Holiday Review: The Story of the Three Wise Kings by Tomie dePaola

The count-down to Christmas is almost done...yes, it is leaving me snowballed, too. But there's no way I'm going to miss the holiday spirit. So, this week is packed with holiday and wintery reads for all ages. Today's isn't a 'new' book but rather a re-release of an already popular one from a very talented and well-known artist. 

THE STORY OF THE THREE WISE KINGS

retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola 

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book / Holiday / Religious

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Three wise men of the East, having seen a new star symbolizing the birth of a great king, follow the star to Bethlehem where they present gifts to the newborn Jesus.

GOODREADS / ABEBOOKS / KOBO / AMAZON / B&N

MY TIDBITS

Sliding into the place of very well becoming a Christmas classic, this is one of those books, which can be revisited year after year and holds a special place as a Christmas read.

The tale of the Three Kings is by no means an unfamiliar one, and yet, this one does give a little extra food for thought while offering a wonderful presentation of the well-known incident. This book starts with the individual kings, each in their own country, and explains why they probably noticed the star and followed it. Their paths cross, and they continue their journey together until they find the babe in the manger. I found it wonderful how the tale takes the time to first dive a tiny bit into the background of these kings...not a lot but just enough to get them going and explain why they followed a star. After all, that is quite the undergoing. And it does it simply, quickly and exactly enough for young readers to understand.

The rest of the tale follows the well-known side and does it with care and reverence. The artwork goes hand in hand with the text and creates a wonderful balance, which draws in and makes it a delightful read. Of course, being from a well-known author/illustrator, this one is a treat. The artwork holds some aspects which remind of a more traditional Christian, middle age form, while bringing in a modern flair as well. The text tells the story but never becomes heavy. Instead, it stays short and keeps to a vocabulary young listeners will understand and enjoy.

It's no wonder that this one has been around for years and continues to be printed again and again. I'm going to be adding it to my own shelves and am looking forward to adding it to the few Christmas reads I share with my own younger listeners in the future.

Review: Quiet by Tomie dePaola

QUIET

by Tomie dePaola

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Tomie dePaola reminds us that mindfulness—being quiet, still, and present with one another—is a very special thing.

Everything is in such a hurry, busy as busy can be.
The birds are flying so fast, the dragonfly is zooming over the water—even the trees are waving their leaves.

So what if we sit here, you next to me…and we can just be?

 MY TIDBITS

With a lovely simpleness, this book peeks at the busy world,invites to sit back and take a peaceful rest.

The cover already hints at the atmosphere found in the pages of this calming read. Every moment takes a look at nature—the buzzing bees, playing dog, and zooming dragonflies. The scenes are concentrated and uncomplicated, keeping the attention on each part of nature which is being addressed. Each two-page spread is accompanied by one or two lines of short text. Especially younger listeners can easily follow along and recognize the scenes.

The illustrations are created with watercolors and have a simple, personal touch—a style which won't be appreciated by everyone. But the gentle tones and lines fit nicely to the intended message.

It's a calming read-aloud and invites listeners to take the time to watch nature. The 'busy' moments didn't always carry a sense of hectic, but the last pages hit home. Especially those in search of more mindfulness will enjoy this tale.

And here he is...

Tomie dePaola is one of the most popular children's book authors and illustrators of our time and the winner of the 2011 Children's Literature Legacy Award for "significant and lasting contribution to children's literature," among other lifetime achievement awards. A Newbery HOnor winner, he has written and illustrated a number of books, including Caldecott Honor book Strega Nana and its companions as well as Oliver Button is a Sissy; The Legend of Old Befana; The Clown of God; Michael Bird-Boy; Andy, That's My Name; and Quiet. A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and now lives in New London, New Hampshire. Visit him online a t Tomie. coma nd TomiesBlog.Blogspot.com.