Miller's first book for children holds their attention with classic archetypes. There's the naif-becoming-hero, Ordinary Basil, bored with his snowy Maine existence. It's 1899 and Basil lives in a lighthouse. He knows some kids would find that alone exciting, but he feels there's something missing in his life. Enter his new guide and mentor, Professor Angus McGookin. McGookin introduces Basil to Helios, a city in the clouds that represents the best of human acheivement. Formerly known by names like Eden and Atlantis, Helios must be protected from earth-dwellers who would exploit the technology for evil ends. Basil meets Louise, a strong, intelligent girl who nonetheless becomes a damsel-in-distress. And eager readers are thrilled when the vanquished villain, Professor Von Rottweil declares "I vil haf my revenge!" (My son cheered and said, "That means there'll be another one!")
Miller's illustrations have been compared to Edward Gorey, but his characters lack that certain "creepiness" found in Gorey. (My 4-year-old did find the faces to be a little disturbing--I don't think it would be a problem for Elementary-aged children.) The pen and ink drawings are very evocative of the late nineteenth century.
NCSOS tie-ins are in Elementary English Language Arts and the Technology strand of the Elementary Social Studies curriculum. It makes a great read-aloud. You can also give it to those upper elementary readers who are having trouble sustaining interest in longer fiction. Reading Level: 5.6 (Follett) 128 p. Color Illustrations.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
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2 comments:
This book has great kid-appeal. My second-grade son had resisted all attempts at reading longer fiction until I brought this book home. He actually asked me to read it each night.
Until then, he showed no interest in books like Stuart Little, the Magic Tree House series, Winnie the Pooh.
I found the plot of this book to be too much of a cliche. Good vs. evil, nasty villain who speaks with German(?) accent, utopia that must be protected at all costs, innocent heroes. It may have great kid appeal, but to me it is not a "best book".
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