We have two wonderfully illustrated picture books for our readers this month. Epossumondas, an old favourite finally published in paperback and Happy Dreamer, a new book from genius Peter H. Reynolds.
Epossumondas by Coleen Salley from New Orleans and illustrated by Janet Stevens from Boulder, Colorado. Originally published in 2002, this southern tale has finally been published in paperback. Epossumondas is a possum, adored by his mama and auntie, their sweet little patootie. Always trying to please them, Epossumondas takes his mama’s instructions way too literally when delivering items back and forth between the two ladies. Something always goes wrong. He tries to do better but it never seems to work out. A great read aloud, little ones will soon predict what outrageous thing will happen next. Included at the back of the book there is a great storyteller’s note which explains that “Epossumondas is a type of tale called a noodlehead story. Mishaps occur but are not caused deliberately. The humor is gentle and silly. The plot may be highly improbable, but not impossible – it COULD happen.” A well respected storyteller, Coleen passed away in 2008. She was often quoted as saying "I don't want children to read just to perfect their reading. I want them to love books for the joy of it." Janet is a popular and award winning illustrator who used her friend Coleen as the inspiration for this delightful book.
Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds from Dedham, Massachusetts. What a wonderful book celebrating a child’s creative dreams. Peter’s goal with this book was for the reader to be positive, happy, to dream big and be proud of the way their brain works. Whether you’re a quiet dreamer, a loud dreamer or a colorful dreamer, it all good! Absolutely chock-a-block full of whimsical illustrations expressing every kind of dreamer and ending with the question “What kind of dreamer are you?” And to help with that, our box includes a poster of dreamers and a colouring sheet and crayons for our readers to get creative. Peter is a well-loved, best-selling author and illustrator who has received many awards and honors for his books. He was born in Canada and along with his twin brother, owns a children’s bookstore.