Wednesday, August 8, 2018

PICTURE BOOK - Louisa May & Mr. Thoreau's Flute by Julie Dunlap & Marybeth Lorbiecki

llustrated by Mary Azarian
2002, Dial Books for Young Readers
Out-of-print, but available used at still reasonable price
32 pgs.
Goodreads rating: 3.93 - 30 ratings
My rating:  4
Endpapers:  Beige
Illustrations:  Lovely woodblock prints
1st line/s:  " ' Jump, I dare you!' "

My comments:  Based on facts garnered from journals and letters of Louisa May Alcott and Henry David Thoreau, the authors craft a lovely story showing Alcott's roots -- and her feisty personality.  This story takes place when "Louy" is seven, the oldest of four daughters, and shows quite clearly her life of chores, love of nature, and beginnings of her writing prowess.  There's lots of text, but interesting and insightful.  Mary Azarian's gorgeous woodcuts accentuate the story beautifully.

Goodreads:  Louisa May Alcott is fascinated by her Concord neighbor Henry David Thoreau. He carries a flute in his pocket and a pencil behind his ear, and he takes the children of the town on nature excursions. 
     Writing is difficult for Louisa, so she admires the way Mr. Thoreau can jot down a few lines in his notebook when a thought occurs. Through their friendship, will Mr. Thoreau be able to help Louisa find her own inspiration?
     The exquisite woodcuts of Caldecott Medal winner Mary Azarian transport readers to nineteenth-century Massachusetts to discover a friendship between two of America's most beloved authors, and their search to find their own inner voices.
 

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