The Cozy Corner

I just realized that if I am to blog about every read-aloud book we read for Elijah's Kindergarten experience, I better get going! I've only reviewed 2 books, and there is a shelf-full in my dining room! So here is my 3rd installment of the cozy corner.

The book we will discuss (and by "we" I mean "me" unless there is a rip-roaring discussion in the comment section - but I won't hold my breath) is "The Apple and the Arrow" by Mary and Conrad Buff.

This is another Newbery Honor Book, which Sonlight has a habit of choosing. And although I am impressed by their classic choices, how this book got on a Kindergarten reading list baffles me.

It tells the story of William Tell and the legendary founding of Switzerland. Now don't get me wrong, it is an intriguing story (remember the apple on his son's head that Tell is ordered to shoot?), but the language of this book is suited for much older children. My 5 year old was bored to tears (literally) and when I questioned him after reading, he had no clue what was going on in the story. For some asinine reason, I finished reading the book (blame my obsessive-compulsive nature), but I was still completely understanding when the kids complained about it.

So my verdict is: great book for an 8-10 year old boy, but skip it for smaller kids