Monday, September 14, 2009

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez.

"...for a heartsick nation, the gift of fourteen cows emerges from the choking dust and darkness as a soft light of hope...and friendship..." -- front flap.

Peachtree Publishers, 2009.

7 comments:

  1. The digital image of this book posted above just doesn't do it justice. The colors are absolutely stunning. I recommend readers give themselves time to sit and absorb this one; both the story and the illustrations are very moving.

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  2. I agree with Kris. The last page of the story is beautifully designed with one powerful sentence and one powerful picture - a child's eye and a ray of sunshine in the sky. You have to look this one over! (You could borrow our copy at Grabill but a patron just took it home because she saw me looking though it and wanted it for her son)

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  3. The illustrations in this book are absolutely breath taking due the colors used and the expressions on the peoples' faces. When Kimeli begins to tell his story to his people you can tell it is a powerful and sad story by the dark colors used and by the way the colors are blended in the sky. Then when the cows are shown the sky is pictured so peaceful and the lighter colors give the feeling of hope. The illustrations are definitely a major key to the telling of this story. The last illustration brought tears to my eyes. Very powerful story!

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  4. This is a touching story of compassion. The combination of Carmen Agra Deedy’s simple yet powerful words, the vibrant illustrations of Thomas Gonzalez, and the moving story of Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, is a book that defies superlatives.

    Check out the book trailer at http://www.youtube.com/v/x_GG8GKAqlo&hl

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  5. The artist uses the colors of the Maasai to give children a cultural experience while they read a touching story. I appreciate the realism of the art, although I wonder if the tribepeople are as robust as they are depicted.

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  6. Vibrant stimulating colors and textures that stir the soul!!! The piercing story of our time brought to life in this visually sensual book for children and adults alike... This book is sure to become a classic! Bravo, Carmen & Thomas.

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  7. Very Cool book. You can see and feel the quality in everything - from the story to the art. Highly recomend it.

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