Fantasy/Folklore, historical, storytelling, international book that was translated from Dutch to English.This was a very interesting read about 2 children who have special gifts. Mee is the singer of sorrows. He sings others' stories to heal pain after someone passes away. He is sought by many families after a loved one dies to sing at funerals or memorial services. Mee is able to figure out right away how the families feel and begins singing the sadness and pain away.Mitou, who was born on the same day/hour as Mee, is the merrymaker. She plays an accordion, dances and sings songs to cheer families up. She wears bright clothing too. When Mitou plays her accordion everyone leaves the fields, the classroom, the mill (whereever they are) to play and dance. Both Mee and Mitou travel across the country helping people. For most of the book they individually help families (such as a seaman, horse master, lieutenant, army captain, etc), but eventually meet up to help a princess who stares into a mirror all day.Beautiful language and a book I can see upper elementary and MS kids enjoying. I thought this was lovely. The storytelling is superb. It was fun reading it after having listened to a USBBY session on it at ALA. The individual stories told throughout are lovely, atmospheric, poetic, and thought provoking. The final resolution of the relationship between Me and Mitou at the end of the book was a bit abrupt and not completely convincing to me --- I needed more of Mitou to balance all I knew about Me. Otherwise the book is delightful.
What do You think about Koningsdochter, Zeemanslief (2005)?
A quick, sweet read. Check this one out if you're in the mood for a happy, feel-good ending.
—Harsha
this book is so beautiful. it gives you a new outlook on love.
—halszka
Just adorable. I loved it, beginning to end.
—Raul
