Children's Book Reviews
Page One of TwoFather Fox's Christmas Rhymes by Clyde Watson, Pictures by Wendy Watson
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, October, 2003Picture Book, 40 pages
ISBN: 0374375763
Ages 4-8
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
The original Father Fox's Pennyrhymes was a National
Book Award Finalist. Its snappy rhymes and cheerful
illustrations help make it a modern
classic. Now, Father Fox has turned his hand to the
Christmas season, with excellent results.
"Who is that knocking at the door? It's old Father Fox with surprises galore! Licorice & lollipops, lemons & limes A bundle of toys & a bag full of rhymes . . ."
The Fox family engages in classic Yuletide fun: making cider, playing in the snow, hiding presents and enjoying the company of family. The rhymes are joyful with a snappy rhythm and the illustrations are gorgeous. The large size of the book makes it perfect for story night; little ones are sure to sit spellbound as you read from this holiday treasure.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
The Chicken House, October, 2003Hardcover, 534 pages
ISBN: 0439531640
Ages 9-12
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Meggie and her father Mo have led a somewhat vagabond
existence, going from town to town as her father
takes a new job repairing rare books. Meggie's mother
disappeared long ago, and Mo refuses to talk about it.
And although Meggie and Mo are surrounded by books,
Mo will never read aloud to her. But when a mysterious
character named Dustfinger shows up one day, Mo's secret
is about to be revealed: he can "read" characters out of books
into real life. When he read the book Inkheart, Mo accidentally
read Meggie's mother into the story, and several
villainous characters, especially the vile Capricorn,
into real life. Now Capricorn and his gang are after
Mo, for Capricorn intends to use Mo's talents
to bring terror and darkness into our world.
It will be up to Meggie, her great aunt Elinor, Mo and
the actual author of Inkheart to find a way to
stop Capricorn and bring Mo's mother back where
she belongs.
Written originally in German, Inkheart was translated by the talented Anthea Bell who did a masterful job -- much better than the translation done of Cornelia Funke's first book, The Thief Lord. The "book within a book" theme is perfectly executed; Ms. Funke never descends into cuteness. Meggie's great aunt Elinor is especially well-developed. Her character develops quite nicely over the course of the book, whereas Meggie's father Mo can be quite irritatingly passive-aggressive. With humor, wit and an intriguing premise, the lengthy Inkheart is a winner.
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