Tumford the Terrible
I recently read Tumford the Terrible by Nancy Tillman. I really enjoyed the book and I wanted to take a moment to tell you why! Now yes, I am a grownup and this is a children's book... or is it? I think there are lessons for young and old in this delightful, richly illustrated book. First off, the story of Tumford, a plump, black and white cat with bright yellow eyes, has a sing-songy nature that captured my interest from the very beginning. It's very "Dr. Seuss" in its presentation and there is comfort in its message: No, love is a thing that just happens, you see... like the way I love you and the way you love me. What an absolutely lovely message! You can't help but look at the person that you're reading the book to and gush as a wave of warmth, happiness, and good will pours over you. Tumford is a story of redemption....