Threads of love and joy are woven into this Palm Sunday tale, told through the eyes of a young colt called upon to carry a king. The animal is fearful when he is led through noisy streets to the olive grove. But Jesus comforts him: "In his voice was a river of quiet; in his touch a shelter of peace." His fear leaves him and he knows, then, that he is bearing a true king on his back in the triumphal procession into Jerusalem. Evocative and richly detailed illustrations in warm Mediterranean hues accompany the tale--creating places, creatures, and moments so real that readers can almost touch them. Together, Marni McGee and John Winch have created an elegant and eloquent book.

I don't know of any other picture books specifically about Palm Sunday, but if there are any I'm sure none are as beautiful and moving as this one. Sometimes in books for children the art alone makes the book worth buying. That's certainly true here, but this one knocks you out with the words, too. They're gentle and musical and powerful. I'm not a religious person, but this book is on my shelf for keeps. Every kid should have it.

Based in Australia, an old woman moves to the country, alone, in search of a quiet, calm life and hopes for more time to read. She has lots of chores, gardening, harvesting, canning, etc. and she is so busy that she only has time to read in the winter months. Sharing the house are farm animals and wild animals indigenous to Australia: koala, platypus, etc. We see the change of seasons from cold to blazing hot summer to the autumn rainy season and flooding. Happy tale of a busy woman. It is a bit strange that the wild animals are hanging around insider her house. If you are looking to expose your child to Australian animals this will be a fun read for you.

This story does show that an elderly gray-haired woman can find happiness and lead a full life, being both mentally active and physically active, and can live what is sometimes a physically challenging life in the country. Portrays a self-sustaining woman in a positive light. There are not many images of elderly women leading such a life available in children's books--this is a rare subject.