Munschworks 4: The Fourth Munsch Treasury

I love any book that Robert Munsch writes. I think I have just about every book that he has written. I am retired from the school system and always had storytime with the kids. They always love the Munschworks books best. My grandson and the students I tutor always reached for the Robert Munsch books first.

Best-selling Children's author Robert Munsch has over 35 titles in print. Since his first two books, Mud Puddle and The Dark were published in 1979, he has sold over 31 million books in over ten languages. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Munch studied for seven years to be a Jesuit priest before deciding that he preferred working with children. For five years, he taught in a variety of nursery schools and daycare centres, while studing for an M.A. in early childhood education. In 1975 Munsch and his wife Ann, moved to Canada. Quite amazingly Musch receives fan mail from thousands of youngsters, whom, incidentally, he enjoys personally meeting, however that's a story for another day. Munch is known for his quirky sense of humour and understanding of children's problems. Love You Forever, his best-selling book, published in 1986 (Firefly Books), sold over 16 million copies. In fact, it has been very well received in "retirement communities, where kids are" illegal." Apparently, "grown ups are buying it for grown ups, parents buy it for grandparents, grandparents buy it for parents, and kids buy it for everybody buys it for kids." What a phenomena! Munschworks 4 comprises 5 more stories by North America's best-loved storyteller: 50 Below Zero, The Boy in the Drawer, Moira's Birthday, From Far Away and Millicent and the Wind. 50 Below Zero, illustrated by Michael Martchenko Munsch's books have held a very special place in my heart ever since I discovered him. It is with great pleasure that I revisited Munsch's world in Munschworks 4. Sure to evoke giggles and laughs, 50 Below Zero, Munsch's hero, Jason relishes in repeating my 2 year old grandson's favourite words: "What's that, What's that, What's that"?. The main character, Jason the brave, comes to the rescue of his sleepwalking father, when he meanders all over the house and winds up outdoors in 50 below zero weather. Effectively capturing and complimenting the theme of the story is Michael Martchenko's bright, energetic pen and watercolor images. What particularly attracted my attention was the contrasts between night and day and cold and warm. The pictures will conquer your charges, even if you don't have Munsch's gift for storytelling. Not only is "50 Below Zero" zany, it will surely reinforce the bond between fathers, sons and daughters; it will prove to be a sought after addition to daily story time. The Boy in the Drawer, illustrated by Michael Martchenko. What better way to learn how to clean up then with the amusing character of Shelley. She cleans up and doesn't even know she is being tidy! Munsch unleashes a sunny and wet narrative until Shelley masters tidiness. Simple plot, subtle message and clever humor coupled with strong characters make this story a delightful experience to share with your loved ones. Michael Marchenko captures the expressions of surprise and bewilderment of all the characters. Words that leap to mind are rollicking, roustabout