Black Dog

Templar Books

Levi Pinfold 

I read another review where the observation was made that Levi Pinfold could probably write a book about anything at all and his amazing artwork would carry it along. I could not agree more with that assessment. I would totally plunk down my money for The Big Book of Lint if Levi had illustrated it.

For starters, this is one of the very few children's books I have seen where the dust jacket is not identical to the hardback cover, but both are equally stunning. Readers can expect all the image they find inside to be every bit as amazing.

One day, a black dog appears in the Hope family's yard. Mr. Hope spots him first and announces him to be the size of a tiger, but the dog increases in size with each family member's sighting. By the time Maurice gets a glimpse, the black dog is reportedly larger than their three storied house. All the Hopes huddle together under the covers, except for one. It is the youngest member of the family, called Small, who dons her coat and steps outside alone to face the beast.

Although the dog appears quite large and very black, Small is not afraid. As she leads him on a merry chase through the trees, across the frozen pond, and through the playground, the black dog following her every step of the way seems to be shrinking. By the time they reach the Hope house, he is small enough to crawl through the cat flap like Small does. When the rest of the family is faced with the reality of sees the dog, they realize he isn't frightening at all,  through thought about how much courage Small had shown. The way the entire family is staring at the black dog while he licks a plate clean, and the very last image of  Small cuddling with him in front of the fire leads me to believe that I just read the story of how the Hope family adopted their dog.

I do like the story, but it is most definitely the illustrations that make the book. They are extremely well done, but just a bit quirky, with odd little bits tucked in every cluttered room. I love every page and hope you will too. 

Review copy provided by Templar Books.   

Storyworld

 

Templar Books

John and Caitlin Matthews

When I first saw this card set in the Candlewick catalog, I thought it seemed like a pretty nifty idea. Using illustrated cards to make up stories seems like it would be a great way to help kids who are a bit lacking in the imagination department.  When the set actually arrived, it wasn't at all what I had thought. It was much, much more!

These are not just simple story cards jammed in a box. Every last detail has been carefully planned so this feels like something special from the first moment you lay your hands on the set. It may appear to be a book, but the front covers opens up like a door to reveal a second, smaller windowed door.  Lift the black ribbon tab to access the stack of forty storytelling cards and the instruction booklet nestled inside.

Phenomenal illustrations grace these cards, each one a work of art. Templar Publishing brought together some of Britain’s finest contemporary illustrators to produce this exquisite original artwork. The cards come from four worlds, with ten cards from each of the following: The World of Everyday, The World of Magic, The Realm of the Court, The Land of Faery. Each card suggests a person, character, place or special object.

On the back of each card are several questions, which direct you to think a bit more about where to go with the story.  "Who lives in the little house?  What lies beyond the mountains? What is the eagle looking for?" You don't have to use these, but they provide a bit of direction if you feel stuck as to which direction you want your story to take. 

The instruction booklet is very clear about one thing: there are no rules with these cards. The only limit to what you can do with these cards is your own imagination. They do give some great suggestions of ways to use the cards, which is helpful. Select a few cards to give to a parent as a base for a bedtime story, pack the cards for a long car trip, or take turns drawing from a pile when telling a story with a large group. These are very versatile and can be used with any number of people.    
 

Select a handful of cards, use the pictures as a jumping off point, the leading questions as pathways and become a storyteller. These cards are so unique and beautiful - unlike any other children's card set that I have seen.  I love that they are designed to unlock the doors of the child's imagination - a true gift.  

Review copy provided by Templar Books.