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5.0 out of 5 stars
A rare gem, 25 Mar 2004
As our children grew, my wife and I searched for books that encouraged children to think and take them on an enjoyable ride as they do it. Frankly, we were mostly disappointed at the books on the shelves. Did any of these writers have a feel for language or know about subtlety or irony? Had any of these artists ever been in an art class? The conviction often seemed to be that children aren't that bright, so keep it mind-numbingly simple. Well, ever now and then, though not often enough, we came across a treasure. Miss Fanshawe found her dragon, and we found "Miss Fanshawe".Sue Scullard writes with the conviction that children can handle intelligent writing. And Scullard can handle words. "Miss Fanshawe" has the realistic feel of a scientific explorer, but this scientist tracks and studies dragons! We go with her on one of her adventures, down the mouth of a volcano. What strange creatures will she encounter in her descent? Will those unusual beasts allow her to escape with her prize? What will she do when she returns to civilization a great discoverer? Explorers enjoy a special connection to the world they explore, but do even they own what they find? Do we? But what really makes this book soar is the art. The illustrations are fabulous, some of the most detailed, colorful, and attractive we have ever seen in a children's book. More than that, they invite readers to think, with their teasing glimpses into the next page, but then catch us off-guard once we turn that page! Like the color switch in "The Wizard of Oz" movie, this book interestingly shifts artistic styles, from the normal human world to the lavishly beautiful, yet frightening dragon-world, then back to the recognizable, "safe" world we live in. Dorothy gets back to where she belongs, but where does Miss Fanshawe belong? Scullard's is an altogether refreshing and delightful accomplishment. A rare gem in children's literature.
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