Bubbles of Earth
I'm beginning to suspect that our family is being sucked into a "fantasy" phase. I think it all began with Max and I getting into Peter Pan, and starting the original book which I've always wanted to read (and it's good, a little hard to follow sometimes, but very beautiful.) It continued on with Max getting hypnotized by the inevitable little-boy mania that is "Star Wars." Then, I started this book I found at the thrift store, even though I've never been much for the whole fantasy genre, I am completely taken in by it (more on that later.) Then, on a separate thrifting adventure, this little gnome made his way home and into Mike's pepper patch. But what really sealed our fate, was the unearthing of the Lord Of the Rings DVDs that we have been watching on and off for days now. I made the mistake of telling Max that the movies were based on a series of books (why do I always do that?), and I saw his eyes widen, so there is only a matter of time before we are off to the library to fetch The Hobbit. That kid really needs to learn how to read, and soon! I mean, I absolutely love reading aloud to him, but I don't think I could make it through all of Mr. Tolkien's books without permanently damaging my voice box. So it's going to be the Summer of fantasy, I suppose. Why not?
Audiobooks! Also I have all the LOTR books if you cave and are gonna read them out loud. You're welcome to borrow for however long.
Posted by: Amber | May 21, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Peter and the Starcatchers (and it's sequels) by Dave Barry are incredible novels appropriate and enjoyable for the whole family. They tell the story of how Peter became Peter Pan and the rest of the backstory with lots of adventure and fantasy. My husband, daughter Emily (10) and I read them last fall and loved them!
Posted by: Cassy | May 21, 2008 at 10:07 PM
sounds like my house with the 7 year old boy. only lately the media machine has conveniently introduced Indiana Jones and he's gone from light sabers to whips. hopefully his sisters will live through it!
Posted by: Amy | May 22, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Try reading the Peter Pan play first, it was the original and only after its success did he write the books!
Posted by: Kat | May 22, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Another great series is The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper. Still my all time favorite. And anything by Garth Nix is fun and offbeat.
Posted by: Tasha | May 22, 2008 at 08:34 AM
The Spiderwick Chronicles are charming, good reads with lovely illustrations. My boys loved them. And I am so thrilled to see someone discover John Crowley. 'Little Big' is one of my all time favorite stories. If you enjoy it, you might want to try 'Engine Summer', and 'Beasts'. He is just a phenomenally gifted writer.
Posted by: Colleen | May 22, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Love the little gnome!!
Posted by: Wendy | May 22, 2008 at 08:38 PM