p140-151 Itsy Bitsy Spider & Movable Type

One of the critiques of this book that I’ve heard is that Cecile’s separation from her daughters too harsh and her lack of interest in them too unlikely. However, I’ve found it necessary for parents to be removed in some ways from stories in order for the main characters to appear to have control and thus be able to partake in adventures. Unfortunately, I think that maybe many mothers are less interested in their kids than we’d like to believe, not that any child should have to know this, but that there is a social expectation of mother’s loving their children that there is a lot of pressure to fulfill, even if not the case. In the setting of this book, a time of revolution, maybe Cecile is able to rebel against this in favour of the selfish individual wish for time and space to write and think. But if these aren’t ideas for children, or at least ideas that we think are inappropriate for children, how do you deal with this part of the book? I think on a more superficial level Cecile’s character could just be read as a bad guy that eventually becomes reformed over the course of the story, but I’ll have to wait to the ending to find out more as far as how that works. As it’s been progressing so far, I’ve been enjoying the small movements Delphine and Cecile have been making towards reconciliation.
I also think that “Cecile’s” poem is rather enjoyable, although not necessarily a children’s poem. I had the opportunity to briefly discuss this book a little with a colleague who’s daughter had read the book and didn’t really like it. I think this poem is one example of how adult guidance could be really important, especially when exploring unfamiliar times, places, and cultures which is not to say that the adult should know all of the answers to possible questions but they should be able to help find the answers. The idea of a printing press is maybe more familiar than a type-writing and I think it’s decently described in the story with the many little letters that there’s enough context within the story but then outside information can supplement areas where children are curious.