From: Lisa Dunseth <dunsethl>
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 10:48:04 -0700 (PDT)

Lisa Dunseth, Easton Branch Librarian Burlingame Public Library (650) 34394 1800 Easton Drive Voice Mail (650) 34283 x171 Burlingame, CA 94010H12 Fax (650) 34394

Email: dunsethl at pls.lib.ca.us

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http://www.pls.lib.ca.us/pls/bpl/services.html

opinions my own...


I'm really enjoying this discussion of Rylant's work. I'm new to the list. And quite a few times I've felt the impulse to respond. There's something really great about this format (it's a kind of randomly organized kinetic surprising thing) but I find the comments also flying by me every which way so that I can barely collect my thoughts.

It was the magical realism comment that caught me. I don't know if literary critics would agree with the comparison but, who cares!? I do know that it has always seemed to me that magic, of one sort or another, is a regular ingredient of children's books (and extra-good adult books too.) It's that extra dimension or glimpse of another view or surprising quality or odd way of looking at the world that catches our attention. Capturing our imagination so that we are willing conspirators in the story, not just voyeurs. VAN GOGH CAFE did this for me more than any other Rylant book I've read. I was so pleased that it also worked for our small group of book club members (who are all sophisticated, well-read, articulate middle-schoolers.) They were all won over, boys and girls alike. They loved the magical happenings and all looked kind of pleasantly surprised when they talked about their favorite parts. Mine is the lightning strikes doing the cooking.

I think Rylant especially shines, however, in her early readers series. Perhaps because the form (exacting, simple language) is similar to a poetic one. The confines of the format require a discipline which seems to kindle her skill at creating characters and relationships full of humor and feeling. I learned to read with Minarik. But I envy those youngsters today who are learning with Rylant.

I can't resist a criticism (which may actually be a roundabout kind of compliment.) This endless tribute to her unearthly talent must bore even the author! I appreciated an earlier comment on Rylant's venture into illustrating her own books. Her pictures are nowhere near as good as her writing. I find the cat and dog heaven books GREAT therapy tools too...but those books did not "sing" to me either and it's because I was distracted by the pictures. They are crude, naive and colorful. But they are not charming, alive or surprising. I was distracted also by the idea of her doing them...why? Her writing is so clearly her medium, so lucid and whole...and inspired. I wondered if she got bored. Or is she secretly an ego-maniac, control freak who can't stand ANY illustrations of her books?! Or perhaps Dav talked her into it?! Nevertheless, one thing I've always admired about Cynthia is her pluck. I admire her taking chances. Taking the risk in such a clear-headed way. Right on, I say. They aren't very good pictures, but that's ok. I've seen a lot worse.

Looking forward to reading ISLANDER.... Lisa
Received on Wed 15 Jul 1998 12:48:04 PM CDT