Flatland - Tapa dura

K-Gr3--Owuza arrives in Flatland as a simple circle, with vibrant, multicolored asymmetrical eyes, and develops a body as he grows, much as a fertilized egg evolves. With a lot to learn, he negotiates his way around, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of this new home floating in the universe. In getting to know the other inhabitants, he soon forgot the time before he came to Flatland and takes great pleasure in creating and building with new friends. At times, he wonders if there is anything beyond here but doesn't consider this possibility often, as he's happy with his life. One morning, his friends awaken to find that Owuza is nowhere to be found. Turning to one another for consolation, they understand that, though he's gone, he lives on in them and their lives have been enriched for knowing him. Emberley's distinctive luminous illustrations on black backgrounds depict Owuza growing and changing as he learns about his surroundings and shares his love. His abrupt departure may trouble some readers, while others may find comfort in knowing he came from somewhere else and has left this home for another place.--Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI "School Library Journal" (1/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

[Flatland], vibrant with imagery reminiscent of aboriginal dream time paintings, simply and reassuringly addresses loss. An abstract cellular-like speck named Owuza arrives in Flatland and begins to grow and learn, becoming more colorful and complex as he responds to his environment and to the friends he meets. When Owuza eventually leaves for whatever lies beyond Flatland's 'edges and endings, ' his friends find that he remains a part of them and they realize that they, too, can see beyond endings and 'reach past the edges of Flatland.'--Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI "Parents' Choice Awards, Recommended Book" (1/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

Fans of Rebecca Emberley's artwork will recognize the effective design of colorful scenes (as if from roughly cut pieces of construction paper) from her earlier books. ... Flatland is a touching tale that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.--Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI "San Francisco Book Review" (1/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Through a poetic fusion of elements from string theory and spirituality, out of Flatland emerges a simple but profound tale that renders transcendent concepts understandable to youthful and open minds alike. A must for inquisitive readers and listeners of all ages!"--Adel Ghaderi B.Ph., Ph.D., MIT "San Francisco Book Review" (1/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

Recommended for ages 4 and up and grade level of Kindergarten to 3rd grade.

From first time children's author David Sayre and award-winning illustrator Rebecca Emberley comes a story of our place in the universe as experienced by Owuza and his Flatlander friends. Follow along as they explore Flatland and its limits, discovering themselves in the process. This story may take you beyond your ordinary experience and open discussion about where "here" is, what is out "there," and what happens when people and things we love are no longer where we can see them. Emberley's gorgeous, tapestry-like depictions of Flatland are a perfect foil for Sayre's deep, yet simple story.