Category: Book Reviews

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by atozmom, posted in Book Reviews

 

I led a deprived childhood.

I readily acknowledge this.

Luckily, I get another chance with my children.

I just finished reading the delightful tale of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory out loud to my kids.  In case you didn’t know, this is the tale of Charlie Bucket, a boy who is exceedingly poor, lives in a shack with his mother, father, and both sets of grandparents right next to a chocolate factory, owned by Willy Wonka.

The factory has been closed to outsiders since Mr. Wonka discovered some were sneaking his secrets out.

One day, Mr. Wonka announces a contest for 5 children to tour his factory and learn his secrets.  These kids will be chosen by finding a Golden Ticket, which is the inside wrapping of his candy bars.

Naturally, this sparks an all-out buying frenzy, where every child wants to find these.

Charlie Bucket finds the last ticket.  He is whisked away for tons of crazy adventures as the other children inevitably succumb to their greedy desires.  Charlie is the last child standing and so is selected by Mr. Wonka to take over his factory when he is older.  He wants to train a child since a grownup “won’t listen to me; he won’t learn.  He will try to do things his own way and not mine.”  (So true, isn’t it?)

I loved the poem the Oompa-Loompas (the workers in the factory) sing about the evils of TV, how it “rots the senses in the head and kills imagination dead!” and how one should read books instead.  Ingenious!

This book had my kids laughing and begging to continue.  They loved the other kids falling to their doom and Charlie winning out in the end–simply by being good.

I loved the Grandparents who commented on every single kid who won the tickets based on the newspaper reports.  Grandma Josephine says one “needs a real good spanking” and calls another “beastly”.  The funny part is that this is the truth about these kids behavior and it is so refreshing to read before the advent of political correctness.

It’s easy to see why Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is an enduring classic that every child must read.  And finally I get to read it too!

In God’s Hands

by atozmom, posted in Book Reviews, Faith

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt is a charming traditional Jewish folktale of obeying God that children will be sure to delight in.

Jacob, a rich man, always feel asleep during service but one day he woke up just long enough to hear one verse from Leviticus, saying he should make 12 loaves of challah and give them to God.

Believing it had been God who had spoken to him, Jacob obeys.  He bakes the challah and brings it to the synagogue and places it in the ark.

David, a poor man with a family to feed who cleans the synagogue, finds the challah and believes God has answered his prayers for food.

This cycle continues on for years with Jacob believing God ate the challahs and David believing God made the challahs until one day the rabbi discovers what is happening.  He calls the two men together and reveals the truth.  At first, both are disheartened as their belief in God is shattered.

But the rabbi points out that even though their conception is wrong, they must go on continuing to make the bread, knowing how both of their hands are God’s hands, doing His work, for His people.

Great lesson for all about obeying the whispers from God and seeing how the outcome of obedience is God’s plan with often unpredictable and wonderful results.  My kids loved this tale and couldn’t wait to read it again.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

by atozmom, posted in Book Reviews

 

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua chronicles Ms. Chua, a child of Chinese immigrants, as she raises her two daughters in the Chinese parenting model.

She pushes both girls to be the best in everything, never settling for second-place (as Ms. Chua explains most Chinese parents do).  Both must practice their instruments (piano and violin) for 2-3 hours a day, every day.  Both must excel in school and be fluent in Chinese and she pushes them relentlessly to achieve as much.

She calls this “The Virtuous Circle”, which she explains on P. 29 of her book.  She propounds what Chinese parents understand is that nothing is fun until you are good at it.  To be good at anything, you have to work.  Kids don’t inherently want to work so parents much push them.  Practice is the key.  Once the child starts excelling, the child receives praise from others, builds confidence, and makes the activity fun.  This will then created intrinsic satisfaction on the child’s part and he or she will want to work.

For her first daughter, Sophia, this works brilliantly.  Sophia works hard and is rewarded when she wins a contest and plays at Carnegie Hall.  For her second daughter, Lulu, this method creates all-out fights, screams, and general mayhem escalating to the point Lulu finally quits violin.

Chua says this method is magical when it works but she does finally admit on P. 212 that Chinese parenting doesn’t always succeed like in the case of her daughter, Lulu.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother offers a fascinating insight into Chinese culture and why so many of these kids are excelling.  While definitely not agreeing with some of Ms. Chua’s parenting styles (like screaming at her kids for hours a day and using threats for coercion), I did glean how we as parents need to guide our children who are still children. However, I think a gentle steering and encouragement would be a better approach and still produce wonders in your child. Suffice it to say you are guaranteed to learn something from this book.

Favorite quotes from the book:

“Just because you love something…doesn’t mean you’ll ever be great.  Not if you don’t work.” P. 215

“There is nothing better to spend our money on than our children.” P. 111

“It’s too idealistic to expect children to do the right things on their own.” P. 104  I liked this one because I tend to think my kids know right from wrong.  But a lot of the times they don’t.  That’s my job to teach them this.

“Winning prizes gives you opportunities, and that’s freedom.”  P. 193  I liked this one due to its implications to foreigners.  We Americans forget that we live in the greatest country on earth and many, many others want to come here.  It’s hard for us to understand cut-throat competitions when so much is hanging on the results, so much that we don’t even realize.

Winning the Olympics or having talent (like musicality) can be the pathway to the United States. I think this is why immigrant-kids are pushed so hard and work so much harder. It’s not about the medal, trophy, or prize at the end.  It’s about a way of life.  Ms. Chua touched on this point very briefly in her book.

Heaven is for Real for Kids

by atozmom, posted in Book Reviews

A follow-up to the hugely successful adult book Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo (see my review HERE), this book is a picture book in the same vein written in Colton’s words.

Heaven is for Real for Kids focuses on Colton’s memories of heaven.  He talks about Jesus, what heaven looks like, who you meet in heaven, what you do, the animals, the angels, and many more sights and sounds in heaven.  He talks about God’s throne and highlights how the Holy Spirit is with you when you pray.

Hebrews 12:2 “Jesus…sat down at the right hand at the throne of God.”  I’ve never really pictured an actual throne, even after we studied this passage this year.  Until this book where Colton says he saw God’s throne and Jesus was on God’s right side.  He says this was his favorite place in heaven.  There is an accompanying picture of God with Jesus by His side. Finally!  I can visualize it!  And what a glory it will be when I see it!

The book concludes with the most important thing Jesus told him, which was how to get to heaven:  believe in Him.  Then Jesus sent him back because he was answering his Dad’s prayer (something we all struggle with in different ways).

Great lessons for kids (and adults) with vivid pictures true to Colton’s memories.  The book ends with a great prayer for kids, which we all prayed.  Great Christian picture book and highly recommended for all ages.  It was by far the most popular book from our recent library trip.

After reading this book, my oldest asked to read the adult book when she gets a bit older. You know it’s a good book when it prompts the desire to read more!

The King With Horse’s Ears

by atozmom, posted in Book Reviews

In this delightful rendition of a classic Irish folktale by Erid Maddern, we encounter a king named King Mark who was born with horse’s ears.  He keeps his abnormality a secret from all but the barber who of course must know since he cuts the King’s hair.

Well, the barber is going sick with keeping the secret so on the advice of a doctor he tells the ground his secret.  Relieved, this secret turns into reed plants which are cut by musicians to make pipes.  These musicians just so happen to be playing before the King where the reed pipes play the barber’s words for all to hear.

His secret out, the king is at first embarrassed and then angry.  Yet no one laughed at the King.  Instead, they wished to see his ears.  The King removed his crown and everyone clapped upon seeing them.  They were proud of him and therefore he was proud of himself.

The story ends, “So, if you have something unusual about you, don’t be ashamed, be proud.  Just remember:  you are the only one of you there is!”

I thought this a great lesson for kids these days who are under so much pressure to conform instead of embracing their God-given uniqueness.

Carnival of the Animals

by atozmom, posted in Book Reviews

We have been working through The Gift of Music by Jan Stuart Smith and Betty Carlson this year for homeschool when Camille Saint-Saens came up.  I’ve personally never heard of this guy (like quite a few other composers from this book).

We always get a sample of their music from the library and if we’re lucky a biography for kids or two.

Well, during an online search of my local library, I found a gem of a book entitled Carnival of the Animals put together by Barrie Carson Turner, which illustrates this classic tale and has an accompanying CD.

The Carnival of Animals is Saint-Saens most famous work and it was written when his students asked him to compose a musical joke for them.  Saint-Saens matches animals such as the kangaroo, lion, roosters, mules, and tortoises to music beautifully as they parade through a carnival.  The total time of the composition is only 23 minutes with only about 2-4 minutes for each animal, which is perfect listening time for a child.

Many times I get musical compositions from the library and they are long and tedious. Not so here.  With the textbook to explain to children what the composer is trying to accomplish, why the author chose a particular instrument to play a certain part, and pictures to delight this book is sure to introduce children to the wonderful world of classical music and spawn a desire to learn more.

“I Don’t Know What My Future Holds, But I Know Who Holds My Future.”

by atozmom, posted in Book Reviews, Faith

One of Tim Tebow’s, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, favorite sayings and one of mine from his book, Through My Eyes.

If you ever wanted to get to know Tebow better, read this book.  It explains how he ticks, what motivates him, and his single-minded determination to follow his passion (football and specifically playing quarterback)–all with God’s help and all to His glory.

Warning to the ladies:  this book is packed full of football plays, strategy, and game-day moments that for the uninitiated can be very tedious and boring.  Luckily for me, I actually wrote a novel on a football player so I learned all about football and read tons of book on the matter so I now consider myself knowledgeable in the area.

However, it is in these football reminisces that Tebow throws in the God nuggets of wisdom that makes this book great.

For someone so young it is surprising and inspiring really how he is so grounded in life.  He knows what’s important, what’s the goal in life (living for others, fulfilling God’s purpose for you, and giving Him the glory) and he never deviates.  Based on this book, Tebow never engages in stupid teenager stuff (inspiring for those of us parents who are yet to face the infamous teenage years) and he is always pulling for his team and everyone else.

Yet he’s not perfect.  One of my favorite moments was when he is describing a game against LSU.  Apparently LSU students had gotten a hold of his phone number and were relentlessly calling him all week so after a touchdown he and his teammates celebrated and Tebow mocked them (P. 139).  I love this because it is human.  And I think that’s okay.

But I think the part of this book I will always remember is probably one I shouldn’t but I will:  Tebow’s dog, Otis.  Otis was the protector of their family and one day Tebow finds him on their farm mangled, his jaw all twisted and his legs splayed apart unnaturally. The vet informs the family that Otis was probably hit with a baseball bat.  Miraculously, Otis survives and lives a fairly normal life afterwards.

I’m sure this was probably the act of some stupid teenagers trying to pay back Tebow for whatever.  But in my view there is a special place in Hell for those who harm animals and kids and are unrepentant.  I only pray it was just an act of stupid kids and they did repent of it.

Still, as an animal lover, I get riled when people do stupid stuff like this and it cuts me to the core.

I loved this book.  Sure, I’m biased.  I’m a huge Denver and Tebow fan so that helps.  But this book is so encouraging especially to us parents who rue how this world has become when it comes to our kids.  Yet Tebow shows kids can grow up to love God, love others, love the world, and make it a better place without falling into the typical teenage trap of underage sex, underage drinking or doing drugs, immature pranks and acts (like beating up dogs for a stupid revenge or bet), or any other crowd mentality kids tend to follow.

There are many human moments in this book like where Tebow is trying to decide which college to play for and in the end when he does decide he briefly decides to change his mind and then he receives no peace from God over the decision (P. 88).

He talks about doing the right thing on P. 176 which reminds me of Paul 2 Thessalonians 3:13 “never tire of doing what is right.”

Tebow talks about how we all have a platform God has given us that we must use for His glory and how football is that for him.  How we should give everything–victories and disappointments–to God.  How God’s voice is the only voice that matters.

He’s a great example of what living a God-centered life looks like.

Great, encouraging book in these times of so much negativity.  One that will surely lift you up and remind you of the only important thing in this transient world:  God.

Gershon’s Monster

by atozmom, posted in Book Reviews

Gershon’s Monster is a Jewish tale retold by Eric Kimmel and illustrated by Jon J Muth.

Gershon is unkind to all he meets.  He never says sorry or asks for forgiveness for his mistakes or wrongdoings.  Instead, he’d sweep his thoughtless acts (portrayed by black little guys) into the cellar every week and once a year on Rosh Hashanah he’d dump them into the sea.

Of course, Gershon wants something:  a child.  He visits the tzaddik (a wonder rabbi) who tells him, “Be thankful for what you have.”  But the tzaddik grants his wish since his wife is a good woman but with one caveat:  they will not make it past age 5.

Gershon continues his reckless ways until his twins’ fifth birthday where the prophecy is put into motion.  As the kids are playing at the seashore, an immense black monster swoops upon the children, a monster with all of Gershon’s misdeeds written on its side.

Finally, Gershon prays for the monster to take him instead of the children and for the first time in Gershon’s life he truly feels sorry for what he has done.

The monster retreats, Gershon scrubs his cellar, and begins to live a kind-hearted life.

This is a great tale of admitting wrong-doing, taking responsibility, and beginning the process of forgiving and healing and making amends.

I loved this story the first time I read it as did my kids.  It shows how sins pile up if not properly reconciled through God.  Great story of leading a good life.

three wise men by giotto www.atozmomm.com

Something You May NOT Have Known About the Three Wise Men…

by atozmom, posted in Book Reviews

Were there more than 3 wise men?  When did they visit the Baby Jesus?  Was it at the stable?

I picked up a kids’ book at the library entitled The Fourth Wise Man Retold by Susan Summers but based on the story by Henry Van Dyke.  It appears as well under the title The Greatest Gift:  The Story of the Other Wise Man.  This tells the story of a Fourth Wise Man named Artaban who did not make it to Bethlehem in time to see the Baby Jesus and spent his whole life searching for this teacher.

Along the way, he lives a godly-life, helping those who cross his path such as a sick man along the road.  He sells his beautiful home in exchange for gifts to give the child.  Slowly, he ends us selling everything he owns (including his beloved horse, Vasda) to follow the path of Jesus.

His last act came at the foot of the cross where Artaban gives his last precious gift he was saving for the King of Kings to a girl to save her from slavery.

He hears a voice at the end, saying, “As often as you did these things for the least of my children, you did them for me,” and he dies finding the King.

Great book promoting how to live a life full of God even through the disappointment of not finding what one is seeking right away.  All through faith.

After reading this book, I wanted to find out where the wise men were listed in the Bible so I could read it to my kids.  I found this website listed below that collaborates the story I had just read.  I did not know most of this!  Like most kids, I had grown up with the tale of Three Wise Men as popularized in modern culture.  This website is fabulous!

Enjoy!

http://www.gotquestions.org/three-wise-men.html

The Beauty of Aesop

by atozmom, posted in Book Reviews

Aesop, believed to have been a Greek slave who lived around 600 BC, accomplished what most writers can only dream of:  longevity.  He wrote timeless, meaningful pieces that have been told and retold for over 2500 years now.  Wow!

I was reading a collection to my kids when one particularly hit me.  It’s called The Lion and the Donkey.  It is a very short but the point hit home.

A lion is walking through a forest and all the other animals are making way for him except for the donkey who brays a scornful remark.  At first the lion was angry until he realized it was only the donkey, a fool, who had spoken.  He walked quietly on, not even deeming to respond.

Moral:  Do not resent the remarks of a fool.  Ignore them.

I wish I could do that.  I do take things so personally.  I couldn’t get over 30 comments of people telling me where to go in my newspaper column.  I just couldn’t.  The same with this blog.  The hurtful things people have said in the past still stings.

Part of me wishes I would.  But the other part doesn’t.  Because I think it’s this part that makes my writing better than average.  That makes it unique.  That tells the story as only I can.  That will one day fulfill my dream.  And purpose in this fleeting life.

This is at least what I cling to.  Hope.  God.  Family.  Purpose.