2012 was a pretty good year. The year our girls learned to swim and to ski. The year our older daughter started kindergarten and became an “emergent reader.” Another year our old dog survived. We had some ups and downs, but mostly ups. Not too shabby.

Of course, we can always improve. Onward and upward, I always say (Not really. I think it, but am afraid if I keep saying it someone will punch me.)

If we are what we read, then it seems like a slight tweaking of reading material might just make 2013 that little bit better than 2012. Below are my literary aspirations for my family.

 

Emma:  Age 4

Ah, my lovely daughter Emma! So spirited and so much fun. For my own sanity, I hope this year she eschews Barbie Princess Charm School, one of her all time favorites, and begins to lean more toward Robert Munsch’s pragmatic The Paper Bag Princess.

May her bedtimes be improved with less No Jumping on the Bed and more Grandfather Twilight – so peaceful and serene.

Meg: Age 6

My fearless kindergartener. She is so excited about so many things. Sometimes her emotions are so unbridled that she can’t get out of her own way. For her, I hope for less Interrupting Chicken and more Cookies: Bite-Sized Life Lessons.

Our early mornings could be enormously improved with less Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and more Sunshine, the cheerful morning book by Jane Ormerod.

May her wonderful personality develop into a reliable, steady intelligence. Less Junie B. Jones and more Little House on the Prairie. (Well, a mom can dream, can’t she?)

Mommy: Age: None of Your Business

This year, I sure would love to re-establish my long lost intelligence. Maybe I could think less about cake pops and more about politics. Less Better Homes and Gardens magazine and more New York Times Magazine.

Maybe I could also calm down a little. Life seems so hectic. Maybe less Hunger Games and more Peace Like a River or Snow Falling on Cedars.

Daddy: Age: Older than His Behavior Would Indicate

For my darling husband I hope, not meaning to nag or anything, for a little less Moneyball and maybe a little more Home Improvement 1-2-3.

Maybe he could benefit from a little less of The Butch Bakery Cookbook (that’s the one with the bacon topped chocolate cupcake on the cover) and a little more Ripe: A Fresh Colorful Approach to Fruits and Vegetables. Just a suggestion. No offense, honey.

 

Of course, when one makes resolutions for other people, the door is open for reciprocation. I am well aware of what I may have coming.

To the rest of you, I wish you less Cormac McCarthy and more The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay.Happy New Year!