Newbery books – Page 2 – Keep in the Sunlight

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (1971)
by Robert C. O’Brien

Widowed Mrs. Frisby (a mouse) must find a solution to help her young son, Timothy, before the family is forced to move out of their winter home in the field of Mr. Fitzgibbon. She finds unexpected help from a strange group of rats who have a story all their own.

This is such an enjoyable read. In some ways, it reminds me of the movie Ratatouille, as we hear about life from the rats’ point of view. The story is told quite simply, and yet it’s difficult to put down. Children will love this tale, full of adventures, suspense, and kindnesses. It’s one of our daughter’s all-time favorites.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (1971)

Update: After rereading this and reading it out loud to our daughter, I wanted to add a few more things. This book was written in the 70s, and I needed to keep that in mind. There was nothing overtly anti-feminist or anything, but there were a few small moments that stood out a little more to me this reading. (My sensors go into high alert when we’re sharing anything with the kids.) There are a couple instances when Mrs. Frisby is given special treatment, not for her own bravery and work, but because of her husband. There’s a also a meeting for only the men at one point. I was able to accept it all a bit more as the story unfolded, but these may be things you want to discuss. Also, Mrs. Frisby definitely earns her own place and respect for all she does. So, by the end, I wasn’t as troubled by it as I was in the middle of the book. Just something to keep in mind.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (2009)
written and illustrated by Grace Lin

This Newbery Honor Book tells the story of young Minli. Her family works very hard in their poor village, but her nights are filled with delightful storytelling from her father. In an attempt to change her family’s fate though, Minli ventures out to meet the God-like, Old Man of the Moon. On her journey, she befriends a land-bound dragon, a king, a poor buffalo boy, and a pair of young, giggly twins.

The storytelling element is woven throughout the book effortlessly and expertly. While this seems like a somewhat simple, approachable book, it is also astounding to see how Grace Lin intertwines and connects everybody’s stories in such an artful and beautiful way. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon feels ancient and far away, while still remaining comfortingly familiar. This book is so lovely and heartwarming. It is now on my “must own” list, and all of Ms. Lin’s other books are already on my library wish list.

The timing of this book was perfect for me, as I have been reading and researching storytelling. In the back of the book, Grace Lin discusses her inspirations for the book from traditional Chinese fairy tales she read as a child.

Ms. Lin’s gorgeous illustrations accompany the book, providing whimsy and beauty without getting in the way of your own imagination. She sells some of her book art on Etsy, and I am eagerly awaiting The King’s Garden print.

I highly recommend a visit to Grace Lin’s incredible website. She provides well-thought-out, detailed activities to accompany the book, including recipes, art, book discussion questions, a board game created by a young reader, and an amazing Where the Mountain Meets the Moon event with instructions and print-outs that I am so excited to try when our daughter is older!

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (2009)
Themes/Concepts include:
friendships
family
courage
storytelling
gratitude
compassion
appreciating what you have
fate and destiny

Some quotes:
“A soft breeze seemed to blow in the moonlight, spilling in through the open window and lighting the bowl like a lantern.” ch 20

“The exhaustion from the long night of worry had made her feel heavy and clumsy, but the children’s happiness seemed to carry her.” ch 34

“For all the time that she had been longing for treasures, she had already had the one most precious.” ch 44

“If you make happy those that are near, those that are far will come.” ch 44 (the fish)

“The sun seemed to warm her heart and joy bubbled inside of her.” ch 46