I’ve self-diagnosed myself with adult amnesia. Maybe I made that term up, but I think it’s a real problem. I have trouble remembering what it’s like to be a kid. Do you? Actually, I do remember much of what it’s like. The problem is I have trouble remembering to remember. When I was a kid, […]
John Ronald’s Dragons—A First Introduction to Tolkien
My son’s favorite books are the Lord of the Rings series, so buying John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister for his birthday was an obvious choice. Even if he was turning ten. A well-written, beautifully illustrated picture book has a magical quality of appealing to all ages. John […]
Glenn McCarty gives us Horace and Oscar
In any friendship, one person will challenge the other. Glenn McCarty’s new book, Horace and Oscar Visit the Lake, features just such a friendship. Horace, the stuffed rabbit, longs to discover where colors come from and to see the world outside the nursery and past the yard. Oscar the toy giraffe, on the other hand, […]
The Littlest Watchman: Anticipating Christmas
The Christmas story is amazing, isn’t it? God wrapped himself in flesh and emerged into the world as a helpless baby. He was totally dependent, yet with a mission to save the world He created. But it can be hard to make the story feel fresh for a kid who’s heard it five bazillion times. […]
Which Are Better: Old Books or New?
As a writer as well as a reader, I often encounter debates as to whether old books or new books are better. One camp says old books are the best. After all, they’ve stood the test of time. The other side says writing styles have changed and improved, and new books are superior. This is […]