PICTURE BOOK REVIEWS: The Shortest Day/Roly Poly/Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains
ABOUT THE BOOK
In this seasonal treasure, Newbery Medalist Susan Cooper's beloved poem heralds the winter solstice, illuminated by Caldecott Honoree Carson Ellis's strikingly resonant illustrations.
So the shortest day came,
and the year died . . .
As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper's poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before -- and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!
REVIEW
This picture book is based on a poem written by Susan Cooper. The poem focuses on the shortest day of the year and the traditions that have developed to celebrate it. I'll admit I'm not a huge Carson Ellis fan. I find his work a bit too strange for my taste. For example, in this book, he personifies the son, by giving it a body and a walking stick. I can see the symbolism behind this image, but I don't find the image particularly appealing. Others probably would though. Since the book is about the shortest day, most of the images are fairly dark with neutral colors. The book is beautiful and a reminder of traditions that can unit us. It just didn't really click with me.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Roly Poly the polar bear loves being an only child. His bed is only his. The fish he catches are only his. And he doesn’t have to share his toy walrus tooth with anyone. But then along comes baby Monty. Roly Poly did not ask for a little brother and he certainly does not want one now! What is Roly Poly to do when Monty starts making him share his bed and fish and walrus tooth?
REVIEW
Roly Poly isn't happy to gain a sibling. He doesn't like sharing his things or his parents attention. But when Baby Monty comes along that is exactly what he has to start doing. Roly Poly takes his resentment out on his little brother, treating him unkindly and storming off whenever his brother wants to be involved in what he is doing. Only when he is faced with possible losing his brother does Roly Poly change his attitude. A pretty straightforward story of sibling rivalry that takes place at the North Pole, Roly Poly is a cute enough story but doesn't really stand out as much as I would have expected a Mem Fox story to, not until you look at the illustrations. The dioramas created by Dyer with the wool and wire made bears are quite cute and I especially enjoyed the details in Roly Poly's room.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The people who live among the high peaks of the Himalayas tell stories of a mysterious animal called the gray ghost. To see one, you'd have to be very lucky indeed. Join a zoologist in the Himalayan mountains as he searches for the elusive creature. With her pale gold and silver-gray coat painted with black rosettes, she blends so well into the boulders, it's no wonder she's thought of as a ghost of the mountains. But the fortunate few who spot her are rewarded with a sight they will never forget. Written by an expert with firsthand experience, beautifully illustrated, and interwoven with fascinating facts, this vicarious look at a breathtaking animal includes an end note suggesting resources to explore.
REVIEW
Snow leopards are magnificent animals. As this book so clearly demonstrates. The author takes the reader on a journey into the Himalayas in pursuit of this highly secretive animal. Based on his own experiences following snow leopards, he tells of a scientist in search of a chance to see this rare mammal. In addition to telling the story of the scientist, he includes facts about the cats on most spreads. The illustrations are gorgeous and highlight the beauty of this endangered cat wonderfully. If you couldn't tell, I really enjoyed this book about one of the earth's most majestic species. If you love cats the way I do, this is a title not to be missed.
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