The book “Roxaboxen” by Alice mclerran fits this theme perfectly- we read it last summer and my kids, 5 & 8 at the time, really enjoyed the ideas of kids creating their own town and adventures.
We’ve been reading the Brownstone Mythical collection books and I love the independent kids, and GORGEOUS illustrations.
My son and his “team” have a very complicated game they play in the hedges at school. Think it’s some sort of ninja / how to train your dragon mashup, and when we go to the playpark, we just occasionally hear them crash by.
I’ve been thinking about how to allow him a bit more independence. He’ll go into the library while I lock up our bikes or use the loo, and cut through the woods on his bike (a 2 minute route) while I circle round on the road. He’s nearly 6 and is desperate to do a bit more by himself.
I don’t know this series and will look it up immediately! Thank you! And I agree with you on trying to give these kids more independence-even the “little” things you mention will go a long way in building that autonomy. I’m trying to look for those opportunities too!!
Yes! You had me at the introductory paragraph as (1) I ask this same question and (2) I am familiar with "natural disaster" games as my children often play them, too. I hadn't at all thought about this these from the perspective of a child -- when I'm reading children's lit and the parents are dead or absent, I often think "Where are the parents?" in an admittedly judgmental (absent) or sympathetic (dead) way.
You are so right, though, that this lets the protagonist be in charge and really shine. Do you think the Just Harriett books are an example of this? I also enjoyed The Last Mapmaker which fits as well... and what about the Penderwicks? They have a lovely father, but no mother and lots of time when they are left to their own devices.
The book “Roxaboxen” by Alice mclerran fits this theme perfectly- we read it last summer and my kids, 5 & 8 at the time, really enjoyed the ideas of kids creating their own town and adventures.
Oh gosh I haven’t thought about that special book in ages--you’re right!
We’ve been reading the Brownstone Mythical collection books and I love the independent kids, and GORGEOUS illustrations.
My son and his “team” have a very complicated game they play in the hedges at school. Think it’s some sort of ninja / how to train your dragon mashup, and when we go to the playpark, we just occasionally hear them crash by.
I’ve been thinking about how to allow him a bit more independence. He’ll go into the library while I lock up our bikes or use the loo, and cut through the woods on his bike (a 2 minute route) while I circle round on the road. He’s nearly 6 and is desperate to do a bit more by himself.
I don’t know this series and will look it up immediately! Thank you! And I agree with you on trying to give these kids more independence-even the “little” things you mention will go a long way in building that autonomy. I’m trying to look for those opportunities too!!
The illustrations are gorgeous! Truly spectacular, and it shows different mythological traditions around the world. Definitely recommend it.
Oh my gosh, I’m so excited-thank you!!
Omg Katie, this is so good! I love this theme and would have never thought of it myself. Awesome job!
Thanks Sarah! Tons of examples out there-it was hard to choose!
Yes! You had me at the introductory paragraph as (1) I ask this same question and (2) I am familiar with "natural disaster" games as my children often play them, too. I hadn't at all thought about this these from the perspective of a child -- when I'm reading children's lit and the parents are dead or absent, I often think "Where are the parents?" in an admittedly judgmental (absent) or sympathetic (dead) way.
You are so right, though, that this lets the protagonist be in charge and really shine. Do you think the Just Harriett books are an example of this? I also enjoyed The Last Mapmaker which fits as well... and what about the Penderwicks? They have a lovely father, but no mother and lots of time when they are left to their own devices.
Great post... you really have me thinking!
Jessie and Evan sound familiar... Does this mean I have to move to another country?? :) Love what you're doing!!
No, although I like that the mom doesn’t get nearly as involved as I’m guilty of doing...😂