Classics

I'm currently reading A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I'd heard of the book before, but I didn't know it was a classic until I picked it up at the library last week. And I love classical literature...and have loved fantasy the most since I was a child. Can I get a Labyrinth shout-out...anyone? Anyone?

Classics remind me of a friend I had when I was getting my teaching credential. Justin was my thinker and reader theologian friend whom I would seek out for answers, both trivial and deep. Considering he was pursuing his second masters in philosophy, I figured he was a pretty apt guy and his wisdom proved true time and time again. He inspired me to start reading Classical fairy tales. Not the Disney version, but the actual novels dating back to the 1800-1900s. Some of the real stories are quite different than their film portrayals. In the book's end, the little mermaid actually dies in a sacrificial act of love. 

So far I've only read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass both by Lewis Carroll. And Pinocchio written by Carlo Collodi, where my one of my favorite quotes comes from:

"Of all the trades in the world, there is only one which really attracts me...to eat, drink, sleep and amuse myself, and to lead a vagabond life from morning to night."

I believe this is said before he gets into a whole lick of trouble and completely regrets his poor choices. {how appealing sin is!} Not only are these tales chalk-full of fantastic imaginary and good writing, they present really good Biblical and life themes at the level kids understand. Perhaps even opening a door for discussion and real-life connections. 
"Remember when you hit your sister and lied about it? That reminds me of Pinocchio and his decisions that made his life so hard and unhappy! Or remember how badly he wanted to be a boy? Gosh, he believed and never gave up. What persistence he had! And even when he made poor decisions, he still sought forgiveness and received his strongest desire! It's never too late!" The books also don't sugar coat or exclude 'tough stuff'. I mean if you really think about it: Hansel and Gretel were both abandoned by their parents in the forest where they met a cannibalistic witch. Yikes!

I'm hoping to pick up where I left off, which was Peter Pan. I don't plan on completing this whole list but  will probably stick with the ones I've already heard of. Meaning, grew up knowing the Disney version. I know W is already planning on making his favorite classical series a staple in E's read-alouds. We hope to slip more classics in through the school years in addition to whatever else he likes to read.Touch-y Feel-y books are Ezra's current favorite and his job is to turn the pages.  He loves when we read to him now, if he's not too tired. Although, he's making out to be more of a physical being on the go than a sitter and thinker at the moment. ;)

But I didn't really like reading all that much at the start, much to my read-o-lic mother's dismay. The  Wayside School Series is what perked my interest and R.L. Stine kept the flame going. I tell my tutor and classroom parents that reading is reading, no matter what form it comes in. That Diary of A Wimpy Kid reader could turn into an Animal Farm advocate against socialism and a dystopian world. You just never know.

So yes, our children will still be belting out, "Oh, look at this stuff. Isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?" throughout our house. But books are magical things, far more powerful for little imaginations!