Miz Berlin Walks

By Jane Yolen

Book Overview

Powerhouses Jane Yolen and Floyd Cooper come together to tell this heartwarming story of an unexpected friendship.

Every evening, old as she is, Miz Berlin walks down the long block, past Mary Louise's house, talking to herself. One day Mary Louise catches up to Miz Berlin and walks with her. She is spellbound by the stories the old woman tells: block-long stories and two-day stories about how she caught crawdaddies the day the sky rained feathers, or about the day the flood rose right to her front door. Now every evening, Mary Louise walks with Miz Berlin, then runs on home, stuffed full of her own stories to tell.

"This poignant book conveys through simple words the power of stories to build bridges between two very different people."--Booklist

"Yolen is pitch-perfect in her delivery of this tender tale."--Publishers Weekly

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0698118456
• ISBN13: 9780698118454
• Release Date: December 2000
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.0" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 3 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Sweet and touching.

This is a book about a young girl - except, judging by the narration, I suspect that she's intended to be quite old at the time of the story, we just don't see that - who makes friends with the old woman who walks down the block every afternoon. And every day the woman tells stories - true stories, tall tales, you name it. And the girl goes home and tells her doll so she can remember. Until Miz Berlin doesn't show up, and doesn't finish her story. We're told that she broke her hip, and eventually she dies. But it's clear from the narration that there's acceptance there. It's a realistic story about death, I do believe. Definitely recommended for any child starting to understand the concept of mortality.

Enjoyable for all generations

An evening stroll engenders an unexpected friendship between an elderly woman, and a young girl. The elderly lady (Miz Berlin) recounts her childhood through beautifully creative stories which capture the imagination of the young girl and further ignites her curiosity about her elderly friend. The book's soft and poignant illustrations reveal the innocent spirit of the young girl's imaginings and gently draws the reader into the fantasy. I think adults and children - young girls especially - will enjoy reading Miz Berlin Walks. It is a tender, touching story that should be shared amongst all generations.