08.06.07
Things I Generally Don’t Do, Part III
Okay, this last “thing” is a little bit of a stretch. Frankly, this whole themed series has been a stretch, but apparently I feel the need to arrange everything in my life into themes so as to create the illusion of order and purpose. I’d like to think that when I die, the entire story of my life could be organized by category into a number of leather-bound box sets that could be purchased via infomercial or perhaps from a pleasant door-to-door salesman. Hence my adherence to this series of posts even though I’m totally grasping at straws.
What actually happened here is that I started this series when I was having bizarrely intense yearnings to take up a bunch of new hobbies. Earthchick’s adorable sewing projects were wearing down my resistance to sewing (though it seems a little crass to talk about her sewing projects, given some of the recent life trauma she’s been dealing with); this “disappearing nine-patch” quilt is so clever and easy that I entertained serious notions of busting out some fabric scraps; and of course the yarn dyeing turned out to be so much more enjoyable than I anticipated (as did the making up of names for the colorways) that I really began to question my knitting monogamy. As I imagined myself trying all these new crafts, I couldn’t help but think eagerly about the blog content they would generate (given that it always seems to be in short supply for me). Unfortunately, the series lost steam immediately because my little bout of fantasizing about being unfaithful to my sticks and string faded about a week later. Since I’d impulsively slapped a “Part I” on my yarn-dyeing post, though, I figured I’d better come up with at least two more parts or else lose blogging credibility. (The horror!)
So, here we go. The featured thing I generally don’t do in this post is crochet. Stay with me; in spite of the fact that the picture above is of a knitted toy (Sheldon from Knitty), the aspect of the project that fueled the fires of my new-hobby obsession was the crocheted edging around the shell attachment panel. This was the first time I had ever crocheted anything other than a chain, and I was totally smitten with the nice, neat edge that it made. After finishing the required crochet on Sheldon, I raced upstairs to apply my newly acquired skill to Green Gable (many people had recommended that a row of single crochet would help with the rolling, gapping neckline, but I’d put off testing their recommendation because I didn’t know how to do a crochet edging).
Look at that perfect, clean edge! (Compare to here.) My sweater was transformed! Crochet was clearly going to change my life. Since I was deep in the throes of my new-hobby mania, it should be no surprise that I started brainstorming names for my new crochet blog and wondering whether it would be excessive to order 20 crochet pattern books at once (to save on shipping, of course), or whether I should just order the top 5 bestsellers from Amazon and then grow from there. Should I order the full set of gold-plated crochet hooks, or spring for the carved ivory set? I pondered whether I should begin my crochet career with the hat that Laura made recently (just to drive home our cosmic twinness a little more) or whether I should take on something more challenging — more epic. Whatever I chose, it was sure to generate excellent content for my “things I generally don’t do” series.
Errr, well. My plans for crochet went the way of my hand-dyed yarn Etsy shop. My total lifetime crochet output still stands at two chains, one neckline edging, and one turtle shell attachment panel. Fortunately, I have also not bought any crochet books, and I still have only my two plastic crochet hooks. My obsession with new crafts faded as quickly as it started…and I think it is a good thing. I am awfully partial to knitting, after all, and why mess with a good thing?
A few quick notes on Sheldon. What a fantastic pattern. The way the top of the shell is created is some of the cleverest knitting I’ve ever seen. And everyone who saw the finished turtle was completely charmed by the design — particularly the way he wears the shell as a little sweater. While I gave this Sheldon to my friend’s three-month-old (and can’t you tell how delighted he is to have it?), I have big plans to make another one for myself, and mine is going to have a large wardrobe of shells. Black and white for formal occasions, khaki and navy for preppy occasions, red and green for Christmas, black on black for his goth phase — the possibilities are endless.
Other good things about Sheldon: First, for the first time in a while, I learned new skills while making him. In addition to the aforementioned crochet, I did applied i-cord for the first time. That was a bit fiddly but gave a very nice result, and it was good to feel challenged. Second, if you knit only the body (no legs), you get something that looks a bit like a stuffed sperm. That may come in useful at some point — you never know. (And what child wouldn’t love it?) Finally, it introduced me to safety eyes, a very clever invention that really works — there is NO getting those eyes off once they’re attached. I know this because, in spite of extremely careful measuring and counting and eyeballing and praying, I attached Sheldon’s eyes utterly crookedly, and once I realized it, there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it but say bad words.
I made Sheldon out of the yarn the pattern called for (Knitpicks Shine Sport) on size 3 and 4 needles. It took me about 2 weeks of light knitting.
Random Thing About Me
Remember this? Remember how I was going to put one random fact about myself in every post until I got up to 7 or 8 or whatever the Meme of the Week dictates? Another example of how I like everything to have a sense of thematic structure. (Also another example of my utter lack of follow through on that impulse, but let’s not dwell on the negative.)
So, anyway, random thing #3: I am a huge Harry Potter fan, as is my husband. I am unhealthily emotionally attached to the stories. (I know that I am one of only 30 million people who feel this way, so no doubt you’ll recognize my membership in this exclusive club as a particularly compelling characteristic worthy of inclusion on a list of notable things about me.) When I bought myself Book 1 back in 1999 (when the third one had just come out), I got a nasty flu that same day. Matt offered to read it out loud to me while I lay in bed feeling sorry for myself, and it was such an enjoyable way to hear the story that we have continued that tradition and have read every book out loud — alternating chapters ever since the first one — as it has come out. Doing so has allowed us to savor each book, though it can be absolutely brutal to hear only 2-3 chapters a night, especially at the really exciting parts! We just finished Book 7 a couple days ago (Matt blogged about each chapter as we read it, which was fun), and I have to admit I’m really sad it’s over. Anyone have any recommendations for other good read-out-loud books?
Wait, I’ve just thought of an actual thing that I’m doing that I generally don’t do! I’m sending the Gastby Girl Sweater into hibernation. The damn thing has pissed me off one too many times. It has been doomed from the start, and now I’m starting to question whether I even like the sweater at all. I have never been one for officially setting aside a project for an extended — maybe infinite — period, but it is definitely the right decision in this case. I may even frog the whole thing and use the yarn for something else (another thing I’ve never done!), but I’m not quite ready for that yet. To cleanse my palate of the distaste left by Gatsby Girl, I’ve cast on a nice simple woolen baby jacket for no one. I need some quick woolly gratification. (In August — weird, I know.)
beverly said,
August 6, 2007 at 7:05 pm
I, too, love to read out loud and to listen to books being read. For years I used to read “A Christmas Carol” to my ex; we’d start at Thanksgiving and finish on Christmas eve. I also spent 18 months reading Joyce’s “Ulysses” out loud with a group that met every Thursday night. I never would have gotten through the book otherwise, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Joyce is so musical, it’s a shame not to voice his words!
Jessica said,
August 6, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Sheldon looks wonderful! He looks great in green :)
My boyfriend and I read aloud to each other, too. We’re on our third book. We mainly read christian fiction. I can give you a few titles, if you’d like.
leigh said,
August 6, 2007 at 7:28 pm
the turtle is fabulous. it is much more clever in design than the stuffed sheep we saw for sale in chile. very cute
Elspeth said,
August 6, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Like you, I loved the HP series, but you might also really enjoy His Dark Material trilogy. Though my read-aloud experience is sort of biased because the audio books are performed by a complete radio cast, they’re absolutely beautiful meditations on life, love, religion, family and responsibility, in addition to just being kick-ass-take-names stories. I hope you enjoy them!
Lisa said,
August 6, 2007 at 7:41 pm
A book that I’ve always liked read out loud is “The Phantom Tollbooth.” :)
earthchick said,
August 6, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Could you and Matt be any cuter? (answer: no). As one who gobbled HP7 right up, I am frankly in awe of the discipline it would take to savor it by listening to it read. Very cool – what a great thing to do together! [I wish I had some great read-alouds to recommend. Unfortunately, the last time I can remember taking turns reading chapters with someone was in grade school, when my cousin and I had sleepovers with each other every week and would read "Sideways Stories from Wayside School" together. Interestingly, I just checked, and it turns out that 5% of people who view that book at Amazon go on to buy HP7.]
I LOVE SHELDON! OMG, completely adorable – you did a great job. I actually had no idea how big he was – thanks for including the baby for scale. ;) I’m actually a bit of a turtle freak (or was at one point in my life, as evidenced by the tattoo on my back), so I really should put this in my queue. Unfortunately, I’ve had some bad experiences with knitted toys in the past. But yours is making me want to try again. I love seeing the detail of the one with Sheldon all up in his shell. What a clever little knit.
p.s. If you ever need help getting safety eyes off again, send it to me. My boys know the secret.
p.p.s. Green Gable looks fabulous – what a great fix. Sorry about Gatsby Girl though. Bleh.
p.p.s. I’m so honored that my humble little sewing projects made you give sewing a thought, and I’m still going to look forward to the someday-post of your disappearing nine-patch quilt….
Heather said,
August 6, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Sheldon is the cutest stuffed sperm ever! He’s a livin’ doll…
--Deb said,
August 6, 2007 at 8:59 pm
I’m not the only one with the US and the British versions, as well as audio versions of Harry Potter? Such a relief. (Although, my British versions are all in paperback.)
Nonnahs said,
August 6, 2007 at 9:16 pm
I heart that Sheldon. I haven’t knitted any toys yet, but I will have to make an exception at some point for Sheldon. He is too darn cute!
teresa said,
August 6, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Elspeth beat me to recommending His Dark Materials. My other recommendation would be Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series – there are parts that might be a bit challenging to read aloud (bookworms, spelling viruses), but I think you could handle it. The books are brilliant.
Mary Ann said,
August 6, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Sheldon is just too cute! I was just looking at a pamplet on knitting toys for Christmas. It even has a complete Nativity Scene to knit. Maybe I’ll give it a go.
Erika said,
August 7, 2007 at 1:06 am
Sheldon is adorable! I like your idea of the interchangeable shells. Don’t forget orange for Hallowe’en (though the goth could work there), red for Valentine’s Day (I leave the sauciness of the design to you), Easter bunny ears and something for the seashore during summer :).
I’ll have to try reading out loud with M some time when he’s awake and not on the computer. By the way, your HP collection may outdo our Tolkien collection. (I’m still not sure how we ended up with 3 copies of the Silmarillion and 3 of LOTR, not including the one I left with my parents).
Octopus Knits said,
August 7, 2007 at 1:20 am
I love sheldon! I’m definitely going to have to make him. The crochet edging really looks wonderful on your Green Gable, and I’m very impressed with your Harry Potter library. Do you guys ever lose your voices reading aloud to each other? (I’ve had that problem before — I clearly don’t know how to use my voice properly.)
Lisa said,
August 7, 2007 at 2:08 am
Way back when, Fred and I used to read each other the MythAdventures series by Robert Asprin. It’s fantasy humor, and there are a lot of puns, which makes for fun reading aloud. Not as gripping as HP, but it has some great characters and a lot of silly adventures.
stacey said,
August 7, 2007 at 7:23 am
love the shell-less sheldon – little green sperm!!! Don’t forget the red and pink shell for Valentines Day….
Looks like you have about as many copies of HP as we do! We have all the “special editions” as well as the regular “for reading” hardcovers…. :)
Adriana said,
August 7, 2007 at 9:05 am
I am so jealous of your neat crochet edging! I admit to being frightened of the crochet hook. How did you learn to do the edging?
That’s so cool that you and Matt read the Harry Potters aloud to each other. When I was 10 I had a terrible ear infection which kept me awake for days and my mom read the book “We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea” by Arthur Ransom to me. It’s one of my fondest memories (despite the intense pain).
Have you read His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman?
S t a c i said,
August 7, 2007 at 9:07 am
Sheldon is KEY-UTE. Not only is he cute, but your knitting is beautiful.
(I had a recent eye-placement frustration with Bobbi Bear…after I placed his left eye, it took me three tries to get his right eye to match.)
knitnana said,
August 7, 2007 at 9:48 am
Sheldon is adorable. And now..? Well, I just may have to knit three of them for Xmas.
(sigh)
Thanks, I really really appreciate that. LOLOL!
(((hugs)))
Kandace said,
August 7, 2007 at 10:02 am
Sheldon is one of the cutest things I’ve seen in a while — now I totally want one!
My husband and I recently finished reading aloud together the Chronicles of Narnia, I would definitely recommend those.
Thanks again for a fun blog!
Vicki said,
August 7, 2007 at 10:27 am
I somehow missed the Sheldon pattern, but now I must make it. He is adorable! And I love the idea of having different shell outfits.
My recomendation for reading aloud would be Tolkein. My sweetie and I read the Hobbit aloud to each other. Back when he was still trying to impress me. For some reason he won’t agree to reading aloud anymore.
Hanna said,
August 7, 2007 at 10:42 am
It was a little spooky reading your post – not because of the idea of goth Sheldons (although that, too, is spooky), but because I, too, have suddenly had pangs of excitement about crochet, and I, too, have been reading Book 7 aloud with my husband (we drink grappa and do all the voices – do you do that as well?).
After slowly making our way through a few chapters each night, we finally stayed up until 3 am and finished it off! So far, that’s all we’ve read out loud, but I like the recommendations of other readers.
Anyways, love the Sheldon and Green Gable with crochet fixings!
Sparkles said,
August 7, 2007 at 11:24 am
Uh-oh, Sheldon was on my list of things to do…but crochet? I could only do a chain too, and that was…well it was a lot of years ago (I do hate counting these days)…
But yours came out beautifully and you do make a case for trying crochet…
I LOVED that Matt blogged about the book, chapter by chapter. I had already read the book, so I enjoyed reading his summations…Though I can’t even begin to imagine the willpower it took to just read a little bit at a time. I had a tough enough time waiting for his updates and I had read the book!!! On the other hand, it must have been great to share it at the same time…I’ve tried to talk R into reading aloud, but she doesn’t like to be read to…I LOVE her voice though. ;)
Read out loud books…hmmm…nope, too early and not at home to peruse my shelves…
nova said,
August 7, 2007 at 11:35 am
I had a lot of fun knitting Sheldon, and I was so impressed with myself when I figured out the crochet edging. I am glad you forged ahead and fixed your red gable, it looks great! I have left a sweater on extended hiatus, it’s okay. Somtimes, it’s the healthy thing to do.
Melissa said,
August 7, 2007 at 12:20 pm
May I ask what sent you over the edge with Gatsby Girl (as someone who has been knitting it off and on since last October)? Was it trying to get the lace right while doing decreases at the same time? That’s where I am right now, and it’s pretty frustrating to so thoroughly fubar the lace after all the 1×1 ribbing. I don’t think I can cast it aside though with so much time already invested in it.
Kim said,
August 7, 2007 at 1:19 pm
I love your idea of making different shells for Sheldon! My friend made him; maybe I’ll make one too! I have plenty of Shine Sport. I read aloud to my husband while he cooks dinner. We are on our way to book 7; we’re in the middle of book 5 now. We’ve done some science fiction/fantasy, Indian in the Cupboard, the Prydain Chronicles and others by Lloyd Alexander, the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe series, and we’ve started the Little House series. Oh, and Douglas Adams. We tend to stick with juvenile fiction classics, because he’s cooking at the same time.
Theresa said,
August 7, 2007 at 1:48 pm
The Green Gable looks good. I’m working on one now (post complaining about it to come up in the next day or so), and there’s no way that neck isn’t going to roll like crazy. Plus I can’t tell if it’s the right size. I hate knitting top-down in the round. I do a row and then contemplate ripping it all out and then do another (long) row. Ugh. Anyway, let me know if it wears better this way.
Allison said,
August 7, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Others beat me to my suggestions: His Dark Materials and the Thursday Next series. I read HP and both those series aloud while breastfeeding Lilah. She’s now old enough that she gets too distracted by reading aloud, so I had to abandon my plan of reading HP7 to her. She’s only heard 1-6 :) By the way, I am so glad I’m not the only one with the US and UK versions of the HP series.
Sheldon is too cute! I’ll have to make one for Lilah. And Green Gable looks fantastic. It’s amazing what a touch of crochet can do.
Ha! You and I are alike in the obsessive “I have a new hobby!” gung-ho thing. How I learned to knit: One day, I decided I wanted to knit. So I ordered 6 books from amazon, along with needles and yarn from somewhere. Not one book, 6! At least you can apply your newfound crochet talent to knitting projects with great success, even if it isn’t a new love of your life.
Tiffany said,
August 7, 2007 at 5:46 pm
I’m loving Sheldon, and immediately thought of my cousin’s wife who after a long history of miscarriages is now having twins YAY! But my question for you is how much of each skein do you actually use? I was thinking about making opposite twin Sheldons you know dark and light then reversing the colors on the other. Do you think there’s enough of the skeins left for this or would it be wiser to just buy two skeins of each thanks for you time and advice.
Heather G. said,
August 7, 2007 at 6:35 pm
I will Third the recommendation for the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman, the third book is by far my favourite.
Sheldon is very cute, and I totally agree on the sperm-likeness.
Amy said,
August 7, 2007 at 6:48 pm
So you have dipped your toes into the world of crochet too. Knitting will always be my first love, but crochet aint’ bad!
Amy
Ashley said,
August 7, 2007 at 7:05 pm
I am officially fifteenthing the His Dark Materials recommendations. Brilliant brilliant brilliant. Leaves Potter in the dist, and I say that as a Potter fan. You know what else might be fun to read out loud? The Once and Future King. I do love that book. It’s shortish, so it won’t take you long, but you could always pick up War&Peace or something after that.
OK, here’s the thing with Sheldon. First of all, who doesn’t need a knitted sperm around the house? And second of all, I have been dancing around my apartment in an imaginary conga line singing “Sheldon, sheldon, shel-DON!” since you posted him on Flickr. So, you know, thanks for that. Thanks a lot.
Sonya said,
August 7, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Sheldon is just adorable, even when he’s in sperm mode. I’m experiencing a other-hobbies/crafts-intruding-on-knitting period too. Kevin is very concerned. He keeps asking if I’m going to quit knitting. I think he may be concerned about getting his moose sweater.
Such discipline to savor HP by reading aloud. I was able to read this one much more slowly than the others, probably because I knew it was the last one. Usually I stumble through so fast I can barely remember what happened.
I have no recommendations for another good read aloud. I’m indexing an accounting textbook next month. I’ll let you know if that would be suitable. ;o)
Kristen said,
August 8, 2007 at 8:07 am
Sheldon and the baby are adorable together.
My crochet repertoire is pretty much limited to edgings too. It covers a multitude of sins.
I think any book can be good read aloud, especially if the reader is enthusiastic and uses intonation, accents, etc. I always loved reading to my kids nightly, just about into their teen years, when they dumped me. We went through a lot of series – Little House, Narnia, Borrowers…I learned I will never again read Charlotte’s Web aloud to anyone as I sobbed like a baby.
Right now I am listening to 1984 (car book) and To Kill A Mockingbird (knitting book).
Karin said,
August 8, 2007 at 1:27 pm
Sheldon’s cute! And wow, what a difference in the neckline.
Heh, welcome to the club of HP-fans ^_~
Sue said,
August 8, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Ah another HP fan here too. We read the 7th book the day it came out and finished it the next day, although now I am sad that there will be no more. I am hoping that the last chapter will lead to new stories in the future though. I love Sheldon and his patterned shell looks great. It looks as though he was a big hit too, and isnt it annoying when you attach the eyes and then look and they are crooked. I have done that before! I hope you can knit something else out of the yarn for the GG sweater if you arent going to continue knitting it. It would be a pity and perhaps it is meant to have a life as something else.
Debby said,
August 9, 2007 at 12:07 pm
I am with you on both the keep other hobbies at arm’s length and the consider frogging/getting rid of a misbehaving project. Maybe life is too short to knit something you have begun to hate? Or do you need to knit to the bitter end, to show who’s boss?
I’m not an HP fan, but I love mysteries and they are good for reading aloud because of the suspense factor. Depending on what you like (historical, slasher, English cozy),there are all kinds of things to choose from. I’ve also heard Narnia is good.
brooke said,
August 9, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Hey, finally I found somebody else with the different shells idea. I made Sheldon for my mom for Christmas last year, and so far he has everyday clothes, a Christmas shell, a Valentine’s shell, a St. Patrick’s Day shell, an Easter shell, a Mother’s Day shell, a sheep costume (for a Memorial Day sheep & fiber fest I went to), an Independence Day shell, a beach bum outfit (including a life jacket, swim trunks and water wings), and I just finished the back to school shell. He’s also got about six hats to match some of the outfits. I’ve got two more planned for this year (Halloween & Thanksgiving) and then maybe I’ll pick up some of the lesser known holidays next year. Check out my blog for details…. I can’t wait to see the ones you come up with.
Laura said,
August 9, 2007 at 6:37 pm
I haven’t been feeling witty (or snarky) for a few days, so I refrained from commenting. But now it just looks like I’m ignoring you.
Although I find that baby chair to be weirdly disturbing, I’m happy to see Sheldon next to the kid. It’s much larger than I thought it would be. (Either that or the kid is VERY VERY small.)
For the record, I believe that crocheting on knitted things is not really crocheting. It’s embellishing. At least that’s what I kept telling myself when I crocheted edgings and such on my knitting items. (I didn’t want to be accused of being a crocheter.) So don’t worry, you’re not slipping into multiple hobbyism.
Sue Hird said,
August 10, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Sheldon looks great, and I can just imagine him with his football guernsey too.
Congratulations on conquering crochet, and your sweater neck does look great with the crocheted edging.
JayJay said,
August 10, 2007 at 4:11 pm
So many things to comment on! First, Sheldon is fantastic and I must make one. Who can resist such squishy cuteness? Second, I was actually introduced to Harry Potter when the guy I was dating read the first book aloud to me over a few weeks. He is now my husband, so you can probably guess that I liked it. Finally, (can you tell I like order too) I’m sorry to hear about the Gatsby sweater, but I think sometimes a project really deserves a good long time out!
Shelley said,
August 10, 2007 at 9:12 pm
I love your Sheldon! I wanted to make one (or more) of these when the pattern first came out, but never got around to it. They are so cute…I’m going to have to make one at some point!
I’ve not read a single Harry Potter book. I’ve listened to them all on cd. One of the ladies at work had downloaded them (though this last one she actually ordered) and let anyone at work listen to them. It really helped to pass the time at work…which was data entry. I’ve listened to tons of books this way over the last I don’t know how many years…all at work. They are such a great invention!
Knittypants said,
August 12, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Oh, Sheldon is so cute. I have never had any desire to knit a turtle, but crap now I do. Thanks a lot :-)
Cindy D said,
August 13, 2007 at 11:15 am
The turtle is just so sweet! I have not knitted any animal; it’s a hole in my knit education. Bravo on a job well done!
Scribbles & Bits said,
August 16, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I love Sheldon and I love that his armless, legless, sperm-like cousin is named Fernando! (or at least that’s what the little hoverbox said when my mouse landed over it) Ok, except actually, in the span of time I’ve been writing this comment, it’s gone from mentally saying “Fernando” with a sexy Italian accent thing happening to that Abba song “Fernando.” (for liberty, Fernando!) Good thing I like that song!
lomester said,
August 17, 2007 at 2:48 pm
I am in LOVE with Sheldon. He is so adorable, even as a sperm.
And your crocheting ventures turned out far better than mine did. I even bought the Happy Hooker, and still cannot figure out how to do anything. I love my TWO needles.
Janet said,
August 29, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Both Sheldon and the crochet edging on the Green Gable look awesome! My boyfriend has been offering to read aloud to me for awhile, but I have yet to take him up on it because I think we’re already on the verge of being the most-disgusting-couple-ever, and I was fearful that would put us over the edge. But maybe I’ll give in. (Recently, while on vacation, our friends asked us if we could please stop trying to hold hands while we eat dinner, as that is a bit much. hmmm, yes. yet we still can’t quite stop it.)
Carolyn said,
September 2, 2007 at 12:44 pm
My boyfriend reads to me, but he doesn’t like to be read to, so I knit and he reads. We did the Hitchhiker’s Guide (the entire series) that way and now we’re on Moby Dick. I plan to do Good Omens next. Lots of books are good for reading out loud, really.
Suzie said,
October 6, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Just randomly surfing around on the incredibly vast array of knitblogs and got caught up in this discussion here. (A good month later than the rest of the world, I see!) A totally different type of book that was super fun to read out loud was the Bill Bryson “A Walk in the Woods”. His turns of phrase are so funny that you end up reading them out loud anyway, to anyone who will listen. Everything of his that I’ve read has been laugh-till-it-hurts funny, and a great way to learn about different parts of the wold too.
And I’ve been eyeing that Shledon pattern, good to know he comes out just as cute as the pictures!
(Oh, and I have to add yet another endorsement for the Dark Materials series, So Wonderful!)