The Fantastic Mr. Fox is written by Roald Dahl. The movie version of this book is now out in theaters.
Roald Dahl is also the same author who wrote my favorite childhood books, James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Both movie version of the books just couldn’t compete with what I had imagined in my mind. Especially the chocolate factory.
Mr. Fox and crew. Image from BBC - Radio 1 Movies. The folks at BBC didn’t give it a good review.
But since I haven’t read this book, I can’t say I will be too disappointed with the movie version. The story line sound pretty interesting and the movie is done with stop motion animation. Just like with Coraline. The character list is cute and the details of their clothing look so neat.
A world of talking animals in competition for living space with humans. It’s all about the environment, mix in some mischievous animals. Sounds like a good story to me. Image source.
Synopsis: “Mr. and Mrs. Fox live an idyllic home life with their son Ash and visiting young nephew Kristopherson. But after 12 years, the bucolic existence proves too much for Mr Fox’s wild animal instincts. Soon he slips back into his old ways as a sneaky chicken thief and in doing so, endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community. Trapped underground and with not enough food to go around, the animals band together to fight against the evil Farmers — Boggis, Bunce and Bean — who are determined to capture the audacious, fantastic Mr. Fox at any cost.”
Watch the trailer on Youtube. I will have to give a review after I see, hopefully around Christmas holiday.
When I was growing up, Reading Rainbow was one of my favorite PBS show. The show was hosted by LeVar Burton and the cartoon wasn’t animated or loud. It was taken directly from the book while someone would read (narrate) the story. It was nice to just hear someone read the story out loud to you.
So when I saw this cute little book, it brought me back to when I was a kid. The book is titled, Ladybug Girl and written by husband and wife team Jacky Davis and David Soman. Also illustrated by David Soman. The illustrations is really great. It reminded me of Japanese animation with the large eyes and expressions. Reading children’s books is a great way to help you relax at any age!
Cute illustrations from Penguin Press, 2008.
A little description from the publishers, Penguin Girl:
Lulu’s older brother says she is too little to play with him. Her mama and papa are busy too, so Lulu has to make her own fun. This is a situation for Ladybug Girl!
Ladybug Girl saves ants in distress, jumps through shark-infested puddles, and even skips along the great dark twisty tree trunk—all by herself. It doesn’t matter what her brother says, Ladybug Girl is definitely not too little!
In this sweet and cheerful story by husband and wife team Jacky Davis and David Soman, one not-so-little girl discovers how to make some fun that is just her size, right in her own backyard.
It’s a really a happy and cheerful book, great for kids 4 and up. So I think T & K’s daughter may really like this book more. She will be turning 4 very soon. But I think it will make a good book for any adventurous little girl. Great imagination, go Ladybug Girl!
More info on kids and reading:
Reading Is Fundamental
100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know
Gudule a un bébé by Fanny Joly is one of my new favorite children’s book. But currently they are only published in French. There hasn’t been such a character from children’s book that has warmed my heart since Amelia Bedelia.
The books must have been really succesful since there is is also a French Canadian (animation) cartoon titled, Miss BG - from TV Ontario. In the computer animation, BG is showing the ways of the world to her little brother George.
Every episode is a great learning experience in which she finds a useful lesson on being kind and fair. The little girl is so lovable and so is her family and friends. I would definitely recommend this book & cartoon for the kid in all of us.
Miss BG - TV Ontario. She’s on Youtube!
