REVIEWERS' NOTE: All those who make a comment on this review will be placed in a drawing for a FREE SIGNED COPY of this book, donated by the author. Deadline is midnight, Sunday, August 24th, 2008.
Our Walk in the Woods
by Charity Nebbe
illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler
A Children's Picture Book-Ages 4-8
Mitten Press, 2008
Hardcover with Dustjacket
ISBN 978-1-58726-437-5
***** Story
***** Illustrations
A Delightful Story, Professionally illustrated and a Wonderful Message
Review by Douglas Quinn, Author of Blue Heron Marsh, etal (www.douglasquinn.com) and Donna Higgins Colson, Professional Artist (www.dhc-art.com).
The artist has done a superb job with illustrating this delightful story from the dustjacket and hardcover to the final page. The pictures are organic and fresh. The use of foreshortening brings us right into the story. With the illustration of his dog tag on the title page, Kirby, a Boston terrier, is cleverly introduced to the reader.
We like how the artist bleeds the illustrations from one page to the next to make two-page pictures and his clever use of negative space allowing for the two different text types. The author uses the different text types to relate scenes of the story from two different voices, those of Abby and Kirby.
The use of diagonals as well as the changing scale of the figures creates a sense of motion as Abby and Kirby, each in their own way, experience getting ready for and going on their walk in the woods. The landscapes are charming, creating a feeling of traveling right along with the girl and her dog.
The cropping of illustrations helps to focus the reader's attention and skillfully gets across the idea of how differently nature can be perceived and appreciated. The underwater picture is an especially charming and creative viewpoint.
We liked the idea that the reader comes away with a sense that companionship, fun and enjoyment can be found in the natural world with all its beauty and diversity of flora and fauna. We also liked the fact that the author conveyed the important message that while some people may disrespect nature by littering, it is our individual responsibility to do our part to be sure the environment remains as pristine as possible. Keeping things light and humorous, Kirby sees this part of the outing as an opportunity to find new toys to play with.
The author was fortunate to have such a fine illustrator who interpreted her story in such a skillful manner. We highly recommend this book. We would each love to read this story with our grandchildren.
One final note. The author, Charity Nebbe, is donating a portion of her royalties to animal rescue organizations. What a wonderful gesture.
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Comments: 44
A ten for you! We like it!
How great is the donation part? That is a very compassionate author, whom it sounds has done a great job for the kids, at a very impressionable age, and I must have this book now for Stephanie. Thanks for sharing, and introducing it to me. Ellen B
The book is darling. Lovely illustration of the Boston Terrior. Only problem, I couldn't get the other pictures to come up. Maybe my computer is running slow. I'd love to know the process of bleeding one picture into another. It's not a term I'm familiar with.
Patricia A. Guthrie
Author
I'm so glad to hear that the proceeds will go to benefit animal rescue. That is a cause that is close to my heart.
Douglas Quinn
www.douglasquinn.com
the pictures are very nice
Karen
As grown men, nearing 40 they both remember those outings well, and teach their own children much the same.
I really appreciate the author donating part of her royalties to animal rescue. That is a cause near and dear to my heart.
And thank you for commenting on my review of Charity Nebbe's new children's picture book Our Walk in the Woods. We held the drawing the morning (our cat Moustaki II stuck her paw in the bowl and came up with the winning name--we tried with the two dogs but they either weren't interested or just didn't get it) and the winner is Gather Member Heidi F. of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
I hope all of the rest of your with either go to www.amazon.com or go to your nearest book store and order a copy (or more--think ahead for Christmas) of Charity's book.
The author, and Donna and I as the reviewers, appreciate the time you took to participate and for all the kind words offered.
All the best,
Douglas Quinn, Author of Blue Heron Marsh (www.douglasquinn.com)
and Donna Higgins Colson, Artist/Publicist (www.dhc-art.com)