The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
Chirstopher Award 2007 for children ages 8-10

I loved Because of Winn Dixie and so I've been interested to read any other books by Kate DiCamillo and nearly everything she's written has won an award or honor of some kind. But so far, nothing has topped Winn Dixie for me.

There were cool things about this story. But it didn't pull me in and swallow me up as I like a book to do. It's a story about a toy rabbit made of china and it's adventures. And through it's adventures, from the bottom of the sea, to the depths of a garbage dump, on the road with a hobo, and so on, it's journey of love and loss and gathering the courage to love again.

It's got a little essence of Velveteen Rabbit. Maybe because his adventures with each person is somewhat distinct it is more a series of stories than one big story, and the big frame that kept it a novel rather than being a series of stories, just didn't quite work for me.

I'm interested to know what others think since I think it's a well loved book! It just didn't really grab ME.

The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

by Carmen Agra Deedy

2001 Christopher Award, Books for Young People, ages 10-12

I was drawn to this book at the library because Carmen Deedy is a storyteller and I performed with her at a festival long long ago, and thought she was GREAT.

This is a picture book story that takes place during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. It's a beautiful story of loving inspired leadership, unity and resistance. I don't want to give away the details! I recommend the book.

Even though the Christopher Award suggests ages 10-12, I think a younger child could enjoy this book if they are interested in history (my son Jabu was TOTALLY interested in biographies and historical stories from a young age) and have a parent to give back ground and talk about the issues.

In the authors note at the close of the book we learn that this story has not been confirmed in actual fact, but it still rings true to historic events in Denmark during that time, and definitely rings true to what we hope for in our common humanity.

The Christopher Awards, a new list for my project

I've added a new group of books to my project. The Christopher Awards.

The Christopher Awards

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First presented in 1949, the Christopher Awards were established by Christopher founder Father James Keller to salute media that “affirm the highest values of the human spirit.” Their goal is to encourage men, women and children to pursue excellence in creative arenas that have the potential to influence a mass audience positively. Award winners encourage audiences to see the better side of human nature and motivate artists and the general public to use their best instincts on behalf of others.