An Oldie but a Goodie...

When it comes right down to it, there is no better feeling in the world than cuddling up and reading to your children, no matter their age. Earlier this evening, I settled onto Eliza's bed and happily read one of our favourites by Julia Donaldson, Monkey Puzzle. "Hush little monkey, don't you cry. I'll help you find her said Butterfly."

Our baby, Nora (who by the way is not a "real baby - just my baby" as she sternly reminds me everyday) is really beginning to enjoy "reading" her picture books these days. She has an uncanny ability to memorize words which in turn makes her feel very grown up. Monkey Puzzle is a new favourite of hers but an old favourite for the rest of us. Mac, who was in his room next door reading Double Fudge, couldn't resist joining us to read this sweet story of the monkey who lost his Mum.

Then a couple of hours later, it was my turn to read with the boys. We are currently reading The People of Sparks, which is the sequel to The City of Ember. Despite the boys being 8 and 10, they still love to be read to each night. It is like the great equalizer at the end of the day - no matter who argued with who, we are all in our happy place as we read together to end the day. It is my hope that they will let me read to them for many more years!

Here is my recent review for this great post-apocalyptic tale...

The People of Sparks: The Second Book of Ember

Written by Jeanne DuPrau

Recommended for ages 9-12.

$7.99

It had been years since I read the first book in this series, The City of Ember, and I was intrigued with the whole idea of a civilization living below the Earth’s surface. The story has always stayed with me so I was thrilled when Mac came home from school and said that his teacher was reading this really neat book to the class. “It’s all about this world where the people are running our of light and the mayor is greedy and keeps all kinds of food and lightbulbs to himself and there are two kids who are trying to escape because they know there is world beyond theirs…” I knew it had to be Ember that he was referring to. He was shocked to hear that I too, had read the book and loved it. We then made a promise that together we would read the second book in the series.

So now each night, the boys and I live side by side with Lina and Doon as they discover that the residents of Sparks are not what they first believed them to be. Initially, they were welcomed with open arms and provided food and shelter but as the food becomes scarce, the visitors are resented and mysterious things start to happen throughout the village. Just as the two teenagers led their entire community out of Ember, Lina and Doon are now faced with the gargantuan task of keeping peace between the Emberites and the people of Sparks.

Although this book is more than seven years old, it is one that should not be forgotten for those who love science fiction and imagining what would happen to the world if ever there was a natural disaster that ended civilization.