“We want to read this book!” I stood in my dining room, now alit with bright sunlight streaming in through the sliding glass door. Taking the book gently from my oldest daughter’s hands, I read the title: Bed-knob & Broomstick, by Mary Norton.
I felt my eyebrows raise, just a bit. “This is the book you want to read aloud?” I asked, placing great emphasis on the first word. I had tasked my two oldest daughters to run upstairs and, among the hundreds of books we own, to choose a book Papa would read aloud to them while schools remain closed. I expected the girls to select something . . . well, more modern, perhaps? But I suppose this made sense since our previous read aloud (last summer) had been The Phantom Tollbooth, another older title.
Looking up from the cover, I saw two two hopeful faces. I could tell there would be no changing their minds. I flipped quickly to the copyright date, and a new worry suddenly arose. 1957. Hmm, yikes. Now, I had heard of this book but had never read it. What if it didn’t pass muster in regards to cultural sensitivity? What about representation? Or diversity of characters? Now I could feel my eyebrows furrowing. Back up to their faces. “You’re sure?”
“Yes!”
Well, I thought. These are my children. I’ll navigate this with them. Try to address whatever comes up. The book is a bit of a ‘classic’, isn’t it?
“Okay, girls,” I said. “You want to start right now?” They did.
LANNY BALL, Literacy Specialist 
I recall the movie with Angela Lansbury, but not the book. I have been in this position before too, no time to preview the book, so we will navigate it together. Good luck with your reading adventure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never read this book. Still, I think that there is value in reading so-called classics together. It gives us the opportunity to share our thinking as we read (or after a reading session). The girls seem excited about it as you describe their faces. They and you will enjoy the experience no matter what.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! You never know what kids are going to choose! Although I’ve heard of it, I don’t have any clue what that book is even about! Hope it’s something you and your daughters enjoy!
LikeLike
I know the movie, not the book…but I believe in the value of revisiting classic stories, if only for the opportunity to discuss how things are different these days. I’m a sucker for any book that has a bit of magic in it, so I would dive right in!
LikeLike
I love your emphasis on your questions to ensure they really wanted to read it. I’m curious how it went and what book they will choose tonight!
LikeLike
Saw the movie as a child… must have read it then. Can’t wait to hear their review.
LikeLiked by 1 person