We like to talk about books at home. Even if we do not
actively discourage watching TV, it is our firm belief that a book tells you a
lot more than any movie or TV series can. It is all about how you read, actively
engaging your imagination and allowing your imagination to be engaged, in ways that
are far more rewarding than the passive intake TV usually means.
The other night, the boys were discussing the Lockie Leonard TV series. They were both
quite surprised when they were told that Lockie
Leonard is actually based on a series of books by an Australian author, Tim
Winton (who happens to be one of my favourite Australian novelists, by the
way). They both think the Lockie Leonard
TV series is quite cool; I explained to them that while the TV episodes are
very funny, the books are even more.
That brought to my mind another book by Tim Winton, Blueback. Blueback is a story about a young boy, who meets a giant blue
groper while diving near his home on the western coast of Australia. The boy
will grow up developing a sense of affection and protection for the fish, and
in adulthood he becomes a marine biologist.
I mentioned Clea had once begun reading the book, which she
stopped reading because it was way too hard for her level. I also said how sad
it is that she was unable to finish it. So sad, so very unfair. Her brothers’
response was one that makes me very proud of them. They are not afraid to
express their emotions. They are learning to be real, genuine, and that makes
me feel good, despite being sad.
I will one day reread Blueback.
And I will be thinking of my daughter, I will be wishing she could read it herself.
At 10 years of age, it would certainly be at her reading level now.
