another Caldecott Book and a book for the Mama

We've just finished The Ox Cart Man by Donald Hall, illustrated by Barbara Cooney, winner of the 1980 Caldecott Medal. This is an interesting read to show preschoolers how life once was...a rhythm of life sort of story although very fun. We enjoyed it.

I just finished The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. It was an interesting read but I'd only give it a 3 on a 1-5 scale. If you were only going to read one or two books this summer you may be better served picking a different one. The problem with this book is neither the writing nor even the story. The writing is well done, the story intriguing, interesting, at times heartbreaking. Sadly the problem with this book is the reality that life doesn't always honor those who need to be honored and people just go on living and dying with their hurts and brokenness caused by others. I know it doesn't sound very uplifting which is why you may want to pick another book to read through the dog days of summer. Like maybe the Ox-Cart Man! ;p

xoxo
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