The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse possesses B. Potter's usual whimsicalness endearing it to children plus the subtler humor bent towards the adult reading the tale aloud. During our reading hour each day Zana tends to turn her own pages but Abe stays hooked the entire time.
Today however the rural paintings coupled with the story full of fun animals kept them both engaged. In the midst of the story Potter's own horse is featured pulling the cart with the fateful basket holding Timmy Willie inside. Zana clear as a bell, while pointing, called out, "Tonga." It of course is not a tonga but rather a horse drawn carriage so common to the early 20th Century country side. What a rich plethora of realities my children are learning. I love that a book published in England the year WWI drew to a close features illustrations of modes of transport my one year old can recognize because she has seen it in our neighborhood. What a rich life.
On a side note this was Ms. Potter's last book with illustrations published due to her failing eyesight. Chalk a block full of beautiful pictures and funny side comments it is pure gold. I love it as a read aloud and it remains one of Abe's favorite stories. Even though we live in the city Abe is a Timmy Willie at heart.
Today however the rural paintings coupled with the story full of fun animals kept them both engaged. In the midst of the story Potter's own horse is featured pulling the cart with the fateful basket holding Timmy Willie inside. Zana clear as a bell, while pointing, called out, "Tonga." It of course is not a tonga but rather a horse drawn carriage so common to the early 20th Century country side. What a rich plethora of realities my children are learning. I love that a book published in England the year WWI drew to a close features illustrations of modes of transport my one year old can recognize because she has seen it in our neighborhood. What a rich life.
On a side note this was Ms. Potter's last book with illustrations published due to her failing eyesight. Chalk a block full of beautiful pictures and funny side comments it is pure gold. I love it as a read aloud and it remains one of Abe's favorite stories. Even though we live in the city Abe is a Timmy Willie at heart.
I had a similar moment when T & I were reading a homeschool book called 'Then and Now', he was about 4, so many of the 'old fashioned' vehicles and machines are things we see around us every day. It's true, it is rich. We can imagine history so much better. This country is such a mix eh? Modern and medieval. I love that you're writing lots again.xo L
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