We have dozens of Grimm fairytale books and I still come across new stories that I've never read before. These earthy, water color illustrations by the Slovak artist L'uba Koncekova-Vesela are what drew me to this collection in the first place. I'm hoping I find more of her books and artwork!
It's funny the ways we return to beloved picture books in our house. Last night I was helping Charlotte study for her high school biology class and the concept of symbiosis came up. My first thought was the example of crocodiles and the Plover birds that clean their teeth. And of course, that made me think of this Tomie DePaola that was in heavy rotation when Madeleine and Henry were little. Mid studying I pulled it from the shelf and read it to Charlotte. She laughed when she saw the pictures and they immediately triggered old memories. She was the one who first said, "I'm picturing a book with a crocodile and a pink bird sitting on him." I think the picture of Bill climbing the wall is one of the most brilliant picture book illustrations! Hurray for books like Tomie DePaola's that bring back core memories and can always still be enjoyed!
The Vowels and Consonants are enemies. In a pseduo Victorian setting, the upper class vowels look down on the common consonants. When it comes to war, both sides rally to fight (cleverly some of the Y's become spies). But when a bigger threat appears in the form of a snarling, scribbling mess of Noise, all the letters realize they can work together to form words that stop the chaos.
Fun and witty book for word lovers!
