I have a deep-rooted love for the written word. Books move me, speak to me, teach me like nothing else can. There are some books or stories that actually have the power to change who you are after you read them. Take them in. Let them become a part of you. My list of these types of books is much too long to type here.
Since they were born, I have certain books that I am just waiting to present to my children. I think of them like a gift-a magical wonder that is waiting for them to unfold and discover. Some of them we’ve already read together. Children’s literature like Good Night Moon, Brown Bear, Giraffe’s Can’t Dance, Time for Bed, Polkabats and Octopus Slacks to name a very few. My friends often tease me about the size of our children’s library.
I can admit that I am actually jealous that they have so many great reads ahead of them. Novels and stories that I wish I was sitting down to discover for the first time. Recently, we’ve begun Beverly Cleary’s Ramona series and Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. I loved those books when I was about B and A’s age. And if it weren’t for R, who still has to learn to read, I’d be heartbroken that we’ve already moved beyond Frog and Toad and Frances. But I treasure that they were some of B and A’s favorites.
B and A are great readers for 2nd grade. They have a real love for reading. A especially can devour books in a similar manner as myself. Both of them are dying to dig into the Harry Potter series. So far, I’ve held off. I think they would be able to read them and comprehend them for the most part. However, I’m not sure they’d really get the whole story-the big picture. The wonder that is that particular series.
Based on when these were released, I obviously read them as an adult. I am dying for them to read about Harry-my son especially. He went as Harry Potter for Halloween in Kindergarten. I took them both to a huge book release party in the little downtown area of the city that we live for the last book’s release. We had a great time. They felt a little piece of the magic. Yet, I still say no. They are not quite ready. I don’t want them to miss it, to not understand.
For an entire week now, we have been trapped in the house due to the flu. It’s the week before Halloween. Discussions of Harry have surfaced yet again. They are all over me about it. They want a piece of wizard magic before Halloween. Do I give in? Or do I continue to hold out? Maybe it’s not my decision. Maybe the gods of literature are saying it’s time…
Chapter One
The Boy Who Lived
Posts
I totally get this. I wanted my daughter to start reading Harry at the right time, not too early, not too late. I also wanted her to read the books before seeing the movies. She started the first one last spring (2nd grade) and has worked through a couple. They are starting to get a little more involved, but she does come to me with questions and it starts a good discussion. Good luck with your decision!
ReplyDelete(Also, sometimes we read it together out loud, that seems to help, too.)
Sorry to hear you've been sick. Bummer.
ReplyDeleteI love Harry Potter. I don't think my girls are quite ready yet to appreciate it. I look forward to re-reading it with them though when they are.