How to use this Page

Dream Something Big: The Story of the Watts Towers by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Susan L. Roth, Dial, $17.99, ages 5-8, 40 pages. 2011. An Italian immigrant puts Watts, California, on the map when he builds 17 towers of art in this magical true tale of what one person can accomplish. Narrated by a neighbor girl, the story tells of reclusive sculptor Sam (Simon) Rodia, who in 1921 began erecting a monument to the country that gave him freedom and inspired him to dream. It took Rodia ("Uncle Sam" to neighbors, though few ever knew him) 34 years to build these "candy-covered castles" on a modest triangular lot in Watts, a working-class neighborhood in South L.A.  All 17 were was crafted by hand -- without drawings, plans or a single nail, bolt or ladder -- and mostly at night after work. Among them: six-story-high towers, fountains, flowers, birdbaths and a ship honoring Marco Polo. Rodia used rebar and wire mesh to build the structures, then attached a rainbow of tiles, pottery, sea shells and glass with cement. He'd chip the objects into triangles, believing them to be the strongest shapes. When done, Rodia inscribed his name and the words, "a village for the world," then abruptly left Watts, leaving a deed to the property to a neighbor. In a neighborhood known for one of the most severe riots in L.A. history, Watts Towers is a beacon of community, not to mention a historic landmark and now, a place kids can travel to without leaving their library. Roth's soft, textural collages richly suite the subject; at times photographs of the real towers seem indistinguishable from her art (a masterpiece of cloth, paper, photographed plates and shells, and string). Stunning to look at and lyrically told, this ode to a dreamer is sure to be a Caldecott contender.

The Mysteries of Angkor Watt: Exploring Cambodia's Ancient Temple (Traveling Photographer), written and photographed by Richard Sobol, Candlewick, $17.99, ages 4-8, 48 pages, 2011. In this captivating travel book, a photographer follows his dream to visit the mysterious ruins of Angkor Watt and returns with an enchanting secret whispered in his ear. While on a trip to Cambodia in 2007, Sobol meets local children who offer to share their special place at the temple. They call it, the "doo nee soo," and they tell Sobol that few people know about, even though many walk past it. Over the next few weeks, Sobol climbs, crawls and meanders through the temple, waiting for a chance to meet up with the children. Then on hi

Add a Comment