MY FAVOURITE BOOK

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 16, 9 April 1927, Page 22

MY FAVOURITE BOOK

j PRIZE ESSAY (GIRLS) Having read my “Schoolgirls’ Annual” over two or three times, and noted many points of interest in it. I have come to the conclusion that it is my favourite book out of the large pile which I have in my bookcase. Most of my other books are, of course, very good ones, but this, in my mind, is an exception. Not only has it the stories about schoolgirls and various subjects, but it also teaches the reader a certain amount about Nature. Illustrations of the different species of plants are shown with the story of their growth and development. These are very helpful to the reader, as they assist to a certain extent in developing the mind. Then different animals, such as those found in Australia and New Zealand, have short but interesting stories written about them. These tell about the ways and customs of the animals, and where they live. For the young seamstress, diagrams and explanations about the various stitches and how they are made, come in very useful. Advice is also given about the shaping and sewing of small garments, such as aprons, and from this a beginner of sewing can obtain much help. Then the young artist is also given a certain share of this book. The way to begin drawings, .the correct position of the pencil, and the way to do the shading are explained in full. Sketches are given of the various stages of "drawing. These show how a picture begins by a few lines, and how a gradual development is increased until it is finished. But although the greater part of it is devoted to useful occupations, this book cannot be called a “dry” one, for there are many exciting and novel stories written for pleasure-reading alone. —Marjorie Hetherington (aged 14). Of all the books I have read—and they are many—l think that one of my favourites is “The Houses of the Eagle,” by Mary Grant Bruce. It tells of a family of delightful children who go from a dusty, dreary, inland town to a beautiful sunny seaport. There they go to live in a house next to a stern maiden lady, and when they find how she dislikes children, they are determined to wind themselves round her heart. They at last succeed and become very dear to her. This book never lets one’s interest lag—the authoress sees to that—and one goes on reading, reading until the very end, seeming to be with those children, sharing their joys—sorrowing at their disappointments—with them in each thrilling adventure. But Mary Grant Bruce has that gift of writing. Smiles and tears, humour and pathos, all blend in her books as in life itself. And all along it is obvious that she has studied childhood with the utmost care and understanding. This book gives an excellent example of her art. —Jessie Milne (aged 13). lam fortunate enough to possess a rather large library of books, and it is difficult to distinguish my favourite volume. On second thoughts I think it is safe to say that the book which is highest in my esteem is “The Empire Annual for New Zealand Girls.” This is a volume consisting of short stories, cookery notes, advice on knitting, sewing, millinery, other miscellaneous articles. It is the most useful book of its kind I have read. When one is in a pessimistic frame of mind there are many humorous sketches to raise one’s spirits, while there are also directions for making numerous dressing-table novelties. These provide refuge for one when in an industrial mood. These are the various reasons for my enjoyment when reading “The Empire Annual for New Zealand Girls,” and I recommend it to others. —Merle Maloney (aged 13). PRIZE ESSAY (BOYS) My teacher lias given me a book and I have just finished reading it. The name of it is “Dick and His Cat.” It is the best book I have ever read. What a brave boy Dick was. He always tried to do his best. He was very poor, but he went to London, walking all the way and taking his cat with him. There was no work to be found and, tired and hungry, he was returning home when he heard the Bow bells ringing. As he listened they seemed to say: “Turn again, Whittington, turn. Thrice Lord Mayor of London.” He went back and the song of the bells came true. Like Dick, I shall always try to be brave and do my best, and then I shall never forget the story of “Dick and His Cat.” Ross Laurenson (aged 7).