Just Average

Posted: June 25, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Dangerous Book for Boys | 3 Comments

Before becoming parents, the Romgi and I discussed at length the alarming trend to label children as geniuses for hitting developmental milestones early or for showing some talent in any given sphere. Surely you’re familiar with the Lake Wobegon effect (all the children are above average). We didn’t want to go into parenthood by taking for granted that our children would be exceptional. Of course we knew they’d all be unique and dear to us, but we tried to prepare ourselves for the very real possibility that in most aspects, they might be just average (or even below – but, given how amazing the Romgi and I are, that’s less of a possibility, right?).

Now, having said that, I want to tell you two things the Bwun did this week that nicely balance him out to being average.

First is the genius part. The Bwun really likes the song “The Ants Go Marching,” so I’ve worked out a bouncing rhythm for it – ups and downs on hurrah hurrah, that sort of thing. A few days ago as we were bouncing along, I noticed that the Bwun would give me a huge smile at the same parts in each verse: right as I said “one by one” or “five by five,” which happened to be just before I’d jump him up for hurrah hurrah. What a clever boy, right? Remembering how the song goes and how he gets bounced? Yes, I know. He’s a genius. (Hm.)

And the not-so-genius part…the following day, the Bwun was playing on hus tummy, spit out his pacifier, and gave himself a hickey on his arm.

Thank you, dear Bwun, for tempering my inclination to write a post solely about how clever I think you are.

Monsieur Eek

Posted: June 23, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Book of Sand | Leave a comment

by David Iveseek

Ok, another positive review. Ready? This book was hilarious. It’s set in the town of MacOongafoonsden (population 21) in the 17th century. When a shipwreck washes up on the beach with a chimpanzee on board, the townspeople follow logic that goes something like this: the chimp (who they think is just a funny-looking person) is obviously a foreigner; France is a foreign country, so the chimp is French. Also, things have been going missing in MacOongafoonsden, and since the French are obviously untrustworthy (they’re different from us), “Monsieur Eek” must be the thief. And a spy. So they lock him up.

If I ever teach a class, especially one about sociology but I’ll make it work for any subject, Monsieur Eek is going to be required reading.

Sabriel

Posted: June 23, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Book of Sand | 1 Comment

by Garth Nixsabriel

This was without a doubt one of the best books I’ve read in some time. I was hoping to find a young adult fantasy novel that approached magic differently from every other book in existence. It seems like authors can’t think of much besides “Magic is like a continuously flowing river/power source that we draw from.” And honestly? I’d like to see some creativity.

Thank you, Garth Nix. Sabriel was not only refreshing for its take on how magic works, it was superbly written and I actually was interested in the characters. The plot was compelling. I read it slowly just so that I could absorb everything completely, and I wish I could read it over again. (Library book. Had to give it back. Buy me a copy?)

I’ll definitely be checking out the subsequent books in this Abhorsen series, and I suggest you try Sabriel for yourself. There you have it: a positive book review!

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