The winds have changed.

Friends,

As you have noticed, La Fin du Monde has been lingering for some time now in a state of perpetual neglect. Not for lack of content have I been absent. I had so many great plans, and so many great things to post that for one reason or another, though they made the transition from my mind into reality, never made there way from reality into blog form. I wish so much that I could have shared 'stew extravaganza' with you, not to mention "Bread of the week" which was at least a partial success, or 'Winter '08: the Scone Age'. Pictures of all these things exist, but sadly they are spread out across computers and cameras and through multiple states- lost memories now, I'm afraid. What is more, there were a few kites that I built and flew that never got posted. That stuff is dead to me now. I'm through chasing after the wind.

Here is the revised plan: I hope to read as many children's books as I can, and write about at least one per month. I'm going to focus on picture books, and as a starting point I'm going to use the Caldacott award winning books (at least those I can find/those that are still in print).

I had thought to write an introductory note explaining why I think children's books are so great. Or at least a note to explain what I think a great children's book can do that no other art form can- not painting, not writing, not cooking nor kite-making.
But I decided it would be better to let these opinions unfold in the course of things.

I need your help, though. I my knowledge of children's books is somewhat limited, so I need some recommendations. There's a lot of really, really bad stuff out there, so if you have a children's book that you really enjoyed, either as a kid, or as an adult, send the title along to me and I'll check it out. (Guest reviews are always welcome as well). You do not need to mention 'Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel', 'Goodnight Moon', or 'Frog and Toad' which are pretty much works of great genius as far as I'm concerned.

Check back soon.
Within the next week I hope to post my thoughts on "The Biggest Bear" which, aside from having what everyone seems to agree is one of the most awesome titles ever, also happens to be a pretty incredible book.

Cheers,
Nathan