ralf

Ralf: another winner from Jean Jullien.  Ralf is a little dog who always seems to be underfoot or in someone's way, which deeply annoys the family he lives with.  One day, a fire erupts at his house, putting his family in grave danger.  Ever the loyal pup, he plays a huge part in saving their lives in an extraordinary way.  Sometimes pets are that way—they surprise you with what they’re capable of, and they’re always there for you, and always faithful.  The illustrations in Ralf were rendered with Jean Jullien's characteristic bold colors and drama and Gwendal Le Bec collaborated on the text. 

a hole is to dig

"A sea shell is to hear the sea

A wave is to save bye-bye

Big shells are to put little shells in "

Currently reading and re-reading A Hole Is to Dig by Ruth Krauss and Maurice Sendak.  The understated charm of Sendak’s illustrations pair so well with Krauss’ endearing “first” definitions.  I inherited this book maybe ten years ago, and I’m trying to remember from whom.  I have a special feeling about this book, so I know it was passed on to me by someone thoughtful.  How we acquire a book often becomes part of its story and its significance to us.  Books seem to take on lives of their own and each one in our collection has its own story to tell beyond the narrative on its pages—be it the birthday or special milestone for which it was received as a gift, the particular season of childhood during which it was read with great frequency or the inspiration and wonder it instilled in us upon first turning its pages.

Happy weekend, all.

max

One of our current bedtime reads: Max, a story about a unique friendship between Max and Bob— a seagull and a fish and chips shop owner.  It was heartfelt and left me with a hankering for a hot basket of fish and chips.  Words and pictures by Marc Martin.

grimm's alphabet game

I absolutely love this Grimm’s wooden alphabet game from The Wooden Wagon.  It’s not for only learning letters—kids can use the pieces to make pictures and designs.  it’s a winner.  We have various Grimm’s toys and adore their timeless design, thoughtful craftsmanship and durability.  They’re definitely playthings that you can pass on to the next generation.

a river

A River by Marc Martin—a staggerlingly beautiful book published last year.  “There is a river outside my window.  Where will it take me?”  A girl sits and imagines a voyage along a river through urban, rural, wooded, wild and oceanic terrain, each rendered with incredible depth, and are utterly breathtaking.  The expansive landscapes in A River are brimming with overlapping textures and dense colors—a poetic backdrop for the quiet and introspective journey of a solitary girl in her solitary boat.  You can see Marc speak about his work here.