Bibliophile's Corner

Make Way

by Angela Burke Kunkel

illustrated by Claire Keene

Flap Copy Description:

In the beginning, in Hamilton, Ohio, there was a boy named Robert. His hands were always moving, always creating. Many years later, after attending art school in Boston, Robert McCloskey would think about his days wandering through Boston Public Garden and write the classic story Make Way for Ducklings.

In the beginning, there was also a girl named Nancy. She grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, working in her father's green-house, twisting wire and boughs into wreaths. Many years later Nancy Schön would look at Bob's drawings in Make Way for Ducklings and get the seed of an idea. That seed became the bronze sculptures of Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings that stand in Boston Public Garden today.

The stunning and innovative picture book biography intertwines the lives of two phenomenal artists - who were contemporaries and friends - and reveals the extraordinary impact they've had on generations of children.

My Thoughts:

Like most fans of children's books, I have always loved the picture book, Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert McCloskey. Make Way - The Story of Robert McCloskey and Nancy Schön, and Some Very Famous Ducks is the perfect biography to honor Mr. McCloskey and Ms. Schön! The combination of the enchanting illustrations and the biographical details works together to create a truly beautiful picture book. There are additional details about Mr. McCloskey and Ms. Schön at the back of the book. I highly recommend Make Way for readers of all ages!

Champions of Creativity

L. Frank Baum

Lyman Frank Baum was born on May 15, 1856; next Monday marks his 167th birthday. He is best known for his children's book series, The Wonderful World of Oz, fourteen books in all. Mr. Baum was a prolific writer, penning forty-one novels, eighty-four short stories, two hundred poems, and at least forty-two scripts. He was a truly creative soul, making several attempts to bring his works to the stage and screen. In 1939, the adaptation of The Wizard of Oz was finally brought to the silver screen, becoming a landmark of twentieth-century cinema.

Frank Baum suffered from heart problems and found the warm sunshine of Coronado, California, wonderful weather to restore his health - and to write! The photograph on the left is of the Frank Baum House where the author and his small family occasionally resided between 1904-1910. Mr. Baum would write in the mornings, and in the afternoons would golf, or spend time reading to children in the courtyard of The Hotel Del Coronado.

In addition to L. Frank Baum (who famously designed the crown chandeliers still hanging in the Crown Room of the hotel), many other famous guests frequented The Del, including actors, politicians, and even royalty.

Since my father was stationed at the North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado, I was born on that sunny paradise island. Consequently, over the years I've become interested in the history of Coronado. Since Mr. Baum was a children's book author, I've enjoyed learning about him. 

Remember to follow your yellow brick road!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Verisimilitude (n.)

the appearance of being true or real.

Example: The author's in-depth character development added to the verisimilitude in her new novel.

 

Bibliophile's Corner

The First Notes

The Story of Do, Re, Mi

by Julie Andrews and 

Emma Walton Hamilton

Flap Copy Description:

"When you know the notes to sing, you can sing most anything!"

Imagine a time very long ago, when music couldn't be written or read and could only be learned by live performance. A monk named Guido d'Arezzo dreamed of finding a way to write music as words are written in books, so that people far and wide could read and learn melodies. With creativity, passion, and perseverance, one humble man invented a way to share music across the world.

My Thoughts:

There's so much I love about this picture book! Not only does it share the history of musical notes, at the back of the book it includes a glossary, more information about the monk, Guido d'Arezzo, and a page about the song "Do-Re-Mi" which was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Julie Andrews and the award-winning author, Emma Walton Hamilton (daughter of Ms. Andrews), have created a book every child should read - especially if they're a budding musician of any kind!

Click here to learn about author Emma Walton Hamilton. 

Storyteller's Journey

Walk in the Woods

Last week was the first time it finally felt like spring in my neck of the woods. The Salmon Creek runs through the common area of our neighborhood and is one of my favorite natural sites.

This historic covered horse bridge serves not only horses and hikers, but also acts as a meeting place for our neighborhood get togethers in the summer. 

While many of our neighbors are horse owners, we are not. However, since I grew up with horses as a child, being around the majestic creatures always gives me a sense of deja vu. These two stallions were quite curious by my presence at first, but soon realized I was just out for a walk.

I thought this view through the trees of the distant hills was just lovely. 

As I continued walking, I soon came upon one of several ponds in the area.

I've mentioned before how much Mother Nature inspires me. While I'm busy preparing for my middle grade novel's publication in the fall, I still need to get my nature fix as regularly as I can!

Whimsical Word of the Week

Accismus (n.)

the feigning of disinterest in something, while actually desiring it.

Example: The actor's comment that he was "glad he wasn't chosen for the movie role" was not convincing, revealing his accismus.

Bibliophile's Corner

King Charles

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Back Cover Description:

Little Charles became heir to the throne aged just three. He grew up loving nature and dedicated himself to helping people and the planet through environmental activism and charity work. When he became king, Charles promised to serve his people with loyalty and respect. This amazing story of the king's life features a facts and photos section at the back.

My Thoughts:

Since the coronation of King Charles is coming up at the end of the week, I thought this book would be the perfect title to review. The story is a lovely overview about the monarch's life, and deals with his first wife, Princess Diana, in a tactful way. If you're looking to introduce your youngster to the new king, this book definitely fits the bill!