From: Monica R. Edinger <edinger>
Date: Sat, 05 Oct 2002 09:18:44 -0400

Count me three on David Almond. Clare Ferguson's statement that "he uses language so beautifully that it's like looking at a piece of art in a gallery" is spot on.

Another who has me under her spell with a unique and delightful voice is Polly Horvath. I admire her wit, original plots, memorable characters, and ability to combine humor with underlying sadness. Both she and Almond seem to draw upon the classical ideas in their stores. Almond's are serious while Horvath's involve comedy intertwined with pathos. She too uses language in most delightful ways. I'm a fan of droll and deadpan humor which Horvath does extremely well.

I love fantasy so was completely captivated by Franny Billingsley's The Folk Keeper; that story's rich, ornate, and lush world was wonderful as was the protagonist, Corinna. The idea of the Folk, the romance, the folkloric elements were all seamlessly joined. It's a tough act to follow, but I'm looking forward to whatever comes next.

Chris Raschka is another to watch, in my opinion. He uses language in intriguing and unique ways, integrated beautifully with his art. His voice is musical and poetic, elegant and intelligent. He doesn't, in the slightest, underestimate his very young readers.

Monica

Monica Edinger The Dalton School New York NY edinger at dalton.org monicaedinger at yahoo.com
Received on Sat 05 Oct 2002 08:18:44 AM CDT