Summary: A lovely young Alice enjoys her grandfather's stories about far away places. Alice assures her grandfather that, she too, will visit far away lands. Her grandfather tells her that she must also do something to make the world a more beautiful place. As Alice journeys through her life, she remembers her grandfather's words and decides she will make the world more beautiful with Lupines; her favorite flower. Alice carries seeds wherever she goes and soon makes the world a more beautiful place. The children of the town enjoy listening to the old lady Alice has become as she tells of her travels. Alice's granddaughter says that she too wants to travel to far away places. Alice repeats her grandfather's words of wisdom to remember to do something to make the world a more beautiful place.
Citation:
Cooney, B. (1982). Miss Rumphius. New York, NY: The Viking Press.
My Impression: This timeless book uses old fashioned pictures to tell a beautiful story of the words of wisdom passed down through generations. Barbara Cooney does a phenomenal job of meshing words with pictures to allow the reader to escape to different locations whether on a beach, near the sea or inside a grandparent's home.
Professional Reviews:
School Library Journal
Henry, M. (1982, May 1). [Review of the book Miss Rumphius, by B. Cooney].
Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com
Kirkus Review
"This book may appear to be nothing more than a lovely illustrated child's book containing a heartfelt tale. Without a doubt, the illustrations are rich; Ms. Cooney is an extremely talented woman. However, I also believe its message (which is never, ever preachy) is extremely powerful. As such, it is my favorite children's book, and I think every child (and adult) on this earth should read it.The answer provides the impetus as to how Miss Rumphius led the rest of her life. It seems as if nearly every reviewer has already given the entire plot, so it's no surprise that her grandfather's answer to why we are here is to simply make the world a more beautiful place. When my daughter heard that, her reply was, "Mommy, you've already made the world a more beautiful place." When I asked how, she replied, "By having me!" I couldn't begin to argue against such wisdom from one of God's small miracles."
"This book may appear to be nothing more than a lovely illustrated child's book containing a heartfelt tale. Without a doubt, the illustrations are rich; Ms. Cooney is an extremely talented woman. However, I also believe its message (which is never, ever preachy) is extremely powerful. As such, it is my favorite children's book, and I think every child (and adult) on this earth should read it.The answer provides the impetus as to how Miss Rumphius led the rest of her life. It seems as if nearly every reviewer has already given the entire plot, so it's no surprise that her grandfather's answer to why we are here is to simply make the world a more beautiful place. When my daughter heard that, her reply was, "Mommy, you've already made the world a more beautiful place." When I asked how, she replied, "By having me!" I couldn't begin to argue against such wisdom from one of God's small miracles."
Kirkus Reviews. (1993, June 1). [Review of the book Miss Rumphius, by B.
Cooney]. Retrieved from http://www.kirkusreviews.com
Uses within the Library:
1. Use the story to enhance a geography lesson. Help students remember the types of places mentioned in the book; near the sea, tropical islands and tall mountains. Allow students to work with a partner and choose a location that fits one of the descriptions of the types of locations within the story. Have students use three types of information resources that you have been using in the library. Have students present their findings to their classmates.
2. Within the illustrations of the story is a picture of an old fashioned card catalog. Use this opportunity to explain to your students how children used to locate books within the library. Make a chart detailing the benefits of the computer catalog system that is used within the school district as compared to the old fashioned cataloging system.
Book Cover: Book cover courtesy of the Mansfield Public Library.
Retrieved from http://www.mansfield-tx.gov/departments/library/
1. Use the story to enhance a geography lesson. Help students remember the types of places mentioned in the book; near the sea, tropical islands and tall mountains. Allow students to work with a partner and choose a location that fits one of the descriptions of the types of locations within the story. Have students use three types of information resources that you have been using in the library. Have students present their findings to their classmates.
2. Within the illustrations of the story is a picture of an old fashioned card catalog. Use this opportunity to explain to your students how children used to locate books within the library. Make a chart detailing the benefits of the computer catalog system that is used within the school district as compared to the old fashioned cataloging system.
Book Cover: Book cover courtesy of the Mansfield Public Library.
Retrieved from http://www.mansfield-tx.gov/departments/library/
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