Ah, kids today. Doesn’t it seem that they’re smarter and more involved than we ever were at their ages? The opportunities available to them are practically endless, and if you have enough money to do so, you can enroll your child in any number of sports activities, academic lessons, music instruction, you name it. I happen to be one of those parents that lives by the “less is more” mantra, though, because I’ve seen the stress that can result from the over-scheduled child experience. I also place a huge value on children’s need for free time that allows them to just play. With that in mind, I have to say how much I love the picture book The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister, written by Linda Ravin Lodding and illustrated by Suzanne Beaky.
I can’t help but wonder if Lodding is hopeful that some parents will read this book with their children and rethink their own decisions, or even prevent them from turning their child into Ernestine. It’s clear that Ernestine is a bright and talented child, yet look at her face on the cover image– she’s obviously not happy. Her weekly schedule has her going, going, going, and she can’t help but notice the fun other children have just being kids and playing around in their yards. It isn’t until her parents get a first hand look at how exhausting Ernestine’s days truly are that they reconsider her involvement level in so many activities.
Yes, this story is one of extremes, from the number of activities to the silliness of the instructors names. (My favorite- Mr. Oompah, her tuba teacher!) The illustrative style is quite distinctive, too, with exaggerated features on some characters that contribute to the silly factor. But, at the heart of the story, is Ernestine’s desire to live a more balanced life, and that must include some free time to simply play! I’m sure I don’t have to reassure you that Ernestine helps her parents see the light on this subject, and the ending of The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister sees the entire Buckmeister family experiencing a calmer, less pressured life.
This is a 2011 Cybils nominated title in the Fiction Picture Book category, for which Dawn is a Round 1 judge.
Dawn’s love for picture books is indulged every day, in her preschool classroom and at home with her own little ones. When she has a spare moment, she enjoys blogging away at my thoughts exactly.
Thank you, Dawn, for sharing “Ernestine” with your readers! (And Little Old Lady Hoo is my favorite, with Mr. Oompah in close second:)!