JAN BRETT... AN AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR TO INCLUDE IN YOUR CHILD'S LIBRARY
BY DENISE SHANKIN
Great books are the best investment you can make for your child. Developing an interest in listening and reading is a strong motivator for learning how to read. Jan Brett is one of our favorite author/illustrators. We have chosen to feature her books in this newsletter and the store because of her many books about winter and the upcoming holidays.
Jan Brett’s art is recognized as some of the world’s finest. Especially delightful are her renditions of snow, a variety of animals, Scandinavia and the Ukraine.
Her latest book, JAN BRETT’S CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGY ($39.95) is a collection of seven of her best selling and most endearing stories. The seven stories in the anthology include THE MITTEN and THE HAT (companion story to THE MITTEN). In THE TROUBLE WITH TROLLS and its sequel CHRISTMAS TROLLS, the trolls attempt to steal but are outwitted both times by Treva, the heroine. In addition, ANNIE AND THE WILD REINDEER (set at the North Pole), THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, and THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS complete the book. Each story is presented in its entirety with all the charming illustrations. The anthology is available as well as all single titles at our store. It makes a wonderful family gift and a welcome addition to the “coffee table” collection for holiday story time.
Brett carefully researches settings, clothing and housing for each of her stories by visiting the various countries. Her illustrations invite us to enter into her imaginary worlds. Brett’s trademark of decorative borders compliment each story by depicting a parallel story or giving clues to what happens next. There are many opportunities for children to help tell stories through the pictures on the borders.
At Creative Learning Toys you will find the books mentioned, other titles by Jan Brett, and many other classic books. We carefully research all of the books available at our store so your child will enjoy being read to and reading on their own.
Written by Denise Shankin, master teacher and one of the book and toy experts on our staff.
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