One thing I do appreciate about these books is that the characters are not perfect. I think the best scenario is to discuss these books (narration) or read them together. I didn’t grow up reading these books, but wish I had. There are many admirable qualities in the characters and many life lessons that could be learned through the lives of these imperfect characters.
What has been more of a stumbling block to me and my children, are books (even history books) that present people all glossed over, with no faults. Oh, the needless burden I have carried most of my life, keeping my struggles to myself because I thought nobody else had any. This is where a Biblical worldview is so helpful. We are all depraved and deserve hell. Only by God’s grace can we be saved. And then we must press on and live the Christian life through faith and repentance–mostly on our knees. The books that present people as almost perfect have done more damage to me than these other books. I guess because the “perfect” characters appeal to the Pharisee in me.
That said, I do like to discuss these books. There have been many a time where I’ve stopped reading and asked, “How would our family handle that situation?” Most times, we would have prayed and sought the Lord before acting or thinking we had to fix something.
Like others have said, it’s good to have a balance of books. There is so much value in many of these children’s books, despite the very flawed life of the authors. It also makes for good discussion. But the biggest influence on our children is the “book” they read everyday in our own life example. I think I teach them much more inadvertently than I realize. I should hold my own self to a higher standard that I hold these books. We are the filter to help them sort through different world views, decisions, and learn how to make good, God honoring decisions. This is what will prepare them for life. But at the end of the day, they will fall back on what is most familiar, what they saw day in and day out in their homes, and that is so convicting to me.
I’m looking forward to reading the Little House series with my youngest for the first time. My children have read these books, but I never did (even though I was even in honors Engish in school). I have watched the Little House series, and I have to admit that Ma’s example and patience and hard work really speak to me. I even think about her during the day wondering how she would react. So, my guess is that the books are going to be even more of an inspiration to me.
Someone else mentioned that we need to rely on the Holy Spirit more with each child and with each book and that is so true. Each of my children is so different. But using living books as a spring board to address weaknesses or faults, and to encourage good character makes life and learning very fluid, dynamic, and REAL. We have such a blessing to be encouraged to look beyond the textbooks, to a way of teaching and learning that touches the heart.
I must say that I get a little wary of people that make so many “rules” determining for others what is godly or evil leaving no room for others to turn to God and seek Him for themselves. I have been so blessed by some of these books, especially C. S. Lewis, leaving behind some of the chaff and gleaning from the wheat. He taught adults, in a very stuffy, dry time in Christianity, to wonder and be in awe of God again through the wonder of a little girl. It brings me to tears every time.
Blessings, Betty