Reflect on This

In 1886 Mrs. T. H. James translated into English a Japanese folktale called The Matsuyama Mirror, which she published along with illustrations by Eitaku (1843-1890) [Tokyo : Kobunsha (Nihonbashi-ku)].  We found a free digital copy on Archive.org, but it's more fun to follow along with Scowl-Face as he reads the book aloud in the following video.

The Matsuyama Mirror, told by Mrs. T. H. James

(MPL Readaloud)

Okay, maybe listening to Scowl-Face read aloud isn't more fun, but you (or your young readers in your family) may read the text on the screen as Ol' Scowlly drones on and on.  It will definitely improve young reading skills, as well as enhance one's endurance to boredom.

What interested Scowl-Face in making this video was the music soundtrack composed specifically about this folk story by the library's composer, whom I call the Music Man.  His composition is called "The Mirror of Matsuyama," included in a series of compositions called Solo Koto.  You can listen (and see sheet music) here.

The story itself is a tribute to love and family remembrance.  The mirror reflects more than the person (or feline) looking into it.  That's something to reflect on, in and of itself.

My library has other readaloud videos available to watch.  They're well worth a look.

Your Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat

An Angel Kitty Flies

My library has recently completed a book trailer featuring a wonderful children's picture book called Angel in Beijing, by Belle Yang (Sommerville, MA :  Candlewick Press, 2018).

Angel in Beijing, by Belle Yang

(MPL Book Trailer #447)

Through most of the book, the white cat is named "Kitty," but by the end, her name is Angel, because, as it turns out, she can actually fly (with the help of a huge kite).  I became quite distressed when the little girl couldn't find Kitty after she disappeared over some trees holding onto the kite's tail (Kitty, not the little girl).  But all ends well.  This book showcases the beauty of Beijing in delightful drawings, and the story shows how love and kindness are best when shared.

Checkout the book from our Evergreen Indiana catalog to read to your young human(s).  If you don't have a library card, you could always buy a copy from your favorite bookseller.  We felines (and slobberdogs) will enjoy the readaloud, too.  But don't read to kittens--they're too scatterbrained to pay proper attention.  If you know Harley Quinn, my "cub" kitty reporter, you'll know what I mean.

The Lady With the Red Hair Tries to Read to Harley Quinn

Your Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat