The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
William Joyce, author
Joe Bluhm, illustrator
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Fiction, 2012
Suitable for: Ages 4-8
Themes: Books, Love, Loss, Healing, Aging
Opening and brief synopsis: “Morris Lessmore loved words. He loved stories. He loved books. His life was a book of his own writing, one orderly page after another. He would open it every morning and write of his joys and sorrows, of all that he knew and everything that he hoped for.” One day there was a very bad storm that blew so hard that he lost his home and all the books he loved so much. Not knowing what to do he started walking. A lady drifted through the sky pulled by a bouquet of books. The lady tossed down her favorite book and beckoned him to follow her to a strange building that housed books. But the books in the building weren’t ordinary — they were extraordinary. Many books required repair. Morris started to restore and care for the books. Some times he got lost in the books. Morris shared the books with people. And, once again he began to write in his own book.
Why I love this book: The book is about life experiences — love, loss and healing. Adults will enjoy this book. It is a brilliant book that took William Joyce 13 years to write. The book began as a tribute to a friend, but after Hurricane Katrina devastated Joyce’s home state, his book was put on hold. Joyce visited children in shelters and saw firsthand the healing power of books. So the storm in the book is a combination of Katrina and the cyclone in the Wizard of Oz. Joe Bluhm’s illustrations are stunning. Bluhm uses brown hues similar to the opening of Oz, to give the stark effect of the storm in the book. As Morris wanders, the book is full of colorful and expressive illustrations.
Resources: There are many themes that parents and teachers can explore when reading this book with a children. Since the idea grew out of Hurricane Katrina and the tragic losses, it would be a good time to discuss with kids what it means to lose everything and how you rebuild lives with the love and help of family and community. Donated books were an escape for the kids of Katrina. We’ve once again experienced devastation with Hurricane Isaac. As a family you may want to donate to a reputable charity. Another way to help displaced children in your community is to have your kids donate used books to local organizations. The book also is about imagination and reading. Be creative and encourage your kids to make a mobile of their favorite book cover titles to hang in their room, similar to the flying woman and the books.
Visit William Joyce at his website. Joyce first won an Academy Award for his short film The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, then turned the film into this imaginative book. I’ve include a short clip of the video, but the entire film is available on YouTube. The book also is available as an iPad app.
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To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Wow, that is an amazing real story and the book is so imaginative, I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing, Pat.
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Catherine, I was excited about reviewing and sharing this book. It is full of imagination and important themes.
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I loved the film and felt it deserved the oscar so would love to read the picture book, now. Would love to know if you feel the book has an scarier moments in it like the film, for younger children? It sounds like a great addition to PPPF and to your resources here of books that heal, Pat.
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Joanna,
I believe the book is written with children in mind. It’s 40 pgs. I never occurred to me that it might be scary. I have only watched 15 min of the video. Will need to watch the entire video soon. The book reminded me of Oz in the beginning and it is only a two spreads, and then Morris walking away. I found the book magical. The ending is open for interpretation — some may think it’s sad but I saw it as a positive cycle of life. Expect it to win major awards.
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My son, Arthur, loves this film and has watched it over and over and over. It’s a beautiful story. I wasn’t aware that the book was out, Arthur’s birthday is coming up and this just made the list. Your mobile idea is excellent! Thank you, Pat
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Heather, I’m glad to hear you son loves the film. Sounds like the perfect birthday gift. You would especially love the illustrations.
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Wow. This book sounds just lovely. It’s already on my list. Can’t wait to get my hands on it! Love all the activity ideas you shared.
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Ruth, thank you. It is a beautiful book.
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I saw the entire clip on YouTube this summer and was so impressed. Thanks for giving the background information. I can’t wait to read it.
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Penny, I think you’ll love the book. I was very interested in the background info about the book. It’s 40 pgs.
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I’ve heard wonderful things about this but haven’t seen the movie clip or the book. Looking forward to it! Thanks!
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Tina, just go to YouTube and you can watch the film. The book is great for children. Magical.
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I found it last night, Pat. Inspiring! Thanks so much!
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Tina, glad you found the book. It is inspiring!
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I really love the part where he zips and slips through the “S” – brilliant!
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Cathy, yes that is fun. I just love this book and what I’ve seen of the film. Think it will capture some major book awards.
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This book is truly incredible, as is the movie. William Joyce never fails to astound with all of his work. Great choice!
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Julie, I’m glad you enjoyed the book and the film. I love Joyce and could hardly wait to share this.
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Wow, I saw this when we went to a screening of Oscar-nominated short films last fall. I had no idea it was also a book. Wonderful!
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Carrie, the book just came out in August I believe. Lucky you, that you got to go to a screening. Great gift book. It’s 50 pgs. Thank you for stopping.
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So many amazing conversations can start with this book! Thanks so much for sharing it. I’ve made it my top post on Facebook and hope lots of people get to know about this great book. http://www.facebook.com/transformworld
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Craig, I agree. I saw so many amazing themes/messages. The book is stunning. Just realized that you shared my review on your FB. Thank you so much. Now I have your FB page. I imagine it will walk away with a lot of awards.
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I had this in my hand in the bookstore just a few days ago – it is delightful! Also nice to see Joyce’s illustration style evolving – is that the true sign of a master?
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Julie, as an artist I imagine this was a feast for your eyes. I really loved the book. I’d say he’s a master. His book is so visual.
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What an amazing book. I’ve never heard of it Pat, but I am adding it to my “to read” list right now. Thanks.
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Oh Kirsten, you will love this beautiful and imaginative book. You can also watch the full film on YouTube.
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So wonderful to have a story that celebrates the healing power of books! I’ve seen the video of this and it’s marvelous, but I have yet to read the actual book. Sounds like a must-read! Thanks for sharing, Pat! 🙂
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Susanna, I could hardly wait to share this book. It is so magnificent. James Joyce is so creative. It is 40 pgs. A beautiful gift book.
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The story behind the book is just so compelling, I can’t wait to read it. Thanks, Pat!
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Amy, so happy you enjoyed the review. It’s going to be hard for me to let go of my copy. Absolutely stunning!
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I loved the film, and I’m sure I’ll love the book as well. Thanks for sharing it, Pat!
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Beth, I hope you read the book as it is quite stunning. You will love what Joyce did with the book. It is sure to receive some major awards.
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Love this story and the clip Pat. It reminded me of OZ to, off to youtube to see the rest of the film. Thanks Pat.
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Enjoy Diane. I was so excited about sharing it. The book was just recently released.
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Thanks for sharing this important film and book. I think I have seen the film with my grandson but will check it out again as it is so important. It seems to have all the universal themes of loss and healing in place. 🙂
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Clar, it’s worth looking at the book as I think you’ll love it. It is stunning. Glad you enjoyed the film.
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I have to read the book. I saw the full version video, but did not read the book! 🙂
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Erik, that’s because it fairly hot off the press. He wrote the book afterwards. You will love it!
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As I read this, I thought this a book for me. Glad you mention adults will enjoy it.
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Stacy, I felt the same way and purchased the book. Have thought about giving it as a gift….down the road. I love it.
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Pat…thank you so much for sharing such an important book…I will definitely get a copy of this one because kids who experience devastating loss (such as hurricanes…or the Waldo Canyon Fire right here in Colorado Springs that destroyed over 300 homes) need so much help and parents often don’t know what to do or say or even that the child is having such strong feelings. This was an excellent review and thanks for adding the clip!
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Vivian, I’m so happy you enjoyed the review and the book. Yes, I think it’s a good book to use with a child, but it also shows life goes on as we see Morris age. There is a magical quality to it. You can watch the entire film on YouTube.
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It’s funny how some books are special from the first moment you hear the idea of them, and this is one. Joyce’s story touches places in a child’s heart and soul otherwise unable to be expressed, I think, and adults’. And by knowing these places better, healing is offered, difficult experiences explored, and joy, too. Thank you for sharing this, Pat. It’s a wonderful combination of illustration and empathetic journey.
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Jo, thank you. I love your comments. They add to my review. I think adults will enjoy the book as much as children will.
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I love this theme of loss and destruction and how to re-build something deeper, as experience, feeling, emotion are then interwoven in a person’s story. Patricia, you do such a wonderful job bringing these beautiful books to the attention of others.
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Thank you Niamh. You are always so kind. It is a stunning book with a very deep message. I’m glad you enjoyed the review.
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I was at the bookstore today and flipped through this. The illustrations are really gorgeous! I love that the story is also a short film. I watched the clip you included and am definitely going to watch the full version!
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Amanda, I am so happy you liked the book. I have only seen the 15 minute video. Also want to watch the full version. I was so taken by this book.
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What a beautiful book, Patricia!
I’ve just pinned it 🙂
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Barb, I’m so happy your enjoyed this stunning book. Hope you read it.
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I would like to know how the theme is healing? It is a lovely book to read. I read it to my son,and he just loved it. It’s his new favorite bedtime story!
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It’s been years since I read the book. What I remember is that I included healing as one of the themes because there was a hurricane/storm that caused loss. And the main charachter’s path to healing occurs when he gets involved in reading, repairing books and finally writing his own story. When he’s done, he moves on. Children need to know they can move forward through loss and tragedy and books can be a friend. Thanks for leaving a comment and visiting!
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