“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”
Written by William Joyce
“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” is surprisingly packed with fun – but, more importantly, the subtle life lessons are cleverly tucked within the illustrations. While Mr. Lessmore discovers himself in a foreign place, that being without books, words, letters or even his nearly completed journal (READ WHAT HAPPENED) – he follows a friendly sign that directs him to a rather familiar place.
The story in it’s entirety is a new, never-before-told story but hints of stories like Alice in Wonderland, the Wizard of Oz and believe it or not, Ratatouille. As books magically come to life and reveal friendly exchanges with Mr. Lessmore, the books take the story to another level – Less Is More. With references to birth, death, self-discovery and growth, this book has humbly brought topics to the surface for parents to start conversations with their children.
My favorite part of the book was when he began to write in his journal. “It was then that Morris Lessmore would once again write in his own book. He wrote of his joys and sorrows, of all that he knew and everything that he hoped for.” Introducing a child to a journal is my favorite way to help them find their voice, clear the clutter in their minds and shift through the growing phase.
Here is a journal I particularly enjoy gifting kids: BUY IT HERE
For stubborn readers: I discovered that this story inspired an Academy Award winning short film. It is a great visual representation of the book and I encourage watching it with your child. However you prefer, before or after reading the book – but definitely watch how the character finds himself in the pages and helps color his community by simply gifting them books.