Monday, May 24, 2021

Three varied books for the picture book set - A rock falls from the sky, some Midsummer Night's Dreaming, and a bird Free [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen (Candlewick Press Hardcover ISBN: 9781536215625, Ages 4-8)


My thoughts: 
Children and parents alike will enjoy this lengthy (90+ pages) of the author's droll, somewhat dark humor as they contemplate the conversation between turtle, armadillo, and snake. Friends who converse on which spot is best to sit and ponder life. Barely escaping disaster from the rock that falls from the sky, they seem to be completely unaware of circumstances and focused on which spot they are to sit.

This is a "chapter" book that will delight early readers. Again, a sense of unaware foreboding exists and droll subtle happenings. And, yes, the "eyes" have it! 

Another winner from Jon Klassen.

About the book: Here comes The Rock from the Sky, a hilarious meditation on the workings of friendship, fate, shared futuristic visions, and that funny feeling you get that there’s something off somewhere, but you just can’t put your finger on it. Merging broad visual suspense with wry wit, celebrated picture book creator Jon Klassen gives us a wholly original comedy for the ages. 


Free by Sam Usher (Templar Books, Hardcover ISBN: 9781536217049, Ages 2-7)


My thoughts: 
This is a very sweet book, though hardly depicts how helping a bird and releasing it should actually occur. So it is a bit fantasy and makes for enjoyable read.

A generational story of grandfather and grandson, it speaks to how they lovingly interact with one another. It also speaks to the grandfather's gentle teaching the boy to let the wild bird go to be free and fly on his own.

The multitude of birds throughout the books is delightful. If you're a "birder" you'll enjoy sharing this book with a child. If you're not, well, you'll still enjoy sharing this book with a child.

About the book: When a boy and his grandad take care of a little bird, the boy wants to keep it, but Grandad knows it must return to its natural habitat in the wild, where it can spread its wings and be free. And so begins an exhilarating journey into the mountains to return the bird to where it belongs. First in a new series of books.


William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare’s Globe & illustrated by Jan Ray retold by Georghina Ellinas (Candlewick Press, Hardcover ISBN: 9781536217735, Ages 4-8)


My thoughts: 
This is truly a beautiful book with exquisite artwork that invokes books of bygone eras. As far as the book's visual appeal is concerned, it is marvelous. However, the black text on some of the pages is difficult to read.

This children's retelling of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream is lengthy and convoluted for young children. So it would be for the older readers of picture books. 

A beautiful book. A short introduction to Shakespearean plays. 

About the book: There’s trouble in the Fairy Kingdom. King Oberon wants to teach Titania, his proud wife, a lesson. Things heat up when four young nobles arrive in the enchanted forest from Athens. They’re all in love—but with the wrong person. It’s up to Puck, a playful sprite who isn’t above a bit of mischief after dark, to do his master’s bidding, trick Queen Titania, and dial down the drama among foolish lovers. With a certain potion at his disposal, what could go wrong? Retold from Puck’s point of view in simple, accessible language, peppered with quotes from Shakespeare’s original play, and brought to life in Jane Ray’s lush, moonlit illustrations, this introduction to the Bard’s most enchanting comedy hints at the richness of his work while being a lovely keepsake edition in its own right.


GIVEAWAY
Begins May 24
Ends June 21 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA & Canada - NO P.O. Boxes. Canadian winners must provide phone number
(Rock From the Sky only USA winners)
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone, and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher, publicist, or author. No P.O. Boxes for winners. Canadian winners must provide a phone number. Two winner will receive all three books in set. Exception: The Rock That Fell From the Sky is not available for Canadian winners.

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