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A review by apostrophen
Catkin by Antonia Barber, P.J. Lynch
4.0
This beautiful book earned a BookCrossing 'Please Read Us A Story' bookplate, and was a gift from GoryDetails for Yule, 2003. I intend to read this with my nephew, and niece, and someday bequeath it to them (likely when they're a little bit older and less likely to rampage a book). For now it'll be "that book Uncle 'Nathan brings and reads to us."
The story itself is beautifully illustrated and told with a light, spare sort of prose that leaves nearly everything to your imagination, and yet tells you just enough to give your imagination one huge shove in the right direction.
Little Catkin is a gift from a wise woman to a family with only one daughter. The wise woman foresees a danger in the child's future, and Catkin is left as a protector. When his curiosity fails the child, Catkin has to go rescue her from the Little People, and his courage and wit is a delight to read.
This was such a pretty story, and reminded me so vividly of Persephone/Demeter/Hades, and other classic mythology. Very well written, and a joy - as I think I've said three times now - to look at.
Definitely one to add to your list!
Best Line:"This life is pleasant, indeed," said Catkin sadly, "but there is no peace for me until the wrong is righted.".
The story itself is beautifully illustrated and told with a light, spare sort of prose that leaves nearly everything to your imagination, and yet tells you just enough to give your imagination one huge shove in the right direction.
Little Catkin is a gift from a wise woman to a family with only one daughter. The wise woman foresees a danger in the child's future, and Catkin is left as a protector. When his curiosity fails the child, Catkin has to go rescue her from the Little People, and his courage and wit is a delight to read.
This was such a pretty story, and reminded me so vividly of Persephone/Demeter/Hades, and other classic mythology. Very well written, and a joy - as I think I've said three times now - to look at.
Definitely one to add to your list!
Best Line:"This life is pleasant, indeed," said Catkin sadly, "but there is no peace for me until the wrong is righted.".