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Somehow this book, out the end of September, feels a challenge to review because I don't want to take away any of your excitement of discovery as you read this newest incredible tale by Kate Dicamillo with just-right illustrations by Sophie Blackall. Would you mind if I told you it is a medieval tale, with the mystery of powerful, greedy kings (and an even greedier counselor)? Would you like that one of the intriguing characters is a straight-arrow goat? She always does the right thing and has the head to help her do that. Another is a monk who continues to do good despite memories of his father deeming him a coward. Also, you'll meet a young boy, all alone, grieving his murdered parents but as willing to be helpful, especially for Beatryce, as a hero can be. There is still another king, one who long ago threw his crown in the water and walked out. And, of course, there is Beatryce and her story of a mermaid. You may find that she is not the only star in this book, yet love for her shines throughout, from me, too. It's a lovely and loving tale.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this advanced copy!
When my daughter was young, she was convinced all her special stuffed animals got together at night and played. She would have loved this new 'first' book in a series about toys that can be borrowed at a library. Ivy, the main character, used to be the librarian Anne's special doll growing up. When Anne found Ivy who had been stored in a box, she took her to be with those others at the library. Ivy definitely would rather have gone home to be Anne's best friend again, but as she gets to know the other toys, each with their own personalities, and then she gets "borrowed", adventure awaits. It's quite a fun 'pretend' story, lovingly told by Cynthia Lord and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!
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| from my #MustReadin2021 list |
Eleven-year-old Mary Lambert tells this story, written by Ann Clare LaZotte, herself deaf. LaZotte came by this path as she followed the history of a community on Martha's Vineyard in the early 1800s where both the deaf and hearing community signed. It simply was the way to communicate. It was easy to forget who was deaf and who could hear. The many layers LaZotte includes in Mary's story feel like many lives today, too. There is grief for her brother who died while saving her as they walked together one day. There are tensions among the people who are English, Black, Irish, and Wampanoag. Mary struggles to understand that others do not see them all as equal citizens. And she learns how others in the outside world feel about those who are deaf when a young scientist arrives with his own ideas of why there are so many deaf people who live on this island. LaZotte includes some of those early, and incorrect, theories and the kidnapping of a subject, Mary herself, raises the tension very high. It's quite amazing to think that a child can be taken by ship and sailed days away, this time to Boston, to be locked away for research. Every day thereafter felt a need to hold my breath. It seems important to share that this story gave me new knowledge about the lives of deaf people. There is also an afterword full of information that connects to the novel, like the various kinds of sign language. It's a wonderful book! FYI - This is the winner of the 2021 Schneider Family Book Award
