Children Book Review: Have you listened to the whispers of the Totem?

w
e are really enjoying April's theme of Mystical and Magical creatures. The Tomten By Astrid Lindgren is a wonderful story introducing us to the Totem providing a magical reminder that someone is always making us safe during the winter nights.

Although, the little Totem might have been disappointed this winter here in NY. It seems winter took a break this year. We had no big snow falls in the lower NY region of Long Island. We figured the TOTEM's journey this year would have been a quick reminder that we were still in winter hahaha!

We will definitely add this to our bookshelf and read every year. A very nice tradition to have with my son. And a nice reminder that we are always safe during the cold dark nights.

I hope you are able to get a copy from your local library or join our SHARE A BOOK program and receive a FREE copy. Let us know if you see those tiny footprints next winter.

Keep turning those pages....
Happy Reading,
Jennifer

Product Description (from Amazon) 

This outstanding book by the author of Pippi Longstocking--and winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award--has been called a "picture book of rare distinction" by the Chicago Tribune. Full color.

About the Author (from Wikipedia)

Astrid Anna Emilia Lindgren (née Ericsson) (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈastrɪd ˈlɪŋɡreːn] ( listen)), 14 November 1907 – 28 January 2002) was a Swedishauthor and screenwriter. She is the world's 18th[1] most translated author and has sold roughly 145 million[2] copies worldwide. She is best known for the Pippi Longstocking, Karlsson-on-the-Roof and the Six Bullerby Children[3] book series

Finding the way to an exciting journey

We enjoyed this young sailor’s story. The illustrations delighted us on his high sea adventures. In agreement with the young sailor my lil man thought the old man was a little scary. We were glad to read more and learn the young sailor wasn’t afraid anymore and continued on his “exciting journey”.

BOOK: When I Wore My Sailor Suit
AUTHOR :: Uri Shulevitz


I asked my lil man what he thought he would find on the treasure map. He responded, “maybe the coconuts and ice cream” hahah

I enjoyed the story because it confirms that yes, we can see something that could alter our mood, make us scared or turn us away but it is within us to become a better person, embrace the difference and move on with our journey.

Well done, Uri Shulevitz. Let’s keep teaching the children through story.

ABOUT (from Amazon)

URI SHULEVITZ has written and illustrated many books for children, including the Caldecott Medal Book The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship, retold by Arthur Ransome, as well as The Treasure, Snow, and, most recently, How I Learned Geography, all Caldecott Honor Books. Mr. Shulevitz lives in New York City.

WATCH 


READ (From Amazon)

When he puts on his sailor suit, sailor hat, and sailor whistle, the boy in this book is ready for a journey. He imagines himself on a ship, sailing across the sea, in search of treasure. A sailor’s life is dangerous. But a sailor must be brave no matter what happens.

In this charming story about imagination and adventure, told with Uri Shulevitz’s signature playfulness and style, a little boy learns how to be courageous, both on the high seas and at home. The tale is based on a childhood memory from the time when the author/illustrator and his family lived in Warsaw on the eve of World War II.