Archive for the ‘Children’s Book Review’ Category
Lovely Weather for a Sleigh Ride Together…
With inches of fluffy white snow blanketing Northeastern Pennsylvania, today’s the perfect day to talk about a “slide ride”!
The KidDilly team simply loves Red Sled, a picture book written by local author Patricia Thomas and illustrated by Chris L. Demarest. (Mr. Demarest is not a local illustrator, but we’ll let this one ‘slide’!) KidDilly isn’t alone in this opinion either. Red Sled received a highly esteemed, starred review from Kirkus in July of 2008.
On a snow-covered, starlit night, a boy and his father feel sad. But a sleigh ride, laughter and a steaming cup of cocoa lift their spirits before they surrender to sleep.
This picture book features uncomplicated, yet lively illustrations coupled with what appears to be sweet, simple rhyme such as “Red sled”, “Sad lad”, and “Slide ride”.
However, Patricia Thomas cleverly married science with art when she created this sixty-word masterpiece. Red Sled was inspired by an ancient form of writing known as chiasmus. True to this format, she created mirror images, choosing rhyme to create the mirror.
And, her creativity didn’t end there. In the author’s note, Mrs. Thomas explains how her patterns of rhyme actually combine to create a “hill”. After all, what other structure would you use to deliver a story called Red Sled?
So today I’m going to read this book to my little ones for some indoor fun. Then I just might pile them into their red sled and “Go! Go”! Maybe I’ll even get a “snug hug”.
A signed copy would make a sweet Valentine treat for your little one. Will you be at the Bottega on Saturday, February 14 from 12-2 pm to get yours?
Patricia Thomas’ Latest Release
Donna
Local Author and Illustrator Takes a Walk in the Woods
Tiny tracks between the barberry bushes; a leafy nest up high in the branches of an old oak; and a patch of rubbed-off bark on a birch? Who was in these snowy woods?
This is the question posed by local author and illustrator, Lindsay Barrett George in her award-winning classic, “In the Snow: Who’s Been Here?”
George takes the reader on a snowy safari, exploring the woodland floor, its loftiest tree limbs, and everywhere in between.
Children are inspired to embrace their curiosity and are transported into the story by George’s engaging prose and spectacular illustrations.
From the marvelously mottled feathers on her great horned owl, to the velvety chocolate fur under the chin of her mink, the textures revealed in her illustrations are simply reach-out-and-touch realistic. George excels at bringing the tiniest details to the forefront in each breathtaking scene.
If you haven’t seen this book yet, run (don’t walk) to your local library and pick up a copy. Or better yet, join KidDilly at The Bottega in Clarks Summit from 12 pm to 2 pm on Saturday, February 14 to meet Lindsay Barrett George. While you’re there, you can pick up your very own signed copy of this book, or one of her other stunning works including “Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse.”
They’re dillies!
Allie
