“C is for Cherry. Mary Poppins, with her Carpet-bag and umbrella, is strolling along the lane with the Children. The Cherry trees Cover them with shade, and the Cherries drop into their mouths.” ~P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins from A to Z A sure sign of spring: our gnarled old cherry tree is in full bloom. A […]
“We are concerned by our finding that children who only read on-screen are significantly less likely to enjoy reading and less likely to be strong readers. New technology clearly has a valuable part to play in literacy development, but we would encourage parents to ensure their children still read in print form if they are […]
“It is good to renew one’s wonder. Space travel has again made children of us all.” ~Ray Bradbury Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield is back on solid ground. And he brought back some great home-coming gifts from his travels through space: gorgeous photographs, cool music, amazing science and some things that are little more intangible. Things […]
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” ― Roald Dahl For my sister, JMK, who reminds me that the world is full of mystery. Illustration: “The Journey” by Elizabeth […]
In her intimate and illuminating illustrations of mother and child, Jessie Willcox Smith captures some of my favourite parenting moments–namely reading and bedtime (both involve cuddles and of course, books). Jessie Willcox Smith (1863-1935) was a prolific American illustrator whose images of late-Victorian domesticity were published in numerous children’s books (The Water-Babies, 1916) and magazines (Good Housekeeping, […]
“The contradictions abounded–I was happy, but this new core of happiness was accompanied by an unexpected sense of isolation and loss of self. I was lost, and found.” ~Marni Jackson, The Mother Zone (1992) When I was pregnant, I imagined that motherhood would be like one of those diaper commercials. Baby: clean, smiling, looking lovingly […]
“I have to be alone very often. I’d be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That’s how I refuel.” ~Audrey Hepburn Style icon, actress, humanitarian, devoted mother — and reader. That’s the charm of Audrey Hepburn. She eschewed all the trappings of stardom preferring to retreat […]
