the art lesson

The Art Lesson tells about Tomie DePaola’s life as a young boy and his first encounters with school art lessons.  He is appalled to find out that there are all these rules to follow.  His art teacher finds a way to work around them, and Tomie learns some of his first important lessons in art and life.  There are so many things I love about this story.  I love books about how people came to discover their craft or vocation and I love books that tell about someone's own childhood experiences.  They give another person's perspective of what it's like growing up.  Children always seem to be curious about that.

Avery’s favorite part was "when his cousins said that you’re not supposed to copy."  Avery sometimes talks about becoming an artist.  She’s mentioned in the recent past that she would like to be a book designer or a Hello Kitty artist.  Today she said that she would like to be an “eraser artist.”  She’s been into collecting mini erasers as of late.  We shall see!

walk this world

Walk This World, by Jenny Broom and Lotta Nieminen, is a collection of engaging stylized global scenes.  Little hands can lift the flaps on each set of pages to make curious discoveries about the countries featured.  There are more than 80 flaps that range from windows and doors to underground spaces.  It’s a lovely introduction to the world for young readers.

our animal friends on maple hill farm

Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm was given to us by some good friends.  By Alice and Martin Provensen, it is the companion to The Year at Maple Hill Farm.  The Provensens take you into the world of the residents of Maple Hill Farm—two dogs, five horses, a pig, some geese, lots of chickens, a few cows, a few goats, several sheep and four special cats.   Their personalities and quirks are portrayed through endearing and clever vignettes and illustrations.  Anyone who loves animals will love this book.