What follows is a touchingly profound story about unlikely friendship and lifelong loyalty, with an excellent powerful-things-come-in-small-packages message to boot: while Amos cannot reciprocate in strength, he has the intelligence to help Boris in turn, when the big, big-hearted whale needs it most.Īdd this book to your collection: Amos and Boris, by William Steig Holy clam and cuttlefish! But just as Amos is wondering what it would feel like to drown (I have always loved the existential candor of this part, though other parents may want to edit) along comes Boris the whale. Overwhelmed by the beauty and mystery of everything, he rolled over and over and right off the deck of his boat and into the sea. One night, in a phosphorescent sea, he marveled at the sight of some whales spouting luminous water and later, lying on the deck of his boat, gazing at the immense, starry sky, the tiny mouse Amos, a little speck of a living thing in the vast living universe, felt thoroughly akin to it all. Amos, a seaside mouse filled with an explorer’s curiosity, builds a boat, loads it with provisions (this catalogue of goods-including biscuits, acorns, honey, and a yo-yo-is the children’s favorite part) and sails away. This book is no exception, and it is a joy in every way. If you know Sylvester and the Magic Pebble or The Amazing Bone, then you’re already familiar with William Steig’s delightfully watery illustrations and refreshingly literate text. Nonetheless, the book, a favorite from my own childhood, became and has remained a favorite in our household as well. “ Bwo-ris,” I said emphatically, with my grandmother’s Russian accent.
I actually wanted to name our son Boris-but, sadly, my partner did not share my enthusiasm. Publisher: Square Fish (September 15, 2009) Catherine Newman | The Children’s Book Review | JanuAmos and Boris
0 kommentar(er)
