Daisy and I have been enjoying Beverly Cleary's Socks this week. So much. She has hunted up her stuffed tabby toy and reads the funny parts over to herself, rolling around the floor howling with laughter.
I loved this book when I was little, although Socks' misadventures seemed downright sorrowful at the time--they weigh less heavily on me now. Now I am struck by the tenderness with which the author treats the young parents who own Socks. Their poverty, their tiredness, and their consistent kindness, good spirits, and delight in their baby are rendered with such respect. A joy to read.
I love Beverly Cleary -- I think even today, her portrayal of families is both realistic and sympathetic.
ReplyDeleteyou've piqued my interest - I don't recall reading this Cleary book. I'll check it out (same as you did, I notice).
ReplyDeleteI'm reading _On the Banks of Plum Creek_ to my 5 year old. She is totally absorbed.
We'll have to get that one as well; our oldest is enjoying all of Mrs. Cleary's books right now. He's also very fond of the Moffatt family series and the original Paddingtons. He's our oldest of 5 and I enjoy seeing him with his books. Mary Brooke in Atlanta
ReplyDeleteGood to know. I'm always glad to find a good read-a-loud. I never read any Beverly Cleary as a child, so it will be new to me too!
ReplyDeleteI am going to look for this one too. It sounds like something we need to read.
ReplyDeleteI read this to my big boys when I was pregnant with our 3rd child. We lost several pages in the process, but I think it's time to re-read it.
ReplyDeleteWe love all of Beverly Cleary's books. Time to read Socks again.
ReplyDeleteAnna, if you haven't read it, I highly recommend Beverly Cleary's memoir, "A Girl from Yamhill." I still have all my childhood copies of my Cleary books, and can't wait to share them with my children when they're old enough.
ReplyDelete"Socks" was the first book that ever made me cry. I was about Daisy's age, and couldn't STAND to read about a cat who was put out of the house! I vividly recall putting the book down and sobbing.
ReplyDeleteGlad your little girl is less sensitive -- and your adult comments make me want to read it again, hoping for a better second time!
It is one of my favorite chapter books. ;)
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Socks. I read many a Beaverly Cleary book... mostly those of Ramona and her bravery.
ReplyDeleteNow I'll have to find this.
We just love Beverly Cleary's books around here! My daughter just finished all the Ramona books. My kids like to listen to her books on tape too while they play or draw and I love to hear all the giggles coming from their rooms :)
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