Where have you been Pippi?

These are the two read aloud books we are going through at the moment. The Bible Stories one by Berlie Doherty we have only just started so I can’t really comment on it other than to say that the way she narrated the Noah’s Ark story while dangling off my heart strings has made me all teary eyed over a mummy elephant for days now, not sure whether this is a good thing or not. But Pippi I grew up with and Pippi I am sooooo happy to be reading again especially to my flame haired 8year old.

This edition by Lauren Child, Lani’s long time favourite author, is so decadent. I can’t stop running my hands over the gorgeous dust cover that Lani loves because “The book is all wrapped around with the picture”.

Lauren Child’s signature style of mischievously childish illustrations leap about on the page carrying the reader through the story with unequalled enthusiasm.

But what are we getting out of Pippi,other than simply an enjoyable read, where is Pippi taking us?

Answer, everywhere. Pippi’s mother is an Angel in heaven and her father is now King of the natives (used to be cannibals when I was a kid) after being shipwrecked. But before that he sailed the seven seas and took Pippi along for what must have been the most adventurous home schooling experience of all time. So throughout the book Pippi is forever bringing up slightly untruthful facts about the countries in the world. For example:

“By the way, in Brazil everyone walks around with egg in their hair.”

So we have started taking note of all the countries that we come across. The kids started it when I read Guatemala they were all “what’s a Gwabatalla?” and after a few giggles I explained. then when we hit Borneo they were all “ Hey I know this, that’s another country isn’t it?” So I asked them if we should write down the places Pippi has been as we found them and they were so uber-keen.  I’m not even aloud to do the writing, this is their project.

Then I remembered the giant world poster Dad brought around a few weeks ago thinking it might be useful in and educational type way. Hey Dad you were right. Now when we add a name to the list we also find it on the map and stick a star on it. They were thrilled when they found Borneo and started dancing around singing Pippi’s been near Australia I think maybe they’re not getting the scale of the world just yet.

Pippi also teaches us that girls are not to be pushed around because some of them might just be able to pick you up and sling you into a tree. Also that childhoods should be enjoyed, learning happens all the time and everywhere and there is no such word as bored when the world you live in has so much to offer.