Book review # 14 "Miss Rumphius"

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Alice. Her grandfather was an artist. When he was very busy, Alice helped his drawing.

In the evening, Alice sat on her grandfather’s knee and said “When I grow up, I will go to faraway places, and when I grow old, I will live besides the sea like you.” Her grandfather said “That is very well, but you must do one more think, it’s doing something to make the world more beautiful.” “All right,” said Alice.

When she grew up, she lived a city far from her hometown. She also went to various places. She visited a tropical island, climbed tall mountains or went through jungle. After that she lived a house by the sea.

In spring, the flowers bloomed that she had planted. They were Lupines. She loved Lupines the best. She wanted to plant more. She bought large quantities of lupine seed and planted them everywhere. The next spring, field and hillsides were covered with beautiful. She was called Lupine Lady.

Feeling
This story is expressed as it was told by Alice’s great niece. She heard the story of her great aunt’s life and she long to live like her. Alice’s grandfather said to Alice “You must do something to make the world more beautiful.” Alice kept her promise by growing beautiful flowers. Alice also said to her great niece the same words. Her great niece does not know yet what that can be. If someone said me “You must do something to make the world beautiful,” what shall we do? I don’t know how to grow the flowers. I can’t paint beautiful pictures. The illustrations are colorful and very beautiful. The story is unique. This is a very attractive book.


(293 words / total 9674 words)

Book review # 13 "MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS"

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard had been looking for a good place for raising a family of ducklings. At first, it was hard to find safety place without foxes, turtles or dashing bikes. At, last they found the perfect place. It was a quiet island in the Charles River. There was a kind policeman called Michel at the police booth near the island. They built their nest there and Mrs. Mallard laid eight eggs. Soon the duckling hatched out.

One day, Mrs. Mallard and eight ducklings wanted to walk to the Public Garden, where Mr. Mallard was waiting. On their way to the Public Garden, there was a highway. They could not cross it because so many cars were running there. Then, Michel came running, waving his arms and blowing his whistle. He stopped traffic so Mrs. Mallard and ducklings could cross the highway. After that Michel rushed back to send a police car. The policemen held back the traffic so Mrs. Mallard and the ducklings could march across the street and they could arrive the Public Garden safely.

Felling
This is a heart-warming story. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard had a long trip to find a best place to live. They went to many places before they decided to live a quiet island in the Charles River. It was because parents’ love for their children. In this story, the mallards are coexistent with human beings. Michel and other policemen helped the Mallards and the people of Boston cooperated with them. It seemed very natural. Both the Mallards and human beings look happy. Not only the story but also the illustrations are great. They were drown by the writer. They are pencil sketches using a brown pencil with a delicate touch. The scenery of Boston is beautiful and the ducklings are very cute. I like the illustration. When Mrs. Mallard and ducklings arrived at the Public Garden, they all turned round to say thank you to the policemen. The policemen smiled and waved good-by. I smiled unconsciously when I read this scene.

I have seen the Japanese TV news that the spot-billed duck family was crossing a busy street and many cars stopped and waited until they finished crossing. I think the people become gentle when they see lovely things. Besides they feel happy by helping such things.


(386 words / total 9381 words)