The Return of Don Freeman | Touch and Go

Don Freeman is the author of many titles beloved by children, now out of print. Lucky for this generation of picture book fans, Auryn is bringing back the author's works in digital format.
For many people the name Don Freeman conjures up an image of a bear named Corduroy, longing for a home and a girl named Lisa looking for a friend. For others, it's his books Dandelion or A Rainbow of My Own. Freeman is the author of many books beloved by children, now out of print. Lucky for this generation of picture-book fans, Auryn is bringing them back in digital format. Along with Hattie the Backstage Bat and Flash the Dash, The Chalk Box Story and Come Back, Pelican have joined their list. Imagine a box containing eight pieces of chalk, each one itching to tell a story. Don Freeman did just that more than 35 years ago in a darling book in which each colorful stick brings a scene to life. Unavailable in print, The Chalk Box Story (Auryn, $3.99; PreS-2) lives on in digital format. In this engaging and interactive edition, children can control each piece of chalk as it contributes color to the wordless story. Hotspots suggest which color to select and outlines appear on objects as the pastels get to work their magic on the sky, an island, a boy, a turtle, a stick, a ship, a flag, and a message of “Help Me.” Before or after a turtle arrives at the island, takes the little boy off to sea on its back, and returns, users can add a variety of animated creatures and objects to the picture while the sounds of waves are heard in the background. Children can reuse the various chalks by tapping on them, and there’s even an eraser. The illustrations match Freeman’s original work; some would argue that the interactivity enhances his story. The narration can be switched on or off; when it's on, words are highlighted as they are read. The story is brief, but children are sure to request multiple readings and opportunities to color the illustrations and add animation.–Debbie Whitbeck, Technology West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI Freeman’s Come Again, Pelican (Auryn, $3.99; Lite Version, Free; PreS-Gr 2), first published in 1961, tells of a seaside adventure shared by a pelican and a young boy on his annual family vacation. Early in the day, Ty goes fishing in view of the familiar pelican, who teaches him a few fishing techniques; the fun ends when the bird flies off and one of the boy’s red wading boots is washed away by the receding tide. Using his newly learned fishing skills, Ty snags the second boot before it goes out to sea. At the end of the day, the child reunites with his winged friend, who presents the boy with his lost boot. In turn, Ty gives the pelican the first fish he's caught. That evening, when relating his day’s adventures, Ty compares the motions of the tide to the comings and goings of the pelican. Readers can record their own narration, and alter the text to allow for personalized storytelling. Navigation is simple; an icon of a camper brings readers to the main menu, and a red boot, to an index of pages. Font size is a bit on the small size for viewing and tapping. Spoken words appear when the illustrations, which are bathed in sunset colors, are touched. There's no animation. This app is a welcome update to Don Freeman’s story, though with fewer pages. In a school setting, share Come Again, Pelican to explore themes of friendship or family traditions, as an example of a story written with a reflective ending, or pair it with informational texts about pelicans or coastal ecosystems.–Karen Jeremiah, Librarian, Mary Scroggs Elementary, Chapel Hill–Carrboro City Schools, NC  

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