Listening to the Little Voice Inside
story time
good books for bigs and littles
Fly High, Fly Low
We are a family that loves the public library and our latest library hauls have introduced us to the books of Don Freeman. We first picked up Freeman’s Fly High Fly Low, drawn by the illustrations on the cover. In Fly High Fly Low, Freeman uses a style that I think is reminiscient of Japanese woodblock prints. They are colorful but slightly muted and have the gestural pencil lines of an illustrator—though traditional woodblock prints are ink or watercolor, and Freeman uses colored pencils, the effect is somehow similar. Fly High Fly Low chronicles the relationship of two pigeons, who meet and mate and build their home in the letter of an abandoned hotel sign. Other pigeons make fun of them, and the sign eventually heads to the trash heap, but all rights itself in the end and their housing choice ends up being an unusually prudent choice. While this may not sound like a particularly compelling story arc, trust me that it will give you a warm and fuzzy feeling, and even if it doesn’t Freeman’s illustrations of San Francisco are wroth the read all by themselves.
Image from Goodreads.com
Norman the Doorman
Norman is a tiny artist with big aspirations. The doorman at the basement at the Majestic Museum of Art, he shows fellow mice around the basement where works of art or stored. Like every good underdog, he has a nemesis, in the form of the security guard who sets out traps for Norman and his visitors. One day Norman sees that the Majestic is holding a contests for “artists big and small” and he decides to enter with an aptly named sculpture made from sprung mousetraps. Surprises ensue for all, none of which I will spoil. Suffice it to say, however, this is a sweet story about following your heart despite society’s expectations.
Image: Kate Noonan
Dandelion
Rounding out the trio of animal protagonists, Dandelion is a lion who receives an invitation to a tea party. Despite the invitation’s request to “come as you are,” Dandelion spends the afternoon leading up to the party fancying himself up. The end result is that his hostess does not recognize him and shuts the door in his face. As a rejected and dejected Dandelion waits outside the party his new hairstyle is blown out, his new jacket is rained upon, and his new hat blows away. Returned to his real self, he knocks on the door again, to be warmly welcomed by his friends.
The Little Voice Inside
Each of these books has a sweet and subtle message about being true to one’s self. Whether procuring a future home, pursuing a life passion, or accepting your appearance as it is, these are messages that resonate with kids and adults alike.
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