Here is the first trailer for the star-studded movie version of the book by Lois Lowry.
Anyone else disappointed not to see black and white in the beginning? Also, it’s a lot more firmly science fiction than I had imagined.
Day: March 20, 2014
Review: Monday, Wednesday, and Every Other Weekend by Karen Stanton
Monday, Wednesday, and Every Other Weekend by Karen Stanton
Henry and his dog, Pomegranate, live in two different houses. On Mondays, Wednesdays and every other weekend, he lives with his mother on Flower Street. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other weekend, he lives with his father two blocks away on Woolsey Avenue. The two houses are very different. They smell different, look different, sound different and even taste different. Pomegranate though is never truly happy at either house. He wants to be somewhere else. Then one day, Pomegranate gets out and runs away. Henry and his father head to Flower Street to see if he is with Henry’s mother, but no Pomegranate. Then Henry realizes where Pomegranate must be and heads straight to the house where his family used to live all together. Now a little girl lives there and she has Pomegranate with her!
This book has such a strong heart. Stanton clearly shows the differences between the two homes that Henry lives in. The different neighborhoods, the different foods, the different sounds. Both homes are beautiful, both are filled with love for Henry. Stanton’s clever use of Pomegranate as the expression of the emotions involved in a divorce is well done. She manages to allow Henry to be well adjusted and happy while still dealing with the complex emotions that divorce elicits.
The art is charming and wonderfully loud. Done in collage mixed with painting, the colors shine on the page. She makes sure to show the elements that make up life in each house, showing again the differences but also the similarities in the homes.
A memorable book on divorce for children, even children who have not experienced divorce themselves will enjoy this engaging title. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Reviewed from copy received from Feiwel & Friends.
Review: Anna Carries Water by Olive Senior
Anna Carries Water by Olive Senior, illustrated by Laura James
Anna wishes that she could carry water on her head the way her older brothers and sisters do. Her family does not have running water in their home, so the children walk to the spring and back every day toting water. Her siblings carry the water in different types of containers balanced on the top of their heads. But Anna with her smallest container can’t do that. Anna tries, but only manages to dump water down herself and have to refill the coffee can. Then she carries it in her hands instead. Anna’s oldest sister reminds her that when she is old enough to balance the water, it will just happen. But can Anna wait that long?
This Caribbean picture book is a treat. It not only offers a glimpse into a different way of life but also gives a gentle reminder of the importance of patience and perseverance. Written in simple language, the book uses repetition very nicely to give it a sense of traditional folktale while being firmly set in the present day.
The illustrations tell much of the story and also have a traditional feel mixed with modern content. They are bright colored, vibrant and help make sure that readers know that they are in another part of the world.
A bright and vivid book, this is a great pick for sharing aloud and would make an unusual but great addition to any story time or unit on water. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Reviewed from library copy.
Waking Brain Cells 