Tuesdays are "I Tried It Tuesdays" where I'll tell you about something I recently tried -- an item, a movie, an activity, etc.

Tuesday...Thursday...what. ever. Better late than never, I say. :-)

Today's topic: Classic literature (and finding time to read it).

Why: Because I love books and I have a gigantic to-read-before-I-die list that includes all the classics I've never found time to read (or want to re-read with a mature mind).

Why - Part 2: I've been buying the girls a hardcover classic book each year when they start school. Most of the books I've bought are ones I want to read myself.

The problem: I don't have time to read my mail and stuff I need to read for work, let alone throw in books for pleasure and for intellectual growth.

The light bulb moment: I was talking to a friend who is big on literacy and bragging to her about my oldest daughter reading chapter books and she reminded me that it's still important to read to her — particularly books that are above her reading level so she is exposed to larger, more complicated works.

The solution: That night I dug out the copy of "The Secret Garden" that I gave to Kelly, 7, this year and decided we'd read a few pages every night before bed. This way, I get to read the classics (if bit by bit) and she gets extra snuggle/reading time with Mom ...and we share literature together.

Does she understand it? I suspect much of the context and beauty of the writing is lost on her, but...she's into the story and she remembers it from night to night. She asks questions and seems to be following the storyline.

The bottom line: Honestly, there are nights that the last thing I want to do is add 15 minutes more of reading to an already-lengthy bedtime routine that includes doing her math flashcards, reading her homework book and reading a few poems from "The Light in the Attic," but...it's worth the time invested. We're both enjoying the book. I do occasionally beg off a night or two from the book (especially when they've already stayed up late to watch "Charlie Brown's Christmas" or whatever).

What we're reading: We're currently reading "The Secret Garden" which is an interesting, suspenseful book. There are some racial undertones that you may have to address/explain though (sadly, you'll find that in a lot of the classics) and there's a character that talks Yorkshire and I can't always understand what she's saying (the way it's written), so I guess.

Reading list: Get a list of suggested books (including many classics) for children, by age, here.