weathered copy of Little Women}

My father started a Christmas tradition when I was about 10 that sadly only lasted a couple of years.  He started a collection for me of special and unique editions of hardbound classic books that I had loved reading.  It began with Little Women, then The Wizard of Oz, and stopped when I was 13 with The Chronicles of Narnia.  I'm not sure if he just forgot to carry on the tradition, or if he was so irritated with my pubescent teenage mood swings by the end of the year, that he gave up.  In either case, I cherish those few special books I have.  Last month Taylor discovered my copy of the Wizard of Oz and has now adopted it into her own collection.  Reading that book prompted her to change her Halloween costume from Sleeping Beauty to Dorothy.  Take that Disney.  

When I discovered that Penguin Books had released a collection of special edition clothbound children's classics in beautiful rich hues at Anthropologie, I knew I had to pick up where my dad had left off, and start a special collection of classics for my own children.  Hence, a new tradition has been born in our household.  

I chose Robin Hood for Sydney, The Secret Garden for Taylor (a personal favorite from my childhood), and Anne of Green Gables for a family friend.  I have not read the proper full length version of Robin Hood so I am excited to read it to Syd, although he is still a bit young for chapter books.  Taylor devours them and even though these copies do not have illustrations, I don't think she'll mind.

  The covers are so beautiful with bright colors and deep embossing

They look so pretty all lined up and stacked, ready to be loved.  I so look forward to a departure from the kid's usual selections of Junie B. Jones and Lightning McQueen.  Anthropologie carries 6 books, but in reading the reviews on Anthro's site, I noticed that the collection also includes The Call Of the Wild, another personal favorite of mine, and Black Beauty, Taylor's favorite story.  She already owns 2 copies of it, but my little horse lover would surely love a 3rd copy don't you think?  I've got to track those down to add to our collection, perhaps for their birthdays.

Are there any special Christmas gifts that you give every year?  I love hearing other Christmas traditions that families pass on.  Happy Friday everyone!

Light Summer Reads?

 I think I may have gotten a little overly ambitious.

I really am only going for 1 night, by myself, with the kids, that is,

to Legoland.

Yes, come to think of it, 3 books for 1 night?

Completely overly ambitious.

But I get giddy in a library.

The librarian herself couldn't have been more excited by my list.

These 3 were on it of course, in addition to

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Pillars of the Earth 

(anyone read this?)

I hear they're making a mini-series based on the book

When I asked my favorite blogger book nerd Jules if she had read it,

her answer was "Of course I've read that book."

In fact it was the librarian's personal mission to try and get me that book last night

But alas, both copies had vanished, and she looked me in the eye and declared,

"You have to get that book."

Alrighty then.

On another note though, I had asked for somewhat light summer reads last week.

And Mandy and Mel recommended The Shack

Which I will read, but upon further investigation, I don't think this book falls under the category

"light summer reads."

We'll see.  

If you don't hear from me in the next week, call in the search party.

I may have fallen into a book induced traumatized depression.

I'm sensitive like that.

Have a great week everyone.

I'll be back on Friday with Playgrounds & Lollipops.