fantasy

Leaving Home, Going Home, and Flying Away.

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Three Adventures from the overloaded shelves…

Leaving Home

The Hedgehog Leaves Home by Ulf Stark Illustrated by Ann-Cathrine Sigrid Stahlberg c 2011 by IKEA Family / Vandring

It is always a bit embarrassing to discover an author new to you who has written 30 or more books, but it is also good news if you find you like what they write. Ulf Stark is new to me this year. I think his voice is uniquely down-to-earth and engaging. Listen to his words as he starts off Hedgehog’s story:

“All of a sudden, fall arrived. The leaves on the trees turned yellow and red. Mushrooms pushed up and out of the ground. And it grew colder day by day.

“You are big enough to make your own way in the world now,” said the hedgehog’s mommy, giving him a kiss. “Just watch out for all the dangers in the big wide world.”

“I will,” said the hedgehog.

“And learn as much as you can.”

“I will,” said the hedgehog. And off he set into the forest to find a place to sleep for the winter.”

The story is simply launched, and young hedgehog begins to learn useful things along the way to growing up. He learns that rolling down a hill is fun. He learns which foods are safe to eat and to his taste, and that swimming is not for him. He learns to watch out for foxes, but that there are friends out there who will help you. This is a gentle and encouraging story for any young growing-up people in your household.

Going Home

The Runaways by Ulf Stark Illustrated by Kitty Crowther c2018 Gecko Press : Wellington, New Zealand

Gottfried Senior is in the hospital and he is not pleased in the least. He is difficult, spits out the pills to make him calm, and yells at the nurses. The author’s words:

“I’m shut in here like an animal!” he shouted. “What do you think I am? An ape?”

His face turned bright red and he swore, so Dad and I had to cover our ears. Dad thought I didn’t need any more swear words than the ones I already knew. I disagreed.”

All that Grandpa senior wants is to make one last trip to the house where he shared so many happy years with his wife. His grandson, Gottfried Junior, is the only one willing to help Grandpa get his wish.. He hatches an elaborate plan, which includes deceiving his parents into thinking he is attending football practice and finding an accomplice to supply an adult voice and pose as a football coach. Young Gottfried does ask the question, “Was it wrong to lie when it made everyone happy?”

This is not a story to encourage children to run away from home and use unacceptable language. The Runaways is about having grandparents who might be difficult and some reasons why, without TOO many specific details. Running away or lying to your family are usually not the best choices, since the author warns, “You have to think of everything!” This is an honest and gently humorous book that helps with understanding and being ready when it is time to say farewell to a beloved grandparent.

Flying Away

The Land of Green Ginger by Noel Langley Illustrations by Edward Ardizzone c1975 This edition published by David R. Godine : Boston c2007.

The Land of Green Ginger is a magical floating island, “sprinkled with ginger trees laden down with branch upon branch of sparkling sugar-coated green ginger; and big bright beauteous flowers grew out of the soft velvety grass, and water-lilies floated on a cheerful little hubblebubbling stream. It was all charmingly rural. No bits of paper, no empty bottles, no initials carved on the tree trunks. You cannot imagine such natural wonders, gentle reader; you must simply take my word for it.”

Abu Ali, The son and heir of Aladdin, the Emperor of China, could talk as a day-old baby and upset the Queen Mother, who thought she heard herself referred to as a Button-Nosed-Tortoise. “I understand you called the Queen Mother a Button-Nosed-Tortoise?” inquired the Emperor.

“That’s not quite true,” replied the Son and Heir politely, “I only said she had a Face Like One.”

Abu Ali does turn out to be a well-mannered young man destined to search for the Land of Green Ginger, reverse the spell on a magician who accidentally turned himself into a button-nosed-tortoise, and rescue the beautiful Silver Bud from an unhappy marriage. Of course the Genie of the Lamp appears in the story, along with a flying carpet and various helpful and a few crafty characters with bad intentions. Noel Langley’s sparkling comedic retelling makes this a wonderful story to read aloud. Mr. Langley co-wrote the screen play for The Wizard of Oz movie we all know and love. This book is really, really funny and you can hear the same tone and dialogue that helped make the movie a classic.

I have a copy of Langley’s Desbarollda the Waltzing Mouse, also illustrated by Edward Ardizzone. The writing is exquisitely witty. Edward Ardizzone seems to have done the pictures in so many beloved books. His drawings are sprinkled throughout The Land of Green Ginger and add much to the enjoyment. For anyone over age nine!

There WILL be Dragons : A Small Selection

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At this moment in time, somebody, somewhere is probably writing a new story featuring a dragon. Dragons are out there, bumping into unicorns, hassling princesses, and causing havoc all over the place. Here are some old and newish stories about this popular and appealingly dangerous creature. Some have been known to be friendly….

George and the Dragon Written and illustrated by Chris Wormell c2002 Alfred A. Knopf / Random House : New York

George, a mouse, has just moved in to a new neighborhood. He has simple needs, a restoring cup of tea being one of them. Alas, he has yet to shop and supply himself with sugar. A request to the fearsome dragon next door sets off a surprising chain of events. This boldly illustrated picture book is completely satisfying for ages 4 and up.

The Knight and the Dragon Written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola c 1980 G.P. Putnam and Sons Books for Young Readers : New York

A knight and a dragon have never met each other in combat. Perhaps a visit to the library will provide some useful guidance. This book is just right for listeners ages 3-6. I always enjoy a plug for library usage skillfully incorporated into a story. Nicely done here, Mr. dePaola.

The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame Originally published short story included in Grahame’s Dream Days story collection. c1898 In this edition the story stands alone. c1938 by Holiday House Illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard

This could be one of the first stories about a peace loving dragon. Mr. Grahame’s dragon prefers a desultory chat and poetry recitation with the “Boy” who befriends him to battling St. George, but the townsfolk will not be satisfied until they witness a good old-fashioned fight. E.H. Shepard’s illustrations are delightful, as always. What do you expect from the man who brought us the map of the Hundred Acre Wood and pictures of Toad, Ratty, Mole, Badger and friends?

My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet c1948 Random House : New York Illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett

The story of Elmer Elevator, who upon hearing of a young dragon being held captive on Wild Island, heads off to the rescue with his trusty backpack full of useful items. This is a good first chapter book for readers not quite ready for hundreds of pages. It is also a wonderful read aloud choice. For more adventures with Elmer, two sequels: Elmer and the Dragon, and The Dragons of Blueland follow. This trio always appeared at book fairs.

Tales from Moominvalley by Tove Jansson c1962 Illustrated by the author This editon c2010 Square Fish an imprint of Macmillan : New York

The Last Dragon in the World is a story from this collection of tales about creatures who frequent Moominvalley. Moomintroll and his best friend Snufkin and a tiny, fire breathing dragon are featured on the book cover. If you are looking for a story about true friendship to read to children, you will not find a more sympathetic one than this. Moomintroll finds a tiny dragon, perhaps the last one in the entire world, and wants to have it for a pet. The dragon, every tiny morsel of which is fierce and merciless, has other ideas. Here are the author’s words as Moomintroll prepares to tell his friend he has found a dragon:

“Snufkin gave him a sharp look and saw that Moomintroll was about to burst from delight and suspense. So he replied quite curtly: “I don’t believe it.”

“Possibly it would be no bigger than a matchbox even if it could spit fire all right,” Moomintroll continued with a yawn.

“Well, that’s pure fantasy, of course,” said Snufkin, who knew how surprises are prepared.

And then Moomintroll jumped to his feet and cried: “I’ve found it! I’ve found a real dragon of my own!”

While they walked up to the house, Snufkin went through the whole scale of disbelief, astonishment, and wonder. He was perfect.”

What if the dragon prefers another? True friendship hangs in the balance, find out how Snufkin proves he is true.

The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde c2010 in Great Britian First US edition c2012 Houghton Mifflin : New York

Jennifer Strange is a teenager living in the Ununited Kingdom. She is in charge of Kazam Mystical Arts Management and her task is finding employment for Wizard Moobin, Lady Mawgon, and other out of work magicians. Her job is made difficult because magic is drying up, one could read about it in the Hereford Daily Eyestrain. Changes are in the air. Jennifer begins having dreams about dragons. Maltcassion, the last living dragon’s death is predicted, and once the Dragonlands are vacant, developers are poised to move in. The Last Dragonslayer will have to come up with a plan for the future, whoever she might be.

Jasper Fforde is a masterful funny writer. His alternative United Kingdom is full of cleverness, but also believable characters you will enjoy and really like. There are more books in this series, but The Last Dragonslayer is just fine on its own! For young adult to adult readers.

Meanwhile, Back at the Castle: #2

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Many Moons by James Thurber c1943 Illustrations this edition c1990 by Marc Simont

This post dedicated to Mary Harrington, librarian and well read friend of great intelligence and imagination who once looked up at the mention of James Thurber and said, ” Ah, a surfeit of raspberry tarts.”

The princess Lenore has taken to her bed due to the above mentioned overindulgence in raspberry tarts. Her father, the King is summoned to her bedside and promises her the moon if she will only get well again. How is this promise to be kept? The Royal advisors and experts have many lists of facts and statistics that are mostly unbelievable and not in the least helpful. Their suggestions will only make matters worse for the princess. Fortunately, there is someone in the castle who knows how to solve problems, and it is not who you might expect….

This book is best appreciated by listeners and readers ages 7 to adult. It is a tad longer than most picture books, and there needs to be enough life experience in the audience to get the cleverness and humor James Thurber provides. I read it to students in grades 3-5. You can find editions with the original illustrations by Louis Slobodkin, which is the one I knew as a child. Marc Simont knew and worked with James Thurber, and his wonderful artwork for this story was approved by Rosemary Thurber. Both artists got it right!

Now for younger listeners:

May I Bring a Friend? by Beatrice Schenk De Regniers. Illustrations by Beni Montresor c1964 This edition Aladdin Paperbacks c1989

The authors words:

“The King and Queen Invited me to come to their house on Sunday for tea.

I told the Queen and the Queen told the King, I had a friend I wanted to bring.”

And what friends turn up! There is much merriment and fun each day of the week at the castle as all sorts of animal friends come to the party. This rhyming story will amaze and happily entertain preschool children. Suspense keeps young listeners eyes glued to the book as each page turn reveals the next surprising visitors. This story was always a hit with the 4-year-olds in the story time circle.

Hans Christian Andersen–The Essential Dane

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Illustration from The Nightingale by Hans Christian Andersen, retold by Stephen Mitchell and Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline Published by Candlewick Press c2002

Can we see ourselves with eyes glued to our cell phones just as this Emperor is gazing fondly at his mechanical nightingale? Anybody warning us about being overly beguiled by things artificial today?

Andersen’s tales still have a place in our world, and young readers have many options for encountering them. There seems to be always a new collection of his fairy tales in the works and there are also the ballets, plays, and films inspired by them. I remember adoring Liza Minnelli as the true princess in Faerie Tale Theatre’s TV production of The Princess and the Pea. Good one to share with the grandchildren some evening…

I sold an inexpensive hardcover edition of” The Emperor’s New Clothes”, illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton at book fairs. You know Virginia Lee Burton from” Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel”, and” The Little House”. There is probably an edition of “The Little Mermaid” for every taste and budget. My favorite collection is “Seven Tales by H.C Andersen” translated from the Danish by Eva Le Gallienne with pictures by Maurice Sendak. published in 1959. I have the 1991edition by Harper Trophy.

Illustration from “The Princess and the Pea” by Maurice Sendak from “Seven Tales by H.C. Andersen”

“The Ugly Duckling” was an important story to me as a child. I played that part in a school play, think the teacher sensed I needed to have the hope of a swan transformation in my future. Hans Christian Andersen’s tales are good companions. He put life in inanimate objects, and gave those lives meaning. A collection of his stories IS a home library essential.

Medieval Flavored Fantasy: The Letter for the King

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by Tonke Dragt. Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books c 2017

Tonke Dragt’s “The Letter for the King” was first published in 1962, but readers of English had to wait until 2015 to get their hands on a translation of this splendid adventure story. Thanks to Pushkin Children’s books, ” The Letter for the King” and its sequel “The Secrets of the Wild Wood” are both available in fresh, attractive editions. They are fat books in which a young reader can dwell for a good length of time. The vocabulary is not difficult, and the story is divided into eight sections with short chapters that make it perfect to read aloud in a classroom. There are illustrations by the author at the start of each section. A map on the inside cover invites readers into this tale of two Kingdoms.

The story begins as five young men are keeping a vigil the night before they will become official Knights of King Dagonaut. They are to remain awake all night, without food or drink, and reflect on the task ahead. No one is allowed to enter their chamber, and the door must remain locked. Tiuri, son of highly respected Tiuri the Valiant, is the youngest at age sixteen. Daylight will be long in arriving and each of the young men know a knock on the door might tempt them to give up their chance at knighthood if they answer it. When a low voice at the window pleads, “In the name of God, open the door!” Tiuri’s mind is in turmoil. Can a knight pledged to defend and protect refuse to acknowledge a cry for help?

Tiuri accepts the responsibility of delivering an important and secret letter to a person known only as “The Black Knight with the White Shield”. The letter is meant to be delivered by the Black Knight to the king in the city of Unauwen, which lies on the other side of the Great Mountains. It should have been possible for Tiuri to put the letter in the correct hands and return by morning, but adventures never happen when things follow plans…

When I began to refresh my memory a bit with this book before writing my review, I got caught up in the story again. It really it is a page-turner! The author’s ability to create suspense will hold the reader completely. That is what I was looking for when I purchased this book with reluctant 7th grade boy readers in mind. Each of the challenges Tiuri faces, from traveling alone in strange places, to imprisonment in a castle, to loss of his companionable horse, are met with plenty of action. Helpful and honorable characters appear as well as a proper number of untrustworthy scoundrels. Tiuri bravely keeps his mission secret and wins respect from older, battle-tried knights. Yes, there are sword fights. These two richly satisfying books deserve a place in any royal banqueting hall or library serving Jr. High to Teen readers.

Tonke Dragt was born in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1930. When she was 12, her Dutch family began 3 years internment in a Japanese camp. She and a friend managed to produce her first book during that time. The family returned to the Netherlands after the war. The Letter for the King and its sequel have won awards and have had a loyal following in sixteen languages.