14 Cows For America is a picture book based on a true story. It was written by Carmen Agra Deedy in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, whom the story is about. It was illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez and published just this year (2009) by Peachtree Publishers. This story is about Wilson, a member of the Maasai tribe in Kenya. He was in New York City on September 11, 2001 when the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center occurred. He brought the news back to his people who blessed and offered 14 of their sacred cows to help heal the hearts of Americans.  There is a note written by Wilson at the end of the book that details more about him, his tribe, and the ceremony that took place in June of 2002.   14 Cows For America is a deeply touching story about a connection between two cultures that are a half a world away from each other. The illustrations, done in pastels, colored pencil and airbrush, are vivid and realistic and denote a feeling of movement. I felt like I could reach out and touch the soft noses of the cows.

   Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is a short but sweet picture book written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Julie Vivas. It was originally published in 1984 by Omnibus Books, an Australian publishing company. The copy I own was published in 1985 by Kane/Miller Book Publishers here in the U.S.A. I highly recommend this book. It’s about a small boy who lives next door to an “old people’s home”. When he finds out that his favorite person living there has lost her memory, he tries to help her find it. So Wilfrid Gordon went home again to look for memories for Miss Nancy because she had lost her own. This is a terrific, feel-good kind of story about a little boy’s relationship with an elderly neighbor. The illustrations are colorful yet warm and subdued, a nice complement to the text.

  Inspired by the recent film adaptation, I decided to reread Where The Wild Things Are, written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, and originally published in 1963 by Harper & Row. It won the Caldecott Medal in 1964. I think most picture book fans have read it, or read it to their children, at least once in their lives. I think this book is great fun despite the rumors that some parents think it’s too frightening for young children. This may perhaps be true of the recent film version, but the book portrays the “wild things” as big, goofy, even somewhat cuddly looking creatures. Certainly mild by today’s standards. If you truly want to analyze the story, there is a message here and I think it’s a timeless one for every parent and child. All children get upset sometimes and may even throw tantrums, act out or “be wild”. And they may be punished for it. But in time, the fit passes and they know that they are still loved despite their behavior and despite their punishment. All children should feel this sense of love and security at home.