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August is Birthday Month for my family and for several families close to ours. In fact, a quick internet search reveals that more people have birthdays in August than in any other month.
Too bad for all those August birthday kiddos who don’t get to bring a birthday treat to share at school (no fair!). But it’s good for those of us who are starting to itch for something fun to do in those last weeks before school starts!
In honor of Birthday Month, I wanted to share one of my favorite books to give to children as a birthday gift. I generally give it to girls, but my boys were also really enthusiastic about it when we did it as a family read-aloud. It’s a great for shared reading, so it is also a good gift for a new homeschooling family (“Read this aloud for school!”).
**Note: these are *not* affiliate links. I just love to share good reading!**
Without further ado:
Nancy and Plum, by Betty MacDonald
Who knew that Betty MacDonald wrote for kids beyond her magical Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books?
Nancy and Plum are orphaned sisters who don’t let their awful orphanage/school matron dampen their spirits in the longterm. Well, actually, the matron’s ill-treatment does get them down temporarily—but they resist! They even tie a desperate letter to a chicken and then throw it—the chicken!—over the fence in the hope that someone will find and mail the letter!
Their story is engaging and deeply satisfying in that way that only orphan stories with happy endings can be — and it includes not one, but two Christmasses!
The book is also easy to read (probably 4th-grade level for independent reading) and to read aloud. My husband and I found it just enchanting as we read it aloud as a family one winter. We were all racing to finish evening chores in time to read some “Pansy and Num,” as the kids called it (yes, they thought they were hilarious). As I mentioned above, my boys enjoyed it as much as my girls!
Have you read it? How about picking it up from your local library?
While we’re on the subject:
I’m thinking about doing an occasional series of brief posts (like this one) on children’s books. What do you think?
I was thinking of calling it “Quick Book Notes.”
Let me know your thoughts!
See you toward the end of the week for a story about growing pains, a good teacher, and a Tuscan summer,
Oh wonderful thank you Dixie! I haven't heard of this. Yes, please keep sharing quick book notes!!!
One can’t ever have enough children’s lit recommendations. Definitely do more!