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Marja’s Skis
Lovely, delicate artwork first strikes a reader about Marja's Skis, then comes the well-crafted story about Marja growing up in the rugged woods of the Great Lakes region. Simple in style, there’s a complexity here not always found in children’s books.
Marja admires her strong father who goes into the forest and returns with a sleigh full of logs. She awaits a time when she, like her older sister, can ski and go to school. When she turns 7, her father declares she’s ready for school. “When you are strong inside,” he says, “you can do anything.”
Those words inspire her later, after she learns to ski but then must cope with her father’s death in a logging accident. In the upbeat ending, Marja proves that she is indeed strong inside.
The serious nature of some material means parents should decide if it’s age appropriate for their child; if it is, they’ll find much to treasure in this wonderful book.
- Bob Berg
Piping Plover Summer
Stories worth the telling can enhance the enjoyment of the places they describe. In this book, children (and adults) can enjoy the story and then apply the knowledge of piping plovers to where they live. As the back of the book shows, this is a somewhat rare bird around Lake Superior. Its life cycle, however, resembles perhaps its more common cousin, the killdeer, and can help children identify these birds and get them excited about other bird species.
The pastel colors of the illustrations and the canvas texture create a warm, summer atmosphere (not a bad thing on a cold winter’s night). For some, the texture might make a few of the passages a reading challenge, but for the most part this attractive book will be a pleasing way to learn more about our world.
– Konnie LeMay
Finnigin and the Star Jar
The sister duo that created this book understand well that longing to get out from the ordinary and into an adventure. Finnigin the fisher sets off to fill his dragonfly jar in new territory only to discover, too late, that night had arrived and he was lost and alone. A star drops in to aid him and by following the light and the advice of newfound friends, the little fellow gets safely home to his own tree … a beautiful sight to see.
Nicely illustrated, this is a good tale to be read aloud. Plus it’s just so rare that a fisher gets center stage; it’s a great way to go further and look up actual pictures of a fisher family and how they look in real life.
– Konnie LeMay
Old Dog Cora and The Christmas Tree
Families will love the sweet story of Old Dog Cora, which features woodcuts done with soft, rounded lines and deep, rich colors perfect for the holiday season.
Author and illustrator Consie Powell’s affection for dogs is evident in her work. She gives personality to Cora that rings true, in both appearance and actions. As the family is getting ready to head for the woods with the younger dogs, Cora is determined not to be left at home. “She nuzzled the old red harness and stared at Susan.”
Besides the appealing artwork, the author does a nice job with descriptions, such as “the spicy perfume of balsam fir”; or “hard-packed snow squeaked underfoot.”
The moral? Well, nobody likes to be told that you’re too old or that you’re “in the way” – especially when it comes to a traditional family event like bringing home a Christmas tree. In the end, Cora’s family gains a new appreciation of her valued role.
– Bob Berg
Aerial “The Bridge With a Heart”
This fresh little tale uses a familiar “face” in Duluth, the Aerial Lift Bridge, as a character whose attitude affects the happiness … and crabbiness … of those around her. The illustrations are cheery with humorous, friendly figures hanging out around Canal Park. When a tough load (an old bus) turns Aerial’s smile to a scowl, she quickly sees how her cranky change of heart has tainted everything and everyone nearby. When she concentrates and makes her attitude one she likes, the sunshine returns. It’s a great lesson for children – and a few talk show hosts – of all ages. Happiness … bring it on!
– Konnie LeMay
Unkle Åke’s Field Guide to inFrequently Found Animals on the Shore of Lake Superior
Okay, technically this is not a children’s book, but darned it’s cute and appeals to the crazy-eyed, curious kid in all of us. Mark “Åke” Larson has taken his fertile imagination and his photographic abilities and put his lakeshore daydreams into a wacky slender volume cataloguing those winsome critters we’ve all seen and never really understood. Like the Spike-back Beach Rat. Åke logs these accidentally natural and naturally accidental creatures and creates names and either species details or ditties about them. Who wouldn’t want to know more (and to see up close) Bearded Trolls, Split Rock Rabbits, Brule Moose Slugs or North Americanoggins?
The full color reproductions are bright and showcase the lake “habitat” as well as the creations, er, creatures.
The cover price might seem a little steep, but the “per creative idea” cost is very low and this is a volume with which you can share a few laughs with friends at the cabin or spark a few new ideas from your children on their next visit to the shore or to the woods. Not a bad investment of time, money and imagination.
– Konnie LeMay