Today the American Library Association announced the winners of its literary awards -- comparable to the Oscars for children's books. The Newbery Award (for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year ) was given to Kate deCamillo for Flora & Ulysses. This is the third book by DiCamillo to have received recognition by the ALA.
Here is the summary from Amazon and an explanation for why I have included a squirrel alongside the book.:
"It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who has read every issue of the comic book Terrible Things Can Happen to You!, is the just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled poetry — and that Flora will be changed too, as she discovers the possibility of hope and the promise of a capacious heart."
This is a charming story that will soften your heart toward squirrels. My only complaint is that the two mothers in the story (one off-stage) are both monsters, although one does find redemption at the end. (Hey, it's a kids' book.)
LOVE this! I am dying to start reading chapter books to A (as well as continuing with picture books which I also love. This one sounds right up her alley!
