#1 The newest issue of THE EDGE OF THE FOREST is up! This wonderful monthly online journal is 100% devoted to children’s literature.
#2 Today is the deadline for submissions in this month’s Carnival of Children’s Literature. The theme is fathers in children’s literature and let me tell you, I don’t have many entries. Please PLEASE consider writing a blog post and then send me the link so I can add it. I would hate for the first time I host a carnival to be a total bust.
hey susan, it’s erica. i’ve got a livejournal now, so please friend me!
The fathers in my own books are so deeply problematic (without my being entirely sure why) that I’ve not been able to come up with anything coherent … but I am looking forward to reading others’ contributions!
Bridge to Terabithia
The fathers in Bridge to Terabithia seem to be opposite of each other. Jesse Aaron’s father is distant and does not encourage his son with his talents (art). It would seem that Jesse has to earn his father’s love by being a man.
Leslie Burke’s father is more of the hippie-call-me-by-my-first-name-kind-of-dad. He knows his child and thrives on being with her. This, of course, is very different from Jesse’s dad, who does physical labor, long hours, etc… Did Paterson write the fathers in this way for a purpose? Did she want to show different parenting styles and give a message of “Hey you need to be strict and distant so your children will be safe from death!” Probably not. Accidents happen all the time, rich or poor, safe or reckless.
One thing to look in the book when the fathers actually met. It was unfortunate that they had to meet when Leslie died. It made you think that maybe people should get to know each other because time is precious. Don’t wait, Dad. Meet a neighbor. Make a friend.
Re: Bridge to Terabithia
Thanks for this!
Carnival Post
Hi Susan,
It’s not a new post, but last year I wrote about Animal Dads. My blog was relatively new, so I doubt many people saw it. Feel free to link to it if you like.
Animal Dads
Regards,
Tricia
Re: Carnival Post
Thanks, Tricia. I LOVE animal dads. I think older is fine. I’m actually going to do some searching today for other people’s older posts to see if I can beef things up.