New Year: I'm BACK after a long hiatus.

     It's been awhile since I've blogged.  My apologies to readers who thought that Librarian At Large must have dropped off the face of the earth or just buried in books that getting to a laptop was nearly impossible. Neither of the two scenarios happened but what has transpired was a new job, going back to school and a thing called life.  Nevertheless, suffice it to say the new year has brought on a new resolve.  To the naysayers who have tried to make me feel better about being MIA and informing me, with the best intentions, that blogging was so 1990's.   It has been replaced by podcasts and YouTube channels.  While their advice almost convinced me, my mind kept thinking, "Oh, yes.  Just as TV shows, movies have replaced books and reading in general."     I've since rediscovered the one key piece of advice that has served me well over the years.  It's as simple as this.  As long as there is a desire for the creator to create, there will be others who will enjoy the work.  With this in mind, there were be a little change in blogging format, a website to help finance my work and if it seems feasible by the summer a podcast which will highlight summer reading programs and readings.   All of this will have the sole purpose of promoting  reading for all ages.  Which has been my passion since Day one. 

    To get us off on the right foot, I do have a book suggestion that is a quick read and tells a story that is similar to the Alchemist.  It has the feel of a fable that makes the reader contemplate not only what the nameless main character is saying but also a reflection on one's own view of ourselves and the expectations we have.   I discovered this book while browsing through Barnes and Noble.  Once in a while they have great treasures that causes me to wonder how this book had evaded my view before now.  Perhaps, this is the book that was meant for a particular moment and time.  At this moment, it is the right time for this fable. 

The Boy, The Mole, The fox and the Horse by Charlie Makesy delivers a simple but much needed message to the this world we live in.  One can call it a picture book for adults.  There's nothing wrong with that, who says that only children should enjoy picture books?  This tale can be read in under an hour but the message is long-lasting.  Kindness. Friendship. Love.  The three simple acts that are needed to make the world a better place.  The boy asked questions of each of his friends, the mole, the fox and the horse, and each one of them give him an answer that sums up the purpose of life.  It is a gentle reminder that each one of us needs  these ingredients in our own lives.  Kindness, not only given to us but to give to others.  Friendship, not only to receive a friend but to be a friend. Oh, and love.  The most important ingredient that binds everything together.  

If I had one complaint about the book is that the font style, while it is artsy and gives a "fantasy" feel, at times it made for difficult reading.  However, that is minor compared to how this story leaves the reader.  It is the quiet, thoughtful, reflections that is perfect to begin the new year.  It is also a great gift to give to someone who is about to embark on a new chapter of their life.  I want to give this to my students who have been sheltered in the bubble called "school" and will be making their way into the world. To begin their own adventures.  The message of this book is one that will carry them though their smaller and biggest challenges.    

They say never to judge a book by its cover, but this cover is what made me believe that reading this book would be worthwhile.  Sometimes are there are exceptions to the rule.