A Mom’s Reflection on A Wrinkle in Time
As a busy mom, our bedtime routine often feels like a chaotic dance—some nights it’s a struggle just to get the kids to settle down for a story. Recently, after an especially long day filled with crayons, spilled milk, and squabbles over toys, I found myself curled up on the couch with my two young adventurers, ready to dive into A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. With its mix of fantasy, science fiction, and warmth, this book promised not just a tale, but an experience.
The story begins on a dark and stormy night, with Meg Murry and her little brother Charles Wallace being introduced to a mysterious stranger who brings the promise of adventure. As they journey through space and time to rescue their missing father—a brilliant scientist—they are guided by three eccentric women who each embody profound wisdom and a sprinkle of magic. What struck my kids about Meg was how relatable she felt. They could see her struggles with fitting in, just as they sometimes do with their own friends at school.
The themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle against darkness resonated with my children. My youngest was particularly fascinated by Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which. "Mom, can we have friends like them?" he asked, eyes wide with wonder. This opened a beautiful conversation about friendship and bravery over our bedtime milk—a quiet moment amidst our everyday chaos. The story sparked curiosity about science and the universe, leading to questions about black holes and stars, which we happily researched together the next day.
L’Engle’s writing has a lyrical quality that makes it a joy to read aloud. My oldest, who often loses interest halfway through longer tales, was enraptured by the imaginative descriptions and plot twists. One night, as I read about the tesseract—a "wrinkle in time"—I noticed my son’s eyes practically sparkling with excitement. He exclaimed, “Can we make a tesseract, Mom?” I laughed and assured him we could definitely try to create our own version of a wrinkle in time using a cardboard box and some lights later on.
There’s a particularly poignant moment in the book where Meg learns the value of her flaws and the power of love—a lesson I cherish and hope my children take to heart. As we tucked ourselves into bed each night, my kids would quote Meg’s realization, "I love you more than I love myself." It warmed my heart to see them embrace such profound emotions so early in life.
I would recommend A Wrinkle in Time for ages 9 and up, but really, I believe it can resonate with children even younger, particularly if read with a loving adult who can help guide them through its complexities. It’s perfect for adventurous souls eager to explore the cosmos, as well as for those who need a gentle reminder that being different is a strength, not a weakness.
For our family, this book has become not just a one-time read, but a cherished classic that we plan to revisit. The tender messages about family, courage, and the boundless possibilities of love have rooted themselves deeply in our hearts, making it a new favorite to read on stormy nights—or any night, really.
So if you’re looking for a book that blends timeless lessons with extraordinary adventure, I highly recommend inviting L’Engle’s enchanting world into your home. You might just find that it becomes a beautiful part of your bedtime routine, too.
Journey through the cosmos with A Wrinkle in Time! >>
