Fable rides a whimsical line

Last update: October 24, 2009 - 4:44 PM

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THE LITTLE GENERAL AND THE GIANT SNOWFLAKE

By: Matthea Harvey, drawings by Elizabeth Zechel.

Publisher: Tin House Books, 64 pages, $10.95.

Review: Poet Matthea Harvey's fable about the conflict between Realists and Dreamers is charming and delightful.

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There is a battle brewing between Realists and Dreamers in this imaginative book. When the little general encounters an enormous snowflake hovering as he strides off to review his troops, he grows concerned with this odd silvery apparition that no one else can see. "With trembling hands, he opened his medical book, 'The Realist's Complete Guide to Diseases of the Imagination.' He turned to 'S' and there it was. ... He, who had always prided himself on being a complete realist, was suffering from a rare and shameful imaginary ailment for which there was no cure."

Although the little general is sworn enemies of the Dreamers and their troublesome imaginations, perhaps the snowflake is proof that their whimsical ways are infiltrating the general's psyche against his will. (He would gladly engage the Dreamers in battle, but they are far too busy playing outlandish games!)

Luckily for readers, poet Matthea Harvey has a delightful denouement that is sure to satisfy everyone -- no matter which side of the realism/dreamer spectrum they happen to fall. While the fanciful tale would benefit from color illustrations, the hushed black and white drawings by Elizabeth Zechel render this a cozy short read suitable for early-to-dark evenings by the fire.

ANDREA HOAG

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Holiday books: Biography

Here are some of Books Editor Laurie Hertzel's favorite sites and blogs. Got a literary link to share? E-mail Laurie.

Twin Cities Literary Scavenger Hunt Home page for the scavenger hunt, which runs now through Dec. 26.
Reading Minnesota A blog that features Minnesota writers, illustrators, publishers, bookstores, and reviewers.
Talk of the Stacks An author series from the Library Foundation of Hennepin County.
Poets & Writers The website for Poets and Writers Magazine--podcasts, author interviews, and writing resources.
Creative Writing A place to keep apprised of writing competitions in the United States.
Gather Minnesota Readers The Website for Minnesota Public Radio's books blog.
The Loft Literary Center The Website for the Loft, a local place for writers and readers.
Good Reads A way to track what you're reading, and what your friends are reading.
Lost Manuscripts Just what it sounds like - a blog (sporadically updated) devoted to missing and destroyed manuscripts.
Maud Newton Very hip, reviews, links, a little attitude.
bookreporter.com A plethora of online book reviews and reading guides.
Rain Taxi Rain Taxi Review of Books.