The village of Toddlecreek is like any other small village, except that it has its own post ofice, presided over by Vernon Stamps, the postmaster. But then one day, officialdom, the the person of a postal inspector, imposes its rules, changing Toddlecreek Post Office and the village of Toddlecreek forever. Full-color illustrations.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In words that are spare and to the point, the story of Toddlecreek village and its post office unfolds. Postmaster Vernon Stamps was both kind enough to allow his post office to be used as the town's social center, and wise enough to know that even if a less than interesting person repeats the same anecdotes, perhaps there is a duty to listen. Friends were always welcome--a pair of dogs, a retired lumberman, a lonely old lady whose lamp needed fixing. Into this genial hubbub came the steely postal inspector armed with the twin virtues--accuracy and efficiency. Displeased by this communal atmosphere, she closed the post office for good. More than a gathering place was lost: a way of life disappeared, and Toddlecreek was poorer for it. Shulevitz shows himself once again to be a master of the watercolor medium--each painting glows with inner light. This message is at once age-old and timely, but the subtlety of the narrative and the stylization of the art gear this work toward an older audience. All ages.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4-- Dexter Shuffles, Charlie Ax, and Mrs. Woolsox--all of whose names fit them to a tee--regularly visit postmaster Vernon Stamps at the Toddlecreek post office. Here, stories are told, pleasantries are exchanged, merchandise is bartered, and the villagers are comfortable with one another. Even Silken and the Mayor, neigborhood dogs, arrive daily to take their places on the sunny spots on the floor. However, all of this ends when an inspector arrives and decrees that there is not enough offical post office business, and closes the building. Shulevitz's fresh, orderly, yet angular, watercolors, which fill up the right-hand pages in complement to the text on the left, are just right for group sharing. They will also inspire "pore-over" times for one-on-one readers. The appearance of the postal inspector casts a gloom upon that unsuspecting group, and the characters magnificently become wooden in personality and expression, clearly indicating how stunned they are at the news. Both the illustrations--reminiscent of slow, quiet ways--and the original, easily told tale, create a sense of nostalgia, a celebration of simpler times. The best element is the book's absolute success in recalling "what was" and introducing today's children to America's past. Use with Rachel Field's General Store (Greenwillow, 1988), Tracy Pearson's The Storekeeper (Dial, 1988), and Anne Shelby's We Keep a Store (Orchard, 1990) for a more fanciful look at bygone times. --Carolyn Vang Schuler, Monroe County Library System, Rochester, NY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
True Life,
This review is from: Toddlecreek Post Office (Hardcover)
I've spent the last 6 years working in "Toddlecreek Post Office" : there are a number of them in the surrounding areas where I live. It's a sad but true fact that many think we're 'outdated' and 'inefficient' & we'll slip away to become nothing but stories retold by the 'old folk'.
A retiring postmaster acquired a copy of this & has been sending it on a journey for others to read; now we're clamoring to find it. A treasure that I want to have to show my son how life 'used to be'.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Unforgettable,
By Library Gaga (NC) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Toddlecreek Post Office (Hardcover)
I read this book years ago and am still moved by it. It's really a book not only for children but for adults because it speaks to change and loss. And yes, sometimes government brings about these things in its unthinking plod toward whatever it is doing. An unusual book in the best sense.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Toddlecreek Post Office,
This review is from: Toddlecreek Post Office (Hardcover)
I cannot agree with the previous reviewer of this book. Shulevitz does present a nostalgic look at life in small town America and perhaps the postal inspector is villainized a bit. But the message here is that relationship and community are to be valued over "efficiency" and budgets. The ending is sad, but in an increasingly depersonalized America, how can you fault him for a gorgeous book and a heartwarming story that attempts to counter the values of speed, greed and the loss of regional character? One lovely book is a small voice in comparison to the values espoused everyday on television and in advertising. I love his books, because they value the simple and most important pleasures in life and are great conversation starters with a group.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items. |
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
