The Joy of Books

Leina loves books.  Loves them!  She’s finally reached the stage where she can move beyond picture books which is very exciting.  She still likes a nice illustration or two but it’s all about the story now.  As I read, I like to sneak peaks at her face.  Usually, she’s staring off into space, her eyes unfocused, and I can just see the wheels in her head turning as she changes the words I read into pictures in her mind.  I love it!

Milly Molly Mandy

 Leina is drawn to stories about old-fashioned girls doing everyday tasks.  I think she imagines herself in their shoes, sharing their adventures.  Her current favorite is Milly Molly Mandy.  I have never read these stories so they are new to me as well but oh are they sweet!   Milly-Molly-Mandy wanders about her little town having the simplest fun with her little friends.  There are no real morals to the stories and there is no drama.  No bad-guys or scary bits.  Just a sweet little girl going about her everyday life.   There are so many formulaic books out there for little girls and they are so dreadfully boring!  The whole fairy series makes my teeth grind every time I read one.  They are just plug and chug novels with a very slight twist done over and over and over.  Substitute colors for jewels for pets for flowers for instruments and print.  Ugh.  I can’t stand reading these books.  There is no charm and I am very, very big on charm.  Milly-Molly-Mandy?  Charm to spare baby!

Now I just need to find more old-fashioned stories for me old-fashioned girl.  Faires, you can rest in peace.