Family Read-Aloud: Old Scholastic Classic Kids Books

I tend to look askance at most children's movies made in the last few years. Kids' books too, for that matter. I'm a bibliophile and have a collection of children's literature that exceeds 2,000 books. I haunt libraries, used book stores, Scholastic website. I'm admittedly fussy about quality literature for children. Much of what's coming out seems repetitive in theme: vampires, fantasy, Gothic--very Harry Potteresque. Some stories seem to be spun straight from others' in the genre.

Even realistic fiction has become banal and patronizing. Teen angst, new kid problems, bullying, family problems-- these serious get dumbed down often. They books read like they're written by adults trying to sound like kids. Family Read-Aloud: Old Scholastic Classic Kids Books 

Best Christmas Movies,Literature-based Holiday Classics

Must-See Christmas Holiday Themed Movies in All Genres Christmas movies and holidays classic films are a huge part of our holiday festivities. There are several movies that I have to see each year or it won't feel like Christmas. Here is that quintessential list of holiday classics. There's a debate in the movie viewing world between two Christmas movie megaliths: Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street."

Now call me un-American or Grinchy, but I don't get the thrill of "Miracle on 34th Street", not the 1947 with Maureen O'Hara or the 1995 with Sir Richard Attenborough. "It's a Wonderful Life" then, gets my vote of the two films. However for absolute best all-around, must holiday film my favorite is Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" 1984 with George C. Scott). The soundtrack alone should be enjoyed at least once every holiday season. Since the writing of the article, I rediscovered "Night of the Meek," in which Art Carney plays a drunken, compassionate Santa Claus. I highly recommend it. Here's a link to a more modern version. "A Homecoming Story" (The Waltons) with Patricia Neal, is beautiful, too. To finish reading this article, click here.

Happy 120th Birthday, Agatha Christie!

Agatha Christie 120th Birthday: Happy Birthday Dame of Detection and Delicious Death Agatha Christie, DBE, CBE and dame of detective fiction was born on September 15, 1890. She would be 120 years old today. Outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare, author Agatha Christie's books on Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple enthrall mystery lovers. Read More