Small, Medium & Large

Wow! This is a gorgeous Christmas/Wintertime book! It’s virtually wordless, but so well done that I didn’t even realize it until-well-right now. The title is Small, Medium & Large. It was created by Jane Monroe Donovan and published in 2010 by Sleeping Bear Press. This book is full of beautifully detailed illustrations that tell the story of a little girl and the three special gifts that she receives for Christmas. I don’t want to give anything away, but here’s a hint-animal lovers of all ages will like this book too. This one is a must see! I’m going to look for more by this author/illustrator.

Update: 3/5/2011

Below is a review of Small, Medium, & Large by Emma Cortese, Ph.D. She offers a different and more detailed perspective than my review above.

This is a truly wonderful illustrated book that conveys a story about a little girl and the gifts of animal friends from Santa.

Double pages introduce the exterior setting with regard to place and season, followed by more double pages which establish the interior setting and plot line. The main character writes a letter to Santa, “…”I don’t need any new toys this year, but…” From this start Donovan sets the stage for children to use critical skills such as prediction and speculation in a narrative that unfolds in linked events.

Realistic depictions draw the reader in with familiar detail. For example, the vivid two page depiction of small, medium and large gifts by the tree provides multiple instances where objects and their arrangement are suggestive for guided inferences.

A series of 13 scenes over 8 pages depicts Sammy and her animal friends at snow play. These action packed vignettes are especially engaging. The story further unfolds with inside activities of baking, fireside relaxing, and finally there is closure with a thank you letter to Santa.

Young children will be totally absorbed in the large, soft color illustrations which present ample opportunity for an imaginative reading experience.

Thank you, Emma, for offering your interesting and descriptive take on this truly remarkable picture book.

2011 Caldecott Medal Winner Announced

My thoughts on the winning book as well as the honor books coming soon.

Click the American Library Association link in the sidebar for more information about the winners-current and past.

New Year’s Resolutions

Resolution means oath, pledge, promise, declaration. How many of us make resolutions at the start of each new year only to break them or give them up a few short weeks later? I count myself amongst the guilty. I admire those who are able to see their resolutions through, those who reach goals, those who make changes, those who conquer a fear or a long-over due task or see something to conclusion. I used to be like that when I had more time. Now, I try not to make a resolution at all. I don’t want another year of failure after all. Instead, I try. Yes, I try to write more. I try to exercise more. I try to clean more. I try to blog more. I do my best to accomplish my goals. But they are not goals set in stone. I allow myself the freedom to add, cancel, or change my goals-or even to put a goal on hold. If I’d rather spend time playing with my puppy than sweeping the kitchen floor, then that’s what I’ll do. At the end of the year, I don’t feel guilty if I didn’t reach all of my goals. By then, I probably have all new ones anyway. All you can really do is just keep trying and keep living. And hopefully enjoy life along the way. Happy New Year Everyone!