When I was young, I loved the day our book orders arrived at school. In the 1960s, Dr. Seuss books were a hit.
But in the second grade, I remember "Charlotte's Web" leaving a strong impression on me. I've bought a copy for my daughter.
My daughter Natalie, now 13, loved picture books.
One of her favorites and mine, "Tumble Bumble" by Felicia Bond.
The rhyming picture book is fun, teaches numbers, and takes you on an adventure. Not to mention it has darling illustrations!
-- Laura Becker, 51, of White Lake Township, who volunteered Thursday for Gift of Reading with her daughter Natalie. Becker authored a children's picture book titled, "The Wonder of a Summer Day."
There is nothing like a great girl adventure story. Nancy Drew is the queen of the genre, of course, but there was also Cherry Ames and the Dana Girls, all of whom were smart, independent amateur detectives, solving crimes and (sometimes recklessly) heading straight into the face of danger to get the answers they sought.
Nancy was the best. She was smart, wealthy, pretty and drove a roadster with great skill and speed. Only 16 years old (18 in later books), Nancy was already a high school graduate, could shoot, pilot a plane, cook, swim like a champion, drive that roadster like it was Le Mans and speak French fluently.
Nancy had virtually no parental supervision (that was certainly appealing!) and found herself in many threatening situations, from which she saved herself, emerging unscathed to sleuth again. Nancy was also nice, witty and had a charming boyfriend, the handsome Ned Nickerson. The books were written for kids, but were never condescending or juvenile. Nancy was a great role model: determined, resourceful, smart and fearless.
Reading Nancy Drew was one of my childhood passions. I still aspire to be just like Nancy, independent, fearless and capable, as well as compassionate and determined. Did I mention well-dressed? Nancy had everything except a job.
I hope someday to be called plucky, just like Nancy.
-- Mary Liz Curtin, co-owner of Leon & Lulu in downtown Clawson
Read more: Readers recall favorite books from childhood | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20101205/NEWS05/12050560/Readers-recall-favorite-books-from-childhood#ixzz17XRQQQRF
