Young Reader in the Making

Young Reader in the Making

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Book 85: The House At Pooh Corner

The House At Pooh Corner, written by A. A. Milne, with decoration by Ernest H. Shepard, 1928 E. P. Dutton.  (Preschool/Elementary)

My little boy has turned his affection to the Pooh cast of characters. He still has to have both Hop-Hops to sleep at night, but quite often there is a Pooh Bear or Piglet or both in that same bed. Eeyore waits for Thomas in the back seat of our car. He is still looking for his tail. And right now Tigger is perched atop the tea trolley in the kitchen, just ready to bounce into action. So buying the second Pooh book for that little boy was a pretty sure bet. The tales contained within are every bit as charming as those in the first.

Once again the beautiful work of E. H. Shepard graces the pages of the book. Only this time, those lovely pen and ink illustrations have been tinted, so they virtually pop off the pages they grace.




*For reviews on books to borrow, please see Louise's Blog in Blogs I Follow

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Book 84: Winnie-the-Pooh

Winnie-the-Pooh, by A. A. Milne, decorated by Ernest H. Shepard, E.P. Dutton 1926.  (Preschool/Elementary)

When Winnie-the-Pooh and House at Pooh Corner first came out in 1926, Dorothy Parker reviewed them. She famously wrote that she "frowed up". If I were reading the books as an adult without the view of children, I'd probably agree -- but then why would I be reading it as an adult? As I did read the books as a child and I do now have a child, however much I admire Ms. Parker, I'd have to disagree with her wittily caustic review. Winnie-the-Pooh is a delightful read for children.

The first illustration of Christopher Robin dragging Edward Bear down the stairs looked made me laugh because it looks very much like my son dragging Hop-Hop down the stairs, and Hop-Hop is his most cherished possession. E. H. Shepard is one of the best children's illustrators. The movement and spirit he captures in simple pen and ink drawings is nothing short of amazing.


Please note, there is no mention of Walt Disney in the above review. There is a reason for that.




For reviews on books to borrow, please see Louise's Blog in Blogs I Follow