Saturday, March 30, 2019
10:00 am EDT - 11:00 am EDT
Description
Mr. Mehan’s Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals tells the story—through captivating poems and breathtaking paintings—of the adventure of two friends, the Dally and the Blug.
Their jolly journey through an alphabet of mythical mammals unites the bright and bumbling Blug and the dear but downhearted Dally, who come to learn a thing or two about good, evil, courage, humor, sadness, hope . . . and how to govern their spirits and truly love their fellow mammals.
While written to delight Middle Grade readers ages 8 to 12, this beautiful, haunting book has much that will surprise and delight everyone! The adventures of these amusing and mischievous mythical mammals, will re-awaken a wonder and love for humanity and nature in readers of all ages.
These delightful poems and stunning oil paintings lead readers on a rollicking journey with two friends, the Dally and Blug, who face the dangers of sadness and loneliness. And together they learn what it means to be truly happy!
And look closely for one real mammal that is sadly on the verge of extinction, and sing along with the original song that may help to save it.
Kind readers take note! Inside you will find…
- 26 Mythical Mammals, with one poem for each letter of the alphabet.
- 26 oil paintings complementing the story.
- 26 full color letter block illustrations, featuring many clever details and puns for all the letters, A through Z.
- A curious glossary for tricky words and phrases.
- A treasure hunt guide in the back to discover the many mysteries hidden in the poems and the art…all for re-readable enjoyment!
What people are saying
“Matthew Mehan has produced a beautiful book which will inspire its readers – both the young and young at heart. It comes from a long and honorable tradition. Like William Roscoe’s poem, of 1802, The Butterfly Ball and Grasshopper’s Feast and Hilaire Belloc’s Edwardian Cautionary Tales for Children, Meehan’s Mammals will stand the test of time, be treasured by children, and handed on to their own.
Ever since Aesop collected his Fables, we have understood that by entertaining and captivating a child we can also educate and enlighten. In the Jewish “fox fables” of Berechiah ha-Nakdan, the amusing stories of frogs and hares recommends us to trust in God, while Christian legends, like that of St. Francis and the wolf of Gubbio, show us that even the fiercest can be tamed and become gentle. In my favorite poem by G.K.Chesterton, The Donkey, we learn that whatever low view the world has of us we are all exceptional: “When fishes flew and forests walked. Some moment when the moon was blood. And figs grew upon thorn, Then surely I was born.” Matthew Mehan’s Mammals is a worthy addition to this tradition.”
David Alton
Professor the Lord Alton of LiverpoolIndependent Crossbench Member of the House of Lords.
“My friend the admirable Mr. Mehan has written a charming book. I wish it had come along earlier so I could have read it to my son.”
Peggy Noonan
columnist for the Wall Street Journal
About the Speaker
Dr. Matthew Mehan is the Director of Academic Programs for Hillsdale College in Washington D.C. and Assistant Professor of Government for the Van Andel Graduate School of Government.
