The perfect book for now. Horrified by demons of disorder, alarmed by the forces of discord, wandering in the wilderness of ignorance with ogres of diThe perfect book for now. Horrified by demons of disorder, alarmed by the forces of discord, wandering in the wilderness of ignorance with ogres of disinformation nipping at your heels? Give yourself a treat and read, or listen to The Phantom Tollbooth. The reading by Rainn Wilson is a treat and the introduction by Norton Juster is worth the price of entry. What a pleasure to be in the hands of a wise funny man who knew how to say a thing and when to stop saying it. This is a perfect family read aloud. Able to charm, engage and amuse all ages. Bravo...more
A young girl’s abiding interest in owls is encouraged by her knowledgeable teacher, Mr. Koji, and her supportive mom. Tirelessly the child researches A young girl’s abiding interest in owls is encouraged by her knowledgeable teacher, Mr. Koji, and her supportive mom. Tirelessly the child researches and explores, hoping to see an owl in the wild. Charming, scratchy pen-and-ink drawings, washed with pastel watercolor, show scenes in classrooms, the field, and glimpses of the girl’s illustrated journal of facts and findings. Readers gain owl knowledge, learn how to craft a scientific pursuit, and experience the emotional reward of passionate perseverance. Main characters have light tan skin. No back matter is included....more
Charming, lively, colorful the biography introduces readers to the independent, quirky and talented artist who followed his own path. Goreys personaliCharming, lively, colorful the biography introduces readers to the independent, quirky and talented artist who followed his own path. Goreys personality comes through. I only wish one of his drawings had been included in the back matter ...more
Gorgeous illustrations and an inspiring story of the first woman to climb Everest, who went on to organize environmental protection for mountains.
SpecGorgeous illustrations and an inspiring story of the first woman to climb Everest, who went on to organize environmental protection for mountains.
Spectacular illustrations and lyrical text reveal the dynamic, change-making life of a supremely joyful and determined Japanese woman. From childhood Junko’s love of mountains fueled a dream to climb. Pushing back against conventions and constraints Junko led the first women’s Everest expedition, becoming the first female to summit. More than a mountaineer, she spearheaded international efforts to clean up decades of climbing waste, preserving the landscape she loved. Dynamically colored and patterned india ink and digital illustrations borrow from Japanese woodblock prints, manga, and Marc Chagall. Every spread is a visually rich story in itself. Back matter includes author’s note, timeline, glossary, source notes, and bibliography....more
Gorgeous illustrations of parallel stories. One man stays at home, rooted as an oak. Another travels the world, taken by the tides. Intriguing observaGorgeous illustrations of parallel stories. One man stays at home, rooted as an oak. Another travels the world, taken by the tides. Intriguing observations and comparisons and a great book to prompt thought and discussion....more
It is lovely to have a picture book featuring a grandfather. Also very nice to see the Jewish faith and traditions emphasized. Yet the focus on the grIt is lovely to have a picture book featuring a grandfather. Also very nice to see the Jewish faith and traditions emphasized. Yet the focus on the grandfather's repetitive self-effacing reflections left me convinced that this book will appeal far more to adults than to children. The three grandkids think gramps is the best, best storyteller, best cook, best game maker, etc. But each scene of blissful interaction ends with grandpa reflecting on how he knows he is just an ordinary man, nothing special. There is a graceful, sentimental ending and yet my take away is there is no story there. It was as interesting as watching a performer reply to a standing ovation that "No, really it is you, my audience, who are the best. without you I am nothing. Give yourself a round of applause." Cue deafening, self-congratulatory cheers....more
Much more than merely an origin story for the Old MacDonald rhyme. A tidy homed, plant loving man is certain he doesn't like animals. The illustrationMuch more than merely an origin story for the Old MacDonald rhyme. A tidy homed, plant loving man is certain he doesn't like animals. The illustrations are filled with charming clues. Even after the first cat makes itself at home the man insists that this particular cat must be the exception that proves the rule. The text provides a delightful jumping off place for introspection and activities. ...more
What would it feel like to be a jumping spider? Each question provides and entry point for a reader to identify with and learn about a backyard spiderWhat would it feel like to be a jumping spider? Each question provides and entry point for a reader to identify with and learn about a backyard spider named Jumper. Backmatter includes an informative section that explains how Jumper does it, more about jumping spiders, a glossary, author's note, guide to finding and identifying spiders and resources....more
Delightful twist on an early reader alphabet book. An African-American girl, white boy and pup, named Rex, are asked to go and fetch an object beginniDelightful twist on an early reader alphabet book. An African-American girl, white boy and pup, named Rex, are asked to go and fetch an object beginning with a specific letter. Rex repeatedly returns with the same, non-conventional object and explains each time (through mime) how what he has brought DOES fulfill the assignment. Lots of laughs, great natural repetition of simple vocabulary and a very deep exploration of the flexibility of concepts. (is a frog F, or A for amphibian or P for pet.) Great training for a lifetime of confounding faculty by technically completing an assignment while coloring outside the lines....more
Five hundred years ago, Europeans didn’t even have a word for bounce, much less words for a material that can be molded and shaped, stretched, floatedFive hundred years ago, Europeans didn’t even have a word for bounce, much less words for a material that can be molded and shaped, stretched, floated, rolled and, most importantly, can rebound. All that changed when rubber balls, and the active games they allowed, were imported from the New World. Bounce goes deeper than anecdote, with the science behind elastic polymers and an eye-opening account of the inventions rubber allows. Varied and active fonts, paired with whimsical watercolor and ink illustrations, humorously convey the game-changing versatility of rubber and the stinky, tinkering experiments needed to overcome its physical limitations. An afterword adds disturbing details about rubber’s history. Back matter includes a detailed timeline, bibliography, and quote sources. Illustrations show varied racial ethnicities. Thanks to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an unbiased review....more
4 1/2 stars. An infectiously entertaining account of how Erno Rubik developed his cube. Great process descriptions. An excellent mentor text for showi4 1/2 stars. An infectiously entertaining account of how Erno Rubik developed his cube. Great process descriptions. An excellent mentor text for showing problem solving and perseverance. Also nice in that Erno is revealed as an introvert and content. ...more
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