Children often suffer from fears and anxieties, hard to express to their parents. The Crystal Mirror is a warm hug of a book, providing help for the hidden world of children's worries in a subtle and mysterious way. Both bold and gentle in his story telling Tim Malnick explores the big questions. His words stimulate the imagination and provide inspiration for problem solving. It is also a book for adults, particularly those of a contemplative nature. As Katie Green's beautifully designed cover shows, the Crystal Mirror reflects infinity.
I particularly loved 'The Story of Oswald Bat' which started in a place of shadows and ended in sunlit poetic beauty. Kind hearted parents will buy this book for their fortunate children, but I hope that it will find its way into schools and public libraries. Children from stressed backgrounds should have the chance to read it. 'The Master Painter', in particular, provides a lifeline for any child feeling lonely and trapped. 'The Crystal Mirror' reminded me of Herman Hesse's book, 'Siddhartha', a book of fables with lasting meaning, a gift to pass down to your children's children. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Mirror-Tim-Malnick/dp/1908363096 'My Brilliant Friend' moves at a headlong place, the words racing across the page as if Elena Ferrante is writing on the run. She tells the story with power and passion, describing the impossible difficulties that confront Elena and Lila, children living in an impoverished area of Naples after the Second World war. Time and place are vividly evoked but the story has a universal meaning. Anyone who has childhood experience of living in an enclosed environment under the control of adults with repressed emotions and fixed ideas, will be able to relate to Lila and Elena's life in the neighbourhood. In my own case, for example, this was a convent boarding school. Elena's experiences of disassociation, of losing the margins, are a true reflection of the results of this kind of damaging upbringing.
Elena and Lila struggle to grow up amidst the feuds and changing friendships that consume both the children and the adults. Elena Ferrante expertly describes the vulnerability of childhood, the fears and nightmares, the difficulties of coping in a deep dark world full of envy and violence, where the most charming person turns out to be.... well I won't reveal the answer to this. Elena and Lila's lives acquire further complications as they grow into teenagers. The boys of their childhood turn into jealous young men, unstable guardians and protectors who further limit the freedom of the girls. I believed in it all, so much so that I was startled by the sudden ending. I have only one question. Where are the next two books? http://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Brilliant-Friend-Elena-Ferrante-ebook/dp/B00B0YPMIU Let's all go to the beach and dance!
http://youtu.be/gDmSNQKauqg There is one word for this highly original book. Fun! I'm years away from childhood but I so enjoyed playing this game. At the end of each short chapter the reader is given two options. Choose one and off you go, on your own special adventure, making choices all the way. I went back and tried out everything. At least I THINK I tried all the options. 'Once upon an Island' is full of surprises, none of which I'm going to reveal. I might just mention the rock ..... no, no, I musn't, you'll have to find out for yourself. I did laugh at what happens if you choose not to go to the island. And if you didn't get into the boat... oops no, I don't want to spoil the fun.
This would be an ideal book to keep kids happy on a long journey, or if they have to rest in bed or at any time! D.M. Potter must have worked incredibly hard to create this magical maze of stories. Everything flows easily from one exciting event to the next. Highly recommended. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Once-Upon-Island-D-Potter-ebook/dp/B00ARMMBEO |
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