Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

I have been trying to post this for several days, only to discover that blogger doesn't seem to support Lunascape anymore. This sucks because Lunascape runs so much faster on this computer.

I am late to the reading the Harry Potter series. I have always enjoyed the movies, but had trouble getting into the first book. Finally, I just forced my way through the first two books. I was happy to see this third book was a lot longer, and in this case, longer=better. I was so much happier with this book. I didn't feel like I was just reading a silly kid's book.

One disappointment in the HP series I have gotten over is Harry's personality. While the movies seem to portray him as a idealist, championing for the cause he believes in, the Harry of the books is an SP plain and simple. He is introverted, but he is not seriously reflective or "deep". I would not paint my hero this way, but I can only imagine this the type the author is, and she is stuck in S-land. Okay, so I am over it.

Don't know what I am talking about? Try the following links:

S vs. N

Or for more Potter specific, try this or this .

I won't go into plot details because you have likely viewed the movie already. I will just say this was my favorite of the books so far. It was much longer and more complex, and even though the characters themselves aren't...deep, they are interesting enough to keep the reader following along.

well

are you working?

working

Testing again

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Harry Potter Book 3, take 2

Harry Potter Book 3

Mockingbird

In this book, Kaitlin (or Caitlin) has just lost her brother in a school shooting. As she and her dad struggle to pick up the pieces, we are drawn into her literal world as a person with Asperger's. Kaitlin struggles to name and feel the emotions under the surface with the help of the school guidance counselor who strives to help her find a friend.

I loved the way the author was able to "get into" Kaitlin's head, and explain how misunderstandings occur between Kaitlin and the world. It also made me wonder how to relate better with student's who have Asperger's.

This would be a great upper elementary read, or perhaps lower middle school, if the school shooting isn't too disturbing.

Another early childhood book

I ordered this book last week when I was still in the throngs of Waldorf education. I really like the way it explained childhood, although once again, there was a lot I don't believe in. Basically, it is useful to gain some insight and meaning about little ones, but I just can't buy into Steiner's belief system.

Essentially, Steiner, the father of Waldorf schooling, made or was involved in a worldview, which is more or less a religion. I just don't buy into it.
However, there are some aspects that appeal to me. Natural toys and less TV. Most adults can appreciate the quality of a good wooden toy over plastic bells and whistles. Most of us know that letting our children sit passively in front of the TV screen is not helping society or the little ones. So I agree with more active playtime, and better quality, carefully chosen toys. I think bright light colors are appealing to young ones. I just don't buy into the whole "karma" belief system. Sure you get what you sow, but that doesn't apply to children. Period. Are we to say children with lousy parents are in need of spiritual development? That breeds indifference. I still enjoyed this quick read-I am always delighted to find new ideas for learning patience and how to improve time spent with my children.

Summer

I wanted to use a book to discuss the ideas about summer with Liam. This was recommended by certain people, so I went ahead and ordered it.

I was disappointed. First, there are no words in the book. I have found that Liam LIKES the comfort of repetition. I guess I could make my own script to go along with it, but that wasn't really the point of buying the book.
Second, while the illustrations were nice, they weren't as I would have them. What about stargazing on firefly filled nights? The beach was nice but still the scene wasn't quite what I had in mind.

So, while I am sure we will talk about the illustrations, and I suppose I will make up some story to go along with it. I don't really recommend this book. Just find some pretty pictures and print them off the internet, and save ten dollars.

Heaven on Earth

I found Heaven on Earth to be a great resource to helping me through the day with Little Liam. It has helpful hints and lists, ideas for what sort of toys are really useful, and sample schedules to help the fabulously unscheduled like me, organize the day.
I read it in one day (nearly one sitting) and I imagine I will use it as a resource time and again.
The only drawback was the push to Waldorf schools as an educational option. Which they are, but now I am sort of disillusioned with the idea. But otherwise, I enjoyed it!