This cleverly written revisionist version of Mark Twain's classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is brilliant and a must-read, whether you've readThis cleverly written revisionist version of Mark Twain's classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is brilliant and a must-read, whether you've read the original book or not. In it, the author brings to life Jim, Huck's enslaved company on his raft journey on the Mississippi River. James is fully fleshed out here with a wife and daughter and under the threat of being sold elsewhere and being separated from his loved ones. He decides to run away until he can come up with a plan to keep his family together just as Huck runs off for reasons of his own. So much happens to James--and to Huck, who is present for part of Jim's journey but not all of it--along the way as they hide on an island and then float away, catching fish and eating berries to survive. Readers familiar with the Black dialect in the original book will find it here again, but turned on its head as the Black characters here are quite articulate, able to express themselves perfectly in the King's English but switching to dialect around whites. They only speak correctly around each other. Jim loves to read and has often secretly perused the volumes in Judge Thatcher's library. He also wants to write his story and the story of his people, and his simple request for a pencil leads to tragedy. While there are a few elements of the story that are humorous, those are overshadowed by the constant threats to his very survival Jim faces as he ends up running for his life due to various circumstances beyond his control. But always, always, always, he keeps his family in mind and his goal of somehow freeing them. At one point he ends up as part of a minstrel show with the bizarre necessity of pretending to be a white man wearing Black face, the absurdity of which does not escape him. The only aspect of the book that left me disappointed was the revelation of the true nature of his relationship with Huck, something that I won't remark on for fear of spoiling it for others. This is one of the books from 2024 that should be on everyone's reading list. It's gripping, intense, and filled with graphic scenes of violence that show just how poorly enslaved individuals were treated in the years right before the Civil War. ...more
True confession: I've never been a fan of the original Cat in the Hat. While I have fun reading the words and enjoying the rhyme scheme, there is someTrue confession: I've never been a fan of the original Cat in the Hat. While I have fun reading the words and enjoying the rhyme scheme, there is something about his behavior and that of Thing One and Thing Two that makes me just as nervous as Fish in this particular story. As a child, I could just never have imagined being as out of control and prone to breaking rules as the Cat in the Hat. Nope. Not in my parents' house. The very idea of filling the house with water so that it provides a large pool for Fish and the two youngsters makes me nervous because I know there'd be consequences for those actions. Cartoonist Art Baltazar effectively channels the spirit of Dr. Seuss and that zany Cat in the Hat here, and youngsters will enjoy all the splashing and bubbles, for sure. But as for me, no, it all makes me too nervous to even contemplate. And the cleanup! ...more
Deftly interspersing fairy tales, even a queer ballet, an immigration story, and realistic fiction about a young boy's concerns about coming out to hiDeftly interspersing fairy tales, even a queer ballet, an immigration story, and realistic fiction about a young boy's concerns about coming out to his parents, this graphic novel is simply empowering, beautiful in language, tone, and artwork, and important for its uniqueness. Tien has supportive friends in Claire and Julian, and he even confided in the school librarian when searching unsuccessfully for a word in Vietnamese for being gay, but he hasn't been able to share this part of himself with his parents, Hien and Vinh, who are much more comfortable speaking Vietnamese than English. Partly his hesitancy stems from a fear about how they'll react, how to express himself so that they will understand, but also, from an awareness of how preoccupied both of them are with other matters. Still feeling guilty for leaving home, Hien misses her mother, who is sick, and still in Vietnam while Vinh is almost always working. Each time Tien comes close to talking about being gay, something prevents him from doing so. A teacher notices his behavior and arranges for a talk with a priest and Tien's mother. The parallels between the traditional stories and the ballet and Tien's own life are interesting, and the bond formed between parent and child through reading these stories is a powerful one. By the end of this graphic novel, readers have hope for a fairy tale ending for Tien and others like him. Like other readers, these one captivated me from start to finish, and I'd be hard pressed to choose whether I loved the modern aspects, the historical ones or the fairy tales best. I eagerly anticipate more from this talented creator....more
Fascinating ink drawings that consist solely of black and white accompany an intense revisionist version of the classic fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel,Fascinating ink drawings that consist solely of black and white accompany an intense revisionist version of the classic fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, in this TOON graphic book [3.5 for me]. Parts of the story are exactly the same as the original one that some readers will remember from their own childhood or in the case of youngsters, from a recent reading, but other aspects are fresh, new, and unsettling. As layered as the story might be, with elements of fear, betrayal, and confusion, the artwork encourages readers to look at it again and again, each time seeing something else and something more and prompting pondering as to what else might be hiding in those woods--or within us all. ...more
I suspect that the adult bibliophiles among us will be far more enamored with this picture book biography than young readers. However, those who've reI suspect that the adult bibliophiles among us will be far more enamored with this picture book biography than young readers. However, those who've read the children's classics that are mentioned in the text and Sources may be interested in learning more about the influential children's book editor behind these works. I agree with another reviewer who suggests having these books available so that curious readers can read them. I also strongly suggest reading Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom, edited by Leonard Marcus, to learn even more. Author Beth Kephart seems to have captured the essence of this unusual woman who used books as a way to escape as a child and who put aside her dreams of college due to economic constraints, only to eventually find her niche at a publishing house. The text and digital illustrations, created with Adobe Photoshop, stress many of Nordstrom's challenges and her eccentricities, while also depicting her interactions with the storytellers she nurtured. Some of her advice--write what you know--and her own awareness that children want to be seen and to remember what it was like to be a child--are just as sound today as they were back when she was living and editing. And oh, what she would have had to say to today's would-be arbiters of what children should be allowed to read: It is essential to have "books for children who feel sad / books for children who feel mad / books for children who feel different / books for children who feel lonely / books for children who have secrets" (unpaged). While perusing this book for a second or third time, it's impossible to resist pondering her unlikely path to editorship or imagining what it would have been like to be a fly on the wall in her office during some of her in-person or telephone conversations with her authors, geniuses all in their own rights, but made even more so through her steady guidance. It's clear that this book was a labor of love on the part of the author and the illustrator. Readers won't want to miss the Author's Note and the list of Sources in the back matter. What a delight it is to become immersed in this groundbreaking woman's world!...more
Ever since I was a young girl I've been fascinated by folklore and mythology and enjoyed comparing and contrasting stories about various gods and goddEver since I was a young girl I've been fascinated by folklore and mythology and enjoyed comparing and contrasting stories about various gods and goddesses. Of course, Edith Hamilton's Mythology and Homer's tales kept me enraptured as I grew older as did the books of Mary Renault. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get around to reading this one, focused on Achilles, the great Greek warrior, and his best friend and lover Patroclus. But what delights the book had in store for me! Because the story is told from the point of Patroclus, a disgraced prince who is banished from his kingdom after accidentally killing a youth, readers are able to see Achilles and various events through his eyes and watch as the boys fall in love and as both grow confident. Achilles, of course, has been famous for his entire lifetime since a prophecy foretells his adeptness as a warrior whereas Patroclus is used to being on the sidelines, dismissed and ignored by his father and hesitating to stand up for himself or what he wants. Eventually, though, he does, finding his way while Achilles gets lost, mired in his own hubris and that of Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks who head to Troy to bring Helen back to her rightful husband. Even though readers familiar with this oft-told story know how it ends, they'll still be enraptured by the way the author spins the tale and develops the characters. Other reviewers have noted just how well she adapts the ancient story, filling its pages with love, loyalty, hubris, disappointment, and violence. The scenes of brutality are hard to read, but thankfully, they are offset with elegant passages describing the bond between Achilles and Patroclus and their quiet, peaceful moments together. The vocabulary and pace chosen by the author contribute to the book's enchantment as does Patroclus's realization that the man he loves has changed and is unnecessarily costing others on their side in the Trojan War their lives. Readers will be completely immersed in this story and find it disorienting to look up from the book only to realize that several hours have passed and it's 2022, not centuries ago. This is one story that I hated to see come to an end. While I enjoyed the author's other book, Circe, it didn't have the same emotional impact as this one did for me. ...more
It's a hot Memphis summer, and it gets even hotter when Ray, at home from her boarding school, and Orion, a talented swimmer, meet at a skating rink. It's a hot Memphis summer, and it gets even hotter when Ray, at home from her boarding school, and Orion, a talented swimmer, meet at a skating rink. Orion has little game or experience with girls, but there's something special about Ray, and he decides to put his fears aside and court her. At first, she's rather reluctant to have a relationship, preferring to simply hook up with no strings attached as she's done with other guys in the past. But there's something endearing about Orion's earnestness and persistence, and Ray finds herself falling for him. Still, she keeps part of herself hidden since she knows all too well how much love can hurt. Her own father died in a car accident before she was born, and her mother still mourns him, never having gotten over her loss. Orion's family has also dealt with tragedy as his little sister, Nora, died when she was three. Somehow, the two teens manage to overcome their fears and allow their connection to grow. Readers can watch this happen from both perspectives as the story is told from the alternating points of view of Ray and Orion, and the chapters are subheaded with counts of the days passing, from 22 to 1, indicating the time they spend together before they both have to head off to their different destinations. Part of those days have involved avoiding each other after Ray learns the truth about her father's death and its connection to Orion's family, a plot twist that seemed a bit hard to buy. Still, even though there were parts of the story that were unbelievable, both Ray and Orion are well-drawn and likable, I mean, how can readers resist a sensitive guy who loves his two cats and isn't caught up in masculine posing or a girl who isn't afraid to get her needs met on her own terms? The heat between these two practically sizzles off the pages, but what I really loved about this debut novel is the use of found poetry--lines taken from classics, The Great Gatsby, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Black Boy, and then positioned into new poems. If nothing else, this book could be useful in leading the way for others to express themselves in that way, making something fresh and new out of something old. The author also includes references to popular music and songs, both old and new, that give insight into the characters. Her story just might remind some readers of their own first love....more
Inspired by Dr. Seuss's ecofriendly character, the Lorax, this book uses rhyming text to introduced young readers to various insects as well as providInspired by Dr. Seuss's ecofriendly character, the Lorax, this book uses rhyming text to introduced young readers to various insects as well as providing tips for how to help them. The illustrations and text feature creatures that are endangered because of humans, and just as humans have been the source of their demise, they can be their salvation if they take action. The book makes it clear how important many of these bugs are to other species and to plants and flowers. Among the insects discussed here are Monarch butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs, and emerald dragonflies as well as others. Often, it isn't attacks on the creatures themselves that cause problems but the destruction of their habitat. This title might be effective in inspiring youngsters to take action as the result of coming to appreciate the bugs around them. Use it as part of a science lesson on the environment and endangered species. While bugs might be small and seem inconsequential, they certainly matter. ...more
Even as an adult this story makes me cry. I'm not entirely sure why but perhaps it has something to do with nostalgia or the idea of putting away or gEven as an adult this story makes me cry. I'm not entirely sure why but perhaps it has something to do with nostalgia or the idea of putting away or giving away old toys once they've served their uses. Or perhaps after a lifetime of encountering quite a few individuals who hide behind masks or pretend to be someone or something they aren't, a trend that seems noticeably increasing, it's refreshing to read something with such raw emotion. I'd rate it a 3.5, and I remain in awe that it's been around for a century. In this anniversary edition marking the book's 100th birthday, the artwork by Erin E. Stead consists of woodblock printing and pencil are softly rendered and somehow capture the essence of the Velveteen Rabbit and the mingled pain and joy that come with being Real and loved the way that the stuffed toy was by his boy. And of course, it's true that objects that are well-loved end up becoming quite ragged from all that handling. As I write this, I can still remember how much my heart broke when my father insisted that my brother and I must clean out our closets and get rid of all but one of our beloved stuffed animals in order to reduced clutter. As I watched the flames in the trash fire lick out and touch my friends, it seemed as though parts of me were dying as well. It's wonderful to still have this treasure for today's young readers....more
What a delight for the senses it was to immerse myself once again William Shakespeare's Hamlet but with the English language modernized and accompanieWhat a delight for the senses it was to immerse myself once again William Shakespeare's Hamlet but with the English language modernized and accompanied--perhaps I should say inserted into--exquisite drawings of the palace and its inhabitants. The famous story is there in all its glory: a troubled prince confused by the sudden death of his father and quick remarriage of his mother, increasingly convinced that he must take action to avenge that death, and yet, also pondering his own existence. It's fascinating to see how the artist interpreted each of those characters and the settings and to make note of some of the changes that Crystal S. Chan and Michael Barltrop made in the original story. Scholars or fans of Shakespeare will find this manga version worth reading, and Shakespeare novices will find it more accessible than the original one. Both have merits, and both may prompt readers to seek out other versions of this classic story. One of the things I most appreciate about Manga Classics is the primer on how to read manga that is included in the books so that readers don't feel confused about which directions to follow in reading the panels and balloons. Another aspect that pleases my little research heart is the explanation of the creative process in bringing Shakespeare's story to life for today's readers. These explanations are always worth reading. Some readers might even prefer to read them before plunging into the story. ...more
Although as a purist I will always love the original Shakespeare plays or at least the original versions I read when I was much younger, I can certainAlthough as a purist I will always love the original Shakespeare plays or at least the original versions I read when I was much younger, I can certainly see the appeal of these Manga Classics versions of these timeless stories. For students who prefer to see everything acted out or like movies, they are a great introduction to Shakespeare, and for those students who struggle to understand the language of those times, it provides support through illustrations and cartoonlike panels. I always think that the women in these books are depicted as always doll-like and many of the characters have large, expressive eyes, but nevertheless, I appreciate them for what they are. In this version of Othello, the highly-regarded general, Othello, finds his faith in his wife and his marriage to Desdemona undermined by the suspicions the untrustworthy Iago plants. It's fascinating to watch the wily man take an innocent gesture or a glimpse of affection and twist each one into ammunition to make Othello question his wife's love for him and her faithfulness. I've always found this play to be an excellent example of a skilled manipulator who knows just which chord to pluck to sow discontent. While some may read this as a play about race and ethnicity or one about the difference in a young bride and a much older husband, and yes, there is no one more jealous or frightening in his jealousy than Othello, it's clearly an example of how communication about fears and weaknesses might have prevented tragedy. ...more
Had I reviewed this one right after I read it, I'd probably have given it 4 stars, but after thinking about the book for awhile, I decided that there Had I reviewed this one right after I read it, I'd probably have given it 4 stars, but after thinking about the book for awhile, I decided that there were parts of it that just didn't work for me or were confusing so I lowered my rating. I loved The Great Gatsby the first and subsequent times I read the classic, probably because I picked it up on my own and not because an English teacher assigned it to me. I could see how that book was an inspiration for this one although the Jay Gatsby character is a female in this one. Not so far in the future, the division between the haves and havenots has become even wider, and those who live lives of privilege are far removed from those who are struggling. The country is also divided into various territories, and it's hard to move from one place to the other. Smoke fills the air, and access to the island is reserved to its inhabitants and their invited guests whereas they themselves can go anywhere they wish, even to the less savory parts of the city. On exclusive Commodore Island, not far from Seattle, Fern's middle class life suddenly becomes much more exciting when troubled superstar Ivy Avila moves in next door and befriends her. Both Fern and Ivy are interested in Ash, a popular local boy with whom Ivy has past history. As Fern falls under Ivy's influence, they travel to scenes and places that Fern only imagined having access to. Not surprisingly, Ash turns out to be an opportunist and completely unconcerned about the consequences of his actions (think Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby, and you'll understand). Parts of this book are compelling and raise important questions about fame, privilege, abuse, and how young girls are sexualized and taking advantage of by those in power, which makes it well worth reading. But there are some sharp twists regarding Fern and Ivy that didn't work for me. I read the Author's Note and understand and respect her decisions, but it seemed to me that some parts of the story were unnecessarily confusing. ...more
When a children's book has been around for 80 years, it can certainly be considered a classic and well worth a read just for historical value but perhWhen a children's book has been around for 80 years, it can certainly be considered a classic and well worth a read just for historical value but perhaps also to gain perspective on the changes in children's literature over the past few decades. I found this gentle tale of a blind colt born in the Badlands well worth the time I spent reading it. Drawing from his own experiences on a ranch in Montana, author Glen Rounds follows the birth of the colt and its first tentative steps to a surprising happy ending. When Whitey spots the colt, he sees its beauty, intelligence, and resilience as well as its possibilities while Uncle Torwal doubts that the animal has a chance of surviving, what with all the challenges it will face due to weather, the terrain, and predators. He thinks the kindest thing to do is to shoot the colt, but Whitey begs him to let the colt be. The colt manages to survive a fierce winter, wolves, and various threats. He has a caring mother who runs interference for him and guides him, and he also is smart and adaptable. Still, it's a tough, tough winter, and Whitey is thrilled when he spots the colt again. He hides the horse from his uncle and begins working hard to break him in and train him. Eventually, the blind colt comes to trust Whitey and even allows the family dog, Confusion, to ride on its back. The exchanges between Whitey and Uncle Torwal seem authentic, and I had to wonder just how much Whitey was actually getting away with when he thought that his uncle knew nothing about the colt being on their land. Tiny pen-and-ink illustrations at the bottom of several pages depict the action. While some modern readers may lack the patience to read the descriptive passages of the seasons and the colt's survival, the gentle story demonstrates the resilience and determination of more than one species. Reading it made me smile even though I also recognize that it's a part of Americana that may not meet with current tastes. ...more
Imagine being a bright, talented, imaginative girl growing up in the late 18th and early 19th century. Jane Austen grew up during that time in a home Imagine being a bright, talented, imaginative girl growing up in the late 18th and early 19th century. Jane Austen grew up during that time in a home where words and self-expression were valued, and even though it wasn't typical for girls to be educated or to dream of anything other than marriage, Jane's father supported her writing ambitions. As she honed her craft, she soaked in the sights of sounds around her, paying attention to the words and behavior of those who visited the family home. But when the family's financial situation changed, and the family had to move, Jane felt lost. The death of her father struck her hard, and she became even more depressed. Eventually, her brother provided Jane and her mother with a place to live in the country, and Jane wrote herself out of her depression, drawing on her own experiences and what she had observed of those around her. Her books were popular then as they remain today as many readers love the characters in Emma, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. The illustrations use soft colors to capture the time period in which Austen lived and wrote as well as the emotions she might have been experiencing at various points of her life. Additional information about this woman who found her voice by writing about what she noted in others includes notes from the author and from the illustrator, information about Austen, resources, and a selected bibliography for additional information. Budding writers may take heart from Austen's example to remain true to the stories they want to tell and not pander to any particular audience. Finding one's own voice isn't easy, but it's always worth the effort. This is another picture book that I wish had been published when I was young or when I was reading her books on my own in high school. Add this one to a collection devoted to authors or one featuring strong women....more
Dominguita Melendez would rather keep her nose in her books than reach out to make friends, something with which many of us can relate. But after her Dominguita Melendez would rather keep her nose in her books than reach out to make friends, something with which many of us can relate. But after her grandmother moves to Florida, she fears that the elderly woman will forget her. Inspired by the classic Don Quijote, one of the books the two of them used to read aloud, she decides that she too will become a knight and search for adventures. She also wants to silence Ernie Bublassi, a bully at her school who insists that girls can't be knights. With the help of her brother Rafi, who promises to create a book about her adventures for their grandmother, Dom puts on a cape and sallies forth. Along the way, she gains some helpers, including a dog, and makes a couple of new friends, and while her feats may not be as heroic as she had originally imagined, they show what sort of character she has and that she is one damsel who isn't in need of rescue. This chapter book for early readers will appeal to anyone who has been an underdog or dreamed of standing up to the bullies in their lives. The similarities between this book and the original one that inspires Dom will be apparent to anyone whose read Cervantes' story, but the author does a fine job of making the connections easy to understand. The digital illustrations add a dash of fun to the plot as readers can actually see Dom's knight-worthy regalia. It's nice to see a young Cuban-American protagonist like Dom in a book for young readers. This is a worthy debut of a promising series with likeable characters....more
Although my life is nothing like that depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, frequently taught in high school English classes, I have alwaysAlthough my life is nothing like that depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, frequently taught in high school English classes, I have always loved this book. Perhaps I was fortunate to read it on my own and not as part of the ELA curriculum many years ago. Because of my fondness for the original book, I approached this graphic novel adaptation with more than a little trepidation. "Do we really need a graphic version of Gatsby?" I asked myself. "How could anyone do justice to all the themes and scenes and descriptions of that book?" Well, as it turns out, es, we did, and yes, this story works in this format since the artist captures the era in which Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan lived quite well, and this book only added to my appreciation for the original work. There is no way that all of the themes explored in the novel could fit into this version, but the artist chose scenes as well as colors wisely, and with the word balloons that contained the book's dialogue, managed to depict the characters perfectly. For instance, Daisy's words are contained in wispy, feathery balloons, and she's every bit as dreamy and frothy and oh, so desirable as she was depicted in the original story. She and Jordan Baker float above a couch in one scene, and the mansions of East Egg and West Egg are surreal, almost like wedding cakes come to life. One of my favorite scenes concerns Gatsby's wonderous library, and another favorite--a double-page spread on p. 225--contains my favorite quote from the book, summing up how individuals like Tom and Daisy Buchanan live their lives, leaving wreckage behind them for others to clean up: "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy. They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money. Or their vast carelessness. Or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they made..." (p. 225). The illustration, partially covering two pages, shows Tom and Daisy blithely tripping into the future as they climb over that wreckage with not a care in the world. As with the original book, it is hard to know what to make of Nick and his trustworthiness about everything he sees, a point the illustrator mentions in the back matter. I'm still undecided about him since there are so many moments in which he contradicts himself, but I am enthusiastic about this graphic version of the book, which has captured the sights, sounds, and feel of the 1920s with so much hedonism and disregard for anyone else's needs. Gatsby's obsession with Daisy, his own path to success, and his single-minded pursuit of the woman he lost are riddled with so many cracks as well as self-delusion that it still breaks my heart to watch this tragedy with all its twists, turns, lies, and omissions, unfold. High school English teachers would do well to use this adaptation in support of the original book even though much, including several powerful descriptions, have been omitted. ...more
Clearly inspired in part by Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, this book follows college freshman Catherine Ellers after she returns home from ChristmaClearly inspired in part by Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, this book follows college freshman Catherine Ellers after she returns home from Christmas break after a sexual assault. She has no memory of exactly what happened, but she remembers washing blood from her body and leaving someone's dorm room. Although she tries to deny its effects on her, clearly, Catherine is shaken up, so disturbed that she has flashbacks and seriously considers not returning to school. She spends time with Amy Porter, a young girl who she nannied previously. She also renews her acquaintance with Henry Brisbois, her childhood friend, and deals with the arrival of Andrew Worthington who returns her coat and driver's license. When Amy is murdered near a cliff, Catherine is sure she knows who killed the young girl. Her suspicions fall on various individuals, and she, Henry, and Andrew form an uneasy alliance as they try to find the killer. But there are secrets among them, and Catherine is completely off base with her suspicions. The author provides neat little hints about the killer's identity throughout the story, and they only become significant as the book rushes to its close. It becomes clear that someone has been nursing a grudge and an obsession for quite some time. At one point, I just shook my head at Catherine's confusion and thought to myself, "If only you had actually read Wuthering Heights when it was assigned, you would have seen this coming." It was chilling to watch how trusting she is of the wrong person, but then again, how could she have known that there really was a monster lurking nearby. It took me quite awhile before I saw the connections to the classic story of obsessive love, but once the book picked up speed, those connections came fast and furious. At its heart, of course, this is a story of obsession but also one of empowerment, judged by the book's ending. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me, and I know that anyone who loves the stories of C.S. Lewis will want to check it out since it tells the story of the author'This one is a 3.5 for me, and I know that anyone who loves the stories of C.S. Lewis will want to check it out since it tells the story of the author's formative years and his relationship with his brother, Warnie. I always enjoy knowing something about how an author grew up and how his/her imagination flourished or how the games and activities in which someone engaged as a child somehow made their way into later writings. The two brothers, Jack and Warnie, had very different interests when they were young. Jack (later known as C.S. Lewis when he wrote) read books and dreamed of knights and magical kingdoms while Warnie was more practical, drawing maps and plotting out train schedules. When the boys found a wardrobe in their house, they began using it to play games and embellish the stories they were imagining. They called this world Boxen, and it provided a refuge during the time when their mother was ill and dying. The two boys grew up with Jack following a scholarly career and Warnie working for the Army. During WWII, the brothers opened their home to two girls, refugees from the war. As they explored the very same wardrobe the boys had when they were young, Jack was inspired to write about a land called Narnia. He wrote the story out by hand while Warnie typed it. Readers won't want to miss the Author's Note with several interesting details about the books in The Chronicles of Narnia, the Illustrator's Note explaining each of the images, and a bibliography in case they want to learn more. I had not known any of this, which makes me appreciate C.S. Lewis even more and want to reread those seven books featuring Narnia. Teachers, parents, and caregivers might want to read this book as a reminder that the pursuits of childhood may give birth to a future career or nurture a young author. I was particularly struck by the close bond between the brothers. ...more
Smiling youngsters show off their ten digits and all the things they can do in this charming little book perfect for sharing with little ones. Adults Smiling youngsters show off their ten digits and all the things they can do in this charming little book perfect for sharing with little ones. Adults and caregivers can easily demonstrate the same movements so that their own offspring can mimic them and recite or sing along. This book is part of an appealing series that focuses on various nursery rhymes, one line at a time. ...more
One of the classic nursery rhymes that most children hear when they are growing up, this one always puzzled me because the cake is marked with a B, prOne of the classic nursery rhymes that most children hear when they are growing up, this one always puzzled me because the cake is marked with a B, presumably for Baby. Since my name also begins with a B, I always wondered about that. Youngsters will enjoy watching the actions of the children in this colorful book and maybe even helping their parents make a cake of their own. It is fun to see an image for each line, and then to find the music for the lines on the back cover of the book. This one is part of a collection of four titles intended to introduce youngsters to nursery rhymes and enhance their language development. ...more