From: Brad Wendt <bewendt>
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 22:42:12 -0600

Hi everyone! In responding to Rob Reids recent note I've decided to add my own happiness at the choices this year. I felt Rapunzel was a great pick for the Caldecott. Though I hadn't thought of The Gardener for the Caldecott, I agree it has some fine illustrations which give a wonderful feeling for the joy she felt at growing flowers and growing a smile for her uncle. The illustration of the signs she had on the stairway leading up to the roof gave an intense feeling of anticipation and though the flowers and the tea table were beautifully done, I didn't feel the explosion I expected when I turned the page. I did especially like the combination of color and charcoal, (sorry I don't have the book in front of me) and thought they were effective in giving us a good feel for the time period.

I feel very out of it because I am still on a waiting list for Out of the Dust and haven't got to read it yet. BooHoo. Lily's Crossing and especially Ella Enchanted were favorites of mine, along with Kevin Henkes Sun and Spoon and of course, Seedfolks.

Rob, I have just picked up Leon's Story, and when I'm finished reading about Abigail Jane Stewart to my son, I was thinking of using Leon's Story as our next read aloud book. I would love to hear some comments on it.

Karen
Received on Thu 15 Jan 1998 10:42:12 PM CST