Messenger,
Norman. 2012. THE LAND OF EVERBELIEVE. Somerville, MA: Candlewick. ISBN
9780763660215 [Suggested Grade Levels 4-12]
REVIEW
This
whimsical picture book blends scientific discovery with a tropical fantasy
setting. Norman Messenger acts as both author and travel guide as he carefully
documents the amazing assortment of inhabitants, wildlife, and geography on
this mysterious island. Since the island of Neverbelieve has the curious
tendency to sprout legs and move suddenly, Messenger is the first explorer to
catalog and illustrate the island’s features.
Presented
as a series of old-fashioned plates, this travel book begins with a large map
of the island and dedicates a full page spread to each region. Potential
visitors are encouraged to mingle with the friendly locals, enjoy bedtime
stories at the foot of Book Mountain, and collect the strangely beautiful flora
and mysteriously rearranging shells. However, tourists are also cautioned to
stay away from the grasping Tree of Horrible Hands and the terrifying Bat-Faced
Ravens that inhabit the Spooky Dark Mountains. Messenger’s muted watercolor and
color pencil drawings capture the bizarre beauty of Neverbelieve Island and his
numerous insider captions will delight young explorers eager for adventure on
the high seas.
CONNECTIONS
This
beautiful picture book would be a great example when discussing the importance
of setting in writing, especially in fantasy stories. The elaborate
illustrations and captions would enhance a lesson about descriptive writing.
RELATED
BOOKS
Other
books for children and teens featuring fantastic, imaginary settings:
Fleischman,
Paul. WESLANDIA. ISBN 9780756965662
McLerran,
Alice. ROXABOXEN. ISBN 9780060526337
Paterson,
Katherine. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA. ISBN 9780061227288
By Kimberly
C. Kinnaird
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