Recommendation: A Bargain for Francis

I can never get enough of children’s books. Especially of an older vintage, before everything became so commercialized and catchy/colorful to appeal to the parents who’re trying to appeal to their kids and compete with digital media.

May I recommend a favorite to read aloud? A Bargain for Francis, written by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Lillian Hoban.

It begins:

It was a fine summer day, and after breakfast Frances said, “I am going to play with Thelma.”

“Be careful,” said Mother.

“Why do I have to be careful?” said Frances.

“Remember the last time?” said Mother. "

“Which time was that?” said Frances.

“That was the time you played catch with Thelma’s new boomerang,” said Mother. “Thelma did all the throwing, and you came home with lumps on your head.”

“I remember that time now,” said Frances.

That start has everything needed to catalyze the reader’s curiosity, don’t you think? If you can, check it out, along with the Hobans’ other “Francis” books.