I enjoyed one of their historical fiction (you can read the previous post) and noticed that they had several titles that seemed familiar. I received one book for younger readers from the book series entitled Mary Jane, which involves a little girl named (I'm sure you have guessed this!) "Mary Jane".
Here is my previous review of this title:
Mary Jane -- a little girl at home
There are titles for younger readers as well. One of these was also in my review package. Mary Jane: Her Book by Clara Judson was a delightful story about a little girl and her little girl adventures and misadventures. Young girls will find a good role model in this character as well as being entertained. Her life was simple and yet that simplicity is what we found so endearing.
One reviewer commented that these are likely the same books our grandmothers read! I have to agree with her that I feel a connection to my grandmother when I think of that. The lifestyle in Mary Jane reminds me of days spent with my grandmother. Mary Jane is five years old and she walks to the store with notes to pick up goods alone!! I remember doing that as a little girls (does that date me too much?). As I read this book, I felt drawn back in time to a simpler life and I wanted that life!!! I was encouraged by the interaction between the mother in the story and her little girl. The mother really took her little girl under her wing to work beside her -- home education at its best.
These are the types of books that populated my grandmother's shelves (she was a former teacher) over 40 years ago; I relished the hours I spent sitting on the stairs with her books. I believe your little daughter will enjoy this as a read aloud and your slightly older competent reader will enjoy it.
I'm not sure if I read that particular book when I was a little girl at my grandmother's house, but I remember reading many books like this one. Simple and sweet! Mothers, advanced reading first graders, and even older girls will enjoy this book and find it encouraging. It reminds me somewhat of the Elsie Dinsmore series.
So Here's the exciting news!
Salem Ridge Books is having a pre-Christmas sale and free shipping promotion. The SALE ends TODAY, Friday the 6th, but free shipping lasts all month long. If you buy three books, you get a fourth book free so long as you order by midnight Friday!
Salem Ridge offers downloads of first chapters for many of their books so you can test and see if they meet your needs.
Going along with the sale, I'm giving away my copy of the Mary Jane book. It is in perfect condition, still suitable for gift giving - or stocking stuffing.
In order to be entered into the drawing for this book you must leave a comment and be sure that you include your email address so I can send you the annoucement if you win.
To make this fun for everyone - in your comment, list the title of your favorite book when you were in early elementary school! I'll select a name radomly at the end of next week.
I'll start off: One of my favorite books as an early reader was Little Black a Pony by Walter Farley.
Walter Farley is the well-known author of the Black Stallion series which is written for upper elementary and junior high level children. I certainly enjoyed reading those books later. However, Little Black was the first real independent reading book I ever owned or read independantly.
One day, when I was in first grade, the mailman delivered a flat box to our door addressed to me from the Beginner Books Book Club; in it was a copy of Dr. Suess's Cat in the Hat and Little Black a Pony. I can still remember the smell and the feel of that new book. I sat right down and read it - to the surprise of my parents who thought it might be too hard for me. And I reread it and then reread it again. I delighted in the color pictures. I imagined myself riding my pony to town and being so independant and adventuresome (yes -- I had a pony, but had to stay in the pasture). I sympathized with Little Black when he was replaced by a larger horse and (spoiler alert!) cheered for him when this spunky little pony saved the day!
(I didn't enjoy Cat in the Hat nearly so much -- I guess I'm more of a realist than a fantasy reader. I did read Dr. Suess books to my children though for the rhyming language but that is another post!)
Several years ago a found a copy of my long lost favorite title in the book store and it now resides on my book shelf next to several other old friends.
Now -- what is your favorite book from childhood? We all want to know!





