Blog on the Lillypad
Sunday, February 08, 2004
 | The Moffats by Eleanor Estes
Four children: the lovely and artistic Sophie, gentle and serious Joey, inspired Jane, and restless, curious Rufus, make up the Moffat children. Eleanor Estes' first book in the Moffat series burst into children's literature with a vivid sweetness that charms the reader and calls forth recognition and recollections of the wonder of childhood. These stories aren't adventures in the classic sense (though six year old Rufus' unexpected ride in an empty boxcar on a train had me on the edge of my seat). The delight in reading them comes from the clear, perceptive way that the point of view character (Jane Moffat, in this story) reasons things out and understands things as only a child can. |
This book is a terrific read aloud story for parents and children. It introduces life in this country a century ago when there were no telephones, few automobiles, and the small town was the cornerstone of American culture. Never cloying or sickly sweet, The Moffats moves at a brisk pace and does not rely overmuch on the presence of adults. The figure of Mama comes in only occasionally (though the reader easily sees that she is the backbone of the small family), and the story focuses more on the outlook of the children, especially Jane, as they negotiate the small world of Cranbury. For the well read child and family, The Moffats are a must, an engaging account of Americana that never stoops to sentiment and propels the reader along by wonder, gentle humor, and child-like curiosity.
The best children's books are not just for children. I read the Moffat series for the first time in my late twenties, and I just purchased the first three of the four-book set a couple weeks ago. I've been enjoying them all over again. Don't be fooled into thinking that a story suitable for young people isn't suitable for adults. Great literature has something to say, and the best of children's literature reminds us of the most important components of life. Great children's literature is always about life itself and living it well, a theme that is usually left out of fiction for adults.
