Two pairs of little blue eyes stared back at me. Then they moved to take in the lovely colored storybook I showed them. Its charming illustrations captivated my twin babies. Even at an early age my daughters were book lovers, and we were exploring the world of Jane Austen.
I am a fan of all things Austen, and I happened to came across a wonderful series of board books called BabyLit. Full of fanciful drawings and wit, these books reinterpret the classics for young children. Much to my delight many of my favorite literary works are included. Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Jane Eyre, Sherlock Holmes…and a few Jane Austen titles as well!
As my kids absorbed little versions of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma I could hardly contain myself. I can’t wait to read the actual novels with the girls, who are now four years old, in a few years but for now these enchanting books are perfect.
What publications will my children choose to read in future years? Will they adore romance, mystery, science fiction? Or perhaps they will become biography aficionados? I can’t wait to see what adventures these books will take them on. Currently they like a little snack while I read to them, a favorite is cinnamon nectarines. Perhaps they will still want this treat in years to come. I hope you will join us on our journey!
I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! – – When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.
—Jane Austen
Fun fact: Jane Austen wrote about nectarines in Pride and Prejudice. When Elizabeth Bennet visited Mr. Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, at Pemberley she was impressed with the abundance of fruit served.
There was now employment for the whole party— for though they could not all talk, they could all eat; and the beautiful pyramids of grapes, nectarines, and peaches soon collected them round the table.
—Jane Austen
Cinnamon Nectarines
1 nectarine
1 white nectarine
4 tablespoons golden raisins
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
First remove the skin from the white nectarine. Next dice both nectarines after taking out the pits. I remove the skin on the white nectarine because I like the contrast of the lighter color in the bowl. Put all the nectarine chunks into a medium size mixing bowl. Then pour in 2 tablespoons of the raisins. Now sprinkle in the cinnamon. Lastly gently stir it all together.
To serve use two bowls or mugs. In the bottom of each bowl or mug place 1 tablespoon of raisins. Then pour the mixture into each cup on top of the golden raisins at the bottom.
Makes two servings.
