How We Got From Here to There <br> <small>by Tierza Rose Askren</small>

Every so often you run across a children's book in which every aspect; text, illustrations, story line and mood simply hits you just right. This is one of those works! This little book is the perfect sort for setting with your child or grandchild in a large comfortable chair and just enjoying the trip through the read.

I had just finished reading, studying and reviewing one of Colin Thompson's wonderfully complex books, The Last Alchemist, and I must admit that while I enjoyed it, I actually was suffering from eye strain and sensory overload. This is a great work, but a little of Thompson goes a long, long way. I then picked up this copy of How We Got From Here to There and what a delightful change it was! A feeling of mellowness washed over me as I read the simple rhyming text and viewed the smooth uncluttered pictures.

This is a book written and designed for the younger set; from three years old up. The entire text is written in a rhythmic rhyming mode that simply makes you and the child feel good. This is the story of four children taking a journey and it begins:

We grab our shoes,
a pair for all,
And put on seatbelts,
big and small.

We drive a while,
but not too far,
And then we leave
our mommy's car.....

The author then takes us on a journey where the children take a boat, plane, bus, helicopter, rides on camels, elephants, dragons, bicycles, and a hot air balloon. Where are they heading? Where will their journey end? Well, as you know I never include spoilers in my reviews so you will just have to read the thing for your self!

First though the writing: As I said, the author has used a simple rhyming verse but has not made the mistake that trips up so many books of this genre. The light verse is never forced and there is a definite mellow flow to the entire story. There are no "made up words" here used simply to complete a rhyming sentence or thought. The author never "breaks" her style! The words are all obviously carefully chosen and are simple everyday words that make this work not only a good read -a-long, but a good first reader also. It is written in such a way that the adult reader will not go out of their mind with multiple readings; something that is sure to be requested from the wee ones with this one.

Second is the art work, or illustrations, if you will: Take the time to examine these pictures quite closely as they are rather deceiving! What appear to be very simple paintings, with a hint of the primitive mode in them, are actually quite well executed and the color blend, while unique, actually works perfectly. Make no mistake, this artist knows her craft! Examine each plate closely; there are many details and nuisances worth noting. The picture of the young lad riding the flying dragon is absolutely delightful! As with her text, Askren has held true throughout the book with her illustrations.

The text goes perfectly with the illustrations.

In our overly complicated world today, where every children's books seems to be pushing some hidden lesson, moral, or have some deeply lurking subliminal meaning, it is rather refreshing to find a work that shows kids simply having fun, even if it is partially through their imaginations. This is a good work and I do highly recommend it.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks