The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
Author:  William Joyce
Published: June 19, 2012
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Pages: 56
Category: Children's ages 3-9
ISBN 9781442457027


Morris Lessmore loved words.
He loved stories.
He loved books.
But every story has its upsets.
     Everything in Morris Lessmore’s life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds.
     But the power of story will save the day.
     Stunningly brought to life by William Joyce, one of the preeminent creators in children’s literature,      The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a modern masterpiece, showing that in today’s world of traditional books, eBooks, and apps, it’s story that we truly celebrate—and this story, no matter how you tell it, begs to be read again and again.

I squealed with glee!  Yes, I did!  A co-worker showed me The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore today and I was thrilled to see this new release in children's books!  I saw the animated Acadamy Award winning feature a while ago and fell in love.  Needless to say, when I found this book upon which the animated featurette was based, I just had to have it.  I read it....devoured it in minutes, and then returned to the beginning to appreciate the artwork!  As you can see from the sample pages above and below, this book is a feast for the eyes.  The way William Joyce wrote it, in a tale with messages that reveal themselves with the maturity of the reader, intermingled with terrific illustrations done by Joe Blum, it is a treasure!  

Be sure to add this story book to your collection for your children, your grandchildren and yes, even for yourself.  The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a book you will keep for years, appreciating it often, and perhaps, if you can bare to part with it, you will pass it down to your children /grandchildren too.

William Joyce is the author of:  George Shrinks (1985); the Rolie Polie Olie series; The Man in the Moon (2011); The Sandman, the Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie (2012).  If you think you recognize the titles George Shrinks and Rolie Polie Olie, you are right. These were also television shows created by William Joyce, based upon the books.  To read more about William Joyce and his work in various productions including Toy Story, read the Wikipedia article here.

Below is the 15 minute animated feature, based upon this children's book, that was awarded an Academy Award.