My wife is a librarian and daily interacts with children and books. If I were not a Professor, I cannot think of a more appealing calling. We talk daily about the little ones in her school, books, and the relationship between bookish children and their overall demeanor. A picture book that we recently became aware of is The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. For all bibliovores, regardless of age, this book is for you. It is beautiful in form and content, it is good in form and content, and it is true in form and content. Rarely does one find a children’s picture book that so throughly celebrates a bookish life, but also deals with some grand humane themes. In addition to this unique book, there is an app (sorry Luddites) that is interactive with the book. For the critics of such apps, one can make the case that this app encourages greater interaction with the book and other books. For short film lovers, this wonderful book also inspired the Academy Award winning short film.
*Below is from Amazon page.
Morris Lessmore loved words.
He loved stories.
He loved books.
But every story has its upsets.
Everything in Morris Lessmore’s life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds.
But the power of story will save the day.
Stunningly brought to life by William Joyce, one of the preeminent creators in children’s literature, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a modern masterpiece, showing that in today’s world of traditional books, eBooks, and apps, it’s story that we truly celebrate—and this story, no matter how you tell it, begs to be read again and again.
Holy smokes! I've not got the book yet but the short film is true art. Angelic propaganda too, in its way. And powerful. I wonder what kids make of it.
Here in Nepal, my colleagues and I are setting up the country's first publishing company chiefly for children and young adults. While we have plenty in the works that is intrinsically interesting and will attract readers, thanks to this we'll start considering something that addresses the magic of books and reading altogether, in a Nepali context. Many thank indeed.