She Drives A Ferrari and She’s Met the Queen
By Glinda
There’s a new storyteller in town, and her name is Mrs. P.
She’s got her own website, a fabulous library, and she wears Fluevogs. She leads a fantastic, interesting life. What more could you ask for in a narrator other than a slightly lilting brogue? Which she’s got!
This brand new site is dedicated to the dramatic telling of classic children’s literature, from Peter Rabbit to The Emperor’s New Clothes. It has some cool interactive features and games, but those are simply the appetizers leading up to the main course. It was founded on the idea that adults nowadays are very busy, and may not have the time to read to their kids, which we all know to be an extremely important thing.
Mrs. P is played by Kathy Kinney, best known for her portrayal of Mimi on the Drew Carey Show. She and her co-founders consider the site to be a true a labor of love. It is completely underwritten, so there are no annoying ad banners or pop-ups to disturb the kiddies, which I think is great.
I have to give some serious props to them. There is no way that I can criticize a site whose sole purpose is to encourage kids to read and use their imaginations. I wish them the best of luck, and am pleased that they care about children and literacy.
Yet I have to admit that another part of me is pissed. Angry that a website had to be developed to do something that every single parent should be doing, and doing happily. It really bursts Glinda’s bubbles, if you know what I mean. Some of the best times with your child are spent snuggling, reading together and talking about stories. Kids love stories. Watch their faces as someone is reading to them, and you can almost see those little cogs and wheels turning inside their heads. It is a thing of beauty to behold.
But if you as a parent cannot be bothered or do not have the time to read to your own children, then you should seriously think about re-prioritizing your life. And if you don’t, be prepared to face the wrath of Glinda!
November 12th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I wanted to grow up to be someone like this. Unfortunately, it would have required growing up.
November 13th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Why the outrage? How many kids do you have? Do you have one that you are not a good match with? They are a challenge to parent; I don’t see what is wrong with having more resources available for them to match up with, if your personalities clash.
Or maybe you’ve got a kid who doesn’t like to snuggle, doesn’t like physical intimacy–they could get more out of a website like this because it isn’t constantly rubbing them the wrong way, literally!
November 13th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Bring back Wishbone!
November 14th, 2008 at 12:21 am
Kai, have you tried returning the child and getting your money back?
November 14th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Poor child has my sympathy.
November 15th, 2008 at 4:48 am
Parents should still read to their kids, especially before bed. But if you’re going to let your child browse this site as opposed to watching tv, or if you’re watching together, I’m all for it. As a storyteller myself, I understand there can be a serious value added there, and watching together can still be a strong bonding experience. I was a voracious reader myself as a kid, even before I could actually read–I listened to books on tape that I could “read” them out loud to my parents. I don’t see this as any different than the books on tape that many children listen to during independent play.
Reading with your child is important, it can be a huge part of their learning process. Things like this don’t have to replace that, but for kids who love books or are learning to love them, this can let them engage in that more often and instead of less beneficial activities.