Children's Book Reviews
Page One of TwoDesser the Best Ever Cat by Maggie Smith
Knopf, April 2001.Picture Book, 40 pages
Ages 4 - 8
ISBN: 0375810560.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Desser, The Best Ever Cat, both written and illustrated
by Maggie Smith will touch the heart of every person
who has ever loved, and lost, a unique animal. Somehow
of all the animals one has known, there is always one that
leaves a feeling that one has had the privilege of a very
special relationship with another species.
The story of Desser is told through the memory of a young woman who remembers a special cat that was already a member of the family when she was born. She narrates all the special things that Desser did through his point of view, and all cat owners will recognize his behavior. Each page has endearing illustrations of a black and white cat and a little girl growing up together. But like any pet, Desser begins to grow old and finally he becomes very sick. The little girl's distress is dealt with tenderly, but honestly. The illustrations show the cat's decline in a loving and straightforward way. The beloved animal dies one night, and the grieving little family buries him at the foot of his favorite tree.
The problem of dealing with grief and finding one's way back to a state of happiness is especially difficult for young minds, and this story would be very helpful in helping an adult explain death. Yet Ms. Smith handles the story in such a positive way, that this book should find its way to any family's bookshelf. It teaches acceptance of the inevitable in a sympathetic way that is sure to teach a very valuable and important lesson to a young child -- even if the problem of dealing with the death of a loved one is not expected in the near future. As a story that will teach sensitivity as well as reality, this story is an excellent choice.
--Sarah Reaves White
Drawing (Sesame Street: Elmo's World) edited by Apple J. Jordan
Random House, January 2001.Board Book, 12 pages
Ages Baby- Preschool
ISBN: 0375811842.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
The beloved character of Elmo from Sesame Street
stars in this oversized lift the flap board book, which is perfectly
sized for little hands that haven't quite mastered
the fine art of turning small pages. Elmo teaches
the little ones about the joy of drawing in this colorful
book. "When it's too rainy to go out to play, Elmo
can draw a pretty day." The book shows Elmo drawing
a sunny day, new faces, and even a rocket ship. And at
the end of the book Elmo says, " Even babies can draw.
Show Elmo how you draw, Baby." The last page is a
blank space where your baby can draw his own
childhood masterpiece. The Elmo's World series
of books, like Sesame Street itself, is a great
tool for teaching babies basic skills, such as
drawing. The large-size flaps are an especially nice touch,
and the brightly colored pictures juxtaposed with the
photos of Elmo make this a keeper for your little
Rembrandt in training.
Children's Book Reviews
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Return to the May 2001 issue of The IWJ.
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