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Picture Books for Adults to Ponder and Enjoy: Part Two

3/20/2022

 
By Eileen Smith, Library Committee

Last month I wrote about children’s picture books on anxiety and autism that adults could find both informative and entertaining. This month, I am revisiting an award-winning picture book—with a Minnesota author, illustrator, and publisher—that was published 30 years ago and immediately became beloved by readers young and old alike.
 
In 1992, author Douglas Wood of Sartell and artist Cheng-Khee Chee of Duluth collaborated to bring us the story of Old Turtle, the first in the “Lessons of Old Turtle” trilogy. The theme of Old Turtle is both religious/philosophical and ecological. It is a meditation in simple, moving words and beautiful, elegant watercolors on the need for religious tolerance and the care of the earth, its creatures, and the environment—reminders needed at least as much today as they were three decades ago.
 
You can find Old Turtle and its sequels--Old Turtle and the Broken Truth and Old Turtle: Questions of the Heart—on the Recent & Relevant shelves this week. Suitable for ages 4-104.
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Children’s Classics, Adult Readers

3/6/2022

 
 Katie Weiblen, Library Committee
Originally published in the March 2022 issue of the 1666 Coffman Newsletter

“Good children’s stories from the past can refresh and shape our tired souls when we are hobbled by our divisive and despondent age. They can generate hope and inspire goodness.”—Mitali Perkins’s “Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children’s Novels 6o Refresh Our Tired Souls” (The Horn Book Magazine, March-April 2021)

​Coffman readers are encouraged to browse the children’s bookshelves located on the lower floor of the library. Some of the best classics published for children in the last two centuries are found there. It may be a book you cherished as a child or it may be totally new by an unknown author. It does not matter if it is old or new because the truth and knowledge found there will touch your soul.
​
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Four classic children's books
recommended for adults:

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
by C.S. Lewis (1950)
​This title, the first in the Chronicles of Narnia series, opens as four English children, sent to live in an old country house to escape the bombings in London, explore an old wardrobe. Once they push past fur coats, they find themselves in a snowy landscape. This is the land of Narnia, a country where it is always winter and is ruled by the White Witch. The plot is a never-ending battle between good and evil. Adults will find the thrill of the battle and will also notice the religious allegory in the Christian themes of forgiveness and resurrection.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
by J.K. Rowling (1997)
This is the first of British author Rowling’s seven fantasy novels. The books chronicle the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The ​story moves smoothly from chapter to chapter. The exciting drama as the children face the challenges of the demonic Lord Voldemort is contagious. Adult readers will enjoy reading all seven of the Harry Potter novels in our collection. 
The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame (1908)
This novel has been referred to as “one of the best-loved children’s books of all time.” Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger are four anthropomorphized animals who live in the pastoral countryside of Edwardian England.
  • Mole was tender and caring.
  • Rat was wise and resourceful.
  • Toad was wild and crazy.
  • Badger was a mature mentor and guide.
The story of their friendship unfolds as they try to restrain Mr. Toad from his passion for driving and wrecking expensive motor cars. Kenneth Grahame wrote: The Wind in the Willows is a book for those “Who keep the spirit of youth alive in theme: of life, sunshine, running water, woodlands, and dusty roads.”  
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate DiCamillo (2006)
Kate DiCamillo is Minnesota’s most famous children’s author. Her novels are much loved both here and around the country as well as in the world. She has won two Newbery Awards and has been named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Our Library has five of Kate DiCamillo’s titles. This book is recommended as a special favorite. The Minnesota Opera had planned to present it to audiences in 2020 when the production was closed due to COVID-19. Edward Tulane, a large toy rabbit made almost entirely of porcelain china, was owned by a ten-year old girl named Abilene. He was also very proud. His journey begins as he is tossed overboard while at sea. As Edward is lost and found over and over, a marvelous transformation takes place. He learns that a broken heart can learn to love again. Kate DiCamillo’s theme of hope and belief in the impossible deserves to be read by readers of all ages.

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