The World of Books and Imagination

Ever since I found out I was going to be a mom, I have dreamed about the books we would read. The adventures we would have touring Pemberly and falling in love with Mr. Darcy's arrogant charm, antagonizing Boo in Maycomb with a note stuck to a fishing pole, forging the Mississippi River with Jim, hiding out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the Kincaid kids, running through the moors screaming "Cathy!" with all our might, grabbing the Golden Snitch to secure the Quidditch Cup for Gryffindor, putting a girdle around the world with Puck to wreak fairy havoc - in 40 minutes or less! The list is endless.

Some of my best friends growing up were those who lived in the well-worn pages of my books, alive and thriving in my imagination. Oh, how I wanted to be a kindred spirit of Anne's and walk on rooftops with her at Green Gables. I dreamed of setting Sara free from the attic at Miss Minchin's school, dancing in the secret garden with Mary and Dickon, and I cried my eyes out with Jo, Meg, and Amy at Beth's last smile. Even as I grew up, I would simply close my eyes to see myself witnessing Louisa Musgrove's fall from the wall in Lyme, or take in a bull fight (Bocanegra!) with Jake and Lady Brett Ashley while full of ennui as an expatriate in Europe. Most recently, I have survived the 74th annual Hunger Games while leading Panem to revolution, and I am now once again revisiting my eleven-year old self as my Hogwarts letter arrives by owl to wisk me away to a magical future.

I have always known my kids would be given every opportunity to develop their imaginations in a similar way. I am so happy they have embraced it so soon! As my parents did for me, unfailingly every night, Brian and/or I read to the kids before bedtime. One would think it is a time to calm them down and send them gently into blissful slumber. Right. Our bedtime renditions usually look more like dramatic plays and most often end with sweat, laughter, and desperate pleas for more. Even Violet is engaged with books, though it may just be that she will gladly do anything if it means she can sit by Jeremy. Recently, Jeremy's teacher told me they read Skippyjon Jones at school with a knowing smile on her face. I laughed and asked if Jeremy stole the show. Turns out he recited the whole book for the class, complete with songs and a Spanish accent. That's just how we roll in the Hopper house.

In the last few weeks, we have upped our game and graduated to reading chapter books. I vividly remember my dad reading us The Hobbit when we were kids, one chapter at a time. I think it teaches patience, anticipation, imagination, and definitely strengthens vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Jeremy was excited to take on the challenge of "no pictures" and Brian and I have worked to create the pictures for him with how we read and gesture. We usually read about three full pages then pause and ask questions and recap to help with comprehension and attention.

And what book are we reading, you ask?

Why Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, of course! We are on page 113 right now, and he is LOVING it! Since he has a scar on his own face, he loves the lightning bolt scar thing. He also thinks Uncle Vernon is funny for stealing mail, wants to eat the cake Hagrid brought Harry, loves saying the word "Dumbledore" over and over again, and was beyond fascinated with the idea of Chocolate Frogs and beans that taste like boogers. We are about to be sorted, so some real fun is soon to begin!

My favorite part, though, is that he totally reads in earnest now. Full sentences. I will be reading and he will stop me and point with his finger on the page and read. A couple I can remember are "Harry sat down on the couch" and "The train left London." Only a week into being 4 years old, and he reads at such a high level!

Violet, meanwhile, is a bit more of a romantic. She and I have been sharing a love of all things Jane since back in the day when we stayed up all night together - and watched the BBC Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, etc. Viley recently asked me if she could dress up like her idol. How could I refuse? I think the likeness is uncanny.In a society where most female role models have the last name Kardashian or start off strong only to nose dive into Lohan-type disasters, I am placing my hope in books to provide my daughter with the mentors she needs. Who wouldn't want their kid to be as smart, loyal, and brave as Hermione Granger? As witty, strong, and loving as Elizabeth Bennet? As caring, mischievous, and ultimately humbled as Emma Woodhouse? As imaginative, creative, and innocent as Catherine Morland? As wise, mature, and passionate as Anne Elliot? As close, thanks to their differences as much as their likenesses, as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood? (I am omitting Fanny Price, as she is my least favorite Austen heroine, but I do still love me some Mansfield Park).

Long story short, I am so excited to open up the world of literature for my children. I want to see them discover places that exist only in dreams and people who overcome obstacles and fight for what is right in the face of overwhelming opposition. I want Jeremy to slay dragons and unlock secret codes. I want Violet to dance in the moonlight in a spinny dress and then go slay some dragons herself. I want it all. And the world I grew up in, the world of books and limitless imagination, can provide that for them.


Any favorite titles I need to be sure to include on their already-overflowing book shelves? I do love a good book recommendation!