Rawlings, M. K. (2011). The secret river. Illus. by L. & D. Dillon. Published in a slightly longer version in 1955 after the author's death, this story still has relevance in the twenty-first century. Deep in the Florida woods live Calpurnia, her dog Buggy-horse, and her parents. When hard times come, her father finds it hard to make a living since there are no fish to be found. Calpurnia, who writes and recites poetry, goes in search of fish. By falling her nose as she's been advised to do, she happens upon a secret river that is teeming with fish. She respectfully asks the fish if she can take some of them, and they allow her to do so. When it's time to leave, Calpurnia must devise a way to transport all those fish. As night falls, she encounters an owl, a bear, and a panther, all of whom want their share of food. She generously parcels out fish to each one and makes her way home. Readers will recognize fairy tale motifs throughout the story. The acrylic illustrations are gasp-worthy and show the faces hidden in trees as well as the beauty of the Florida woods. Details such as the pink paper roses Calpurnia fashions, braids into her hair, and then uses as bait for the fish add dimension to the already engaging and timeless tale. Even the endpapers consist of fish swimming along in tandem. This one is definitely a must-have for your bookshelves.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Secret River
Rawlings, M. K. (2011). The secret river. Illus. by L. & D. Dillon. Published in a slightly longer version in 1955 after the author's death, this story still has relevance in the twenty-first century. Deep in the Florida woods live Calpurnia, her dog Buggy-horse, and her parents. When hard times come, her father finds it hard to make a living since there are no fish to be found. Calpurnia, who writes and recites poetry, goes in search of fish. By falling her nose as she's been advised to do, she happens upon a secret river that is teeming with fish. She respectfully asks the fish if she can take some of them, and they allow her to do so. When it's time to leave, Calpurnia must devise a way to transport all those fish. As night falls, she encounters an owl, a bear, and a panther, all of whom want their share of food. She generously parcels out fish to each one and makes her way home. Readers will recognize fairy tale motifs throughout the story. The acrylic illustrations are gasp-worthy and show the faces hidden in trees as well as the beauty of the Florida woods. Details such as the pink paper roses Calpurnia fashions, braids into her hair, and then uses as bait for the fish add dimension to the already engaging and timeless tale. Even the endpapers consist of fish swimming along in tandem. This one is definitely a must-have for your bookshelves.
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