Working to promote peace and wellness for our planet and people
by Jenn
The Fairy
Gothmother: A Collection of Cautionary Tales
" . . . Jenn Preston Chushcoff is a gifted poet, storyteller and artist. If the Brothers Grimm had a sister, it would be Jenn. Her lively, atmospheric writing makes it hard to put this book down once you’ve opened it.
One of my many favorite parts is from LITTLE LUCY POPPLETRED, a stubborn girl who refuses to sleep or go to bed:
As Lucy watched her favorite shows
Her mind began to decompose.
With bugged out eyes and slimy drool
She caught the bus and went to school.
Her skin was pale and cold as snow.
She kicked a ball and lost her toe!
Jenn has deftly combined the talents of Arthur Rackham, J.J. Grandville and others to create the perfect mix of illustrations to bring this book to life. Biographies of the illustrators is also included.
As a children’s book author and former children’s librarian, I highly recommend adding this book to your collection and giving it as gifts for birthdays, Halloween and other special occasions. Afterall, who doesn’t like a little bone-chilling, heart-thrilling fun!"
-Marcia Crews, author of THREE BEARS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
The stories here have all the hallmarks of fairytales of old, and the poems boldly close the door on time itself and retreat to a domain of primordial shadows where epics and archetypes are cast. Her style hearkens to the wry, acerbic wit of Edward Gorey, the descriptive atmosphere of Edgar Allen Poe, and the cadence of Dr. Seuss. More than educational, more than cautionary, more than descriptive, this book is FUN in the way that it peers beneath the veil of dowdy, stoic Victorian recitations of nightmares and celebrates the intelligence, sense of play and wonder shared by the child in all of us.
-Justin Teerlinck, author of FINDING YOUR WAY: Building Hopes and Dreams
“Snowflakes spin and do loopy-de-loops on the page of this magical tribute to one of nature's most dazzling creations and the photographer who first captured them on film. Wilson A. Bentley, also known as "The Snowflake Man," discovered that no two snowflakes look exactly the same, and just as in real life, every snowflake in the book looks unique -- and as sparkly and perfect as you'd hope for. Dusted with glitter, the snowflakes fall against backgrounds of cool-weather blues and grays, as Chushcoff describes their playful descent. "They look like lace and fine cut jewels falling. They tickle your tongue and land on the snowman's nose," she writes, as images of red mittens and a snowman appear off to the side. Then, just as quickly, the air can warm and the tiny masses of ice crystals disappear. "Watch the miracle before they melt," she urges from the page.
On one page, cutouts of snowflakes open against turning discs printed with their likeness, creating a sensation that snowflakes are tumbling head-over-heels from the clouds. On another page, a snowflake as ornamental as a doily opens in the book's fold and blossoms like a peony, as other flakes, some as small as sequins, fall about white trunks of trees. Most of the book's seven displays include smaller fold-outs with their own moving snowflakes, where Chushcoff elaborates on Bentley's legacy and the challenge of capturing such a fleeting little design. Any child who loves to snip and fold paper into cutout snowflakes will be hopping up and down to see every pop-up unfold.”
Where the Best Books Are! Blog
Snowflakes: A Pop-Up
“...spare but sparkly text....In addition to the poetic narrative, “Snowflakes” also contains a written sketch of the real-life Snowflake Man. As a Vermont teenager, Wilson A. Bentley was the first person ever to photograph a snowflake...”
The News Tribune
Amazing!, 5.0 out of 5 stars, By Joseph Chagan
“I saw this book before it's release at an industry event and it's stunning. So well made and beautifully designed. I've been waiting for it to come out. I highly recommend it. Great gift item.”
AMAZING BOOK!! 5.0 out of 5 stars, By katyrose
“My family and I love this book! Snowflakes are brought to life visually and through the beautiful words written by Jennifer Preston Chushcoff. I would recommend this book to everyone! My one year old son loves it and so does my husband and I. It's a keepsake.”
Beautiful, 5.0 out of 5 stars, By Karen
“My mother got my sister a pop-up book every year for Christmas since she was a little girl, my sister is now 40 years old. My mother passed away 6 months ago and I wanted to get my sister a special pop-up book this year. I am so happy that I ordered this book because this is one of the most beautiful pop-up books I have ever seen. The art work is so delicate and has great movement to it. I am sure my sister will absolutely love it and will probably be moved to tears as I was when she reads it. Thank you so much for a beautiful book!”
Fantasy Wonderland Just In Time for the Holidays, 5.0 out of 5 stars,
By Searchlight
“A beautiful book just in time for the holidays! Gorgeous, lush landscapes leap from the pages as you turn, accompanied by the lines of a beautiful poem and packed with snowflake facts for the wondrous geek in all of us. Pop-ups sure have come a long way since I was a kid.”
A beautiful book!, 5.0 out of 5 stars, By mwood
“We purchased two copies of this book for two of our youngest grandchildren as Christmas gifs. Upon receipt of the books, however, we decided that we will hold them until next Christmas as we believe these two children are a little too young (1-year old and an 18-month old) to truly appreciate the BEAUTY of this book. As an adult, I don't believe I've ever seen a publication as mesmerizing as this book! An immense amount of time and ingenuity had to go into the making of the book and I believe once the kids are a little older, they will be able to better appreciate it. It's a book that can easily be enjoyed by both children and adults, year after year. We're very pleased with our purchase!!!”
Just Beautiful!, 5.0 out of 5 stars, By Ellen Su
“This pop-up is appropriate for all ages. It is truly beautiful and amazing... and one page (of circular cutouts) just bounces and sparkles for several seconds after it is opened. I bought one of these for my 86 year old aunt after I got one for my 12 year old granddaughter and saw how intricate it was. I can hardly wait for her reaction. . . ."
Incredible, 5.0 out of 5 stars, By D. Pozz
“Quite simply, this book is amazing. It is a true work of art that is a must have for anyone with a pop-up collection, or just someone who loves snowflakes and their whimsy.”
Just beautiful, 5.0 out of 5 stars, By Heather Graham
“Snowflakes are surely part of the fantastic in real life, part of the wonder that we can feel, young and old alike. The beautiful craftsmanship in this book recreates a sense of wonder--and awe. It's an amazing gift book.”
Beautiful Snowflakes, 5.0 out of 5 stars, By nihorol
“We purchased 2 of these books for our granddaughters, ages 3 and 5. We were amazed by the story and the unique design quality of the pop-ups. We oohed and aahed, but the girls really were amazed! Great gift book.”
Magical!, 5.0 out of 5 stars, By Ali
“We received this book as a gift for our two year old daughter. It is truly magical and beyond any pop up book I've ever seen. It is a little delicate and isn't a book I would allow my daughter to "explore" on her own until she is a little older and would be a bit more careful with the pages. It is a book a child can enjoy at any age. The pages are beautiful, the main story sweet and the facts about snow are interesting for older children and adults!”
Amazon reviews
“No child will complain about receiving "just" a book with "Snowflakes: A Pop-Up Book" by Tacoma-area author Jennifer Preston Chushcoff. The elaborate, glittery pop-up snowflake creations by Yevgeniya Yeretskaya will dazzle readers and guarantee a white Christmas (at least under the tree). Chushcoff augments simple lines of text with almost hidden boxes of bonus information about photographer Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley, adding to its appeal for older children.”
Seattle Times