Story Hour

Tonight begins this year's Story Hour.

What is that, you ask?

Last year we started this old fashioned idea of listening to stories being read out loud. Now, we've always read aloud to our girls, but this is a little different.

John's Mom and Dad live very nearby and we thought it might be kind of fun to invite them over for story hour (or two hours). We of course were right, it is very fun indeed. I read, we discuss, and everyone eats popcorn and the whole thing leaves you with the warm fuzzies.

Obviously the book is very important to the success of Story Hour. Several years ago I learned about Lamplighter Publishing. I treasure this wonderful company. Founded by Mark Hamby, Lamplighter gives us back great literary treasures. These are gems that have gone out of print, been lost, or just forgotten. Mark seeks out these rare books, carefully considers each one, edits only what is deemed necessary leaving in tact the spelling and punctuation from the 18th and 19th centuries, and then reprints them.

My first Lamplighter was The Hidden Hand by EDEN Southworth.

Mark Hamby found it, in a box, at a garage sale.

To this day it is one of my all-time favorite books. It is that memorable. It is full of moral convictions, triumph, deep characters and, most importantly, faith.

Look, we all like Twilight. It's delicious. Page turning. Easy to read. But aside from a somewhat pro-life message in book four and the alluding to of 'don't have sex before marriage', there's just not a whole lot to sink your teeth into (Get it?). This is NOT what you will be getting from Lamplighter books.

Last year's Story Hour choices were Ishmael and Self Raised. Again, two of the best I have ever read. I find myself, as well as Alyssa and John, applying the principals Ishmael held to so strongly to OUR lives.

Oh! I haven't even mentioned how beautiful these books are! Gorgeous leather bound volumes that are more than library worthy.

Tonight we begin The Lost Clue. Part of the Lamplighter Rare Collector Series (doesn't that just SOUND fantastic?), it was originally published in 1907 and written by Mrs. O.F. Walton. This selection is recommended for ages 12-99. Lamplighter has books that will apply to children younger than this as well.

Want to learn more about Lamplighter or read the description of our latest pick?
http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/

I know not everyone has their in-luvs a couple blocks away (and not everyone has what they would call "in-luvs") but why not apply the idea to just your immediate family, friends, or other extended family. I think you will find it is a great way to spend a winter evening and one that lasts.