"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." ~ Charles W. Eliot
***
"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook - try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!" ~ Julia Child
***
"She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain." ~ Louisa May Alcott

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Linnets and Valerians

Linnets and Valerians

Some children's books are just as or even more magical to read when you are an adult. They take on a dimension that you miss as a child. I reread some of my favorites like Wind in the Willows and The Secret Garden but author Elizabeth Goudge was totally new to me. One of the things that pulled me to buying this book had been the sweet cover showing Robert, Nan, Timothy, Betsy and Absolom the dog running away over the garden fence.

They are taken by their father to live with their grandmother while he is off to India to serve in the army. Very unhappy, they see no other alternative to escape by running away. They end up at a home of a stern old man who dislikes children. But this old man turns out to be their Uncle Ambrose who is the vicar of the village. They begin on an adventure of being educated by their uncle while also being taught some special lessons of good over evil by his all around man and gardener Ezra. In learning these lessons, the entire village will never be the same again.....

This is a delightful book that you are never too old to read!

Happy reading!
Heidi

3 comments:

Elizabethd said...

This is an absolutely new one for me. I thought I had read all of hers! Have you tried 'The Little white Horse' and 'The Dean's Watch?'....Oh, and 'Henrietta's house?'

Nancy said...

Well, since you claim to be only 7, what is with the adult stuff???? You will never outgrow childrens books no matter how old you get. That cover is really cute.
Love you, Mom

Annie said...

Thanks, for your post Heidi. Today or tomorrow I'll write a ost on the same subject (but not the same book !) and you'llll be twice in it !