I knew the character was a scruffy looking, straight haired, knobby knee-ed thing who I really identified with. I knew she had a wonderful imagination and played the sort of games I liked to play.
My favorite childhood book is all spotty in my mind. I remember my mom’s voice telling the story as I stared at the sepia colored illustrations. But that’s about it. I couldn’t remember the title, or the name of the author, or even the scruffy haired girl’s name.
When I asked my mom, she knew exactly what I was talking about, but couldn’t remember the details either.
Low and behold, as I glanced through the children’s books at my favorite thrift shop (and at that very moment thinking “Dang it! What the heck is the name of that book?? Something about a cardboard box. . . .”) there it was– two copies! Mint condition!
Christina Katerina and the Box. I bought both.
When I look closely at the pictures I can remember what it was like to see them as a child. To feel like Christina Katerina and I were friends, maybe neighbors, and she had invited me over to play for the day. I’m struck by the fact that it doesn’t look like anything incredible through the eyes of me now - a mom who has read her fair share of children’s literature. It is a sweet little story and cleverly written. . . but to my five year old self, it was AMAZING.
So, even if it’s hard to grasp why your kid is dead set on reading that beat up copy of _______ (fill in the blank) for the 600th time, know that through his eyes, that book is another little world to him. A world he will treasure away deep inside himself, perhaps forever.
My favorite was “The Monster at the End of the Book.” Lois dies laughing when I read it (probably because I do it with more gusto).
I think this was the first book I bought Anwyn when she was old enough to appreciate longer books. I remember loving it too. I could have told you the title.
Oh my word I loved that book too! I had forgotten about it. I know I’m not really supposed to enter the give aways…. But I really want that book!
I don’t know this book……but I’m going to find it….eventhough my Grandchildren are beyond ….you gals are great at making us aware of all this kind of stuff that is “out there”. I remember having a huge collection of Golden Books…..and to this day when I see certain titles like “Saggy Baggy Elephant” and “Poky Little Puppy”….I go back….and for me its “waaaaaaaay” back. One that my cousin Lu introduced me to after I had Grandchildren is “Each Peach Pear Plum”……ALL my boys loved it….and each time we read it…..it was a new adventure to find the hidden clues.
I remember the “Saggy Baggy Elephant” and “The Poky Little Puppy”,too!! Read them and many of the others over many times to my girls. One of their favorites was “Ferdinand the Bull” – it’s so fun! We still have all our children’s books – for “someday” – and it would be fun to add another classic to the collection. =)
This is so sweet! I remember “Go Dog Go” that my dad used to read to us over and over…
I’d love to add this to Elias’ library… judging from the above picture of Jude, boys can appreciate this title, too!
Oooo, another great title to track down!
If I win, think of all that shipping you’ll save! :)
I love book suggestions. I didn’t read much as a kid, and I’m always looking for ideas to stock a little library for my kiddo.
Thanks for the tip. I don’t recall reading this one to Rachel, but we’ll go looking – so Raeme & Sadie can have a chance to fall in love with it too :)
I am so glad you found your long lost friend… how fun!
A great find, love to read it to my girls.
I totally know what you mean about a book being an entire world to a kid. One that was like that for me was called Firebrat. It still seems magical somehow.
I loved that book as well – in fact, I still have the one my mom read to me as a child! It is funny which books totally capture your children’s imagination, isn’t it?