Weekly book shelf 11/25

Reading to himself:

Beautifully illustrated and written, First Painter tells the story of a young Ice Age girl who believes herself responsible, as Dream Catcher, for bringing life saving rain to her droughted clan. This was an age, we suppose, when art was born of faith driven need, and Lasky does a wonderful job of bringing that time to life. Enjoyable for both children and adults.

Reading together:

Ester, a young girl, discovers an 11,000 year old artifact that becomes a porthole, sending her back to the time when that artifact, a spearhead, was used. During her time spend with the Ice Age clan in Texas she learns about their subsistance way of life, their ways of interacting with each other, and somehard lessons about death, all while seeking a way to get back to her normal time period. This opportunity eventually comes thanks to the spiritual elders at the large multi-clan gathering. Ultimately, Esther learns a respect for the artifacts and history left from which we can learn about those who came before. Calvin and I are both enjoying this book.