Give Them Real Books
Ashley went with her mother to see a Van Gogh exhibit at the local art museum. On the way out of the museum, they stopped at the gift shop, and Ashley found a display full of books about Van Gogh.
She opened the first one and read: “Vincent van Gogh was a Western painter who lived at the end of the 19th century. His work as an artist continues to inspire today because it is fresh and unique. The paintings van Gogh created are full of movement and life, although the subjects are often simple. This is because the artist tried to paint the energy behind what he was seeing.”
Unimpressed, Ashley’s eyes scanned the rest of the book covers as she set the first one back in its place. One book caught her attention; it was called “The Yellow House.” She opened it and read: “One day in the spring of 1888 Vincent van Gogh put on his straw hat, gathered his art supplies, and went out to paint. Peach trees, irises, and buttercups bloomed in the orchards and meadows. But Vincent’s favorite was the sunflowers.”
Intrigued, Ashley turned the page. “At the end of the day, when Vincent finished painting, he returned to his Yellow House. . .” On and on Ashley read. When her mother was ready to leave, she found Ashley completely absorbed.
Ashley had discovered a real book.
I’m sure you noticed a difference between the two books Ashley found. And you noticed that difference by reading just four sentences from each book. But sometimes it’s hard to describe that difference. Just what makes a real book a real book?
Real books (also called living books because they make the information come alive) are usually written by one author who has a passion for the subject, as opposed to a committee of scholars who are simply transmitting facts. Real books are usually written in narrative (story-line or conversational) style, as opposed to static factual sentences or lists like those you find in encyclopedia articles and most textbooks. Real books pull you into the story and involve your emotions and imagination, which makes a deeper impression on your mind and helps you remember the information better.
I find it interesting how much of the Bible is written in narrative style. God knows that our minds are drawn to stories and conversations. He created us that way. In fact, if you think back to a book or two that you remember most vividly from your childhood, chances are it was a real, or living, book, not a textbook.
It is the textbooks that make learning seem dull and uninteresting. Real books feed a child’s natural curiosity and thirst for learning.
So, in the words of Charlotte Mason, “Let their books be living books, the best that can be found in liberal supply and variety.”
(Note: For more on Charlotte Mason and her method of education, read Catherine Levison’s wonderful little book A Charlotte Mason Education.
Q & A
Q: Where can I find real books?
A: You can find real, or living, books just about anywhere once you know what to look for. Two distributors that I have come to trust are Lifetime Books and Gifts and Greenleaf Press. Also, our sister site, Simply Charlotte Mason has more than 1,500 living books in a searchable database called the CM Bookfinder. And don’t forget about your local library. You can probably find many real books there if you go armed with a good book list.
Q: Can I assume that all real books are good for my child?
A: Good question. No, don’t assume all real books are good books. If anything, you must be more alert because real books teach so well! Your child will learn a lot from real books, so watch what they are teaching. We have found some real books that present sibling rivalry as the norm instead of the Biblical principle of loving family members. Some real books are just too intense emotionally for some children. Some teach the child subtle disobedience, deception, or disrespect toward parents. For example, our family has chosen not to read the Frances books, Berenstain Bears, or Little Critter books. Yes, they are real books, but the actions and attitudes in those books are not what I want my children to emulate.
Those cautions include the books listed in the “good” book lists recommended below. The lists are a great starting point, but don’t follow them mindlessly.
You know your child best. When selecting real books, use discretion, preview vigilantly, err on the side of caution, and ask God to help you find the best ones for each season of your child’s life.
