It's time to celebrate with another book birthday! Today's read hits the shelves tomorrow (I'm a smidgen early) and covers an architectural gem, which has hit the news over the last years due to a fire and reconstruction. My husband, actually, had the chance to visit the 'rebuild' of it last year and was impressed with what was done. I still remember it before the fire and will, probably, just keep that memory as a treasure and not revisit. I'm a bit old-fashioned with that sort of thing. Anyway, my husband already took a peek at the book, since he was really inspired by his visit to the new cathedral. I, however, haven't looked at it, yet. He absolutely loved it.
So, let's open it up and find out!
NOTRE-DAME
The World's Cathedral
by Lynn Curlee
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Middle Grade Nonfiction
48 pages
ages 8 to 12
A fascinating visual history of Notre-Dame, “the World’s Cathedral,” that highlights the burning and reconstruction of the cherished building from award-winning author-illustrator Lynn Curlee.
On April 15, 2019, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris was almost destroyed by fire, an event that shocked and riveted the entire world as it played out in real time on TV and across the internet.
The story of the fire and its aftermath, along with the rebuilding of the historic cathedral, offers an exciting narrative around which Lynn Curlee builds an illustrated story for middle grade readers about this internationally cherished monument.
In the way that only he can, Lynn illuminates captivating information about cathedrals, gothic architecture, French history, restoration of old buildings, heroism under fire, and even Quasimodo, the famous Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
On April 15, 2019, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris was almost destroyed by fire, an event that shocked and riveted the entire world as it played out in real time on TV and across the internet.
The story of the fire and its aftermath, along with the rebuilding of the historic cathedral, offers an exciting narrative around which Lynn Curlee builds an illustrated story for middle grade readers about this internationally cherished monument.
In the way that only he can, Lynn illuminates captivating information about cathedrals, gothic architecture, French history, restoration of old buildings, heroism under fire, and even Quasimodo, the famous Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
MY TIDBITS
Well-rounded, information richness combines with a story-like atmosphere and lovely illustrations to open up the door on the history of the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
After a foreword, this book immediately dives into the fire, which almost destroyed the Notre-Dame before turning to the history of the cathedral, interesting events, facts, and then, the reconstruction. The author brings the information across in a smooth, narrative style, which makes sure to hit the highlights in an interesting way. It's not only about dates and facts but includes the emotional and human aspects to keep the reader connected to the material. Plus, it goes into needed depth to add reasoning and understanding, and this also guarantees that even Notre-Dame gurus will come out knowing more than before. At the very end, there's a quick rundown of information (height and more) for a compact overview of those numbers and such.
The illustrations are well done and make the details clear while adding atmosphere. These work well with the text to create a balanced read. The text itself is on the heavier end and works best with the mid and upper end of the age range. I'd even suggest this one to older readers...all the way through adults (a lighter read for them, but still interesting). This would work nicely in classrooms, for themes surrounding the Notre-Dame, or for homeschoolers. It, of course, is a gem for anyone who enjoys learning more about the Notre-Dame as well.
It was also soulful to read the editor's note at the end, which explains how this will, unfortunately, be the last work put out from this author. As someone who has enjoyed several of his books, I am sad to hear of this, wish him the best, and am glad to have run across his works.
And here he is...
Lynn Curlee was educated as an art historian and worked as a fine artist for many years before he began to make children’s books. Three of his books, Capital, Liberty, and Rushmore, were chosen by the Barbara Bush Literacy Campaign as their Book of the Year in three consecutive years. Mr. Curlee has won numerous awards for his work, including but not limited to a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book (Brooklyn Bridge), Orbis Pictus Award (Rushmore), ALA Notable Books for Children (Liberty), and Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year (Parthenon). His other books include Ballpark, Trains, Mythological Creatures, and Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. He lives in Norwich, Connecticut, with his partner and two Great Danes. Find out more on Instagram @LynnCurlee.
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