Beautiful Feet Books: Leif the Lucky

A thousand years ago when the Vikings roamed the seas, led by their Norse gods, there lived a man in Norway called Erik the Red. He was able and strong but his temper was wild, and after a fight he was banned from Norway. So he sailed to Iceland. There he built a farm, found a wife, and lived in peace for a while. But then he began to quarrel and fight again, and it wasn't long before he had to flee from Iceland, too. Now Erik sailed off into the unknown sea toward the setting sun, and there behind a wall of ice he found a new land... Erik the Red had three sons. The one was called Torstein, the second Torvald, and the third was called Leif. And this is the story of Leif, Erik's son, who sailed with his father to Greenland, and who later sailed still farther west and found there the continent of America. Originally published in 1941, this oversized book is beautifully illustrated. Recommended for ages 4 to 11.

During rare moments when a busy homeschooling mother is able to sit down, it is likely she will be found on the sofa with a picture book in hand, her young children close beside her. Cozy and sweet? Yes, it is. Reading aloud has always been one of my favorite homeschool pastimes. These cozy times, however,s hould nto be underestimated in their power to train children in the habit of attention. And picture books and/or storybooks have a wonderful way of introducing a subject, especially history. Actually, a knowledge of history is gained through the unfolding of a story. For this reason, history is best read to - and understood by - young children in literary language, or story form.

Focusing on the story part of history allows children to develop their powers of animation. (The use of imagination will be an advantage to the intellectual activity of the student years later, when there are few pictures in his books!) Save the serious side of history, the details of politics and philosophy, for the older student. Through a well-written story, children in the early elementary years can learn to see the connections between events, and to trace causes. And they can learn to tell the story back in their own words (narrate). "Describe what conditions were like at Valley Forge and tell how the soldiers survived" can be one narration prompt made to a young student after reading a few pages about George Washington. Along with the enjoyment of the story comes the mental benefit gained through narrating it. Hearing her student narrate is the best way for a mother to find out what he knows.

The following titles are a collection of historical biographies that we enjoyed when my children were smaller. These beautifully illustrated picture books were created about 50 years ago by an enthusiastic husband and wife team. You will find them to be an inspiring edition to your home school.

Karen

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Reviewed by Tammy White (Lenoir, NC), September 19, 2008

My 8-year-old loved this book! He wanted to sit down and read the whole book cover to cover, however, instead of in segments as his textbook assigned it. That caused a small conflict between us. But it was very informative as well as interesting. The illustrations were captivating. My son found himself wanting to be Leif's friend, and go exploring with him.

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