Smithsonian
Nick’s back. Lansing area children’s book artist Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen newest entry for Sleeping Bear Press in Chelsea is at the bookstores. Van Frankenhuyzen, who lives in Bath Michigan, has once again helped create a wonderful alphabet book, “S is for the Smithsonianâ€, which explores America’s “atticâ€.
The book, authored by Marie and Roland Smith of Portland Oregon, provides both a picture book feel for younger children and text which will enable older children to explore the book on their own. Children and likely their parents will learn about more common exhibits such as the Amelia Earhart display in the Air and Space Museum to the Wizard of Menlo Park (Thomas Edison), but also some fascinating tidbits about some of the more obscure exhibits.
With interest high on the Smithsonian as a result of the “Night at the Museum†movies this book should be popular for anyone who may be visiting the Smithsonian soon. It’s easy to see how a book like this could be adapted to new media with interactive sessions on line. Frankenhuyzen’s illustrations seem to be getting better with each book he does. That’s not say they were ever bad. The illustrations especially the animals jump off the page. Visit the Van Frankenhuyzen website by clicking here. And read an interview with Van Frankenhuyzen by clicking here.
