Two Fun Picture Books!
ABOUT THE BOOK
In this companion to acclaimed Mary and the Mouse, the Mouse and Mary, Maria (Mary's daughter) and Mouse Mouse (Mouse's daughter) are looking for their mothers. They're not in their bedrooms, their car and cart are still in the driveway, and they are not in the gazebo or under the mushroom! Where could they be? Well, turns out Mary and the Mouse are great friends—just like Maria and Mouse Mouse—and soon the new generation is in on the old generation's secret, and vice versa. Sparingly told and beautifully illustrated, this book is every bit as charming as its predecessor. Kids will pore over the minute details of a mouse's parallel world.
REVIEW
I found this a delightfully fun book with the detailed illustrations and the hunt that Maria and her friend, Mouse go on. Comparing Maria's living space with Mouse's is a good part of the fun. However, the size of the illustrations makes this more appropriate for one on one reading so that the small details can be studied. There is plenty of typical McClintock adorableness here that kids are bound to love, plus the idea of the two girls searching for their 'missing' moms is portrayed in a really cute way. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I can heartily recommend.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Brother Hugo can't return his library book -- the letters of St. Augustine -- because, it turns out, the precious book has been devoured by a bear! Instructed by the abbot to borrow another monastery's copy and create a replacement, the hapless monk painstakingly crafts a new book, copying it letter by letter and line by line. But when he sets off to return the borrowed copy, he finds himself trailed by his hungry new friend. Once a bear has a taste of letters, it appears, he's rarely satisfied!Brother Hugo and the Bear is loosely based on a note found in a twelfth-century manuscript -- and largely on the creative imaginings of author Katy Beebe. Lavishly illustrated by S. D. Schindler in the style of medieval manuscripts, this humorous tale is sure to delight readers who have acquired their own taste for books."
REVIEW
What an unusual book! Not only did I learn about how medieval illumination worked but there's also a very literary bear. I have to say that the ending made me laugh at first (the reader part of me, the librarian part of me was a bit horrified ;)). Definitely a book that isn't like anything else I've read in a long time. Entertaining and informative this is a book that is bound to get a reaction from readers, of one kind or another. I can't wait to share it with students just to get their opinion on it.
These two picture books sound and look absolutely charming. Hope to find a copy at my library soon!
ReplyDeleteOh the covers of these books are lovely! Recently I've really been in love with picture books. I'll have to give these a try.
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