pony-nony.

Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi (translated from Italian 1986)

Reprinted from original 1800's version on September 1st 1986 by Unicorn Publishing House

Hardcover, 160 pages;    (isbn13: 9780881012712)

Snagged at a very cool used book store in Penticton this summer (along with many other classics you will hear about in coming months).

We love, love, love this book.  It has become known affectionately in our home as Pony-Nony (Ash lingo).  It is well written with a rich vocabulary (although some is antiquated) and intense, action packed storyline.  The Adventures of Pinocchio are truly engaging; the cast of characters wild; and the lessons to be learned are deep.  The nose-growing, Disney version of this story is really quite different from this full novel.  Each chapter is written with a cliff hanger style that had us in great anticipation for the next nights reading.  I was intrigued to learn how Iko's five year old mind perceived Pinocchio's naivete and innocence (and oh so frustrating decision making).  He was very curious to see what would happen to this equally curious puppet each time a villainous character lead him astray, but he did not communicate judgment until the very end when Pinocchio's character turns hard working, caring and generous.

A beautiful read aloud for all ages.

black beauty.

Certainly a classic and so definitely wonderful to read.  The copy Iko and I used was from my childhood bookshelf (the price on the spine is $2.97 if that gives you any idea of my advancing age).  I absolutely loved re-reading this heartwarming story about a horse born to a well bred, upper class estate and his experiences that eventually lead him to a life of lonliness and servitude.  If one has not taken a moment to reflect on the treatment of animals presently, and in days gone by, this book will certainly provide gentle insight and reminders.  Horses have undergone so much in the name of serving humans.  It really is deplorable.

Black Beauty's character is genuine and easy to love for both children and adults alike.  The horse friends he makes along the way do love him, as do most of his masters.  It is easy to become attached to this horse and feel sadness as he is sent from home to home, often leaving people and horses that he loves dearly. 

The literary style is quite old and takes a bit of getting used to when reading aloud.  Much of the language is no longer used today but that doesn't seem to matter when one is reading for the gist of the story.  In fact, one objective of reading these classics aloud to children is the assimilation of literary vocabulary and grammar.  One of the best ways to learn a rich vocabulary and proper use of language is reading, reading and more reading.  But not just any old book will do.  Good literature is oh so helpful, if not essential.

tom sawyer.

An abridged version of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and so the literary style is not authentic and the story was shortened.  Guess Dave is a bit of a Mark Twain fan from Grade 12 english class and he is giving this a thumbs down.  Do not try this one at home folks.

In a few months we'll dust off the original version (from the mama's childhood book collection believe it or not) and give it a go as Iko was quite interested in the story.