Every so often you run across a book, either an “adult” book or a children’s book which, after reading the first couple of pages, you come to the realization that you have come across something different, something quite special!
Archibald’s Swiss Cheese Mountain by Sylvia Lieberman and illustrated by Jeremy Wendell is one of those special books! I cannot remember when I have been so delighted with an original work such as this one! There is something quite special about this story, and the so very many lessons to learn from reading it.
Archibald is a young mouse who lives with is family in Mr. Hochmeyer’s General Store. Archibald is a young mouse and is learning about life; is wanting to spread his wings, so to speak, and is filled with the want, wonder, need and hunger for adventure that most young people (a mouse in this case) are naturally filled with at that age. Archibald is lucky, he has a mother that is filled with wisdom and does not mind sharing it. “Measure with your whiskers,” Momma Mouse repeated. They are the width of your body. If your whiskers fit, so will the rest of you, my son,” and “things within such an easy reach aren’t always most desirable,” are but two examples.
This entire story is based on Archibald’s adventures in Mr. Hochmeyer’s store. It is a story of adventure, discovery of his physical surroundings and indeed, discovery of himself as a mouse. Our little furry friend is, for the most part, driven by a preoccupation for food…what youngster isn’t driven by this? Or is this just an excuse to do what comes naturally for the young and young at heart, exploration of their physical limitations and to experience life on their own and to its fullest? I have my own suspicions, but each reader can make their own mind up about this. Anyway, throughout his adventures, momma’s wisdom and advice is always with him.
This story hit rather close to home for me. My mother was much like Archibald’s mother in that she was full of wisdom and good advice. And like Archibald’s mother, she was wise enough to know that I had to experience life on my own, to have my own adventures and that you can give a child all the advice you want, but the child is going to test their limits anyway. “Smother the boy and spoil the man,” was one of my mother’s little sayings. I could relate to this little mouse as he and I had and have many of the same characteristics. The author has wonderful insight into a child’s mind!
The story is very well written and Mrs. Lieberman has used a lyrical style that is absolutely captivating. The story flows in a way that makes the entire work a true page turner. Hidden within the prose is all kinds of good advice, some quite obvious, some not, but nevertheless, all sound and all good. Over and over again the author stresses that that there will be obstacles in life, indeed fears of the unknown, but that these little bumps can be overcome. The story is about hunger, not only physical hunger, but intellectual hunger, and is told at a level that children will fully understand. The author seems to have the ability to put these points across in a very enjoyable and fascinating manner.
The art work in this books is great and in many ways rather unique. The artist, Jeremy has used what I call a slap-dash method of mellow but bright colors and has paid very close attention to detail. A cookie is filled with chocolate chips, a Swiss cheese is filled with holes, a can of beans is labeled a can of beans. Facial expressions on our hero and the other mice, people and critters (a large orange cat with green eyes) fit the situation perfectly. The art work goes perfectly with the well written text. The illustrator has captured the spirit of the story perfectly.
This is a perfect read-a-long book. The story is great, the text is quite readable and the pictures quite eye catching. As with most children’s books I review, I gave this one a “kid test.” It was read to two second grade classes and one first grade class. The book was an absolute hit and I was asked for second readings, and indeed, in one class, a third!
The book is will constructed and should be able to survive the handling of many little hands. The paper is of excellent quality and the print style is very easy on the eyes. The size of the book makes it perfect for group readings, or if one on one, fits perfectly in your lap along with the kid. The reading level on this work is designated at between ages 4 and 8, which I feel is about right.
Recommend this one highly. Do your child a favor and get this one for her or him. Do your self a favor and read it along with the child!
Considerations :::Archibald's Swiss Cheese Mountain needs to be read to kids.
by Linda Wagner and Illustrated by Pearl L. Ollie is perhaps one of the most uniquely written and illustrated works for children I have had the pleasure of reading in some time now. The author has been able to work in several nice little life lessons, using verse form, which is not only reassuring in a sweet mellow way, but quite informative and will be a delight to any child. It allows the adult to introduce all sorts of discussion, something I always look for in a child’s book.
