Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter by Jamie Michalak & illustrated by Kelly Murphy
At the end of the book, the reader is given a couple pages of small items that the reader can try to find on the pages of the story. Be aware, some are hard to find - at least for this grandmama. Children love books where they can search and find items. This will delight.
About the book: In a clever take on the “night at the museum” theme, a little mouse with a genius for collecting leads picture book readers—and seek-and-find aficionados—on a thrilling nocturnal adventure.
Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter is both a rollicking story with a dash of danger and, in its final eye-popping spreads, a seek-and-find challenge. As the clock in the great museum tick-tocks pas midnight, a little mouse with a sack and a treasure map scurries past the guards. Plucky and intrepid Dakota Crumb scours the museum for artifacts, including the rare purple jewel of Cairo (a gumdrop stashed in an exhibit). By day, the little mouse shares her carefully curated finds with fellow tiny creatures that flock to Miss Crumb’s tiny Mousehole Museum. A feast for sharp-eyed readers—who’ll delight in circling back after the story to pore over the illustrations in search of treasure—this gently suspenseful tale, splashed with soft, dusky hues, evokes a world of wonders after dark.
My thoughts: This story is a bit on the deep side emotionally for the young age group it is intended. Dealing with the death of a mother (or either parent) is difficult at any age. To see it dealt with in this story leaves me conflicted. First I don't see this as an appropriate story for the intended age group. Secondly, I think the story well done and a beautiful story of a boy's caring for a wounded bird.
Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter is both a rollicking story with a dash of danger and, in its final eye-popping spreads, a seek-and-find challenge. As the clock in the great museum tick-tocks pas midnight, a little mouse with a sack and a treasure map scurries past the guards. Plucky and intrepid Dakota Crumb scours the museum for artifacts, including the rare purple jewel of Cairo (a gumdrop stashed in an exhibit). By day, the little mouse shares her carefully curated finds with fellow tiny creatures that flock to Miss Crumb’s tiny Mousehole Museum. A feast for sharp-eyed readers—who’ll delight in circling back after the story to pore over the illustrations in search of treasure—this gently suspenseful tale, splashed with soft, dusky hues, evokes a world of wonders after dark.
Ride the Wind by Nicola Davies & illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino
The harsh life of a fisherman's family and the near cruel way the father deals with his son are heavy ammo for a child's book. Factor in the stress of caring for a wounded bird (a child with a loving heart) and the heavy emotional toll of grieving the loss of a mother, you have a near impossible scenario.
I did, however, like the book. So I'm conflicted. I think the book appropriate for library collections but I think parents need to be alerted about the heavy hearted emotional load this story can bring and be prepared to help a child understand.
About the book: A heartfelt story of a father and a son, of grief and reconnection—and an albatross who needs to find her way home.
Javier has a secret. On one of his father’s fishing trips, still hurting from the loss of his mother, he finds an albatross caught on the hooks—alive, if only barely. Against the orders of his father, who has been distant and disparaging, Javier smuggles the bird to safety and begins nursing it back to health. Every day the albatross accepts a little more food, but she shows no sign of wanting to use her wings. And if Javier's new friend refuses to fly, how will she ever find her way home? From award-winning author Nicola Davies, with dramatic watercolors by Salvatore Rubbino evoking the setting of Chiloé Archipelago, off the coast of Chile, comes a stirring tale of loss, loneliness, and the power of empathy.
Javier has a secret. On one of his father’s fishing trips, still hurting from the loss of his mother, he finds an albatross caught on the hooks—alive, if only barely. Against the orders of his father, who has been distant and disparaging, Javier smuggles the bird to safety and begins nursing it back to health. Every day the albatross accepts a little more food, but she shows no sign of wanting to use her wings. And if Javier's new friend refuses to fly, how will she ever find her way home? From award-winning author Nicola Davies, with dramatic watercolors by Salvatore Rubbino evoking the setting of Chiloé Archipelago, off the coast of Chile, comes a stirring tale of loss, loneliness, and the power of empathy.
GIVEAWAY
Both books to 2 winners
Begins August 10
Ends September 2 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary books from Candlewick Press to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Winners' prize is provided and shipped directly to the winners by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
volunteering for The Salvation Army.
ReplyDeleteI am taking neighbor shopping today
ReplyDeleteI am baking today and sharing with neighbors
ReplyDeleteI took a whole bunch of stuff to Goodwill to donate
ReplyDeletedigicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
Agenda for today: food donations and spreading joy.
ReplyDeleteI did some decluttering and took some stuff to Goodwill.
ReplyDelete