Mel Fell is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor, published on February 2, 2021, by Balzer + Bray, a HarperCollins imprint. It focuses on Mel, a kingfisher, as she attempts her first flight. The book was received positively, and was the recipient of a Caldecott Honor in 2022.
.jpg) Front cover showing Caldecott Honor | |
| Author | Corey R. Tabor |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Corey R. Tabor |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Picture book |
| Publisher | Balzer + Bray |
Publication date | February 2, 2021 |
| Pages | 40 |
| Awards | Caldecott Honor |
| ISBN | 978-0-06-287801-4 |
Reception edit
Publishers Weekly gave the book a starred review and praised the technique utilized by Tabor for the illustrations, commenting how they are "alive with wonderful textures and soft colors."[1] Kirkus Reviews noted that the story, about a kingfisher plummeting towards the water below her, has a vertical format that "prompts readers to look longitudinally at each spread," which "inspires both excitement and anxiety."[2] They concluded by saying the book could inspire young readers "to feel brave, to try, and to believe they can soar."[2]
Kate Quealy-Gainer, writing for the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, commented on the book's narration, which they considered to be "lively," and the illustrations, which "confer buoyant energy."[3] Julie Danielson, for The Horn Book Magazine, called Mel Fell a "playful and innovatively designed book" and added that having to turn the book to read it makes the story "even more dramatic."[4]
Mel Fell was chosen by the American Library Association as one of its "Notable Children's Books" of 2021[5] and was also the recipient of a Caldecott Honor.[6]
In 2022, the Weston Woods Studios released a 7 minute long animated film adaptation, narrated by Noah Wall with animation by Galen Fott.[7][8]
References edit
- ^ "Children's Book Review: Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
- ^ a b "MEL FELL". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
- ^ Quealy-Gainer, Kate (January 2021). "Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor". Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. 74 (5): 235. doi:10.1353/bcc.2020.0881. S2CID 242564192.
- ^ Danielson, Julie (March–April 2021). "Mel Fell". The Horn Book Magazine. 97 (2): 75.
- ^ "Notable Children's Books - 2022". Association for Library Service to Children. 30 November 1999. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
- ^ Sullivan, Meghan Collins (January 24, 2022). "'The Last Cuentista' and 'Watercress' win top children's book awards". NPR. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
- ^ Knapp, Maggie (November 2022). "DVDs". School Library Journal. 68 (11): 40.
- ^ "Mel Fell". Cactus Film Festival (in Italian). Retrieved March 10, 2024.