Comments on: Childhood books

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 14:59:09 +0000

In reply to Leah. I loved the Russell Tandy (I hope that's right) drawings too, Leah. She looked like an Ava Gardner or someone from that era. :) I like to watch the Anne of Green Gables movie at least once every year. What a yearning it produces! xoxo

By: Leah

Leah — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 13:20:24 +0000

Oh, I did not like the modernized versions of Nancy Drew very much either. I loved it when Nancy wore 1930’s length skirts and pumps. I studied the drawings in those books endlessly and drew my own scenes.

And, although I appreciate Anne of Green Gables now, I was turned off in my youth by the copies we had in our local library. They were “modernized” with a picture of a sour-looking Sissy Spacek type Anne on the cover. Straight out of the movie “Carrie”. Just yuck.

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 17:49:20 +0000

In reply to Debbie. Hello Debbie! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I did the same as you -- planned what books I'd have before my grandchildren were born. It's like a wonderful dream reading the books to them that meant so much to me. God bless you and happy reading Debbie! xo

By: Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 04:59:40 +0000

Just googled mrs piggle wiggle hoping to find her books somewhere to save for my “someday” grandchildren and came across your blog. How delightful! We liked the same books. I still have nancy drew number one secret in the old clock that was my favorite. I also like the Harriet the Spy series. Thank you for the memories.

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:26:03 +0000

In reply to janet bishop- magina.

Thank you for your comment, Janet – welcome! I loved The Pink Motel as a child and have read it to my grandchildren. I don’t remember a drawbridge, however! The family does go to Florida because they inherit a pink motel from their Uncle Hiram. The two children, Kirby and Bitsy, meet several interesting people who come yearly to stay at the motel, and they solve a mystery in the process. If this isn’t the book you’re looking for (still can’t place the drawbridge), I’d recommend it anyway! And yes, grandchildren are one of life’s greatest joys. Blessings!

By: janet bishop- magina

janet bishop- magina — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:52:23 +0000

Julie,

i just came across your blog while googling “Pink Motel”. For years I have tried to remember more about a book that my 4th grade teacher read to us. It was about a family traveling to Florida and all I really remember is that there were pink cinder block motels ( I was horrified of the idea of motels being made of foundation material and painted pink…so gauche) and the family got in a “precarious situation” on a drawbridge. Since you have the book maybe you can confirm that I am on the right track. I also adored the old Nancys and Trixie Belden..almost any mystery. I can’t wait to have grandchildren so that I can read to them. Reading is one of the great joys of my life.

By: Pat

Pat — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:33:16 +0000

I loved Trixie Belden books so much I practically knew them by heart. I wanted to BE Trixie Belden. I also loved a lot of the books that came from the Scholastic weekly reader that we could order from at school. A few that come to mind are “A Horse of Her Own”, “Mystery on Shadow Pond” and “Mystery on Nine Mile Marsh”.

By: Deb

Deb — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:43:01 +0000

I loved to read as a child, still do, but sadly have no memory of ever having been read to. I remember a day when I rode my bicycle to the library (it was about 1 mile from home), checked out my limit of books (5), hurried home to read them and then pedaled back to get more. The librarian wouldn’t let me check out any more books as I had already checked out my limit for that day. 🙁 I was one sad (and mad) little girl!
The books I dearly loved were “Black Beauty”, “Anne of Green Gables”, “Heidi” and everything Nancy Drew!

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:41:04 +0000

Well, since you read many of those stories to your children, some of the ones you mentioned above are my favorites as well. I read every single Beverly Cleary book, and I have vivid memories of reading “Dear Mr. Henshaw” aloud to Grandma Sooter. Other than that, I loved, loved, loved- “Among the Dolls” by William Sleator and “Behind the Attic Walls” by Sylvia Cassidy, both of which are kind of chilling for youth fiction.