May 12, 2010

Come to Grammy


The Fathers Are Coming Home
I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of The Fathers Are Coming Home, written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Stephen Savage.  It arrived yesterday and I have read it over and over. It gives me goosebumps to know that I am holding the first edition of a literary treasure that will surely be enjoyed for generations to come. 

What makes the story so special?  Margaret Wise Brown wrote this in 1943 at the end of WWII as a tribute to the fathers who were returning from war.  Declined by her publisher, it was tucked away in a trunk for these past 60+ years.  How touching that a story written so long ago holds such significance today.  Mrs. Brown knows how to speak the language of young children. Her books, more than anything else, reassure children that they are loved and not forgotten...ever.  What a wonderful talent to deliver such powerful messages in her selection of just a few words. You probably know her best for Goodnight, Moon and The Runaway Bunny. One of my favorites of hers is The Important Book.  The Fathers Are Coming Home now rightfully takes its place in this collection of classics.
The illustrator of The Fathers Are Coming Home is Stephen Savage.  I have come to appreciate the role of the illustrator in children's books. While the adult can read and convey the story, the child is reading the pictures.  Plus, it's just fantastic artwork. Stephen does an incredible job with the story.  Be sure to look at all the fine details, including the colors and details on the animals and scenery.

Also, you will enjoy watching Stephen in the video (Simon and Schuster) as he talks about the process of linoleum block printing.



Polar Bear Night (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))Stephen won a New York Times Best Illustrated Books award for Polar Bear Night written by Lauren Thompson.  It is now high on my list of books to buy for PDub.

I am proud to bring you The Fathers Are Coming Home in a giveaway to celebrate this new blog. I will pry my hands off of one copy to a loyal follower on July 31st!  I invite you to join me and PDub on our journey.  If this book is any indication, we are going on a phenomenal ride!

8 comments:

  1. i LOVED reading Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny to my kids. The Fathers Are Coming Home would be a great book for my young nephews whose father is on his third tour in Iraq. I'm stopping by from SITS. Have a great day!

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  2. This book almost made me cry, it was so sweet.

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  3. That looks like an amazing book. I like your blog- but have to say, I'm very jealous! I sooo wish I could read in the car. I can't even turn around to help my kids in the car, without getting carsick! (my kids get sick too, ugh!) I'm following you back now!
    Christina
    http://iwritechildrensbooks.blogspot.com

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  4. Thank you! I live in a Navy town and about 80% of my friends are Navy wives. This book will be perfect for their kids at the end of deployments! :)

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  5. I wonder why it was rejected in the first place? It sounds like such a classic!!

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  6. I'm sure you'll get to 100 in no time! Great write up of this beautiful book.

    Melissa

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  7. Can't wait to read the book! Love "Goodnight Moon"

    My daughter and I say it to each other every night. Good Night Katy, Good Night Moon!

    Come by my blog if you have a chance and thanks for the chance to win!!

    www.katynikitachurchill.blogspot.com

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  8. This book looks gorgeous--I'd love to win it. :)

    mysillyeagle@gmail.com

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