Kudos, Disney!

I have to take a moment and express how impressed I am with Disney. I will admit that it can be quite easy to get swept into the protests against sexist stereotypes in the princess tradition, or claim that the Disney franchise isn't around for kids, but for commerce. However, I stumbled across their series A Poem Is... on their website. Each episode is a maximum of about 3 minutes, features acclaimed actors & authors narrating poetry in concert with sweet little animations. One of my favorites is "The Wind on the Hill" by A.A. Milne narrated by Kenneth Branagh. 

How refreshing that a huge franchise is taking the time to introduce poetry to children! So beautiful!

P.S. Literature for kids.

Cozy Classics

Pride and Prejudice

A brilliant groups of authors and illustrators have teamed as Cozy Classics to bring the world of Classical Literature to the minds of children. Who better to experience these magical stories than young kids with fresh imaginations and zero preconceived notions? Some of the titles include War and Peace and Les Miserables. 

Some may think that these tales are much to woeful and dark, but the beauty is that the books' simplicity allows parents to explain complex ideas like war and death however they see fitting. Ultimately, it introduces the rich world of literature to the eager minds of kids, which is just inspiring.

Moby Dick

Les Miserables - Poor

Would you read these children's classics to your kids? Are these stories too dark or too adult, or is it a revolutionary idea to give kids the power to love reading and learning?

Photos via Cozy Classics Facebook (Like them!)