Where do I begin describing this book? It is absolutely fantastic for kids and grown-ups, which is my favorite combination in a children’s book. “Morris Lessmore loved words. He loved stories. He loved books.” reads the first page. Sound familiar? The book tells the story of Morris, whose life was turned upside down when a tornado blew his whole word apart and even scattered the words of his book. He wanders down a trail which leads him exactly where he needs to be: a library, or as the book describes it “An extraordinary building where many books apparently ‘nested.’” Here he finds it his job to nurse the books back to health and share their stories with the whole town. My favorite part here is how the illustrator, Joe Bluhm, has everyone in black-and-white until they receive a book, as we all know life would be very dull without books. Morris continues caring for the books for days, and months, and years, until his story is complete and it is time to pass along the stories to another.
As I mentioned before, I love books that can be read and loved by adults and children. I can see this book being given to a book lover (big or small) or to a librarian or teacher. Or, to someone whose story is ending, or someone whose story has just begun, or even to someone who doesn’t quite know what their story is yet.
The book accompanies an Academy Award winning short film which is definitely worth the watch after reading the story.
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce; illustrator Joe Bluhm ; Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Happy Reading,
Maryam
jama said
LOVED the film and am curious to see the book.
We Have Signed Books by William Joyce! « Hooray for Books! Independent Bookstore said
[...] Morris Lessmore is a delightful celebration of books and the people who love them! It’s a sweet story of one man and his lifelong devotion to words. The tale is simple, but it’s extraordinarily resonant, and Joyce’s lush, sunlight-infused illustrations make this an utterly charming read. It’s a perfect bedtime read aloud! Our lovely bookseller Maryam reviewed it for us a few weeks ago here. [...]