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Just two more quick favorites...
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From: Clark Underbakke <clarku>
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 10:43:05 -0600
There was once a wide, windswept place, near nowhere and close to forgotten, that was filled with all the things that no one wanted. Right in the middle was a small house, with small windows, that looked out on other people's garbage and bad weather. In the house lived an old man. Every day he tried to clear away the garbage, sifting and sorting, burning and burying. And every night the old man dreamed."
So begins, The Tin Forest, by Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson. A book about hope, dreams and perseverance, it became an immediate favorite of mine. The illustrations are quite detailed...hiding integral parts of the story that children delight in finding. The cover is reminiscent of Madlenka, by Peter Sis, with its square cut-out. I thought it to be a Caldecott contender...in my humble opinion...but, both author and illustrator live in England. (I believe the Caldecott is awarded to only citizens of our country...) An inspiring book, especially during this time of year...which has been eclipsed by recent world events.
Another favorite is, Four in All by mother-son collaborators, Nina and Adam Payne. (That's my take gathered from the dust jacket, at least.) A small, square book, it is full of surprises. The simple, lyrical text (only 56 words in length) rolls off your tongue...but the REAL magic lies in the illustrations that build as each page is turned. They are done with intricate cut paper collage and are amazing! Words and illustrations truly blend together to become one in this book...
By the way, I also find it interesting that Walter Dean Myers played a part in two of the favorite books mentioned...acknowledged by Hesse in Witness, he gathered the historic photographs...and, of course, the large role he played in the success of Love that Dog by Creech. An amazing man! We surely enjoyed our time with him when he visited Birmingham!
Happiest of Holidays to All! Regards, Clark Underbakke Birmingham, AL
Received on Fri 21 Dec 2001 10:43:05 AM CST
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 10:43:05 -0600
There was once a wide, windswept place, near nowhere and close to forgotten, that was filled with all the things that no one wanted. Right in the middle was a small house, with small windows, that looked out on other people's garbage and bad weather. In the house lived an old man. Every day he tried to clear away the garbage, sifting and sorting, burning and burying. And every night the old man dreamed."
So begins, The Tin Forest, by Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson. A book about hope, dreams and perseverance, it became an immediate favorite of mine. The illustrations are quite detailed...hiding integral parts of the story that children delight in finding. The cover is reminiscent of Madlenka, by Peter Sis, with its square cut-out. I thought it to be a Caldecott contender...in my humble opinion...but, both author and illustrator live in England. (I believe the Caldecott is awarded to only citizens of our country...) An inspiring book, especially during this time of year...which has been eclipsed by recent world events.
Another favorite is, Four in All by mother-son collaborators, Nina and Adam Payne. (That's my take gathered from the dust jacket, at least.) A small, square book, it is full of surprises. The simple, lyrical text (only 56 words in length) rolls off your tongue...but the REAL magic lies in the illustrations that build as each page is turned. They are done with intricate cut paper collage and are amazing! Words and illustrations truly blend together to become one in this book...
By the way, I also find it interesting that Walter Dean Myers played a part in two of the favorite books mentioned...acknowledged by Hesse in Witness, he gathered the historic photographs...and, of course, the large role he played in the success of Love that Dog by Creech. An amazing man! We surely enjoyed our time with him when he visited Birmingham!
Happiest of Holidays to All! Regards, Clark Underbakke Birmingham, AL
Received on Fri 21 Dec 2001 10:43:05 AM CST
