Monday, March 17, 2008

A Delightful Read - "Brave Charlotte"

It all began with this set of postcards that I received from a friend for Christmas. OK - fellow shepherds (Shetland, especially) - click on this picture and tell me that you haven't seen a stare like the one on the faces of those four girls in the center picture coming from your own four favorite ewes.

I fell in love with these cards upon first sight. How could I ever give them away - I wanted to frame them all and re-decorate our dining room (well, not Really, but Almost) - The backs of the cards were in German (!) but I could ascertain the name Henrike Wilson - so I typed it into Google - and found that she had done the illustrations for a wonderful book called "Brave Charlotte"


To quote the book jacket: "Charlotte is different from the other sheep. She likes to explore the world around her, climbing up trees and wandering near the dangerous road, while the wary old sheep shake their heads and mutter, "Tut, tut, tut". But them danger strikes, only Charlotte is brave enough to go for help and save the day.

This beautifully illustrated tale speaks to all shy little sheep who stand out from the crowd and aren't afraid to follow their dreams."

Then I found that the postcards were available on the Bas Bleu web site -(actually quite a delightful website - lots of fun stuff and interesting books, but I digress) so I ordered two sets of postcards to give to friends.

THEN, I started looking for the book and found two "Like New" copies for a very good price, on the Barnes and Noble web site (I had received a B&N gift card for my birthday - what a great way to use it) - I wanted two copies, one for me and one for our Sunday School kids. I will read it to them in April when our choir does an Earth Day service, and then give it to the church library.

The book is a pure delight - makes you go "Awwww" at the end (ok, so it made my eyes leak a little too - but you have to remember that I cry at Hallmark card commercials...) You can find it at Amazon.com or Powells.com in Portland (which has to be THE coolest bookstore in the world) Both of the copies I bought as "used" - but they were both in excellent condition and less than 1/2 the price of the "new".

Even if you don't have kids or grandkids to read this to, I recommend that you get a copy for yourself - it's a Very Good Read!



"I don't know, Regina, do you think we look like the girls in that picture? Their ears kind of stick out..."

8 comments:

Kathy said...

What a great review! I just have to read this one, too! The artwork/illustrations are done beautifully.

Michelle said...

Thanks for the tip; looks like I'll be shopping, too.

Sharon said...

I truly believe that the best representational art today is in children's book illustrations. Now I wish I would have written a review on a book I brought home recently about Salish knitting called Yetsa's Sweater by Sylvia Olsen. I do love Brave Charlotte. If you haven't already seen Kim Lewis's books, take a look the next time you're at the library. She's an author/illustrator with pastoral themes and does wonderful sheep.

Franna said...

Oh! Very cute. I love the postcards, so had to order some, too. And the book. I'm thinking of a special little girl who would love to "read" about Brave Charlotte. Next time you're book shopping, check addall.com They search 27? online booksellers including Powells and Half.com. You can look for new or used/out of print. Way too many great books out there for a bibliophile.
- Franna

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Yvonne said...

Hi Tina - I'll have to check out that book. I'm starting a collection of fiber animal books. Maybe someday I"ll have another grandchild. . . (sigh)

We got chickens this week! We have 8 now - and it's been a challenge to keep the brooder temperature constant, but we're trying to keep up with it. They grow so quickly - I see change every 12 hours.

Hope your spinning is going well!
Yvonne

Leigh said...

I've never heard of this book. Thanks for the recommendation. Like you, I wouldn't have been able to let those postcards go either.

Franna said...

I got Charlotte! and the postcards. Soooo cool! Thanks for sharing.
- Franna