-ology

Firstborn has discovered the -ology books. Dragonology, Wizardology, Piratology, and so on. These are the perfect books for him; a combination of reference and fantasy that every geeky little boy would love. Plus, they have cool gems on the cover and sometimes, pockets and foldouts. All in all, a wonderfully enjoyable read.

The downside is that the reference format in which they are written can be confusing to a 10 year old boy. He believes in dragons. He's sure they exist in Europe and Asia and Canada. And after all the titles Egyptology and Pirateology are further proof since Egyptians and pirates did exist. He did have a dragon egg on his Christmas list. Funny how Santa couldn't find one.

I have a high tolerance for this blurred line as long as he isn't going on and on about his fantasies. I count my blessings that it's just dragons and wizardry he believes in and I share his interest in fantasy literature enough to enjoy the times we can talk about common book interests.

This month, Firstborn was given a copy of the Magic Wandmaker's Guide. Another in the -ology series. This one comes with the equipment used to make a magic wand. Firstborn is thrilled with not only the results of the kit but also the stories. It has made for some fun tales from the minivan. I was driving him home from school the day he got the book. He was pouring over the pages, barely breathing and I asked him if he was excited to make his own wand.

I have to read the whole book first. If I don't, there may be dire consequences. I wouldn't want to age thirty years.

"Huh? I replied."

"Well, the book talks about a guy who didn't read the whole guide and mixed the kinds of wood he used in his wand. The wand caused a fissure in the universe and he aged 30 years in one minute. I wouldn't want that to happen to me."

"Well, certainly. " I replied as if this all made sense.

Then yesterday, I noticed he had the wand while we were waiting for the bus. Firstborn already gets picked on a bit by the kids at school. The last thing we need is for him to show up in his goggles or carrying his wand. So I reminded him he couldn't bring toys to school and asked if he wanted me to bring it back to the house for him.

"No way. No one else can hold my wand. If the wand comes into someone else's hands, their aura can damage it."

He's been fiercely protecting and hiding the wand from his little brother. I'm thinking maybe making a wand case for it might be in order.

Oh. And he wants to know how to polish the wand. Apparently, the power is greater if the tip is polished. Last night he asked me how to polish a wand.