Harald Krahnke Krahnke itibaren Dunsop Bridge, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 3BE, UK
Greg Bear tackles evolution, giving us an engaging biological fiction story. The author's proposed mechanism for a "speciation event" is definitely linked to "sexual selection" but probably not in the way Darwin meant it. An engaging novel, but not as deep and convoluted as some of Bear's other novels. The writing is not as challenging, stylistically, as some of his other works (Queen of Angels comes to mind). There is plenty of tension, but this is not an action-oriented novel. I intend to read the sequel, Darwin's Children. Recommended for young adult+. Folks with a strong attachment to conservative religious and cultural values should probably give it a pass.
1948 Caldecott Medal Winner I think this one is also water color, but it's very dark. Lots of gray and primary colors. The style is abstract, of which I guess I'm not really a fan. The people look odd--their bright red skin makes them look horribly sun-burned. Some of the language rhymes nicely and there is some good imagery, but the story in itself isn't all that interesting. A town prepares for snow, then enjoys it (some of them, anyway), and finally it melts. Yay. I had to laugh, though, when "the postman put on his rubbers" (boots). Haha. I'm so immature.