As school is starting for us this week- BAAAAHHHH/ WHOOOPIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!- I thought reviewing some great kids books we've recently discovered would make for a fun week!
Up first is a book that actually came about AFTER the Oscar nominated animated short movie and Ipad app that followed it!
The animated movie in home grown, out of Moonbot Studios in Shreveport (can I get a cheer for the Louisiana film industry?) and written by Joyce and illustrated by Bluhm (thus it is VERY nice indeed to actually have those who worked on the movie, make the corresponding book, as that doesn't happen much!). They were inspired by their childhood love of books and movies (Wizard of Oz, silent films and those lovely musicals for sure!), and by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Synopsis: Following a hurricane which destroys his town Morris is whisked away to a colourful old house full of books which come alive and interact with him spreading happiness in the community. He remains their custodian for years until it is time for him to pass on and another guardian of the books take over from him.
Review: I wasn't sure how much Kiddo would like the book, as she had seen an app preview, and I wasn't sure if the book would live up to it! I shouldn't have worried with my bookaholic! She LOVED the book, and in fact, read it back to me again, as soon as we had finished it the first time (always a sign it had entranced her!). I was amazed at how quick she picked up on the post-Hurricane Katrina type images and damage, but I shouldn't be as there is so much that she has seen of it, literally her whole life, that is still unfixed/cleared.
She was transfixed with the thought of flying books and wanted some that flew too (like the balloon bouquet shown in the above video preview). We had a long discussion after the second reading about what the book meant and I was surprised at how much depth she had gotten from the book: from 'listening' to books as they can give us adventures untold, to helping others who don't have the things you do, to treating books with respect, valuing the heft of a book (I actually asked that question of was a ebook better than a book-book (as she calls them) and was glad when she said NO WAY!
If you are looking for a book that will be handed down from your child to your grandchildren, this is the book! Encourage a love of books and pick up this one for your kids/grandkids today!
About the Author: A true luminary and creative spirit, William Joyce has put his personal stamp on children's media in every direction. His picture books include George Shrinks, Dinosaur Bob and Santa Calls; he's won three Emmy awards for his Rolie Polie Olie animated series; developed character concepts for Toy Story and A Bug's Life; and his films include Robots and Meet the Robinsons. He's currently co-directing The Guardians for DREAMWORKS, and is producing The Leaf Men, based on his picturebook. He lives in Shreveport, LA, and is the founder of Moonbot Studios.
About the Illustrator: an illustrator, story artist, character designer, caricaturist, painter and publisher. Joe is the author of two art books including the popular caricature book, Rejects.In the field of caricature Joe has achieved nearly every recognition, being named 'Caricaturist of the Year' by his peers in the International Society of Caricaturists. Joe is currently a devoted member of the Moonbot Studios brigade in Shreveport, LA where he is a story artist, character designer, visual developer, and overall swiss-artsy knife.
Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, from Simon and Schuster, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or other, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it
Up first is a book that actually came about AFTER the Oscar nominated animated short movie and Ipad app that followed it!
The animated movie in home grown, out of Moonbot Studios in Shreveport (can I get a cheer for the Louisiana film industry?) and written by Joyce and illustrated by Bluhm (thus it is VERY nice indeed to actually have those who worked on the movie, make the corresponding book, as that doesn't happen much!). They were inspired by their childhood love of books and movies (Wizard of Oz, silent films and those lovely musicals for sure!), and by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Review: I wasn't sure how much Kiddo would like the book, as she had seen an app preview, and I wasn't sure if the book would live up to it! I shouldn't have worried with my bookaholic! She LOVED the book, and in fact, read it back to me again, as soon as we had finished it the first time (always a sign it had entranced her!). I was amazed at how quick she picked up on the post-Hurricane Katrina type images and damage, but I shouldn't be as there is so much that she has seen of it, literally her whole life, that is still unfixed/cleared.
She was transfixed with the thought of flying books and wanted some that flew too (like the balloon bouquet shown in the above video preview). We had a long discussion after the second reading about what the book meant and I was surprised at how much depth she had gotten from the book: from 'listening' to books as they can give us adventures untold, to helping others who don't have the things you do, to treating books with respect, valuing the heft of a book (I actually asked that question of was a ebook better than a book-book (as she calls them) and was glad when she said NO WAY!
If you are looking for a book that will be handed down from your child to your grandchildren, this is the book! Encourage a love of books and pick up this one for your kids/grandkids today!
About the Author: A true luminary and creative spirit, William Joyce has put his personal stamp on children's media in every direction. His picture books include George Shrinks, Dinosaur Bob and Santa Calls; he's won three Emmy awards for his Rolie Polie Olie animated series; developed character concepts for Toy Story and A Bug's Life; and his films include Robots and Meet the Robinsons. He's currently co-directing The Guardians for DREAMWORKS, and is producing The Leaf Men, based on his picturebook. He lives in Shreveport, LA, and is the founder of Moonbot Studios.
About the Illustrator: an illustrator, story artist, character designer, caricaturist, painter and publisher. Joe is the author of two art books including the popular caricature book, Rejects.In the field of caricature Joe has achieved nearly every recognition, being named 'Caricaturist of the Year' by his peers in the International Society of Caricaturists. Joe is currently a devoted member of the Moonbot Studios brigade in Shreveport, LA where he is a story artist, character designer, visual developer, and overall swiss-artsy knife.
Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, from Simon and Schuster, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or other, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it
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