One of the best ways to reinspire myself is to consider one of my favorite children's book authors. Someone we have been reading a lot of this month is Rosemary Wells. I'm sure many of you who have children are familiar with the tv show "Max and Ruby"...Rosemary Wells is the author and illustrator of that character series, and many others, including Timothy and Yoko.
Rosemary Wells seems to be one of those amazing author/illustrators who has found wonderful success with endearing characters. One of our favorite characters is Yoko, a young school age cat whose family has come from Japan. We love to learn about the traditions that Yoko shares with her family and the situations that she sometimes finds herself in because of those traditions. Two of our favorite books are "Yoko's World of Kindness", "Yoko's Paper Cranes", and "Yoko's Show and Tell". "Yoko's Show and Tell" is Rosemary Wells newest book of release, and our library was fortunate enough to have a copy. The book is about young Yoko who receives a doll from her mother, who was given to her by HER mother. The doll is called "Miki" and is a family treasure. Without her mother knowing, Yoko decides to take Miki to school for show and tell. Unfortunately, two rough housing boys on the bus damage Miki and Yoko must tell her mother the truth even though she is afraid it will hurt her feelings.
My daughter absolutely loved this book. She loves cats of all kinds, and has always loved Yoko especially because her personality is so similar to my daughters: Caring, quiet, creative. The story is simple and sweet but also endearing, and many readers can probably identify with Yoko's situation. The introduction of the Japanese culture is interesting but not overwhelming for young readers as well. The illustrations are beautiful, with use of a gold ink that seems to co-ordinate with Yoko's culture.
We all loved this book, and as a mother I'm so grateful to writers like Rosemary Wells who treasure children and know how important literature is to them. Amazon.com has an excellent price on this book, so be sure to check it out. It is well worth reading and I know my daughter wants to hear it over and over again.
