Modern Fantasy Fiction Book Blog - 1

Title: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Author: William Joyce

Illustrator: Joe Bluhm

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

# of Pages: 56

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

            This picture book is a heartwarming story about a man named Morris Lessmore who loved books. Mr. Morris’s personal library gets blown away in a terrible wind storm! Morris was upset and lonely, until one day he sees a woman flying by, being carried by books. She sees how said Mr. Morris is and gives him her favorite walking, talking, and flying tale. Mr. Morris listens and reads all of the tales of the books he is taken to. The books inspire him to write in his own journal. Then one day Mr. Morris… to find out what happens to Mr. Morris you will have to pick up the book and read this wonderful story.

This story captures the importance of reading and how books are powerful, entertaining, and significant in our lives.

            The illustrations are very dramatic and enchanting. Some pages are colorful while others are black and white with maybe one object that has color. The colors Joe Bluhm uses are warm and inviting. The illustrations add mystery to the story as to what will happen next and help set the adventure of the story. Joe does an incredible job displaying the love Mr. Morris has for books and the great companions they made through his illustrations. I think the illustrations truly help transform this book into something greater and balances the meaning of the story perfectly.

            Content Area and Grade: Reading and Writing: 2^nd Grade

ALSDE

Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges. [RL.2.3]

Use information gained from the illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot. [RL.2.7]

Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section. [W.2.1]

I would have students write their own story as to what “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” means to them including the characters, setting, or plot. Also, include how the characters respond to the challenge in the story. Write a story about what they would do if they could no longer speak and share what they feel and think just like what happened to Mr. Morris.