Robert Munsch

From Far Away, illustrated by Michael Martchenko.

Presented in letter form, this picture-book from celebrated Canadian author Robert Munsch was created in conjunction with schoolgirl refugee Saoussan Askar, who wrote to him with her story. It follows its young letter-writing protagonist as she and her family move from war-torn Lebanon to Canada, and focuses on her confusion and culture-shock, once in her new country. One particularly memorable experience involves Saoussan seeing a paper show more skeleton intended as a Halloween decoration, and, thinking it some kind of evil sign or omen of impending conflict, finding it immensely frightening. Eventually though, she learns the language, becomes quite a reader and writer, and feels more at home, even participating in Halloween herself...

Originally published in 1995 with artwork by Michael Martchenko, an illustrator who has collaborated with Munsch on many of his picture-books, From Far Away was reprinted last year (2017) with new artwork by Rebecca Green. The version I read was the original one however, with artwork by Martchenko. I enjoyed the story, which is a bit of a departure from the usual Munsch/Martchenko madcap adventure tale, and thought it worked quite well, in highlighting some of the cultural misperceptions and barriers that might make a refugee's first days in a new country more difficult. I also greatly appreciated the fact that this was a collaborative project involving the young girl whose story it is, as it makes the narrative feel much more authentic. Finally, I appreciated the fact that Saoussan and her family embrace their new country, and don't feel that they can't participate in cultural festivals like Halloween, as I know that this is considered problematic by more fundamentalist adherents of Islam (as well as Christianity, as it happens). Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about the refugee experience. show less

I know, a lot of people love this book. But climbing through your adult son's window and crawling on the floor to peek over the bed while he sleeps is stalkerish behavior and creepy. If my mother-in-law was doing that I would need to set some serious boundaries and ask her to use the front door, but only during daylight. Maybe that's why he's sleeping in his own bed by the end of the book. I don't know, but there are plenty of healthier ways to let your children know you love them as they show more get older...don't act like a freaking robber in the middle of the night. Gives me the heebie jeebies! show less

Another reading day with the Littles (granddaughters ages 7 and 9) and this time was unexpected: Mom was heading out of town and Dad's return flight was delayed. Would I pick them up from school? You bet I would.

I quickly grabbed two books out of the book box I have for them and was on my way.

What's not to love about this book, one I read to their mother when she was a Little herself. This is the traditional Princess story turned on its head. It is the Prince that needs rescuing. Fearlessly show more she outwits the dragon and saves her beloved. Then finds out she's quite okay not having him as her incompatible beloved, after all.

My kind of chick. The Littles kind, too. show less

When Jonathan's mother pops out to the shop for a can of noodles, she tells him not to make a mess. But then a subway stop just opens up in his apartment wall, and chaos ensures. At first Jonathan's mother doesn't believe him, but then she witnesses the phenomenon herself. Seeking answers at City Hall, Jonathan is told by the mayor that everything is controlled by the computer, and that there is nothing to be done. Then he discovers who controls the computer, fetches him some jam, and gets show more the problem solved. At least, for him...

Originally published in 1981, this entertaining picture-book from Canadian author/illustrator team Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko has that surreal sense of humor I have come to associate with their work. The matter-of-fact madness of the hi-jinks here contrasts nicely with Jonathan's civic-minded response, as he heads to City Hall for an answer. The subway commuters here look a little dated - very 80s in their appearance - but otherwise this one holds up quite well, especially with that hilarious ending, in which Jonathan convinces the computer man to switch the subway stop to the Mayor's office! Recommended to Munsch/Martchenko fans, and to anyone looking for picture-books with a somewhat oddball sense of humor. show less