Wednesday March 20th is the first day of spring in 2013, in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Spring Vernal equinox occurs the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator, the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator, from south to north. This happens each year, either on March 19, 20 or 21st. "Equinox" means "equal night" in Latin. The name suggests that during an equinox there are exactly 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night; and it’s widely accepted, it isn't entirely true that day and night are exactly the same on the equinox all over the world – almost but not exactly. The reason is in the definition of sunrise. Sunrise is defined as the instant when the upper edge of the sun's disk becomes visible above the horizon; -sunset refers to the moment the upper edge disappears below the horizon. On the equinox, because the center of the sun is below the horizon, the equinox day lasts a little longer than 12 hours or a little less depending on latitude. The date that is exactly 12 hours day, 12 hours night can vary by as much as several weeks from place to place.
Say good-bye to winter with an old classic read.
The Secret Garden is a charming novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. In autumn 1910, the story was first published in serial format; a year later, in 1911, it was published as a book in its entirety. It is classic children’s literature and perfect as a family springtime read.
The story is about Mary, a sickly, privileged little girl born in India, who, after orphaned is sent to live with a reclusive uncle, still mourning the loss of his wife. Mary learns of a secret garden, finds the key, and a hidden door. As the story unfolds, the reader meets Dickon, who is a boy that has a gift with both plants and wild animals.
The second mystery line is solved when Mary discovers the owner of nightly weeping, Colin. Your children will enjoy the relationship of this bedridden boy as Mary deals with his petulant disagreeable ways, much as she used to be.
With Mary and Dickon’s friendship, Colin is soon outside delighting in the garden. The three children’s tend and love the garden, as pages turn it flourishes as does the health, and friendship of the children.
The ending will touch your family’s soul as Mr. Craven returns home to find two Miracles…
As spring arrives, and small flowers struggle to poke out of the ground in your yard The Secret Garden is a just the book to inspire young gardeners. The story is filled with mystery and charm with an appreciation for nature.
It is also a perfect book to do text to life comparisons. What is happening in your yard? What can your child do to help the plants in your yard? Of course a little pack of seeds, The Secret Garden, and a little spade would be the perfect spring time gift for your family or a special child.
R.R.Cratty
- The Secret Garden is available at Google Books, Amazon.com, book stores and your local library.
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