Layers of Thought

I was recently sent an unusual, compelling picture book. It is one of those books you can't say "no" to, reading it in-between holiday busyness! It's one I hope gets into the hands of many children, teachers, book shops, and librarians.

When Comes What Darkly Thieves is a handsome picture book reminiscent of the poetry-prose and illustrations of Kenneth Patchen and the illustrations of Charles Keeping. It is an insistent book in that it won’t let you put it down or let you stop thinking of the layers of meaning and nuances it holds within the deceptive slimness of the picture book format.

Author and illustrator Ben Rubin has managed to write a book that is intriguing for all ages from eight or ten to ninety eight. The literary prose dips into poetic form with word phrases that make the reader ponder and also think, “Brilliant!” The collage illustrations with deep mood, dark, and dream-like closely follow the text, marrying with it the tale of the Kind of Gypsies stealing moonbeams from the protagonist’s eyes. It is important for children to experience the darker tones of the color spectrum.

A teacher presenting a poetry unit has such a richness of material to draw upon, asking students questions, such as “What could ‘I want to be a trout.’ mean?” Or, “What would you feel as a trout?” This gives young people a wonderful platform to think outside the traditional box of poetry and write their own imaginative tales, dark or light, taking off from questions such as the one above. Parents will delight in reading aloud and discussing the book with their children. Or, how about making up one’s own tales and constructing collages on a long automobile journey or on a long holiday based on this tale? This is a must have, forever, book for one’s bookshelf.

Happy Holidays

I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a New Year full of reading, writing, and illustration abundance.





Raven in the Snow, Judith, 2011

Oh, How I Love Fantasy and Adventure Stories!

I know I haven't written in a long time. That doesn't mean I haven't kept reading and enjoying children's books. It's just that I've been very busy working on 3 of my own. However, I couldn't pass up reviewing this series of books by Asya Pekurovskaya. Here are my reviews of books one & two. Look for more to come out in the series.

Spark, The Stone Man,Book One

Ah, a fantasy story in the tradition of the Brothers Grimm, Hans Anderson, and J. R. R. Tolkein written by Russian author Asya Pekurovskaya and lovingly, creatively illustrated by Olga Titova! Spark the Stone Man lives on Granite Mountain, but he has dreams of adventure and of becoming a sculptor rather than just a traditional stonemason. When he discovers that there is a Coveted Path down to Lemon Drop Valley and that the secret is in his feet, he becomes, like all heroes on a journey, too tempted not to go down and explore. Once there, he is amazed by the sights, colors, smells, and varied inhabitants including a beautiful Yuska named Stella. Spark finds a magical machine, a wizard, friends, and intrigues in Lemon Drop Valley, but in the end he despairs that he will ever be able to go back down again as the King of Granite Mountain wants to de-magnetize the Coveted Path.

The hard back book is in 8 ½ x 11 format that is easy to handle and read. The illustrations in rich color and action beautifully enhance the text. It’s a treat to find such abundant illustrations in a middle grade book. The prose is exciting and leads the young reader deeper into the story. The author isn’t afraid to use detailed descriptions and “bigger” words for children to absorb as they learn, perhaps thinking they are only enjoying a story. The last sentence in the book reads, “Also, the author promises you that as soon as the book you hold in your hands has been read eighteen times, the new book will be waiting for you on the bedside table.” This is a promise well-kept for the young readers 8 – 13 years who will relish a fantasy, adventure series just for them as the second book is now out in publication, Spark, The Stone Man, Book Two. Teachers in grades 3 to 8 can use the book to read aloud, promote language development, enact, and use as a jump-start to creative writing. There are also Russian versions for bi-lingual learning.

ISBN: 978-0-9828487-1-5

www.an-animation.com

Spark, The Stone Man, Book Two

As promised this second book, Spark, the Stone Man in the series by Asya Pekurovskaya, deepens the adventures and dangers involving Spark, the citizens of Lemon Drop Valley, and especially Stella the Yushka who Spark tries to save from the attack by the Volchaks. In despair he wants to give up ever being in Lemon Drop Valley, but he knows he must carry on helping Stella and his friends, yet complying with the secrets of Granite Mountain. At the end of the book, he’s afraid he’s made things even worse.

This second book follows a more complicated plot than the first. The young reader will delight in following Spark’s further adventures. As in the first book, the illustrations richly enhance the story. Perhaps, in class or at home, the young child can be encouraged to design and illustrate maps and scenes of his own as well as dramatize the story. She can use the books as a jump start to her own creative writing. There is also a Russian version for bi-lingual learning. The website has further suggestions for the classroom. Also, based on the books, there can be an e-mail or snail mail pen pal exchange with young people in Russia. This book is a must on any home or classroom library shelf.

ISBN: 978-0982848739

www.an-animation.com

Children Can Recycle With Enthusiasm

I know, I know. It's been another long while since I blogged. Well, it's because I've been busy finishing my own book and beginning 2 more! Recycling is close to my heart as it is something my son and I did when he was younger, not to mention its extreme importance to the health of our planet. So when Giovanna's book came to my attention, I couldn't resist. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do:

With humorous antics in the illustrations, Rickie the Raccoon Learns About Recycling is an enjoyable story that helps young children learn how they can help to recycle in their homes and schools.

Rickie is a hungry young raccoon who, one evening, searches for food in garbage cans. Instead he is startled and knocks over a big green bin. Clatter, clunk, crash out comes its contents. What is Rickie to do with such a mess? His friend Carmen the Cat comes out to help him. Will you be able to help Rickie read the symbols on the side of each bin? Author Giovanna Lagana writes with passion about recycling through her characters Rickie and Carmen. She is able to stretch the young child’s vocabulary, comprehension, and willingness about how he can contribute to recycling.

The colored pencil illustrations by Angela are amazing in their depth, detail, and texture as they enhance the text. They make one want to reach out and stroke the cat and raccoon. The pictures will help parents and teachers encourage children to make their own colored pencil drawings. Teachers and parents will also find this an inspiring book for their children with its suggested tips and directions for further research and activities, and it is highly recommended for young children, ages 3 - 10.

www.TabbyCatPress.com

Starting up again!

I am so excited to have time to write book reviews again! And I have a most beautiful duo of books by Benrali to talk about. I think I will never lose my love for childrens' books even though I am not creating any at the moment, rather concentrating on my own fine art and my novel. Do look for Benrali's books as she is an exquisite artist and brings a unique perspective to verse. Turtle's Dream and Keys is currently available, and Manni will be out in a few weeks.

The Turtle's Dream and Keys

Was there a time when giant box turtles carried the Earth on their back? Jupiter dreams of that time after he emerges from his winter hibernation and stops to rest beneath the ivy. He imagines what it was like to live in pre-historic times. Did strawberries grow then? He loves to eat them. The young reader will be enchanted to imagine along with Jupiter, the box turtle. He will also enjoy looking for the various dinosaurs, insects, and land and sea animals. Will he count time with the box turtle clock?

Benrali is an inspired, unique artist who illustrates in etchings, pen and ink, and Photoshop. Her intricate illustrations beckon the reader to pour over each page following the patterns and rich depictions of each object. This book is highly recommended for both home and school libraries, and is one that may well be kept into adulthood.

Only1earth, Inc., 2008

ISBN: 9780976335429

Manni: From a World Beyond Stars

Manni becomes separated from the other newly hatched sea turtles. How will he find his friends again? Will be be safe from dangers in the sea and on the land? A coconut finds Manni and they travel together, but how can a coconut be his friend and guide? You will be delighted to find out. Benrali weaves a poignant tale with both her words and pictures. Unlike any other picture book that rhymes, Benrali has written this picture book in the form of a ghazal, an Arabic, Indo-Persian form of poetry, which consists of rhyming couplets throughout the entire song or poem. It is a lovely rhythm, which falls easily off the tongue when read aloud.
The illustrations are superb, rich, ethereal, and jewel-like with muted silvers, blues, and corals executed in a combination of etching, pen and ink, and Photoshop. The young reader will take pleasure in following the intricacies of the patterns of trees and sea flora and fauna. He can also have fun spotting and naming the different creatures on each page. This book will be a valuable addition to a child's growing library and will be read and enjoyed from ages three through eight.
Dream Beyond Time, 2008
ISBN: 9780976335436