Azarian, Mary Books

Snowflake Bentley (Caldecott Medal Book)

Jacqueline Briggs Martin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 43 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Most children are captivated by snow, but how many go on to make it their lifework? This beautiful biography, winner of the 1999 Caldecott Medal, tells the true story of a Vermont farm boy who was mesmerized by snowflakes. Wilson Bentley was fascinated by the six-sided frozen phenomena, and once he acquired a microscope with a camera, his childhood preoccupation took on a more scientific leaning. Bentley spent his life taking countless exquisite photographs (many that are still used in nature photography today), examining the tiny crystals and their delicate, mathematical structures. Jacqueline Briggs Martin tells this tale with simple, graceful prose that will engage children's imaginations. Edifying and snowflake-scattered sidebars offer more information about Bentley's methods and snowflake science. The artwork of Mary Azarian, whose 19th-century hand-press illustrations decorate the charming Barn Cat, shines once again in Snowflake Bentley, with woodcuts that reveal an appreciation for detail as well as for the man who loved snow. The lovely illustrations and equally fresh text will inspire and comfort youngsters (and grownups too) who wish they could capture snowflakes all year long. (Ages 4 to 8) --Brangien Davis

Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel (Ira Children's Book Awards. Primary)

Leslie Connor

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A beautiful story to read again and again 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

This book by Leslie Connor captures the life experience of a young immigrant woman who comes to the New World with only a shovel. We see through her eyes the ways her life changes through the years, as she uses the shovel to stake out a place for herself, marrying, having children, running a farm. Although it's not a long, complicated story, the richness of the book lies in its reflection of how life progresses and changes through the years, with both love and loss. I have read it to my children again and again, and each time I feel that Ms. Connor has captured some essence of life and change that will make this a book my kids will want to have for their entire lives. It's truly one of those books we'll treasure. The elegant pictures by Mary Azarian complement the story perfectly.

Editorial Review:

The journey begins for a young immigrant named Miss Bridie. It is a journey of hope and uncertainty, a journey that will take her to a new land, a new home, and—if she has chosen wisely—a good life. With elegant woodcuts, Caldecott medalist Mary Azarian brings to life Leslie Connor"s spare story of a life rich with blessings, yet not without challenges. Here is a lyrical tribute to the millions of immigrants who left their homes to begin anew in America—and an enchanting look at how one woman carves out a life with the help of a common shovel.

A Christmas Like Helen's

Natalie Kinsey-Warnock

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Editorial Review:

At Helen's home, there are no telephones or electric lights. Cars have not yet been invented, so she and her sister and brothers must walk a mile to school, even in freezing weather. Without refrigeration, they must harvest ice from the pond.
But at night she and her family gather around the woodstove to hear stories of castles and princes in hiding. They take horse-drawn sleigh rides, snug under buffalo robes and wool blankets; skate in the moonlight; and on Christmas morning have real maple syrup for breakfast.
With absorbing details of country life and elegant, hand-colored woodcuts, this book captures the strength of family, the magic of Christmas, and the love of place all year long.

Louisa May and Mr. Thoreau's Flute

Julie Dunlap, Marybeth Lorbiecki

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Inspiring for young creatives 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.

The other evening I descended my stairs to find my husband snuggled on the couch with a picture book and my 3 year old son, reading. This is not unusual. What was unusual was that my thirteen year old daughter sat with them listening intently as well. The book, not surprisingly, was Louisa May and Mr. Thoreaus Flute.
It is a well woven story of inspiration and the search for authentic self. The illustrations have a distinctly natural appeal that defers to the passion of Thoreau very well. They absorbed my youngest. The story and the words are engaging and inspiring enough for my eldest, a big fan of Little Women. It is a lovely book to share with your young creatives.

Editorial Review:

Louisa May Alcott is fascinated by her Concord neighbor Henry David Thoreau. He carries a flute in his pocket and a pencil behind his ear, and he takes the children of the town on nature excursions.

Writing is difficult for Louisa, so she admires the way Mr. Thoreau can jot down a few lines in his notebook when a thought occurs. Through their friendship, will Mr. Thoreau be able to help Louisa find her own inspiration?

The exquisite woodcuts of Caldecott Medal winner Mary Azarian transport readers to nineteenth-century Massachusetts to discover a friendship between two of America's most beloved authors, and their search to find their own inner voices.

From Dawn till Dusk

Natalie Kinsey-Warnock

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Editorial Review:

A love of life and a love of place shine through in Natalie Kinsey-
Warnock's richly imagined prose. Illustrated with Mary Azarian's
beautiful woodcuts, From Dawn till Dusk reveals how chores lead
straight to the best kind of fun: night-swimming in the pond, skiing
off the barn roof, and finding new gray kittens in the haymow, with
their eyes still closed.

The Man Who Lived Alone

Donald Hall

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

One of if not the most wonderful books I have ever read 5 out of 5 stars.
15 of 16 people found this review helpful.

I read this book as a fresh eyed 18 year old. I am now a 40 year old woman tattered but not shattered. This happens to be one of those books so rare to me, I feel the same way about it today as I did the first time I ever read it. I gave my copy to my sister an English Lit. teacher. She uses it every semester. Mr. Hall signed it for her. I now only have a photo copy of it and it breaks my heart that I don't have the book. God Bless Mr. Hall and his most magnificent literary ability.

Editorial Review:

This is a story about a man who lives alone because he chooses to. In his cabin in the New England woods, he lives with his collection of old newspapers and carefully saved nails, his mule and his owl. His much loved cousin, Nan, is just close enough to him to visit now and then. The man who lives alone leads a solitary life: quiet and content.



In simple, lyrical prose, Donald Hall creates a moving and believable portrait of this affectionate, eccentric man, from childhood to old age. We understand why he is the way he is, the names and pictures of his days, and, finally, how those days will end. It's a story about self-sufficiency and about solitude, about the difference between loneliness and being alone, about living and about dying.

Barn Cat

Carol P. Saul

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Counting in Barn Cat 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Barn Cat is a well-illustrated book, which aims at teaching children to count. Throughout the book, Barn Cat is looking for something unknown to the reader. While the readers continue through the book to discover what item the cat is searching for, the cat sees one grasshopper, two crickets, and three butterflies, continuing until he sees ten sparrows. Being completely unaffected by most of the creatures with which he comes into contact, Barn Cat continues to sit at the red barn door until his owner pours his milk. In "On Some Burdens Carried by Pictures," David Topper states that well illustrated books are a source from which an array of information can be obtained in a clear and effective way. For him, a picture in a book is a "tour de force," meaning a strong convergence of emotional response and intellectual process by the reader. The exposure to pictures, which represent an important, specific object, will make the readers "catch," or in other words, learn, the idea. Barn Cat's illustrations employ this learning technique and help to teach the readers to learn to count. The readers of Barn Cat understand the printed word and see the visual images in the book, which aids in their understanding of counting and numbers. One technique used in Barn Cat, which helps readers to learn to count, is number recognition. Number recognition is emphasized with large, bold numerals appearing in black in the right hand corner of the pages. These numbers are not a part of the picture on the page, but instead are set aside, in order to be obvious to the readers. The viewers hear or read the word representing the number "seven," for example, then see the actual number on the same page. This ingrains the number into the readers' minds and associates the word with the visual image of the written number. This association is important for readers who are beginning to learn to the concept of numbers and counting. Topper emphasizes this importance when he says that the illustrations must be similar to the important issues expressed in the story. By this, he means that the illustrations must have an important purpose in the story. In Barn Cat, the purpose of the number illustrations is to help the readers learn to count. Another technique used in Barn Cat, which helps readers to learn to count, is the use of a specific number of objects on each page. The viewers read or hear the word representing the number "three," for example, then count the objects on the page from one to three. All of the objects are beautifully illustrated in colorful drawings, which help to capture in the readers' attention. For example, the readers count three golden butterflies that appear to be fluttering across the page. Now, the readers can associate the word "three" with the actual amount of objects on the page. Topper emphasizes the importance of this technique when he discusses that illustrations make the printed word concrete. This technique is especially useful to readers because they look through the cat's eyes into the cat's world and count the objects that the cat counts, which can draw the readers into the pages of the book. The readers have the feeling of looking through the cat's eyes because of the plot and illustrations of the book. The last technique used in Barn Cat to help readers learn to count is the use of the plot in the book. On each page, the narrator repeatedly asks, "Barn cat, what are you looking for?" The readers of the book make a journey with Barn Cat to discover the answer to this question. Throughout the search for what Barn Cat is looking for, the readers see the world and count the objects with the cat. For example, when the cat sees ten flying sparrows, his eyes are looking into the air. The readers follow the cat's gaze and are looking and counting with Barn Cat all ten sparrows in the air. Another example is when the cat sees "eight barking, leaping pups," he hisses. This makes the reader see the eight pups as frightening, like the cat sees them, rather than playful. The sequential order of numbers is also taught in this book through the plot. The question, "what are you looking for," which the narrator asks the cat, and indirectly the readers, makes the readers excitedly turn the pages to find the answer to the question with the cat. This emphasizes to the readers the sequential order of numbers from one to ten as the cat finds his milk. The viewers either read or hear the order of the numbers as they count the objects and see the numbers, both in word and numeral form, which reinforces the sequential order of the numbers. An example of this reinforcement is seen when the cat sees ten sparrows. The text reads, "A flock of sparrows-8, 9,10?" Each technique used in Barn Cat makes this a wonderful book for teaching the readers how to count. After reading this book, one should have knowledge and understanding about the numerals, amounts, words, and sequences associated with specific numbers, which are all necessary to know how to count.

Editorial Review:

"Barn cat at the red barn door, / Barn cat, what are you looking for?" So rings the playful refrain of this feline frolic through the farmyard (and through numbers 1 to 10). Readers are presented with a cat's-eye view of 1 green grasshopper, 2 brown crickets, 3 black-and-orange butterflies, all the way up to 10 sparrows. These distractions would seem compelling enough to a regular cat, but, for some reason, not to barn cat. Young readers will love counting the creatures in the bold, hand-colored woodcuts, which illustrator Mary Azarian created with a 19th-century hand press. And there's plenty to admire in the large, striped barn cat, whose careful expressions are clearly the work of an avid cat observer. Author Carol Saul's nimble verse trips and trills along the pages, buoying the cheerful audience--until the dramatic pause just before the surprise ending. A heartwarming, humorous day in a special cat's life. (Ages 4 to 8) --Brangien Davis

Tuttle's Red Barn

Richard Michelson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Very Educational! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Reviewed by Matthew Feliciano (age 7 ½) for Reader Views (1/08)

There are many interesting facts about the Tuttles in this book. The Tuttles were America's first farmers. John Tuttle was the father and his wife was Dorothy. They had four children who each went on to have children. All of the Tuttle families were farmers.

To keep their farm running, John Tuttle used rocks and cements to fill in the cracks in the winter. They learned to fertilize with shells and how to trade in town for supplies to send to their family in England. Some of the Tuttles went off to fight in a war. The Tuttles that remained built bigger homes for the families and continued to be farmers.

The Tuttles became part of the Underground Railroad and helped slaves escape to freedom. Each generation of Tuttles grew with the times of their society and did what needed to be done. Overall, I loved this book, "Tuttle's Red Barn," because I learned a lot about America and the Tuttles.

Editorial Review:

In 1632, John Tuttle set sail from England to Dover, New Hampshire. There he set up a farm on seven acres of land. From those humble beginnings the Tuttle family story became America’s story.

As the Tuttles passed down the farm, along the way they witnessed the settlement and expansion of New England; they fought in the American Revolution; they helped runaway slaves along the Underground Railroad and sold maple syrup to Abraham Lincoln; they bought the first Model T in that Dover; and they transformed the old barn into the thriving country store it is today.

With Caldecott Medalist Mary Azarian’s evocative woodcuts and Richard Michelson’s moving prose bringing the Tuttle story to life, readers will be enraptured by the panorama of American history as seen through the eyes of one family.

Here Comes Darrell

Leda Schubert

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

4 1/2 Good Trucks Make Good Neighbors 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Some kids will think that "Darrell" refers to the hard-working truck In Leda Schubert's tribute to people and seasons of Vermont. While it's true that the real "Darrell" is the craggy faced construction worker/handyman/good neighbor who drives the old pickup, truck-loving kids can enjoy plenty of four-wheeled action. ALong with the pickup (which is red in one scene, and blue in all the others--where's the continuity?) Darrell's uses a big yellow backhoe to move dirt, make a swimming hole, and scoop up Buster, the family dog who chases a ball right into the big hole.

Schubert's sentences are economical yet imaginative: The backhoe is a large machine, but Darrell is an artist. If a hammer drops on the ground, he can pick it up as if he's using tweezers." The evocative writing allows us to imagine ourselves in Darell's big snowboots, rising at 4 am with Buster, and clearing 21 snow-covered driveways by 7 am. As he does so, "porch lights flash in thanks, and he blink his headlights back. HIs stomach growls as he glimpses a neighbor making breakfast.

SOme might call this book old-fashioned, even sentimental, and that's exactly why they might like it. Thematically, the book touches on being a good neighbor, the necessity of cooperation in harsh climates, and the gladly-given reciprocity that attends a good man doing a good job. (Women largely take a backseat here, they're shown making food and washing clothes, although they also help the men get the truck out of the pud ("the dirt roads are like chocolate pudding." During a storm, Darrell is so busy fixing the neighbors wind-shaken houses that he doesn't have time to heed his wife's warning about their own collapsing barn roof. In time-honored tradition, all the neighbors that Darrell helped come over for a "roof raising," and the crew all gets a hot supper of stew and pie.

Aside from the backhoe and a digital alarm clock, the pictures and story could have taken place anytime in at least the last 50 or 60 years. While this nebulous setting may unsettle some youngsters, it can also be adapted to many time periods. Mary Azarian's illustrations look like old woodcuts. Wait--they are woodcuts! Lined faces and wind-tossed jair are handsomely unglamorous, clothing and the Vermont countryside are authentic (the book covers four seasons, with a beautiful picture of vibrant autumn trees. THe only season that doesn't really get its due is Spring, but Ms. Schubert captures the hopeful feelings of the season (unless you're a T.S. Eliot fan) when Darrell tells a family unable to pay him that they can just do it later.

Without preaching, moralizing, or self-congratulation, the book shows both the necessity and the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards of doing work that serves others. ALthough there are some moments of excitement (those trucks!), it's mostly a quiet work, good for classroom reading and units on weather, as well as toddlers and young grade schoolers home snuggle time.

Editorial Review:

If he isn't at the Barretts' house, delivering firewood with his dump truck, you might find Darrell on his backhoe, digging a swimming hole for the Murphys, or, depending on the season, plowing the Harts' steep driveway with his snowplow. Darrell makes sure each family has what they need for every season—which means he rarely has time for his own home. So when a fierce storm blows into town, how will Darrell, too, end up safe and sound?

Vibrant woodcuts accompany this warm, gentle story of neighbors helping neighbors in a small-town community set in the North.

The Race of the Birkebeiners

Lise Lunge-Larsen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Be careful with young/sensitive children... 3 out of 5 stars.
9 of 16 people found this review helpful.

This book is beautifully illustrated and the language developmentally appropriate for children as young as four, but my six-year old niece was horrified when Queen Inga goes through the "Trial of Irons" (carrying red hot iron bars from one end of the church to the other). Also, we are not a Christian family, and I found the continual references to the Church and God and miracles overbearing and preachy, even if they are in keeping with the original saga. I would suggest parents use caution before ordering this book, as gorgeously done as it is.

Editorial Review:

Imagine the bravest, fiercest Norwegian warriors that ever lived, carrying a baby prince across blizzard-wracked mountains to save his life. Picture the babe's mother undergoing a cruel, brutal test to prove her son is indeed the bona fide prince of Norway. A fairy tale? No, this is a true story, based on the account written in 1264 by Sturla Tordsson, about the Middle Ages' most powerful king during what are known as Norway's Golden Years. Norwegian-born author Lise Lunge-Larsen tells the story of this king's miraculous adventure in infancy, while woodcut artist Mary Azarian stunningly depicts the heroism of the birch-bark armored peasant warriors, the Birkebeiners.

Mary Azarian was awarded the Caldecott Medal for her lovely woodcut illustrations in Snowflake Bentley. Lunge-Larsen is the award-winning author of The Troll with No Heart in His Body and The Legend of the Lady Slipper. (Ages 4 and older) --Emilie Coulter