Letters to Anyone and Everyone
Kindergarten-Grade 6—In this novel, snails, elephants, bears, and ants write letters to one another, to the Sun, and to other letter writers. They toss them into the breeze, and trust the wind to deliver them to the intended recipients. Through these messages, the animals share their dreams, whimsical musings, and plans. Many of the letters are charmingly humorous, and the animals display their unique personalities and characteristics through them. Every brief missive is written in a distinct voice, and the complete collection reveals Tellegen's richly imagined world in which the creatures reside. The book was originally published in Holland, and Cleaver's smooth English translation retains humor and charm. Easy transitions carry readers from one letter to the next, and the translation captures the poetic essence of this expressive epistolary novel. This book will appeal to readers who appreciate dreamy stories and creative narrative forms. While written at a basic reading level, the text conveys complex humor and wit, making this book ideal for readers of all ages.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.