The other night I was racking my brain to find a story that would help Lydia (and me) with these behavior problems. Out of all the books on our bookshelves we had to have one that was about disobedience–being respectful–honoring your parents or something! There was nothing at first glance. Then I suddenly remembered a story from when I was a kid–about a little girl in prairie times. She wanted to wear a hoop skirt but her mom wouldn’t let her. So, she lied and came up with a way to walk to church alone, wearing a hoop skirt. Little did she know that hoop skirts are very difficult to sit down with if you’ve never done it. (Think about it…) Needless to say, she learned that pride comes before a fall!
So, the book? It’s called In Grandmas Attic by Arleta Richardson. It’s full of short stories (2-3 pages) about Mabel, a little girl growing up in the time of log cabins, water pumps, horse drawn buggies and hoop skirts. The stories are told from the perspective of Mabel’s granddaughter who finds buttons, quilt squares and other items that jog her grandmother’s memory. I dug mine out of our bookshelf (next to my Mandie books and Betsy-Tacy books) and we started reading one chapter before naps and bedtime.
Lydia loves every single story. Sometimes it’s a silly tale like when Mable gets her tongue stuck on the frosty metal water pump. Or serious like when Mabel hides the dirty dishes so she can go outside to play. But in every story, Mabel learns a lesson—usually in obedience, pride or self-control.
I love reading them because not only are they true stories with a great historical lesson, they are beautiful teachable moments and springboards for conversations. It makes me very disappointed that not more of the kids’ books from the Christian publishers are about real life problems and heart issues. It seems like most of the books in the Christian bookstores are just watered down Bible stories (with one exception, of course). And if there is a moral tale it’s more like a Saturday morning cartoon–loving your neighbor and saying kind words. This is exactly why I love our blog! I think many parents don’t know (or believe) they can actually STEER their child’s heart toward God. I don’t think most people realize they have the ability (and mandate) to help their kids OBEY God’s Word.
{gingerly stepping off soapbox}
So, I was so pleased to pick this book up again, dust it off and share it with Lydia. She’s been able to see a real life girl (because these are all true stories) learn to obey her parents, think of her brothers first and follow God’s Word in everything. I highly recommend this book (or any in this series) your child will love them! And so will you!
Ashley says
I LOVED the Grandma’s Attic books (and Mandy, too) when I was a little girl! 🙂 What a great bedtime routine! 🙂
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..I’m grateful for… =-.
Kat @ Inspiredtoaction.com says
I think my girls would love those books. I’ll have to head over to Amazon.
Right now they are VERY into the Little House on The Prarie series. We have the books on CD (the version read by Cherry Jones) and they are almost constantly playing in our house. Jimmy and I enjoy them as much as the kids do.
I love how respectful and responsible the Ingalls girls are.
Maggie says
I love these books, and feel very confortable reading them to myt children. It’s very hard for me to read some of them without laughing myself even though I’ve read them numerous times. Unfortunately, I don’t feel comfortable reading the little house books to my kids. I have to do far too much editing. I’m sure I’ll let me read them at some point, but not right now. Grandma’s Attic are my favorite childhood series.
Leigh says
I will have to check these out! These are ones I missed as a child, somehow…
Tracey says
I enjoyed this series when I was a child and am thrilled to see my daughters now reading them as well!
.-= Tracey´s last blog ..Happy Memories to Relive =-.
Tricia says
Wow, I haven’t thought about Mandy books in a looong time. I loved those books growing up. Can’t wait to share them with my girls
.-= Tricia´s last blog ..Feb. 9, 2009 =-.
Sheila says
Sound slike a great series – I wish there were more for young boys. My boys won’t read (or have read to them) books with a girl as the main character. 🙁