March 30, 2013

Mini Reviews: Children's Classics #1

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

It's the story every man, woman, and child knows. From birth, it seems. At least it was that way for me, growing up in Kansas. We owe thanks to the classic 1939 film, with very few people haven't seen. But not many people I know have actually read L. Frank Baum's classic children's novel. Most don't know it's the first of a series of fourteen books. Just as they don't know Dorothy's slippers were originally silver or that she was only a girl of ten, while Judy Garland was sixteen.

I could go on and on about the differences, but in reality, I think you should just go snatch a copy The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from your local library and bookstore and see for yourself. It's a fun, cute story that's a must read for any Oz lover, whether you like Wicked (book or musical or both), or whether you're a fan of the newest Oz addition, Oz: The Great and Powerful


Peter Pan

What girl hasn't dreamed of Peter Pan flying through their window and whisked away to Neverland? Whether you fell in love with Peter and/or Neverland from the Disney film or from Hook or from the 2003 film or, like me, from the book, you know it's a must-know story. If you haven't read Peter Pan by the wonderful J.M. Barrie, then you don't know what you're missing. It's such a fun read that'll have you finding your inner child, whether you've grown all the way up or not. Not to mention, after you read the book, no matter how many times you've read it, you're going to want to immediately watch the films. All of them. The Disney animation, the live action, Hook retelling, Finding Neverland with Johnny Depp, and the most recent prequel mini-series called, Neverland. Once you're in Neverland, it takes you a long, long time to get out of it. Even then, you'll find yourself flying right back sooner than you think.


A Little Princess

If I am a princess in rags and tatters, I can be a princess inside. Oh, if that doesn't make your heart melt, I don't know what will. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett is one so many girls loved growing up. I never had the chance to read this lovely little book as a kid, but I wish I had. It teaches such sweet lessons and is an overall nicely told story. I will admit, though, I'm partial to the movie. It spoke to me emotionally much more than the book did, but I think every little girl, every teen, every young adult, and every woman should read this at least once. Because every girl is, indeed, a princess. Whatever your definition of princess may be. 

Not to mention, like The Wizard of Oz, this is a fun one to compare movies to. Same messages but so many differences. But I guarantee you'll find yourself loving something from both of them and learning something too.

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