I sometimes read children’s books, but I have never put one on my blog . . until now.  Philip Stead was given bare bone notes Mark Twain made after reading his daughters this bedtime story.  Johnny, a lonely boy with a good heart and a cruel grandfather, meets an old woman who gives him some seeds.  After eating them, Johnny is able to communicate with all the animals he comes across.  Strategically placed within the story are conversations between Twain and Stead.  The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine is funny and heart-warming with a subtle moral.  The illustrations by Erin Stead are gorgeous-each page is truly a work of art.

This is not the book for every child, but it is ideal for a sensitive intuitive youngster ten years and older.