The Nutcracker/ by Ernst Hoffman

This story never aged; but inspired movies, plays, ballets, retelling tales. I have been reading it this evening, and enjoyed it as in my childhood many years ago. As an adult now i paid more attention to coulinary details than to a description of a magic realms : i noticed tasty nuts, crunchy cookies, pork sausgae, pink lard( must be delicious!) and other delicatessen..... Nutcracker is on the ugly side, but a brave guy fighting rats : certainly not from our urban environment of pretty-looking men in tight jeans! I remember watching cartoon and weeping three brooks, because he was so ugly but lovable! Fascinating romantic story of interest to young girls who will marry construction workers or  loggers! I enjoyed it quite sincerely(although i am married to a refined man!)

Ksenia R

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The sea monster/ by Chris Wormell

It is a sad picture book and everyone is lonely in it. I thought it was written by a Russian writer, so sad it is.... There is a lonely sea monster, a lonely fisherman and a boy with a dog who sails a boat on the beach. The story reminded me of a Slavic mythological spirit of water (Vodyanoi, picture is attached) who lives in solitude under the water, drowns beautiful women and always sings songs about  how"it would be great to have any company but frogs and leeches". In the end, the fisherman gets a company of a boy and a lonely sea monsters gets a trophy : the boy's boat......

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Ksenia R

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

The story of War horse is a historical fiction( my favorite genre). It is told through the horse's viewpoint. Joey was an English farm horse who was sold to the British army leaving behind the boy he grew up with,Albert. This story vividly tells the roles of the war horse in WWI: an ambulance horse, cavalry, mounted infantry, artillery and others. Along the way, Joey makes lots of friends but still longs for a chance to be reunited with Albert.


" A horse's life may be more valuable than a  man's life because a horse holds no evil at his heart"

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Bryan R

Good dog, Carl/ by Alexandra Day

Amost wordless picture book about what happens when Moma leaves her baby to be watched by THE "Good dog, Carl". Oh, the things they do! Swimming in the aquarium, dancing, playing with food, checking the fridge, washing in the tub. The book reminded me of Cat in the Hat by DR.Seuss( do you remember what happened when the children were left alone?) But when Moma comes home, everything is in its place: baby in cleaned and dried is back in the bed, garbage back in the bin, pillows are back on the sofa.... Good dog, Carl!!!
Adorable little book with life-alike pictures!Carl is so responsible!

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Ksenia R

We're going on a bear hunt

I had to read this book because library patrons ask for it so often... Now i know what they are talking about! "We're going on a bear hunt.. we are not scared!" It is a funny little book about looking for a bear, and in fact encountering him! The way back home is just so fast now!

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Ksenia R

BEEGU

Alexis Deacon's BEEGU is the story of a lost and alienated alien and the unconditional acceptance of the small creatures she meets on a playground.  The moral of the story is simple.....  You have only one opportunity to make a first impression and acts of kindness have lasting effects. 

Bonnie R 

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Humphrey's Corner by Sally Hunter

Humphrey's Corner by Sally Hunter is a book of endearing depictions of a day in the life of Humphrey, a toddler elephant, as he searches his home for the perfect place to play with his toy rabbit, Mop and his blanket, Mooey under the watchful eye of his ever so patient Mommy.  "Are you all right, little love?" asked Mommy.  And finally, he found that special place in the kitchen.  It was very cozy.... and near Mommy.  All mommies of toddlers will relate and all mommies of adult children will remember. 

Thanks, Sally.

Bonnie R

The story behind the story: http://www.humphreys-corner.com/home/sallys-introduction.html

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