Two From Tilbury

Two From Tilbury

One of my absolute favorite publishing houses is Maine's own
Tilbury House. They carry a small line of some of the most distinct
and memorable books around. So it was much to my delight that one
day, shelving picture books, I found two of their imprints from 2010.
To those of us who reside in northern states like Maine snow is
pretty much taken for granted. This year, in fact, in nearly
everyone's minds, the cold, white stuff wore out its welcome by
weeks. Can you imagine, however, how exciting and mysterious it would
be if you had never seen it?
Amadi, protagonist of Katia Novet Saint-Lot's Amadi's Snowman
lives in Nigeria. His mother is always after him to have Mrs.
Chikodili teach him how to read. He has no idea why. He already
knows numbers. He wants to be a trader, a man of business. What does
he need the written word for?
One day at the market he sees an older friend, Chima, at a book
stall. Chima is holding a book with a picture of a very strange
creature with a carrot nose. What exactly is it? What will the boy
in the picture do with it?
Could books and reading actually have some relevance in his life?
In Jan West Schrock's Give A Goat curiosity goes in the other
direction. A class of Maine students is fidgity because of too much
rain. Their teacher, Mrs. Rowell, reads them a book about Beatrice, a
girl in Uganda, whose dreams of going to school come true when her
family receives a goat from Heifer International. The students are
inspired. They want to give a goat even after Mrs. Rowell warns them
that it will take a lot of hard work.
This book is a great one for teachers, scout leaders, and other
folks who influence and inspire the next generation. The process from
inspiration to achievement is broken down very clearly. If you want
people to care about global problems, to feel empowered rather than
indifferent or overwhelmed, the earlier you get to them, the better!
On a personal note, as I look forward to my September birthday I think
way across the globe. The celebration will consist of a supper and
silent auction to raise money for education for little girls in far
away nations. So far everyone I want involved is excited. YOWZA! My
mom who was big on person to person diplomacy would be so happy!
a great big shout out goes out to all who look beyond their nation's
borders with curiosity and caring.
Julia Emily Hathaway



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