The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
Image Credit: Amazon.com

Agree or disagree:  There’s nothing quite like a real book.  Hint: Answer must include WHY?

What happens in a bookshop when it is closed at night?  HINT: Use your imagination!

What Genres did you notice in the Book Shop?

The Joy of Books from Sean Ohlenkamp on Vimeo.

If you are an old movie buff, now we're talking old-Buster Keaton kind of old movie buff, and you love books, here is just what the doctor ordered.  A children's picture book that has made into an Academy Award-winning animated short, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.  My students love this activity.  Here is the link to the original lesson that I modified for my use-This is one way to use this exceptional children's book in the classroom: Film English

Here is the short film that won the 2011 Academy Award for Animated Short...After viewing make sure you get the book, because everyone knows the book is always better!

Let us, here at The Things You Can Read, know what you think of The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore!  If you are a teacher, let us know how you use this intriguing book or plan to use this book in the classroom.

Summary Courtesy of Goodreads:

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

by William Joyce (Illustrator), Joe Bluhm (Goodreads Author) (Illustrator)  

Morris Lessmore loved words.
He loved stories.
He loved books.
But every story has its upsets.

Everything in Morris Lessmore’s life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds.

But the power of story will save the day.    (less)

Hardcover, 52 pages

Published June 19th, 2012 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers (first published 2011)

ISBN

1442457023 (ISBN13: 9781442457027)

edition language

English

Syllabus Link:  HERE

Let us, here at The Things You Can Read, know what you think of The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore!  If you are a teacher, let us know how you use this intriguing book or plan to use this book in the classroom.

Happy Reading!

Things You Can Read

Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of Books!

Summary Courtesy of Goodreads:

Happy Reading & Writing☮

The Things You Can Read!

Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of Books & Writing!

Don't Forget To Be Awesome!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am an educator with over 25 years of teaching experience; I currently teach English in the public school system of Virginia. In my spare time, I am an avid reader. writer, reviewer, blogger, writing/art journaler, beekeeper, grad student, and MOTHER. - See more: Here

Teaching Irony with O. Henry" by Joan W. Blos

Teaching Tip

Picture Books are a great way to teach concepts even with students in middle school and high school.  Check out O. Henry" by Joan W. Blos.  This book is a great way to teach irony because it is a narrative poem with an ironic ending.  How do you teach irony?  Let us know, here at The Things You Can Read!

Read Instantly:
Harper Collins
Barnes and Noble

Happy Reading!
The Things You Can Read

Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of Books!

Give a Book for Special Occasions--Having Fun with Birthday Books

My twins will be having a birthday in two weeks and being the crazy book mom that I am, of course, they are receiving books for their birthday.  My mother always made sure that I received my very own copies of books on special occasions, such as birthdays, Christmas, Easter...I am sure that is why, as an adult, I value having my own copy of a treasured book.  

Well, back to the twins...The picture above shows what was in the Amazon box that arrived for them Wednesday.  I was so excited to see the big heavy box the mailman was scanning when I opened our front door.  After the pass off of the box from mailman to mom, I hustled to the kitchen, grabbed the scissors, and sliced through the clear tape that was holding the edges of the box together.  By now the twins were excited too, following right behind me.  Placing the opened box on the floor and removing the packaging the three of us slowly examined each item.  Squeals of delight could be heard throughout the house as the spines of new books were cracked opened, and the that "new book" smell filled our noises like perfume.  After our perusal of each of the books, I quickly gathered their gifts up and promised to read one of them before their nap.

Well, it is now two days later, and we have already finished two of the birthday books:  Me, Frida (see my review) and The Dog Who Sang at the Opera (review coming soon), both of which were wonderful.  As you can probably already tell, I am not good at holding back gifts, I get as excited as my children.  My daughter and I are also working our way through Invitation to Ballet (a longer book).  Her twin brother is not too interested in ballet, so he took a pass on this one.  Needless to say, I can't wait to share the rest of their birthday books with the them.

Equally as important as sharing the actual book with the twins, I am also excited to share my reviews with the readership of The Things You Can Read.  Make sure to check back with The Things You Can Read for reviews of the rest of the birthday stash!

One more thing, if you have a personal favorite from your childhood that you think I should add to the twin's library I'd love to know.  Leave me a comment with your suggestion.  Happy Reading and a Happy (early) Birthday shout out to the twins. 

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Paint with Frida Kahlo

Me, Frida by Amy Novesky

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Me, Frida by Amy Novesky

Illustrated by David Diaz

Abrahms, 2010. 32 pgs.

Reading Level: ages 4-8

Me, Frida is a gorgeous lushous visual treat with a story that matches the quality of the illustrations. I would liken the experience of reading this book to falling into one of Frida Kahlo's paintings. However, the illustrator, David Diaz, does not simply copy Frida's style of artistic expression, but adds his own personal touches to that of the famous artist, thereby, creating something quite unique. The colors are vivid, warm, and inviting. My daughter's hands touched every page as we read this award winning book.  It is no wonder that Me, Frida won the Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor Book Award in 2011.

Me, Frida focuses on Frida's life as the new bride of Diego Rivera, the famous muralist and painter. Specifically, the setting is the newlyweds time in San Francisco in 1931 when Diego Rivera received his commission to paint his renowned murals on the government buildings of the city. During this time Frida, also an artist, begins to find her artistic voice, while her more established husband is busy creating his own art. When the couple is together Frida is often neglected and overlooked. Parties are given in her husband's honor, but no one notices the eclectic Frida.

Left to her own devices, Frida travels the streets of San Francisco gaining confidence in herself. With this new found confidence, she unlocks her own personal artistic style. Instead of copying the style of her husband, Diego Rivera, Frida paints in an intimate and folkloric style, which hearkens back to her native Mexican culture. The first painting to explore this style is Frida and Diego (Wedding Portrait) painted in 1931 during her stay in San Francisco. The painting now resides in the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, California. It's the painting she entered in her first show. Frida goes on to paint many more self-portraits when asked about this the painter stated, "I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best."  Me, Frida shares all this biographical information about this wonderful female painter without sounding stiff and stilted. 

Me, Frida by Amy Novesky and accompanying illustrations by David Diaz is an excellent introduction to this influential painter.

Other Recommendations for books about Frida Kahlo:

Frida Kahlo (GB): The Artist who Painted Herself by Margaret Frith
Tomie dePaola (Illustrator)
Hardcover, 32 pages

Published August 11th 2003 by Grosset & Dunlap

Frida by Jonah Winter
Ana Juan (Illustrator)

Hardcover, 32 pages

Published February 1st 2002 by Scholastic Inc. (first published 2002)

Diego by Jonah Winter 
Jeanette Winter (Illustrator)

Hardcover, 40 pages

Published January 9th 2007 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

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Goodreads Comments

Visit Paris with Madeline

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I guess I'm not a Madeline fan, nor is my daughter. She lost interest in this book long before it was finished, and it is very short on words. However, my daughter loved the illustrations. From the adult perspective, I loved the Parisian landmarks that were sprinkled throughout the book, but again, the story did not match the quality of the illustrations. Another thing that I did like about Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans is the fact that a short history of each landmark is included on the last page of the picture book, just in case the reader is not familiar with them. I also need to mention that the story is told using a simple rhyme scheme, which is very nice for introducing your child to this concept.  Each of these points are why the book received three out of five stars.

Madeline is the story of the littlest girl at a Catholic boarding school in Paris, France. Madeline is her name, and Madeline is not afraid of anything, not even tigers at the zoo. Madeline, along with all her classmates, travels throughout Paris on her daily walks, and enjoys the sights and sounds of Paris. Unfortunately, one day Madeline is stricken with appendicitis and has to be rushed to the hospital, but not to worry, all is well in the end.

I know that Madeline is beloved by many children and adults, but for my little munchkin it is not a favorite.  As to the Why?  Why is this book not a favorite?  Well, I'd have to say that substance of story is one reason, and then there is the subjectivity factor, which can not be discounted.  For our two member reading group this book did not have the five star qualities others we have read possess.  Again, reviews are very subjective, and based on all the good points this book has to offer I would most definitely share it with children.  The introduction to Paris is priceless, and I will enjoy taking Irene to Paris one day to see all the Parisian landmarks we visited with Madeline in person.

Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine

Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine by Evaline Ness
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine is a wonderful story set in a small fishing village.  Evaline Ness, the author and illustrator, won the prestigious Caldecott Medal back in 1967 for her intriguing illustrations. Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine is a marvelous story in its own right, but it also is an excellent book to help your child understand the concept of reality versus imagination.

In the book the main character's father, a widowed fisherman, calls not being truthful moonshine. He tries to teach his motherless daughter, Sam, that there is good moonshine and bad moonshine. However, Sam is full of both types of moonshine. She tells folks her dead mother is a mermaid. She tells folks her cat, Bangs, speaks to her. She tells folks she rides in a chariot pulled by dragons. She tells her best friend, Thomas, she has a pet kangaroo, and sends him on a wild goose chase to find it each day. It is this last bit of moonshine that leads to some serious life lessons for Sam, and will also illustrate to children that actions have consequences.

I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine by Evaline Ness. It was one of the books I received from the Weekly Reader Summer Reading Program back in the day, and as a child, I was full of both types of moonshine. I read this book to my daughter tonight using my very own original copy. Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine is a story that has held up well over time. I hope my daughter will enjoy reading it to her children one day.

Painting With Vincent van Gogh

Camille and the Sunflowers by Laurence Anholt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tonight's read with my daughter was Camille and the Sunflowers by Laurence Anholt. Again, I read this when it was published back in early 1999, but this was the first time for her. I guess that is one of the things I love about being a mother, I get the joy of watching my daughter experience some of my favorite books for the first time. This was one of Anholt's less wordy picture books, and it was perfect for my two-year-old. She loved the illustrations and the story. The vivid illustrations jumped off the page and I had to pause numerous times as my two-year-old touched the sunflowers on the page.

We see the painter Vincent van Gogh through the eyes of one of his subjects, Camille.  His family befriends the painter on his arrival in their small village. Camille's family shows up at Vincent's yellow cottage with furniture and all the needed extras to make his stay comfortable in his new home. In return, the painter paints Camille's whole family: the postmaster, his wife, Camille's older brother, Camille, and even the baby.  Camille loves to watch Vincent paint, and he especially loves the colors that Vincent uses in his paintings, but the town folk are not as taken with the painter. Ultimately, Vincent is forced to move on, and Camille gives his friend a tearful good-bye.

The book ends with Camille's father comforting his son about the loss of their friend, Vincent van Gogh, and he tells Camille that one day the odd little painter will be much appreciated. Truer words were never spoken.

Both my daughter and I hated to leave the colorful world of Vincent van Gogh. A great read for young and old alike.

Having Fun with Olivia

Olivia by Ian Falconer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How do you know a classic? Well, you just know, and from the first time I picked up Olivia by Ian Falconer back in October 2000 in Creatures and Crooks Bookstore, I knew instantly that this book was destined for great things. And in fact it was...it has spawned the Olivia franchise: books, tins, magnets, calendars, etc. But I digress.

Olivia by Ian Falconer has become a children's classic, since its release back in 2000. To answer my original question...I guess one way to know a children's classic is that both children and adults like the book. The story is just right for a two-year-old, but the illustrations leave room for older children to use their imagination and add to the story. Olivia is everso likable. Children easily identify with her antics, and adults see their little munchkins in the overactive Olivia.

Olivia is a very busy little pig who lives with her family: Mommy, Daddy, Ian (her little brother), and her two pets, Edwin the cat and Perry the dog. Her day is filled with dressing, brushing her teeth, going to the beach, laying in the sun, building sandcastles, visiting museums...as you can see she is a very busy little pig. My favorite part of the book is when Olivia visits her favorite painting in the museum and also her least favorite painting. No, I take that back my most favorite part is when she goes home and tries to recreate her least favorite painting. Well, read the book and you'll see what I mean.

Of all the books we have in our library this is my daughter's favorite. She always wants me to read this one at night, and I have to bargain with her. It goes something like this, "I will read Olivia if you pick another book for us to try." So far, we are slowly adding to her lists of favorites, but this one still remains number one.

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Calling All Artists Young and Old Alike!

Degas and the Little Dancer by Laurence Anholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you or your child is an art lover Degas and the Little Dancer by Laurence Anholt is for you. I purchased this to use in my classroom years ago back in 1999. Never in my wildest dreams did I allow myself to believe I would one day read this to my son or daughter, but I just did. And the most amazing thing is that my daughter picked this out of a stack of books for me to read to her. My daughter is only two, so the story is a bit wordy for her, but again the amazing thing is that she loved it.  Professionally, I would recommend this book for children between the ages of  two and five.

The story moves back and forth from present day to the time of Degas.  A museum guard tells the story of the real Little Dancer.  Her story is one of a poor girl, Marie, who dreams of being the most famous ballerina in all of Paris. She reaches for her dreams and, in so doing, she meets the famous painter, Degas. Their interactions are poignant and feel authentic even though his temper is another thing he is famous for sharing. Marie does not reach the heights she hoped for on the stage, but rather in museums all over the world.

The illustrations are gorgeous, but what I love the most are the reproductions of the real art work of Degas that also liter the pages. I have always admired the artist of this era, and in particular Degas.  I am lucky enough to have seen the real Little Dancer many, many times on my visits to the Virginia Museum, and I look forward to reading this many more times with my daughter, and when she is old enough we will make the drive to the "big city" to see the statue together. I know just where to look. I love this book...and more importantly, so does my daughter.

Happy Reading!

The Things You Can Read!

Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of Books!