Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

Not all children’s books age well, as I’m sure you know; Robert McCloskey’s Centerburg Tales, however, is an excellent example of one that’s managed it. When I discovered that it was a companion to (continuation of?) Homer Price, I decided to read it aloud to my children as well, and while the length of some of the stories made pacing our reading sessions slightly problematic, it was still a hit. (The last story was especially entertaining out loud, but I truly enjoyed the whole book.) Imagine a slyly humorous slice of small town Americana with a dash of tall tale mixed in, with something of the wholesome fun of an early Doris Day film but for a younger audience (and an especial appeal for boys).

I’m currently imagining the two books together as a belated Father’s Day present…