Favorite books past and present

One of my favorite books when I was young was a short chapter book written by Ruth Stiles Gannett called My Father’s Dragon. This book is all about the adventures of Elmer Elevator. Elmer runs away from home and packs a bunch of random items like lollipops, tangerines, ribbons, and a toothbrush. His goal is to save a baby dragon from Wild Island where the animals were using the dragon to cross a river. All these items are creatively used to distract the other animals on the island so he can save the dragon.
My Father’s Dragon was one of the first chapter books that I remember being excited to read. My mom would read this book to me at night before bed. I looked forward to this time with my mom reading. Besides, the time with my mom, this book also had an impact on my view of reading as a leisure activity. I was able to imagine the story and predict what would happen next and get lost in the adventure. I was so excited to read about what Elmer would use next to distract the animals. There was also a little mouse that always mixed up his words that I thought was so funny. Reading became a fun past time for me.

One of the more recent book series I have been reading and love is The Work and the Glory by Gerald N. Lund. This historical fiction book series follows the fictional Steed family through the early history of the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Steed family’s story is weaved through historically based events. Family hardship, betrayal, romance, triumph, religious beliefs, and friendship are all portrayed throughout the book series. I am on the sixth book of the series.
The history of this church has been an ambiguous subject of study for me, so reading the history through story has helped me bring the history to life. My ancestors were part of the early history of the church, so I feel a connection to the history through my family. I have felt a new gratitude for life and what I have been blessed with through reading these books.