Module 1: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore 

by William Joyce

Joyce, W. (2012). The fantastic flying books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.  New York, NY: Antheneum Books for Young Readers.

Does a story ever really end? Or is the end a new beginning?

Summary:

The The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce is a whimsical book about books and the power of language.  From the onset of the book the reader gets the impression that Mr. Lessmore is a lonely soul seeking adventure through the pages of a book.  He embarks on a journey, much in the same way that Dorothy does in The Wizard of OZ.  He is swept away in a frenzied storm of words and is left to wander and wonder what's next.  One day he happens upon a mysterious lady being carried away by books.  She shares one of her magical books with Morris, and thus his journey begins.  He is led to a building of magical books and becomes immersed in their stories, all the while inspired to complete his own life story.

Impressions:

I was taken aback by the beauty and detail in this book.  Not only was the topic interesting, but the book itself was an interesting mix of words, images, and techniques.  I watched the video after reading the book, and must say that both affected me equally.  This is one example where the book and video complement rather than detract or compete with one another.  It effectively pays homage to storytelling and its ability to transcend time and bridge past and present.

Reviews:

From School Library Journal:
Joyce's Academy Award-winning animated short-film-turned-app that celebrates those who care about (and receive nourishment from) books is, ironically, now a picture book. The wonder and mystery inherent in the wordless film and the ability to manipulate the visuals and play the soundtrack on the app's piano beg the question: Can the bookcompete? As it turns out, the book has its own rewards. Clarity comes from Joyce's well-chosen words. In the opening on a New Orleans balcony, readers learn that Morris "loved words…stories…books." Every day he would "write of his joys and sorrows, of all that he knew and everything that he hoped for." When an Oz-like storm turns everything topsy-turvy, the melancholy man in the pork-pie hat spots a lady held aloft by a "festive squadron of flying books." Her gift leads Morristo a book-filled sanctuary set in a landscape staged and lit like a Maxfield Parrish painting. He tends to the volumes, distributing favorites to visitors, whose once-gray bodies blossom with color. Every life and story ends, and those struggling with their own goodbyes (and yearnings about printed books) may find comfort in seeing the fading elder revert to his younger self in order to be transported by the joyful squadron-just as a little girl arrives to choose Morris's story. The author's motivations (explained on the flap) will resonate with adults in the reading business. The best part? Lingering quietly while savoring the atmospheric scenes of Joyce's narrative vignette.

Citation:
Lukehart, W. (2012). The fantastic flying books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. School Library Journal, 58(8), 78. 

From Library Media Connection:
Mr. Morris Lessmore is a booklover who loses his precious book collection in a storm. As he wanders among the devastating effects of the storm, he is urged to follow a book that leads him to a building filled with numerous volumes that are alive. As time passes, his daily interaction with the books inspires Morris to once again record his own thoughts and feelings. Joyce's memorable character leaves his readers with the message that stories imprint upon our hearts, have healing power, and live on. The artwork is beautifully matched with the text but is worthy of standing on its own to tell this extraordinary tale. Book lovers of all ages will want to have a copy of this picture book in their collections, it is sure to become a classic.

Citation:
Merrill, A. (2012). The fantastic flying books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Library Media Connection, 31(3), 60.          

Library Activity:

Since this book's central theme is about the power of a good story, it's an excellent choice to launch a school-wide storytelling festival.  Because this book was a short film first, it's also a good opportunity to discuss how a story may be told in many formats, not just a book.  Students may share their stories orally, through the use of visuals, or in picture book format during the festival.