Good Books

I stayed up late picking out titles from the library's online catalog related to the topics we'd be studying in the near future.  So when we went to the library the next day, I was prepared with my list and systematically picked books from the shelves.  The kids and I sat at one of the big tables and previewed them, deciding to return some to the shelves that were not appropriate for us.  And then I remembered my quickly jotted list of read-aloud chapter books that I'd wanted to nab today.  As I scanned the shelves for Mr. Popper's Penguins, which turned out to be a great read, I accidentally came across a book of Raggedy Ann stories.  I snapped it up, even though it wasn't on my list, because I remember Raggedy Ann the doll, despite never having read or heard any of her stories. 

I have not been disappointed.  The Raggedy Ann stories are so wholesome and winsome and gentle and filled with love and sunshine that you can't help but love them.  There is absolutely nothing in them to make you feel anything but good.  Angie is devouring them and even Maddie sits to listen.  We may even make our own rag dolls, despite having too many stuffed toys to begin with!  Apparently this author, Johnney Gruelle, wrote a good many Raggedy Ann stories.  We'll have to see about getting some more when we finish this book!