MODULE 1: Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Book Cover Image:

Genre:

Books about Reading

Book Summary:

Morris Lessmore is a lover of books and stories, and writes his own life story until a storm rolls through and blows away everything, including Morris’ words. After the storm, he roams aimlessly until he meets a woman floating with a bouquet of books. The beautiful lady sends Morris a book that leads him to a library where Morris spends his remaining years caring for the books and writing his life story. The books return the favor and care for Morris when he grows older. As Morris’ life comes to an end, he says goodbye to his friends, the books, and floats away just like the lady he met many years before. The books are sad until a little girl discovers the library and Morris’ book opens, and the wondrous cycle begins again.

APA Reference of Book:

Joyce, W. (2012) The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. New York, NY: Moonbot.

Impressions:

From beginning to end, this book is a celebration of books and stories and the impact they have on those who love and care for them, and emphasizes the importance of passing this love from generation to generation. The cover sets the tone with a beautiful illustration of Morris and his stacks of books, leading readers to wonder why some of the books are flying. The illustrations provide whimsical imagery for the story that unfolds as Morris grows old with his books, his friends that never change and care for Morris as much as he cares for them. Joyce’s story started before but came to fruition after Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home state, and he witnessed the power of storytelling through his volunteer efforts with the children of New Orleans. This message is timeless and timely as books and their stories compete for children’s attention in an ever-increasing world of technology.

Professional Review:

Pre-Gr 3--Joyce's Academy Award-winning animated short-film-turned-app that celebrates those who care about (and receive nourishment from) books is, ironically, now a picture book. The wonder and mystery inherent in the wordless film and the ability to manipulate the visuals and play the soundtrack on the app's piano beg the question: Can the book compete? As it turns out, the book has its own rewards. Clarity comes from Joyce's well-chosen words. In the opening on a New Orleans balcony, readers learn that Morris "loved words…stories…books." Every day he would "write of his joys and sorrows, of all that he knew and everything that he hoped for." When an Oz-like storm turns everything topsy-turvy, the melancholy man in the pork-pie hat spots a lady held aloft by a "festive squadron of flying books." Her gift leads Morris to a book-filled sanctuary set in a landscape staged and lit like a Maxfield Parrish painting. He tends to the volumes, distributing favorites to visitors, whose once-gray bodies blossom with color. Every life and story ends, and those struggling with their own goodbyes (and yearnings about printed books) may find comfort in seeing the fading elder revert to his younger self in order to be transported by the joyful squadron-just as a little girl arrives to choose Morris's story. The author's motivations (explained on the flap) will resonate with adults in the reading business. The best part? Lingering quietly while savoring the atmospheric scenes of Joyce's narrative vignette.

APA Reference of Professional Review:

Lukehart, W. (2012). The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. School Library Journal, 58(8), 78.

Library Uses:

This book could be used at the beginning of the school year to introduce students to the wonders of the library. Students who have never visited a library may feel just as Morris did after the storm until he discovers the library. This book can spark a conversation about caring for the library and the books. For example, even though the books wanted to mingle, Morris tried to keep them organized. His books were loved and well-kept, and he enjoyed sharing his books with others.

Readalikes:

The Book with No Pictures, by B.J. Novak – Even without pictures, this book encourages readers to read and discover what the story has to offer. Children are sure to enjoy this, especially as a read-aloud, as the narrator says silly and sometimes nonsensical words, because the reader must read everything on the page.

Books Always Everywhere, by Jane Blatt – This book emphasizes the importance of reading to young children, even babies, no matter what they may do with the book. With sparse words, the illustrations show how readers can be immersed in the story.

Read It, Don’t Eat It, by Ian Schoenerr –  Another good book to use when introducing young students to the library, Read It, Don’t Eat It illustrates the rules of the library with adorable animal characters.