What has happened to enchantment? I refer to enchantment of the old kind-finding books in a library or being gloriously elated by the recipient of a gift of a book. Is there room for that fairy-tale-like enthrallment any more-opening pages, receding in one’s dream-like mind together with a wonderfully illustrated small tale?
A recent Wall Street Journal article on inculcating the love of reading states that children ages 2 to 5 are spending 32 hours a week watching television. With all the well-orchestrated lives they lead-sports activities, ballet, etc. -where is there time for self-discovery on the intimate level of reading?
In the same week that the Journal article appeared, The New York Times declared that 2- to 5-year-olds are spending a mere 25 hours immersed in television programs, however they also spend an additional seven hours in front of a computer or watching taped shows or DVDs.
The magic is still available-new books, new wonders are still appearing at a time when publishers are cutting back in favor of celebrity and self-help tomes. So it is refreshing to celebrate the publishing of productions of Maine presses, Maine authors and Maine illustrators. In such a publishing world it is a heart-tugging to see Islandsport Press reprinting the out-of-print reading delights of Dahlov Ipcar, a 91-year-old artist and storyteller, who still paints every day in her studio looking out over her farm on Georgetown Island where she has lived for decades.
I offer the following-a smattering of Maine’s authors and illustrators enchantment possibilities, tidbits to capture children’s imaginations, their hearts. “Surely,” notes the Wall Street Journal writer, “that the territory worth defending from the armies of electronic usurpers.”
Tomah Joseph’s Gift to Franklin Roosevelt, by Donald Soctomah and Jean Flahive. Illustrated by Mary Beth Owens, Tilbury House, 2009, $16.95. Our 32nd president joyfully spent his boyhood summers on Campobello Island. There he met Tomah, a Passaquoddy elder-a guide, birch bark canoe builder and basket maker. Tomah taught Franklin how to canoe, sharing stories and his culture. A beautifully decorated canoe that Tomah made for young Franklin remains on Campobello Island, a tangible reminder of their special friendship. A very special book to share.
Always My Brother, by Jean Reagan. Illustrated by Phyllis Pollema-Cahill, Tilbury House, 2009, $16.95. Becky and her brother were best buddies, until John died. A poignant book about the death of a child, dealing with grief, addressing a complex issue. A tender, even joyful book, about a tragic event.
The Scallop Christmas, by Astrid Scheckels and Jane Freeberg, Islandport Press, 2009, $16.95. Times were tough in the small New England village where Marcie lived. Villagers rejoiced when an unexpected bounty of scallops filled their bay.
The Cat at Night, by Dahlov Ipcar, Islandport Press, 2009, $16.95. Ipcar’s books, many long out of print as was this one, are being brought back to life and children’s enchantment by Islandport Press. In this one the pages alternate between bright color and dark night scenes, depicting the journey of a farmer’s cat as it walks from the farm to the city, along a highway, through fields, farms, forests. The Cat at Night was chosen last year for the state’s Read With Me Program, a special edition given to every kindergartener in Maine.
Handscrabble Harvest, a reissue by Dahlov Ipcar, Islandport Press, 2009, $16.95. Another release of Ipcar’s timeless, beautifully illustrated wonders. Here Ipcar uses rollicking verse and distinctive drawings in a charming story about the running battle between a farm family and the mischievous creatures that plunder their fields.
Going Lobstering, by Jerry Pallotta, Illustrated by Bob Bolster Charlesbridge, 2008, $7.95. A re-issue. Put on your life jacket and climb aboard. We throw back a too-small lobster plus a flounder, a crab, a shark! We wish we could go lobstering every day.
Beau Beaver Goes to Town, by Frances Bloxam and Jim Sollers, Down East Books, 2009, $16.95. Beau’s siblings begin to leave the family lodge, on their own. Based on an actual beaver tale in Rockland, Maine, Beau finds a building site in the middle of town. Filled with beaver fact, and smiles.
The Amazing Journey of Lucky the Lobster Buoy, by Karel Hayes, Down East Books, 2009, $16.95. Tim carves a face on his lobster buoy, sure it is to be a lucky one. The buoy’s luck holds out, enduring amazing adventures at sea, eventually finding its way home to young Tim. Warmth and humor.
Matthew and Tall Rabbit Go Camping, by Susan Meyer, Illustrated by Amy Huntington, Down East Books, 2009, $16.95. Camping seems scary to Matthew. Lions in the woods? How will he stay warm? And without his night light? His mother offers reassurance. A perfect story to read whenever life offers new adventures and a comforting bedtime story.