Northfield Library's Mini Golf

The Northfield Library held a fundraiser for the teen board this winter: a mini golf course in the Library itself. As members of the Teen Board, two of my kids volunteered to build the course and to run it. Fortunately, as homeschoolers they were able to put in extra offers.

The event was held Friday, February 20th at 6:30, just after the library closed for the evening. The teens set up the 9 holes and the refreshments. Everyone who attended had a great time. It's nice to have somewhere fun to go on a cold wintery night. Northfielders especially like to support community events.

In addition to pictures we took, you can check out the TAB (Teen Advisory Board for the Library) blog

Book Report: King Bidgood's in the Bathtub

A favorite book at our house is King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Audrey and Don Wood. Telling the story of a merry King who won't budge from his bath in order to rule his kingdom, this tale features the Queen, a Knight, courtiers and most importantly a young servant boy. Don Wood's illustrations are full, detailed, and as one reviewer wrote, "luscious." The elaborate costumes, extravagant details of fleet and feasts, and the subtle change of light corresponding to the change of time make the book a treat for the eyes. The story progresses lyrically with repetitive phrases like "King Bidgood's in the bathtub and he won't get out! Oh who knows what to do?" and "Come in, cried the King with a yum/trout/jig, etc." The solution for coaxing this King out of his sumptous bath is clever and sweet.

We've read this book over and over. My youngest daughter took it to school to share as her "favorite book." For a while, it was part of our evening routine. Our copy of this book is very well-worn. The paper dust jacket has long disappeared. A little marker, crayon and even nail polish are on the outer hardcovers. Thankfully, the pages don't have that familiar wrinkle from being wet. In other words, no one has bathed with this book.

I've found a variety of lesson plans and activities for teachers and homeschoolers on-line for this book. My children are of the opinion that "lessons" ruin a good book. If you haven't read this delightful little tale, pick it up in the children's section of the library. (I'm rather convinced that you'll want your own copy before too long.)

Reading Tastes

What's an "eclectic reader?" I've seen that term around lately and have wondered if it applies to me. Does that mean one has a variety of interests or just can't focus and settle down? Would you pore over anything in print or carefully select where you spend your time? Is eclectic just an excuse for "passive?" Is is possible to be so broad-minded in your interests that direction and vision continually elude you? Or, is the non-eclectic reader really only narrow-minded and stuck in a rut? Does a passion for a topic mask some weird obsession?


OK, maybe I'm thinking a bit too deeply about my reading tastes. Maybe no one even cares. However, I am amused sometimes by the odd collection that comes home with me from the library. Yes, I do get stuck in a rut and want to read every book by certain authors (and no books by others.) In fact, I have a spreadsheet on the computer listing all the books that my favorite authors have written and am systematically requesting them from our greater library system.


But I also buy/ check out/ read books on such varied topics that my husband can only roll his eyes at me. For example, last week's book purchases included an English grammar for the Latin student, a Redwall book, a Narnia trivia book, and a mystery by Elizabeth Peters. My library bag held 2 books on marketing, Homemade Money, EBay the Easy Way, 2 books on college admissions, a Perry Mason mystery, a Ngaio Marsh novel, and a rather tame novel with a steamy cover and title.

What I'd really love is to have the ability to absorb books without having to read them all. At least with non-fiction. Wouldn't it be great if we could go to be with a book under our pillows and in the morning wake up with the contents stored safely in our heads? Hmmm.....