I wish that I had known more about Flotsam, by David Wiesner, before I read it for the first time two weeks ago to Dylan, my six-year-old, at bedtime.
I might have done things a little differently.
For one thing, I would have had my husband standing by, camera in hand, ready to take pictures of Dylan’s face as we looked through this beautiful book.
It was such a pleasure watching his deepening look of wonder.
Flotsam, a wordless picture book, has a lovely little plot, and the best moment for me was the look on Dylan’s face when he realized what was going on. The amazement and wonder just blossomed on his face, and it’s something I’ll always remember.
Flotsam tells the story of an underwater camera, the pictures it takes during its journeys, and the children who find it. It is a gorgeous, magical and incredibly imaginative book.
We have read this book every night so far since that first night, and that sense of wonder is still there. The pictures are so beautiful, and have prompted many discussions. My personal favorite is the picture of the turtles with the cities of shells on their backs; Dylan’s favorite is the mechanical fish.
When we have to return this book to the library, I will be buying a copy for our own personal library. It’s definitely a keeper.
And even if you don’t have kids – even if you don’t like kids! – check your local library and see if they have a copy. Flotsam won the Caldecott Medal, so most libraries are likely to carry it. Browse through it and see for yourself.
This book trailer also gives you glimpses of what the book is like:
Where to buy Flotsam:
U.S. (Amazon.com) | Indiebound | Canada (Chapters) | UK (Amazon.co.uk)
Book details: published by Clarion Books, 2006, Hardcover, 40 pages
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m going to see if I can find this at the library. It looks like something my daughter would enjoy writing stories about. Thanks for reviewing it!
.-= Janel´s last blog ..Book Review: The House on Tradd Street =-.
I love the trailer and the picture you included in your review is just gorgeous!
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..That’s How I Blog! =-.
I am a Wiesner fan as well. I also like Tuesday and The Three Pigs.
.-= charley´s last blog ..Numbers =-.
Oh my!!!! I might have to buy this one.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday (October 27) =-.
The pleasures of reading to children. I those precious looks of wonder. It’s as if you can see their brains moving.
.-= Margot´s last blog ..Wondrous Words #38 =-.
Thanks for the heads up. I love picture books. The more magical, the better.
.-= Cat Woods´s last blog ..Research: a Day of Play and Chance Encounters =-.
I’ll have to pick this up. It sounds simply beautiful.
Something tells me this is a book right up my alley. It looks wonderful, and that is a book trailer I can get behind. Thanks for the eye opening review.
By the way, I did get your emails and I promise I’m not ignoring you. I promise to sit down and right you a proper reply (warning, might be long) tomorrow evening. (I’m being kidnapped for a trip to the beach bright an early. *sigh*)
.-= Ann-Kat (Today, I Read…)´s last blog ..I Heart Project Gutenberg, FinePrint, Laser Printers, and Binder Clips =-.
Wow! this book looks incredibly beautifuL!
.-= Audrey´s last blog ..Review: Dirty Little Angels by Chris Tusa =-.
Thank you! I’m always on the lookout for magical books to read with my son and this sounds perfect! I’m going to look for it!
.-= Jenners´s last blog ..Reading With The Little One: Twelve Terrible Things by Marty Kelley =-.