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Dear Book Lovers, Welcome! I am delighted that you have found The Through the Looking Glass blog. For over twenty years I reviewed children's literature titles for my online journal, which came out six times a year. Every book review written for that publication can be found on the Through the Looking Glass website (the link is below). I am now moving in a different direction, though the columns that I write are still book-centric. Instead of writing reviews, I'm offering you columns on topics that have been inspired by wonderful books that I have read. I tell you about the books in question, and describe how they have have impacted me. This may sound peculiar to some of you, but the books that I tend to choose are ones that resonate with me on some level. Therefore, when I read the last page and close the covers, I am not quite the same person that I was when first I started reading the book. The shift in my perspective might be miniscule, but it is still there. The books I am looking are both about adult and children's titles. Some of the children's titles will appeal to adults, while others will not. Some of the adult titles will appeal to younger readers, particularly those who are eager to expand their horizons.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Five

When I first moved to my town in Oregon, one of the things that struck me straight away was the way in which people, complete strangers, smiled at me and greeted me in the street, in the shops, and on the hiking trails. It is so warming to connect with others with a simple "hello," "good morning," or "isn't it a lovely day." This meaningful picture book shows readers what can happen when people do not make this connection.


Natalia Colombo
Picture Book
Ages 6 and up
Tundra Books, 2008, 978-1-77049-207-3
   Every morning Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit walk right past each other on their way to work. Every evening Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit walk past each other on their way home from work. They never exchange a word or a look. They never think to say “hello.” Imagine how much better their lives could be if they greeted each other. Why, they might even become friends.
   This short picture book will resonate with readers of all ages. So often people are in such a hurry that they don’t notice their neighbors. They don’t make eye contact or acknowledge one another. This picture book shows readers how easy it is to break out of this pattern. It shows them to great effect how rewarding reaching out to others can be.

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