MommyInTraining Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I was looking at these for my dd. We don't do talking animals and prefer to keep away from disrespectful/disobedient children. Would any of these have material like that in them? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I can't think of anything that would be offensive in the books you mentioned. You should be fine with these choices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 We love these. I don't "do" disrespectful kids, either! One caution--Spoiler warning-- In the first Betsy-Tacy, Tacy's baby sister dies. The death is handled from the perspective of Betsy, who sees her friend very sad. There are no details, there is no death scene, and it is one of the most moving and lovely passages in children's literature, imo. Betsy and Tacy have a discussion about heaven, and about how the baby now knows more than they do. Oh, and in a later Betsy-Tacy book, after they are teens, (the fourth one, maybe?) there is mention of a Ouija board. It's just seen as a game, as was common to the times, but it was enough that we didn't choose to read the book. Based on what you've said, I'm supposing you wouldn't choose to, either. Please don't let that stop you from the first 3 books--esp the first one. They are truly lovely books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 We've read all these books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Right now my 11 yr old dd is reading Betsy and Tacy to her younger sisters. I don't remember disrespectful children. However, disrespectful children wouldn't be the end of a book for me but rather how the adult characters in the book handle that disrespect and the final outcome. I would think these books would be fine for your children. Janet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekarl2 Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Oh, I LOVED the Betsy-Tacy books when I was a kid. I've got them up in the nursery now to use a few years from now. They're WONDERFUL books! The girls get into mischief, but the do try to do the right thing and learn their lessons, you know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 [quote name=Ishki;822417 However' date=' disrespectful children wouldn't be the end of a book for me but rather how the adult characters in the book handle that disrespect and the final outcome. I would think these books would be fine for your children. Janet Yep, it's not the sin, it's how the sin is handled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 No Charlotte's Web? No Narnia? No Cricket in Times Square? No Lord of the Rings? (Talking trees) No Wizard of Oz? No Hobbit? No Balaam and his donkey? Wow! Can I ask why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelli in TN Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 No Balaam and his donkey? :001_huh: How can one skip over Balaam and his donkey? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamagistra Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 We don't do talking animals... :001_huh: I am honestly curious about this. Do you mean this strictly from the standpoint of fictional materials (writing, puppetry, video, etc.)? This is a stretch, but does such a belief extend to petkeeping (i.e. parrots, starlings, and mynahs) and the study of zoological behavior (researching perceived intelligence by teaching apes sign language, for example)? I am wholly unfamiliar with such a view, so thank you for any reply. :001_smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gretchen in NJ Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 My girls loved Charlotte's Web, Narnia, and Wizard of Oz. I can't think of why these books wouldn't to good to read. Swan Lake? Doctor Dolittle? The Trumpet of the Swan? Stuart Little? The Wind in the Willows? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekarl2 Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 (edited) Not to mention reading Animal Farm before you're out of high school. It's one of the best illustrations of the ills of socialism/communism ... talking pigs and all! The Narnia books were written by a Christian as a Christian allegory. Oh! And the book of Genesis ... that rascally snake! Edited March 5, 2009 by ekarl2 I added something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natalieclare Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Are you familiar with the Milly-Molly-Mandy books? I think you would really enjoy those. Also, I think the Pathway readers would meet your criteria. My kids and I enjoyed the first few Betsy-Tacy books, but the later books don't have the same simple charm, imo. You could try Carolyn Haywood's B is for Betsy books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I am so glad more people are reading Betsy-Tacy again. I absolutely loved these books when I was a girl; my two best friends and I always played we were Betsy, Tacy, and Tib. They are lovely books with lovely, simple illustrations. I highly recommend them, as well as the others you suggested. I am curious why you won't read books that include talking animals. With such a standard, you'll miss sharing a wealth of wonderful picture books (Make Way for Ducklings, for example) and literature (Charlotte's Web) with your children. Just a thought.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Are you familiar with the Milly-Molly-Mandy books? I think you would really enjoy those. Yes, Milly Molly Mandy is another that's been lost over the years. My kids and I enjoyed the first few Betsy-Tacy books, but the later books don't have the same simple charm, imo. The first few are the best, I agree. You could try Carolyn Haywood's B is for Betsy books. Her books are pleasant, simple tales for young ones, too. Good suggestions!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gretchen in NJ Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I am so glad more people are reading Betsy-Tacy again. I absolutely loved these books when I was a girl; my two best friends and I always played we were Betsy, Tacy, and Tib. They are lovely books with lovely, simple illustrations. I highly recommend them, as well as the others you suggested. I am curious why you won't read books that include talking animals. With such a standard, you'll miss sharing a wealth of wonderful picture books (Make Way for Ducklings, for example) and literature (Charlotte's Web) with your children. Just a thought.:) You reminded me of Peter Rabbit. The art as well as the writing was wonderful in these books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Katia Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Carolyn Haywood books are wonderful, but all of them, not just the Betsy books (although we love them as well). Her "Eddie" books are great, but she has some that are not series books, like "Robert Rows the River" that are simply not to be missed. And the All of a Kind Family series by Sydney Taylor is terrific! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 And the All of a Kind Family series by Sydney Taylor is terrific! Oh, these too! They're among my favorites from childhood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I am so glad more people are reading Betsy-Tacy again. I absolutely loved these books when I was a girl; my two best friends and I always played we were Betsy, Tacy, and Tib. They are lovely books with lovely, simple illustrations. I highly recommend them, as well as the others you suggested. I used to play Betsy-Tacy too. I was always torn as I wanted to be Betsy but had red hair so felt like I had to be Tacy. :) My Mom only knew about the first two in the series so that's all I read. Over and over again. Then when I got to college I knew that I was going to become good friends with the girl who would eventually become my roommate when Betsy-Tacy came up in conversation. And she revealed to me that there were more books! I got them and read them all in college. And still read them sometimes when I need some comfort food. After college I lived with my roommate for 3 more years and she once comforted me when it seemed like a guy I was friends with but wanted to date would never see that but reminding me that Betsy and Joe end up together. And so did Anne and Gilbert. :) (And I married the guy.) And the All-of-A-Kind-Family books are terrific too. Love those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MommyInTraining Posted March 7, 2009 Author Share Posted March 7, 2009 Thank you all for your replies! It's so nice to be able to get that instant feedback :001_smile:. As for those of you who were curious as to why we don't do talking animals (I am referring to fictional animals here, not parrots or chimps doing sign language :)); the short answer is...it's not true, in the sense that animals are not humans. I would be happy to expound upon this and the reasons for why we follow those guidelines if anyone is interested in hearing more. Please PM me. Thanks! :seeya:Hi Natalie! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Hmmm...that's what I figured. That reminds me of a character in a book, I can't remember which book...jeepers, that's gonna bug me. Anyway, there was a character in a book who didn't allow anything from nature to be out of its normal place. For instance, no flowered carpet or curtains because flowers don't grow on the floor or on curtains, something like that. Is that kind of what you're talking about, MIT? :001_smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gretchen in NJ Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Thank you all for your replies! It's so nice to be able to get that instant feedback :001_smile:. As for those of you who were curious as to why we don't do talking animals (I am referring to fictional animals here, not parrots or chimps doing sign language :)); the short answer is...it's not true, in the sense that animals are not humans. I would be happy to expound upon this and the reasons for why we follow those guidelines if anyone is interested in hearing more. Please PM me. Thanks! :seeya:Hi Natalie! Interesting. I think I get it. One of the many reasons that I like to come here. You are always learning something new. Please feel free to share more.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 My 7yo read and enjoyed the first few Betsy Tacy books. I remember there being some mischief and perhaps some disobedience. I loved the books though and read them myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamagistra Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 Hmmm...that's what I figured. That reminds me of a character in a book, I can't remember which book...jeepers, that's gonna bug me. Anyway, there was a character in a book who didn't allow anything from nature to be out of its normal place. For instance, no flowered carpet or curtains because flowers don't grow on the floor or on curtains, something like that. Is that kind of what you're talking about, MIT? :001_smile: How strange. I would love to know the title if you remember it. Thanks! :001_smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamagistra Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 As for those of you who were curious as to why we don't do talking animals (I am referring to fictional animals here, not parrots or chimps doing sign language :)); the short answer is...it's not true, in the sense that animals are not humans. But you do read fiction in general? :confused: I'm sorry; I don't really understand, but I do appreciate your reply. :001_smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motherofjoy Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 Doesn't the serpent talk to Eve? One presumes it doesn't use sign language. I guess that leaves the Bible out too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MommyInTraining Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 But you do read fiction in general? :confused: I'm sorry; I don't really understand, but I do appreciate your reply. :001_smile: In response to this and Anj's inquiry...yes, we are fine with fiction and pictures of flowers, etc. Now, flowers with happy faces that talk are another thing ;). What is true? What is a fantasy? I hope that helps to clear it up. If you would like to discuss it more, please PM me because there are going to be people who do not get where I am coming from and I am not looking for a debate, but would be happy to discuss it with someone who is genuinely interested. As far as Motherofjoy's comment, as I see she has been banned, of course the Word of God is not off limits and we view the case of the serpent and Balaam and his donkey in a different light than what we are talking about here in regards to fantasy. We are fully aware of the instances in the Bible and I would be willing to discuss that in PM also :001_smile:. Also, for those who would like to learn more you can visit here: http://www.keepersofthefaith.com/Articles/Howdowepick.asp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oceandaughter Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Thanks for the link. I was pretty curious myself. A warning about Sarah, Plain and Tall: the original mother of the children dies in childbirth. It's only mentioned and no death scene or whatever. I was pregnant the last time I read it and was a little worried about my son reading it. Jo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reya Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 In response to this and Anj's inquiry...yes, we are fine with fiction and pictures of flowers, etc. Now, flowers with happy faces that talk are another thing ;). What is true? What is a fantasy? I hope that helps to clear it up. If you would like to discuss it more, please PM me because there are going to be people who do not get where I am coming from and I am not looking for a debate, but would be happy to discuss it with someone who is genuinely interested. As far as Motherofjoy's comment, as I see she has been banned, of course the Word of God is not off limits and we view the case of the serpent and Balaam and his donkey in a different light than what we are talking about here in regards to fantasy. We are fully aware of the instances in the Bible and I would be willing to discuss that in PM also :001_smile:. Also, for those who would like to learn more you can visit here: http://www.keepersofthefaith.com/Articles/Howdowepick.asp If you mean that with all seriousness, I can think of no chapter book of any quality that I have ever read that would not be objectionable to you, including Sarah and Betsy-Tacy. I think the extremely short list of books they carry might be a bit suggestive of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 What is true? What is a fantasy? I hope that helps to clear it up. It honestly doesn't clear it up, for me, because these restrictions result in omitting some of the best children's literature ever written. For that matter, if one sincerely wants to read only that which is absolutely True, capital "T", all manner of other good books must remain on the shelf, as well. I've read of this approach before and have yet to understand in what manner it genuinely benefits a child. If you would like to discuss it more, please PM me I did PM you a couple of days ago but I've not heard back from you.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristyB in TN Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 I went to the link out of curiosity. What religion is this? Christy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekarl2 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 It honestly doesn't clear it up, for me, because these restrictions result in omitting some of the best children's literature ever written. For that matter, if one sincerely wants to read only that which is absolutely True, capital "T", all manner of other good books must remain on the shelf, as well. I've read of this approach before and have yet to understand in what manner it genuinely benefits a child. I have to agree with Colleen. If you see the Bible as literal, then animal can talk (on occasion). Though, if you see, for instance, the story of the Garden of Eden as a story, then the writer obviously used the convention of a talking animal to make a point. (And a VERY important point, at that!) Either God used the talking snake to get his point across (literal) or the writer of the story did, either way, it's a very useful literary tool. It seems unfair to limit that type of literary convention to just the Bible. I can maybe understand limiting the exposure of these types of things to young children (although, as previous posters stated, that means there is a lot of wonderful children's literature that is skipped). But to limit that for older kids would really put that child at a disadvantage. That's why I mentioned Animal Farm. The book is FULL of talking animals, but it is a fantastic book for teaching the ills of socialism, atheism, Communism, etc. MinT, I hope you don't feel that I'm attacking you. You are, of course, welcome to make whatever decisions you want about what you want your dc to read. Who am I to say differently? I think this is an important general discussion, though, so I hope you don't mind my POV. I supposed your thread got a little hijacked; I'm sorry for that. Enjoy the Betsy-Tacy books, they're really wonderful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jami Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 One thing that confuses me about the limitations in the link posted is what do you do with poetic language in the Bible? "The trees of the field will clap their hands." Or language that help us understand a God who is spirit--i.e. the face of God, God stretched out his hand, etc. God is spirit, he doesn't have a literal face or literal hands. The trees don't have hands and can't clap. But God's word uses this fantastical language to help us understand something deeper. I respect you, MinT for guiding your children's literature choices and believe you have the authority to do that, but honestly, the guidelines you're following make me sad. There is such rich literature that they will miss out on, stories that may help them understand God and the gospel more deeply than watered down "safe" Christian books. Narnia for example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluecalmsea Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 I suggest everyone leave the OP alone. What books she chooses for her children is between her and God. And for those who keep mentioning the snake in the garden....SATAN made it talk not God. I can totally see why MommyInTraining did not want to discuss this except through PMs. She is accountable to God for what she chooses, not YOU (collective you). bluecalmsea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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