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Sunday, November 07, 1999 By Lisa Dennis
In a world of trademarks, tie-ins and taglines, it's fun to find an author who's written a variety of very different books. Not that Cynthia Rylant is a writer just waiting to be discovered. On the contrary, she's written more than 60 books so far.
Odds are good you've seen or read at least one of Rylant's books. From thoughtful novels to playful picture books, easy readers, short stories, autobiography and even poetry, her words open up new worlds for readers of all ages.
Several of them are award-winners: "Missing May" (Orchard Books, $14.95, ages 12 and up), a moving story about loss and the power of love, won the Newbery Medal in 1993. "A Fine White Dust" (Simon & Schuster, $16, ages 12 and up) addresses issues of religious faith and was a Newbery Honor title in 1987. Both books approach serious subjects with delicacy and honesty -- and with respect for her readers' ability to handle tough topics.
Her first picture book, "When I Was Young in the Mountains" (Dutton, $14.95, ages 7-9), illustrated by Diane Goode and published in 1982, was a Caldecott Honor book. So was "The Relatives Came" (Bradbury, $16, ages 6-8), an exuberant look at a joyous family reunion with colorful illustrations by Stephen Gammell. These people practically leap off the page and invite you to share their good time.
Despite her many awards, Rylant is most recognizable, by many people, as the creator of the "Henry and Mudge" series, illustrated by Suçie Stevenson. Written for new readers, these books show that simple stories need not be predictable, repetitive or dull.
The first volume, "Henry and Mudge" (Simon & Schuster, $14, ages 7-9), published in 1987, introduces readers to an apple-cheeked, tousle-headed young boy and his big, lovable, drooly dog. Other books feature camp-outs, cousins, crackers (Mudge loves them), seasonal fun, scary times and the nerve-wracking experience of obedience school (Mudge does well, to Henry's surprise).
The newest book, "Henry and Mudge and the Snowman Plan" (Scholastic, $14, ages 6-8) is the 18th volume of their adventures. Old fans and new readers will welcome it. And they'll be glad to know that Rylant plans to write many more books about these appealing characters.
Another series aimed at young readers features Poppleton the pig, comically pictured by Mark Teague. Chapter-book series for older children include the "Mr. Putter and Tabby" titles, illustrated by Arthur Howard, and stories about "The Cobble Street Cousins," small volumes decorated with delicate drawings by Wendy Anderson Halperin.
For the very youngest listeners, Rylant has created a series of board books about common objects and experiences. Rylant's own artwork decorates these "Everyday" books with simple, block-like images in bright colors.
Yet even in these very brief stories there is ample evidence of her attention to language. Rhyming sentences contain vivid descriptions, amusing details and comforting concepts. Her "Everyday House" (Bradbury Press, $4.95, ages 6 months to 2 years), for example, is home to "cookies in its kitchen and ducks in its bath," as well as a "little brown bear" who rests on the bed. It's the presence of a family, however that "makes it all just right."
Whether writing realistic stories about people, pets and everyday events or describing the quirky adventures of Poppleton or Mr. Putter, Rylant's writing reminds us of the importance of little things.
Rylant knows the pleasures of simplicity, the comfort of companionship and the joy to be found in overcoming obstacles. A belief in the value of apparently insignificant individuals also permeates many of her books, as does her deep personal faith.
One of the most comforting of these is the picture book "Dog Heaven" (Blue Sky Press, $14.95, all ages). The matter-of-fact text describes heaven as a place where dogs have plenty of room to run and plenty of food to eat and where every dog who "had no real home on Earth" is given one.
Rylant's naive, brightly colored paintings show readers and listeners a tidy, cozy paradise filled with fields for running and ducks for chasing. It's also populated with angel children who love and pet the dogs.
"Dog Heaven" looks like a pleasant place to be. And, not surprisingly, it looks a little bit like the world that Rylant describes when she writes about her childhood in West Virginia.
Readers see glimpses of that world in "Miss Maggie" (Dutton, $13.99, ages 6-8), another of Rylant's early picture books. It's the focus of "Appalachia: The Voices of Singing Birds" (Harcourt, Brace and Co., $16, all ages), a recent collection of brief essays and sensitive, realistic illustrations. And it's also the setting for "Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story" (Orchard, $16.95, ages 6-8).
The autobiographical "But I'll Be Back Again: An Album" (Orchard, $15.95, ages 10 and up) was written when Rylant tired of making public appearances. She still wanted a way to share her childhood experiences with young readers, and this slim volume reveals the answers to many questions. Although it lacks illustrations, it is as firmly set in that same special place as any of her picture books.
One of Rylant's newest books is "The Heavenly Village" (Scholastic/Blue Sky Press, $15.95, ages 12 and up). Focusing on growth, faith and love, it flows naturally out of her previous work. Published as a children's book, it seems likely that more adults will read and enjoy it.
The premise is simple. Some souls, bound too tightly to their earthly experiences, aren't ready for heaven. And so a way station of sorts has been created for them.
Rylant shares the stories of seven of the Heavenly Village's inhabitants in brief, intertwined chapters. Some readers may find the stories sentimental, clichéd or contrived.
But there is a sweetness about these characters and a sincerity about the faith that shapes Rylant's vision. And for readers who are willing to suspend their disbelief, there is comfort in her vision of a caring deity, a cozy halfway home on the way to heaven, and a chance at completion -- or redemption.
Cynthia Rylant says, "Of everything I've written, I hope these words [in "The Heavenly Village"] will last." Whether it's this book that lingers in your memory, or Barry Moser's evocative paintings from "Appalachia," or the image of a friendly, loving God, peering from behind a tree to watch the dogs at play, I guarantee that you will find something of Rylant's that lasts.
Lisa Dennis is children's librarian at the Mount Washington Branch of the Carnegie Library.
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