The Book of Three

Alexander, L. (1964).  The book of three. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

Book Summary

The Book of Three is the first of Lloyd Alexander’s fantasy series. The main character is Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper.  Taran, however, is not a happy pig-keeper; he would rather be a great hero, like his own personal hero, the High Prince Gwydion.  But he is watching a very important pig. Hen Wen is an oracle pig. So when Hen Wen takes off one day into the forest, Taran has to head right after her. This begins a long stretch of bad luck for Taran. Although he does get to meet his hero, Gwydion, he can’t seem to catch up to Hen Wen and manages to get thrown into a dungeon, caught by fairies, and pursued by a large bird of prey. Taran survives all this and eventually is able to return home with Hen Wen. When he reaches home, he realizes that home is quite a bit more appealing after such a wild adventure.

Impressions

This book still definitely holds its own. When fantasy readers come in after finishing The Ranger’s Apprentice series, I hand them this book. Lloyd Alexander’s book is compelling, humorous, and develops a detailed fantasy world.  The conversations between Taran and his fellow companions are witty and entertaining. The relationships between the odd group of travelers, especially with a dwarf and a king turned bard and a sassy young girl, makes the journey a memorable one.  This is a great book for elementary school readers with an interest in fantasy or even just an epic journey.

Professional Review

No available professional reviews.

Library uses

This book would be good to use in a book club for fourth or fifth graders. There’s a good discussion about what it means to find happiness with your life. Taran wanted a hero’s life and found a slew of bad luck and struggles. While he came out of it alright, he soon learned to appreciate his good life and friends back home.

Esperanza Rising: Book Trailer

Credits for Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Graham, D. (Photographer). (2013). Train in San Timoteo Canyon 1-20-13a [Photograph], Retrieved February 21, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23155134@N06/8510141283/sizes/l/

Harrison, D. (Photographer). (2013). NW Traverse MI 1950s old days of valuable Mexican migrant worker cherry picker families before the world changed and the tree-shaker harvesting technology [Photograph], Retrieved February 21, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/upnorthmemories/11065754004/

Kwelsey. (Photographer). (2011). Through our eyes [Photograph], Retrieved February 21, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wongkelsey/6108074878/sizes/l/

MacEntee, S. (Photographer). (2010). Sunrise [Photograph], Retrieved February 21, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smemon/5783321374/sizes/l/

Peregrino, R. D. (Photographer). (2008). Landscape around the ranch [Photograph], Retrieved February 21, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30158224@N06/2825767328/sizes/o/

Prayitno. (Photographer). (2014). Pretty Latina [Photograph], Retrieved February 21, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/prayitnophotography/11750403695/sizes/l/

Taylor, K. (Photographer). (2010). California fields [Photograph], Retrieved February 21, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kthread/4664999274/sizes/l/

Harriet the Spy: Book Trailer

Harriet the Spy

Credits for Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Chris. (Photographer). (2007).  The spy between water glasses [Photograph], Retrieved February 20, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisjfry/372789316/sizes/o/

Duty, J. (Photographer). (2003). Magnifying_glass [Photograph], Retrieved February 20, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jduty/3778459433/sizes/o/

Dvortygirl. (Photographer). (2008). Notebook collection [Photograph], Retrieved February 20, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dvortygirl/2445114424/sizes/o/

Rakka. (Photographer). (2013). Harriet the spy lantern [Photograph], Retrieved February 20, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakka/8693736489/sizes/l/

Moon Over Manifest: Book Trailer

Credits for Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Locke, E. {Photographer}. (1937). Walker Evans, profile, hand up to face [Photograph], Retrieved February 22, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctanderson/8979784854/sizes/l/

Bowman, C. (2009). Walker, SD [Hand-drawn map], Retrieved February 22, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35236693@N08/3603706222/sizes/l/

Sorensiim. (Photographer). (2007). Train [Photograph], Retrieved February 22, 2013, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dk_spook/2214315300/sizes/o/

Vachon, J. (Photographer). (1938). Farm girl [Photograph], Retrieved February 22, 2014, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctanderson/8870839635/sizes/l/

Wagner, K.  (2007). Sgt. Rolfe Wagner 1919 [Photograph], Retrieved February 22, 2014, from:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurtwagner/2088075147/sizes/o/

Please come back. {Recorded by Jordan’s Folk}. On Just for onces. (August 7, 2007).

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Joyce, W. (2012).  The fantastic flying books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers.

Book Summary

The book tells the story of an avid reader, Mr. Morris Lessmore, who lost the words of his life and book. Sad and lost, Mr. Lessmore wanders. During his wandering, he looks up to see a woman flying away in a cloud of books. Seeing his unhappiness, the women sends down one of her books to help Mr. Lessmore. The book leads him to a library, full of books where Mr. Lessmore once again discovers words. He takes care of the books and shares them with others. He starts writing his own book again and spends his years in the library with his book. As he ages, the books start reading to him. At the end, Mr. Lessmore flies away with his own cloud of books and his book is passed on to the next reader.

Impressions

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a whimsical story of books, reading, and a love of both of these. Mr. Morris is discouraged that his first book was lost to the winds and almost wanders forever. Not only does the book celebrate reading and writing, but it shows a story of overcoming disappointment. I don’t question why this book has had such popularity; it appeals to many different ages because its story is universal. We are all keeping track of our own lives, even if not on paper. We all have hopes and sorrows and stories of every day. Young readers can understand this, while older readers have the memories to understand even deeper. 

Professional Review

Joyce's Academy Award-winning animated short-film-turned-app that celebrates those who care about (and receive nourishment from) books is, ironically, now a picture book. The wonder and mystery inherent in the wordless film and the ability to manipulate the visuals and play the soundtrack on the app's piano beg the question: Can the book compete? As it turns out, the book has its own rewards. Clarity comes from Joyce's well-chosen words. 

School Library Journal

2012. Review. School Library Journal, August 1.

Library Uses

This book is unique in that the story inspired an Academy Award Winning short film before the book was even released. There is also an interactive iPad app version of the story.  A library could use the video and app in programs focusing on interactive books. As more and more library programs include technology, this book is a good example of how to incorporate reading beyond just a standard paper book.  For libraries that have computer stations for children to play games, iPads loaded with the Mr. Morris Lessmore app could be used to support this area.