David Delamare

Yet another children's book with a tragic, although beautiful, ending. I do enjoy this story, and the illustrations are stunning....but, I wouldn't recommend this one for very sensitive children.

This book contains beautifully detailed illustrations by one of my favorite artists. David Delamare wrote and illustrated this magical story of London a long, long time ago when Old Winston Smith, a player of the violin and a credible violinist read the headline loudly proclaiming that "The Moon Has Gone Away!" And, as Winston searched the night sky, there was no quarter, waxing or waning, full moon.

Winston solicited the help of hi good friend the lion, Sebatian K. Curruso. Building a ship show more to sail into the air, they journeyed high in the sky. Studying maps and using a compass, higher and higher they traveled. Their adventure included a tumble by Winston who sailed through the blackness. Landing on a star, his friend Sebastian found a rope to pull him safely through the milky way.

Finding an arch, the entered and found the moon. Playing a song from his violin, the moon smiled and lit up the sky.
And, the moon shimmered and burst forth.
Thus is the tale of Sebastian and Winston who henceforth gazed upon the lovely moon. show less

Long a favorite illustrator of mine, Delamare's images are very detailed. The hair on a lion's arm is drawn so that each and every hair is singular. A frown is multi-layered. The design on wallpaper is precise. A sharpened pencil reflects the indentations let from the sharpener.

This particular book was hard to find, and I had to search many sites before obtaining it, at a price higher than I am usually accustomed to spending. Originally from Leicester, England, he now resides in the United show more States. This is the first book he has both illustrated and written.

A tale of a lion, living in an attic, he hears the wind howl and the snow pelting the window on a cold winter's night. Suddenly, his old friend from his sea faring days, Quilty the penguin loudly opens the window. Elated to see him, Richardson the Lion begins to dance. The weather is bad reports Quilty. A storm is brewing and most likely toys will not be received on Christmas day.

Spending all his money on materials to make toys, Richardson works intensely. Creating a puppet theater, and many unique items, his friend the pelican steals a key that allows access to an attic where he knows an old santa suit is left in a corner in a old box.

As the lion, a mouse, and the pelican assist santa, all toys are delivered.

A simple tale. The beauty is in the incredible art work. show less

In this Italian account of Cinderella, David Delamare, changes the traditional setting Venice. Cinderella is in a much happier place in her life, with her father and her mother, at the beginning of the book. Although she grows up with her father gone most of the time, she at least has her mother until her late teens. After her mother passes away, the traditional Cinderella story unfolds with Cinderella taking her place as her new stepmother and stepsisters' maid. The text is beautifully show more written with great word choice. Although the reading level may be too high for K-3 students, I do believe they could understand it in a read aloud. With the main themes embodying wealth and love, many are able to relate to the story as the American dream often involves the both of these. Loneliness is another theme in the book that children, with parents who are away often, can relate to. Altogether, Delamare created a wonderful version of the classic Cinderella story that I found to be very enjoyable. show less