Odds & Ends Thursday

I. Mom-Tested/Kid-Approved

Currently on our List of Favorites:

The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman

“The Seven Silly Eaters are silly when they eat. Their names are Peter, Lucky (sic), (that’s a girl that likes lemonade), Fran & Flo and Mac, Jack and Mary Lou. I recommend that eight people read this book.” (by Maria, age 6)

MinnMom Says: my kids read and re-read this. I’m serious. I return it to the library and 2 or 3 visits later, it’s back in one of their book bags on its way to our home yet again. The illustrations are captivatingly silly, and the verse is especially fun when read aloud in a sing-songy sort of way.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (audio version)

“I liked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because it was exciting. I liked the Oompa-Loompas and their Oompa-Loompa songs.” (by Stephen, age 7 and 350/365ths)

MinnMom says: I love love love this book. Truly. Roald Dahl has a way with words that just makes sigh and think, oh, to be able write a description like he does!

I think it was Lissa that blogged about the audio version of this book (as read by the ever-delightful Eric Idle). She was right in her recommendation, as always.

I will add my own 2 cents, for what little 2 cents is worth, these days. I mean, really. Do you not sometimes just throw those annoying little copper coins away rather than exert a dime’s worth of energy in finding a home for them? Anyway. I like to keep the print version of the book that we’re listening to in the van because inevitably one of the kids will want to follow along (while the others, likewise, will clamor and fuss to see the illustrations). In this case, Quentin Blake’s line drawings are not to be missed.

The Penderwicks (audio version)

“The Penderwicks are fun and lively and adventurous. We have not finished listening to the book yet, but already we have arrived at a hilarious scene where one of the girls calls a kid’s mom ‘snooty’ without taking the time to think that this kid was this snooty mom’s son! I recommend this book.” (by John Michael, age 9)

MinnMom says: Again, it was Lissa that steered me toward this book…oh, late last summer I think it was. Anyway, with as good as her recommendations always are, why are you even reading this one? I will say (because I always have something to say, wink wink) that the actress they’ve got reading the book (Susan Denaker) does an efficient if not super-exciting job. I can’t help it; I’ve been spoiled by Stockard Channing and Lynn Redgrave.

II. Cute Kid Quotes

(At least, in my opinion. Hey, if I don’t write these down here I’ll forget them.)

• Cate sat down with her Handwriting Without Tears workbook, took her felt tip marker in hand and said cheerfully: “Practice makes better!” Now there’s a young lady who’s aware of her human fallibility!

• Felicity wore a look of great consternation after being accosted by my friend Tanya’s playful Golden Retriever. “What’s the matter, Felicity?” I asked. “Don’t you like the puppy?” “I wike the puppy,” she sputtered, still annoyed. “But I don’t wike the wicks!”

• And last but not least, our very own Angela, who recently ambled past her mother singing, “Shave and a haircut…two minutes!”

And that’s all, folks! (Whew! you’re saying. We made it!)