The Adventures of Tintin

Over the next few days I'll be writing about Les Aventures de Tintin, one of Europe's most popular children's series. Tintin is a Belgian reporter who travels the world, tackling daring adventures with his precocious fox terrier sidekick, Snowy. The Belgian comic book series was originally published by Hergé (George Remi) in French, but has since been translated into numerous languages. I grew up reading the English version of Tintin's mystery, political suspense, science fiction, fantasy and comedy. During my visit to the Decatur library today, I was delighted to pick up a copy of The Red Sea Sharks en français. I can't wait to revisit a childhood favorite in my second language! I'm curious to see what was lost in translation. 

The Boxcar Children #1

“No one knew them.

 No one knew where they had come from” (Chandler Warner, 1942, p.7).

Now that's how you begin a story. Gertrude Chandler Warner pulls you into the life of one family of four orphans: two brothers and two sisters. Initially homeless, the kids miraculously find shelter in an old red boxcar. Situated in the midst of the woods, these resourceful children make a comfortable living for themselves. Then the unforeseen strikes, threatening to unravel the world which they worked so hard to weave together.

My eight year old imagination was captivated by the adventures of the Boxcar children. I don't know where I found this book, but I was an instant fan. Even though my West African upbringing differed considerably from that of the protagonists, I was able to relate to the themes of orphan-hood, adoption, being a stranger, and family. The Boxcar is just the beginning, meant to introduce Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. The razor sharp children go on to solve dozens of mysteries, such as The ---

                                              actually, you just GO READ about it for yourself!

Warner, G. C. (1977).The boxcar children. Chicago: Albert Whitman.

Age Range:7 to 11 Reading Level from Lexile: 0490L