What do you think?
Rate this book
The Little Blue Kite
We all have fears, but if we can’t face the small ones how will we face the big ones? Kai is afraid to fly a little blue kite. But Kai is also very, very brave, and overcoming this small fear will lead him on a great adventure.
Remember: all great adventures start with one little moment. You know the one. It’s like a gentle breeze whispering in your ear what you already know by heart:
not even the sky is the limit . . .
Remember: all great adventures start with one little moment. You know the one. It’s like a gentle breeze whispering in your ear what you already know by heart:
not even the sky is the limit . . .
96 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2019
18 people are currently reading
1533 people want to read
About the author
Mark Z. Danielewski
19 books8,309 followersMark Z. Danielewski is an American author best known for his books House of Leaves, Only Revolutions, The Fifty Year Sword, The Little Blue Kite, and The Familiar series.
Danielewski studied English Literature at Yale. He then decided to move to Berkeley, California, where he took a summer program in Latin at the University of California, Berkeley. He also spent time in Paris, preoccupied mostly with writing.
In the early 1990s, he pursued graduate studies at the USC School of Cinema-Television. He later served as an assistant editor and worked on sound for Derrida, a documentary based on the life of the Algerian-born French literary critic and philosopher Jacques Derrida.
His second novel, Only Revolutions, was released in 2006. The novel was a finalist for the 2006 National Book Award.
His novel The Fifty Year Sword was released in the Netherlands in 2005. A new version with stitched illustrations was released in the United States 2012 (including a limited-edition release featuring a latched box that held the book). On Halloween 2010-2012, Danielewski "conducted" staged readings of the book at the REDCAT Theater inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Each year was different and included features such as large-scale shadows, music, and performances from actors such as Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad).
On May 12, 2015, he released the first volume, The Familiar (Volume 1): One Rainy Day in May in his announced 27-volume series The Familiar. The story "concerns a 12-year-old girl who finds a kitten..." The second volume, The Familiar (Volume 2): Into the Forest was released on Oct. 27, 2015, The Familiar (Volume 3): Honeysuckle & Pain came out June 14, 2016, and The Familiar (Volume 4): Hades arrived in bookstores on Feb. 7, 2017, and The Familiar (Volume 5): Redwood was released on Halloween 2017.
His latest release, The Little Blue Kite, is out now.
Quick Facts
He is the son of Polish avant-garde film director Tad Danielewski and the brother of singer and songwriter Annie Decatur Danielewski, a.k.a. Poe.
House of Leaves, Danielewski's first novel, has gained a considerable cult following. In 2000, Danielewski toured with his sister across America at Borders Books and Music locations, promoting Poe’s album Haunted, which reflects elements of House of Leaves.
Danielewski's work is characterized by experimental choices in form, such as intricate and multi-layered narratives and typographical variation.
In 2015, his piece Thrown, a reflection on Matthew Barney's Cremaster 2, appeared on display at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Official "Yarn + Ink" apparel inspired by his books House of Leaves and The Familiar is now available through his official website, Amazon and Etsy.
His latest short story, "There's a Place for You" was released on www.markzdanielewski.com in August 2020.
Read more on his Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Z....
Danielewski studied English Literature at Yale. He then decided to move to Berkeley, California, where he took a summer program in Latin at the University of California, Berkeley. He also spent time in Paris, preoccupied mostly with writing.
In the early 1990s, he pursued graduate studies at the USC School of Cinema-Television. He later served as an assistant editor and worked on sound for Derrida, a documentary based on the life of the Algerian-born French literary critic and philosopher Jacques Derrida.
His second novel, Only Revolutions, was released in 2006. The novel was a finalist for the 2006 National Book Award.
His novel The Fifty Year Sword was released in the Netherlands in 2005. A new version with stitched illustrations was released in the United States 2012 (including a limited-edition release featuring a latched box that held the book). On Halloween 2010-2012, Danielewski "conducted" staged readings of the book at the REDCAT Theater inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Each year was different and included features such as large-scale shadows, music, and performances from actors such as Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad).
On May 12, 2015, he released the first volume, The Familiar (Volume 1): One Rainy Day in May in his announced 27-volume series The Familiar. The story "concerns a 12-year-old girl who finds a kitten..." The second volume, The Familiar (Volume 2): Into the Forest was released on Oct. 27, 2015, The Familiar (Volume 3): Honeysuckle & Pain came out June 14, 2016, and The Familiar (Volume 4): Hades arrived in bookstores on Feb. 7, 2017, and The Familiar (Volume 5): Redwood was released on Halloween 2017.
His latest release, The Little Blue Kite, is out now.
Quick Facts
He is the son of Polish avant-garde film director Tad Danielewski and the brother of singer and songwriter Annie Decatur Danielewski, a.k.a. Poe.
House of Leaves, Danielewski's first novel, has gained a considerable cult following. In 2000, Danielewski toured with his sister across America at Borders Books and Music locations, promoting Poe’s album Haunted, which reflects elements of House of Leaves.
Danielewski's work is characterized by experimental choices in form, such as intricate and multi-layered narratives and typographical variation.
In 2015, his piece Thrown, a reflection on Matthew Barney's Cremaster 2, appeared on display at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Official "Yarn + Ink" apparel inspired by his books House of Leaves and The Familiar is now available through his official website, Amazon and Etsy.
His latest short story, "There's a Place for You" was released on www.markzdanielewski.com in August 2020.
Read more on his Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Z....
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
December 15, 2019
i am a monster.
review to come.
review to come.
October 31, 2019
Mark Z. Danielewski (who I'll call MZD as who wants to repeatedly spell out Danielewski) is a wizard with formal invention and always a joy to read. I have enjoyed all his work immensely with The Familiar being my favorite (and maybe a defining) text (of our increasingly fractured (connected?) world). The Little Blue Kite (TLBK) however is a much more approachable work than either The Familiar or House of Leaves. Despite this approachability, TLBK contains seeds that in the fertile reader’s mind, may just become large oaks of truth. On first glance, it appears straight forward. But this is MZD we are talking about, close attention always rewards. Let's start with the epigraph:
"The great sky is open"
Simple right? Of course then we see that this is a line from the great Zen writer Mumon. Which tells you something about what you are in for. Something that can be read very simply . . . or you can ponder for the rest of your life. And I suppose I should say what the book is about. Well a young boy (Kai) has a fantastically-colored kite. That kite gets destroyed. Kai then receives a blue kite from a mysterious teacher. Of course, Kai doesn't just fly that kite right away, time must past, courage get screwed up, mettle get tested. And ultimately this is the bedrock of the story, how do we re-engage after loss, how do we measure quiet personal panic, and more importantly what larger social value can be found in showing this particular stripe of courage.
Now structurally TLBK is most like a Picture Book, with airy watercolors working to not be subsumed by dark swirling clouds. But it also boasts three different ways to be read (as well as what may or may not be a time-travel subplot hidden in sartorial trickery!). Each path through the book is tiered for a different reading level. For me this is the best feature of the book; it can be read by any age - or more preferably shared amongst different ages. And throughout this experience, this engagement, we are allowed to explore what keeps us ground-bound, stuck in the Murk of the ego, and fear and division. And then, most powerfully, we can entertain the notion of finally being unstuck, flying free.
"The great sky is open"
Simple right? Of course then we see that this is a line from the great Zen writer Mumon. Which tells you something about what you are in for. Something that can be read very simply . . . or you can ponder for the rest of your life. And I suppose I should say what the book is about. Well a young boy (Kai) has a fantastically-colored kite. That kite gets destroyed. Kai then receives a blue kite from a mysterious teacher. Of course, Kai doesn't just fly that kite right away, time must past, courage get screwed up, mettle get tested. And ultimately this is the bedrock of the story, how do we re-engage after loss, how do we measure quiet personal panic, and more importantly what larger social value can be found in showing this particular stripe of courage.
Now structurally TLBK is most like a Picture Book, with airy watercolors working to not be subsumed by dark swirling clouds. But it also boasts three different ways to be read (as well as what may or may not be a time-travel subplot hidden in sartorial trickery!). Each path through the book is tiered for a different reading level. For me this is the best feature of the book; it can be read by any age - or more preferably shared amongst different ages. And throughout this experience, this engagement, we are allowed to explore what keeps us ground-bound, stuck in the Murk of the ego, and fear and division. And then, most powerfully, we can entertain the notion of finally being unstuck, flying free.
August 22, 2019
Talk about a book that's got something for people of all ages. A beautiful story, told in three ways. That's not counting what the art has to tell you, either.
December 4, 2019
No one has ever impressed me by hiding the name of a major collaborator until the last page. The name of artist Regina M. Gonzalez is not noted anywhere on the cover, title page or verso page. Danielewski is also credited for art, and I have to wonder if he drew the hideous figure art while Gonzalez drew everything else on the page that looked good.
Also, this is classified as a graphic novel, but it is really just a picture book with ridiculous and annoying fonts.
Regardless, it is pure drivel, painful to read once, much less three times as is recommended on the dust jacket. Ugh.
Also, this is classified as a graphic novel, but it is really just a picture book with ridiculous and annoying fonts.
Regardless, it is pure drivel, painful to read once, much less three times as is recommended on the dust jacket. Ugh.
Read
April 8, 2023Check out my review: https://www.raintaxi.com/volume-25-nu...
-------------
Update (1/31/2020): Shame on me for not finishing off Redwood first, as The Little Blue Kite comes from p. 742. Very clever, Mr. Danielewski.
-------------
Danielewski never stops pushing the boundaries of what fiction can be--that's for sure. And when I saw he went from the dishearteningly-canceled Familiar series to a children's book, my interest was as piqued as my confusion. Here are some thoughts:
1. It is a moralizing children's tale that can be read by people of all ages, like Le petit Prince .
2. Like House of Leaves , you will be turning the book this way and that, amused at how the form matches the content.
3. As this is the same production team that brought us the aesthetic-bending treats of his former series, you will savor the alternating fonts and colors, looking for patterns.
4. The concepts of the Murk, the sky of the mind, and gentle thoughts are a neat metaphor.
In the end, though, I can only say that I am left indifferent. Really, I mean, who doesn't want some thick book from this guy?
-------------
Update (1/31/2020): Shame on me for not finishing off Redwood first, as The Little Blue Kite comes from p. 742. Very clever, Mr. Danielewski.
-------------
Danielewski never stops pushing the boundaries of what fiction can be--that's for sure. And when I saw he went from the dishearteningly-canceled Familiar series to a children's book, my interest was as piqued as my confusion. Here are some thoughts:
1. It is a moralizing children's tale that can be read by people of all ages, like Le petit Prince .
2. Like House of Leaves , you will be turning the book this way and that, amused at how the form matches the content.
3. As this is the same production team that brought us the aesthetic-bending treats of his former series, you will savor the alternating fonts and colors, looking for patterns.
4. The concepts of the Murk, the sky of the mind, and gentle thoughts are a neat metaphor.
In the end, though, I can only say that I am left indifferent. Really, I mean, who doesn't want some thick book from this guy?
December 30, 2019
This author is known for his mind-bending stories, fonts, and graphics. This book holds no exception. Although classified as an adult graphic novel, this book about anxiety and overcoming it can be enjoyed by all ages.
June 1, 2025
¿Puede (con éxito) Mark Z. Danielewski escribir un libro infantil? La respuesta corta es un sí. La larga, trataré de darla a lo largo de esta reseña. Danielewski, líder visionario de la ficción experimental estadounidense, se atrevió —tras su parado proyecto The Familiar— a sumergirse en la ficción infantil en 2019. Causa directa de ello, aparte de un punto de inflexión, fue su reciente matrimonio y el nacimiento de su primer hijo. Por ello, The little blue kite es la respuesta meditativa al momento emocional —dicho por él mismo— que Danielewski estaba viviendo, así como atreverse a llevar su escritura hacia un nuevo tipo de literatura infantil, con todas sus características habituales para crear un texto poco convencional para un autor que nunca lo es. Olvídate del libro infantil ilustrado tradicional y más comercial, por mucho que lo pueda parecer por fuera, por qué con MZD eso nunca será (por suerte) posible.
Kai y su pequeña cometa azul
El pequeño libro se centra en la historia de un niño llamado Kai, a quien conocemos por primera vez cuando pierde su cometa y sus amigos, una vez su familia se ve obligada a mudarse a un nuevo lugar. Kai, que intenta ganar la confianza para volar de nuevo su cometa azul, encuentra la fuerza en las palabras de una maestra en su nueva escuela de primaria. Esta es la pequeña historia de un niño que crece y gana confianza en sí mismo, que se enfrenta al miedo y muestra, de forma fantasmagórica, una lección colectiva para todos los seres humanos. The little blue kite tiene la habilidad de conectar con las emociones a flor de piel más universales, elaborando un mensaje sobre el desapego que siempre es importante y relevante en nuestras vidas, tengas la edad que tengas.
Un libro, tres formas de leer(lo)
Una de las características distintivas, tanto de The little blue kite como de Mark Z. Danielewski en general, es que rompe con las formas establecidas de lectura. En este caso, MZD incluye en la parte inferior de la tapa interior unas breves instrucciones de lectura. Y es que una de las características del libro es que existe la posibilidad de leerla de tres formas diferentes, proporcionando diferentes grados, experiencias y perspectivas sobre la misma narrativa. La primera solo toma unos minutos, dado que solo tenemos que seguir la tipografía que tenga color arcoíris. La segunda nos lleva un poco más de tiempo, dado que solo tenemos que leer las palabras rodeadas de un halo azul y rojo, así como las palabras del arcoíris. Y la tercera, simplemente de principio a fin. Y sí, las tres FUNCIONAN por sí solas. Sin grandes giros (aunque el libro si hay que girarlo un par de veces) ni aspavientos, MZD construye tres narrativas en una que ganan capas de comprensión y complejidad en cada nivel, ampliando la perspectiva de la historia.
Espacio, tipografía y simbolismo
A estas alturas de la reseña supongo que ya queda claro que el libro está estructurado de manera inusual y exprime el formato visual como medio para contar la historia. Aparte de que es un objeto físico encantador, característica habitual de la literatura ergódica, abrirlo y ojearlo muestra al lector un caleidoscopio de texto e imágenes conectados por unos dibujos extraños de Regina Gonzales y el enigma filosófico de la historia. Atrapados en la oscuridad del ego y del miedo, una cometa nos muestra cómo romper la Oscuridad (The Murk) y liberarnos. La pequeña cometa azul, como símbolo central del libro, nos muestra el deseo de libertad, reforzando una bonita historia de coraje y comprensión que se abre paso entre el espacio y la llamativa tipografía del libro. Los tres —espacio, tipografía y simbolismo— funcionan como un sistema compenetrado que logra alcanzar con su rayo nuestro fondo emocional.
El libro como herramienta
Una de las cosas que no dejaba de pensar realizando la tercera lectura del libro era en The blue little kite como herramienta para los más pequeños. Pese a sus niveles de lectura y planteamientos sobrenaturales y filosóficos, el libro mantiene en todo momento un elemento fundamental: un propósito. Y es que The little blue kite va directo hacia un determinado grupo de comportamientos, circunstancias y experiencias que todos hemos vivido en mayor o menor medida. También, que otros más pequeños, seguramente vivirán. De esta manera, este libro de MZD genera un espacio conectivo entre grandes y pequeños, entre niños y adultos, donde poder hablar y explorar grandes sentimientos y conceptos que no son fáciles de comprender, cómo el miedo, la soledad y el cambio. La experiencia de lectura es tanto sensorial como textual, y exige (para bien del lector) que todos participemos de ello. Es así como logra intensificar los sencillo —y poderosos— temas del libro, pero a la vez, genera un área donde todos, como seres humanos, nos podemos encontrar.
Reseña completa en el blog: https://boywithletters.blogspot.com/2...
Kai y su pequeña cometa azul
El pequeño libro se centra en la historia de un niño llamado Kai, a quien conocemos por primera vez cuando pierde su cometa y sus amigos, una vez su familia se ve obligada a mudarse a un nuevo lugar. Kai, que intenta ganar la confianza para volar de nuevo su cometa azul, encuentra la fuerza en las palabras de una maestra en su nueva escuela de primaria. Esta es la pequeña historia de un niño que crece y gana confianza en sí mismo, que se enfrenta al miedo y muestra, de forma fantasmagórica, una lección colectiva para todos los seres humanos. The little blue kite tiene la habilidad de conectar con las emociones a flor de piel más universales, elaborando un mensaje sobre el desapego que siempre es importante y relevante en nuestras vidas, tengas la edad que tengas.
Un libro, tres formas de leer(lo)
Una de las características distintivas, tanto de The little blue kite como de Mark Z. Danielewski en general, es que rompe con las formas establecidas de lectura. En este caso, MZD incluye en la parte inferior de la tapa interior unas breves instrucciones de lectura. Y es que una de las características del libro es que existe la posibilidad de leerla de tres formas diferentes, proporcionando diferentes grados, experiencias y perspectivas sobre la misma narrativa. La primera solo toma unos minutos, dado que solo tenemos que seguir la tipografía que tenga color arcoíris. La segunda nos lleva un poco más de tiempo, dado que solo tenemos que leer las palabras rodeadas de un halo azul y rojo, así como las palabras del arcoíris. Y la tercera, simplemente de principio a fin. Y sí, las tres FUNCIONAN por sí solas. Sin grandes giros (aunque el libro si hay que girarlo un par de veces) ni aspavientos, MZD construye tres narrativas en una que ganan capas de comprensión y complejidad en cada nivel, ampliando la perspectiva de la historia.
Espacio, tipografía y simbolismo
A estas alturas de la reseña supongo que ya queda claro que el libro está estructurado de manera inusual y exprime el formato visual como medio para contar la historia. Aparte de que es un objeto físico encantador, característica habitual de la literatura ergódica, abrirlo y ojearlo muestra al lector un caleidoscopio de texto e imágenes conectados por unos dibujos extraños de Regina Gonzales y el enigma filosófico de la historia. Atrapados en la oscuridad del ego y del miedo, una cometa nos muestra cómo romper la Oscuridad (The Murk) y liberarnos. La pequeña cometa azul, como símbolo central del libro, nos muestra el deseo de libertad, reforzando una bonita historia de coraje y comprensión que se abre paso entre el espacio y la llamativa tipografía del libro. Los tres —espacio, tipografía y simbolismo— funcionan como un sistema compenetrado que logra alcanzar con su rayo nuestro fondo emocional.
El libro como herramienta
Una de las cosas que no dejaba de pensar realizando la tercera lectura del libro era en The blue little kite como herramienta para los más pequeños. Pese a sus niveles de lectura y planteamientos sobrenaturales y filosóficos, el libro mantiene en todo momento un elemento fundamental: un propósito. Y es que The little blue kite va directo hacia un determinado grupo de comportamientos, circunstancias y experiencias que todos hemos vivido en mayor o menor medida. También, que otros más pequeños, seguramente vivirán. De esta manera, este libro de MZD genera un espacio conectivo entre grandes y pequeños, entre niños y adultos, donde poder hablar y explorar grandes sentimientos y conceptos que no son fáciles de comprender, cómo el miedo, la soledad y el cambio. La experiencia de lectura es tanto sensorial como textual, y exige (para bien del lector) que todos participemos de ello. Es así como logra intensificar los sencillo —y poderosos— temas del libro, pero a la vez, genera un área donde todos, como seres humanos, nos podemos encontrar.
Reseña completa en el blog: https://boywithletters.blogspot.com/2...
October 30, 2019
I cant stop talking about this book. Ive been teaching special education literature for almost a decade and it has fast become one of my favorites to read both to my biological kids and my students alike. In TLBK, MZD has captured the essence of fear and the redemption that follows a long battle with it. The main character, Kai, is an accurate and humanistic portrayal of mental illness and phobia, while simultaneously not becoming preachy or pedantic. All in all, TLBK is a stellar book from an accomplished writer. You'll love it too.
-MW
-MW
November 6, 2019
Mark Z Danielewski free gain does not disappoint. Reading the three stories in order from shortest to longest is watching a flower slowly unfold in your hands. This is a children's book, but that doesn't mean it's only meant for children.and it is definitely fit for fans of the rest of his books, particularly HoL in how, at least for me, The Little Blue Kite is almost a children's parallel to HoL. As a 26 year old adult, I will be coming back to this book regularly when I need it's message in my life.
November 5, 2019
Danielewski shows his ability to write for all ages in this soul warming tale. A story of fear, dread, and self transcended that even the little ones can appreciate. I would have appreciated this story as a young child growing up with an anxiety disorder. My adult self found joy in Kai's journey as well.
August 21, 2019
An absolutely beautiful book that will be a fun read aloud to kids of all ages, and adults as well! There’s a lot to read in these 96 pages, and multiple ways to do so!
November 6, 2019
Don't like children's literature but I enjoyed the light-heartedness of the grand idea. Well written.
October 19, 2019
This is a book I know I'll return to again and again like comfort food. I felt the sense of wonder I experienced reading THE LITTLE PRINCE as a kid. This book is able to accomplish the seemingly impossible: it's for both kids and adults. Sort of the way that TOY STORY and other films can be experienced on different levels, this book can be read in three different ways: one for parents to read to really young kids, one for older kids and one for adults.
And depending on your life and perspective, you'll probably get different things out of it on such a deep level. I felt it spoke so well to issues like anxiety, and relating to others, but there is so much in there. And the graphics are beautiful—combining painted art with photos. I can't wait to see what I discover on my next read.
And depending on your life and perspective, you'll probably get different things out of it on such a deep level. I felt it spoke so well to issues like anxiety, and relating to others, but there is so much in there. And the graphics are beautiful—combining painted art with photos. I can't wait to see what I discover on my next read.
October 12, 2019
Check out our interview with Mark: https://bookedpodcast.podbean.com/e/4...
November 9, 2019
What an incredibly sympathetic and beautiful little book! Knowing Danielewski, I knew the story would know no bounds, and I was not disappointed. The metaphysical implications are literally pouring off the pages, but in a way suitable for younger children to grasp. There is such vivid kindness and conscientiousness within the story of Kai and his little blue kite given to him by his teacher. It is truly heartwarming and mystifying.
(Also, the book itself is gorgeous. Some of the most beautiful illustrations I have ever seen in any book for that matter.)
(Also, the book itself is gorgeous. Some of the most beautiful illustrations I have ever seen in any book for that matter.)
November 18, 2019
I followed the directions on this book. I read it all three ways. First I followed the rainbow (which after flipping through it once, when I sat down and looked at it I figured out what that meant-the rainbow colored words) and what a lovely story that was.
The second reading was the words rimmed in blue, red, and rainbow. A simple story that had a bit more depth but was still quite lovely.
The final reading I read from beginning to end, all the words, and this did take me two sittings, but I do wish I had read it in one sitting. I feel it may have had more impact and I could have grasped the message more. Because the fact that there is a message in the full version of the story is clear, though I am still figuring out what exactly it is.
The artwork is beautiful and I want to just take the backgrounds of some of these pages and make them into giant posters, or computer wallpapers. The visuals of the whole book are stunning, but the use of colors and of the backgrounds is excellent. I also like how on certain pages the text is arranged in a non-traditional format.
I honestly enjoyed all three readings of this book and I'm definitely going to be recommending this book, and quite possibly buying it.
The second reading was the words rimmed in blue, red, and rainbow. A simple story that had a bit more depth but was still quite lovely.
The final reading I read from beginning to end, all the words, and this did take me two sittings, but I do wish I had read it in one sitting. I feel it may have had more impact and I could have grasped the message more. Because the fact that there is a message in the full version of the story is clear, though I am still figuring out what exactly it is.
The artwork is beautiful and I want to just take the backgrounds of some of these pages and make them into giant posters, or computer wallpapers. The visuals of the whole book are stunning, but the use of colors and of the backgrounds is excellent. I also like how on certain pages the text is arranged in a non-traditional format.
I honestly enjoyed all three readings of this book and I'm definitely going to be recommending this book, and quite possibly buying it.
November 12, 2019
Read it in one go, as most people did here, with the high fever and all the other unpleasantries that might have affected my perception.
I really liked the inventiveness of the narrative structure. I always like how Danielewski pushes the boundaries of typography and storytelling, and this time it was not an exception. There are indeed stories within stories within stories in this book, and not in the semantic sense, but also in the physical juxtaposition sense. I did like it, and I did like the colored aspect of it, but the stories per se lacked substance and were somewhat bland and oversimplistic while exploring the topic of "letting it go"
I enjoyed reading it and I enjoyed decoding the formal expression, but the meaning was not there for me. Any language is a duality of form and meaning, and I guess form overcompensated for meaning in this book, but I still found it lacking something. ...
I really liked the inventiveness of the narrative structure. I always like how Danielewski pushes the boundaries of typography and storytelling, and this time it was not an exception. There are indeed stories within stories within stories in this book, and not in the semantic sense, but also in the physical juxtaposition sense. I did like it, and I did like the colored aspect of it, but the stories per se lacked substance and were somewhat bland and oversimplistic while exploring the topic of "letting it go"
I enjoyed reading it and I enjoyed decoding the formal expression, but the meaning was not there for me. Any language is a duality of form and meaning, and I guess form overcompensated for meaning in this book, but I still found it lacking something. ...
January 24, 2020
Bad art. Disappointed in Danielewski.
Read The Very Hungry Caterpillar instead.
Read The Very Hungry Caterpillar instead.
November 6, 2019
The Little Blue Kite is a story about a boy named Kai, his kite, and The Murk. Maybe. Or Maybe its story about fear, about control. Maybe it’s a story about letting go. Or holding on. Maybe all of those things are the same.
The fact that this is a book intended for a younger audience doesn’t mean it’s for a dumber audience. Like all Danelewski’s works; what you take away depends entirely on what you bring in.
A good connective material to weave between adults and children, a way to broach topics that may otherwise seem daunting or inaccessible. TLBK is itself a kite string to hold and guide (and perhaps be guided) through clear skies-- and murk.
The fact that this is a book intended for a younger audience doesn’t mean it’s for a dumber audience. Like all Danelewski’s works; what you take away depends entirely on what you bring in.
A good connective material to weave between adults and children, a way to broach topics that may otherwise seem daunting or inaccessible. TLBK is itself a kite string to hold and guide (and perhaps be guided) through clear skies-- and murk.
July 1, 2024
I love a book full of symbolism and multiple interpretations. Being able to read the book three ways was icing on the cake. I am beginning to become a fangirl of MZD.
October 5, 2019
“There is a way to do good on behalf of others.” Courage! “Cultivate gentle thoughts and calm the sky of your mind.” Good depends on granting others place and that requires courage. What a wonderful poetic journey. A deep picture book that leaves me with many thoughts to ponder.
February 11, 2023
“Good depends on granting others place. And that requires courage.”
This is one of the most remarkable books I’ve ever read. It starts with a fun gimmick of being able to read the book in three “different” ways. What really comes from that is a story which works in three different ways - a short version, a medium version, and a long version. And yet you can take something away from each setting. As the versions lengthen, you get a deeper sense of of the morals and themes MZD is setting up.
While there is a definite storyline that I take from this, this is one of those special books where each reader will connect with a different portion of Kai’s fears and adventure in a deeply personal way. And each reader will subsequently leave with a different personalized call to action.
I’ve seen lots of reviews dog this book because their expectations going in were for a book similar to “House of Leaves” or “The Familiar” Series. You need to meet this book where it is. It’s a children’s book. And it will work similarly to most modern Pixar or Disney movies. Children will enjoy the pictures and the adventure and take away some new insight or ideas, but will probably not understand how layered the deeper message is. And adults will be hit with a message that they didn’t know they needed. Which makes it that much more special for children to return to a story like this 20 years later to finally find those deeper meanings; just as most of my generation has done with the animated movies we loved growing up.
I’m convinced that everyone should read this book. Very easy read! But so important.
This is one of the most remarkable books I’ve ever read. It starts with a fun gimmick of being able to read the book in three “different” ways. What really comes from that is a story which works in three different ways - a short version, a medium version, and a long version. And yet you can take something away from each setting. As the versions lengthen, you get a deeper sense of of the morals and themes MZD is setting up.
While there is a definite storyline that I take from this, this is one of those special books where each reader will connect with a different portion of Kai’s fears and adventure in a deeply personal way. And each reader will subsequently leave with a different personalized call to action.
I’ve seen lots of reviews dog this book because their expectations going in were for a book similar to “House of Leaves” or “The Familiar” Series. You need to meet this book where it is. It’s a children’s book. And it will work similarly to most modern Pixar or Disney movies. Children will enjoy the pictures and the adventure and take away some new insight or ideas, but will probably not understand how layered the deeper message is. And adults will be hit with a message that they didn’t know they needed. Which makes it that much more special for children to return to a story like this 20 years later to finally find those deeper meanings; just as most of my generation has done with the animated movies we loved growing up.
I’m convinced that everyone should read this book. Very easy read! But so important.
January 28, 2020
I wasn't quite sure what to make of this. On the one hand, word count suggested NOT a children's book, while the illustrations suggested it WAS a children's book, and the message could have gone either way. On the local public library site, IT called it a graphic novel. So what exactly IS this? I had to look at the spine - FIC 2019, so a book for adults, yet no "GN" for graphic novel. It read like a Kundalini experience (yes, I'm exploring that in mid-life) but with the simple symbol of a kite, I was scratching my head. I'm on the fence; 3 stars. I like pigeon holes as much as editors and agents, but this one really breaks the stereotypes. If I had to give it three words, I'd use "confusion", "unique", and "Kundalini."
December 12, 2019
Moralistic and gimmicky. While classic children's literature of the past hides universal truths within compelling stories (Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, The Hobbit, etc.), modern authors prefer to just dictate to children what they ought to believe and call it a day. This would be the equivalent of J.M. Barrie writing "Growing up is hard, but it's a natural part of life and you should embrace it.", slapping a few illustrations on it to pad it out to fifty pages, and calling it a book. On top of that, the message is confused and unfocused (let go of fear, give other people space to exist, use your imagination, or something).
The gimmick of the book is that it can be read three ways depending on which color font you skip. While this could have been interesting, none of the three resulting stories is compelling or substantively different. I can't imagine any child treasuring this book and wanting to return to it a second or third time.
Two stars because the illustration is competent.
The gimmick of the book is that it can be read three ways depending on which color font you skip. While this could have been interesting, none of the three resulting stories is compelling or substantively different. I can't imagine any child treasuring this book and wanting to return to it a second or third time.
Two stars because the illustration is competent.
November 23, 2019
In the wake of intimate explorations with my own life trauma, MZD comes along with a book that asks me to engage with an intimate exploration of a more generalised trauma. This is a difficult subject to present in a children's book, and furthermore a difficult subject to present in a book that is not only a children's book but also a book for older readers simultaneously. In his usual experimental fashion, MZD separates each section of the book using colour-coding, in this case producing three unique stories depending on which colour you follow. As is to be expected, MZD has once again produced a lovely work that is as much about exploration as it is about reading.
June 4, 2020
Well, I like the pictures. The book says it can be read 3 ways...by reading only the rainbow colored words, by reading the rainbow and the blue/red 'haloed' words, or by adding in all the black type to the story. Personally, I like the pictures. The rainbow word story is symplistic beyond even what a two-year needs, and does not always make sense. Adding in the haoled words makes the story more difficult to follow. By reading all the words, no matter what color, the story makes more sense, but the it gets into way too much depth to be enjoyed as a picture book. So, I'm too old for the rainbow words, don't care for added haloed words, and all the words and too deep for me.
April 7, 2021
I wasn't expecting that. Mark Z. Danielewski is well know for his book House of Leaves, and after reading it I decided to explore a bit more from him. I knew that this was a children book, but I was still expecting something more original because of the author.
Turns out it was quite a casual book. I love the message/moral of it, but find it visually unattractive (the arts, the canvas, the typography, etc.) and way too long for the targeted audience. There is a lot of text for a children book and even if read with a parent, this will loose quite a bunch of kids.
I didn't like it and wouldn't recommend it! Still give it two stars because of the message!
Turns out it was quite a casual book. I love the message/moral of it, but find it visually unattractive (the arts, the canvas, the typography, etc.) and way too long for the targeted audience. There is a lot of text for a children book and even if read with a parent, this will loose quite a bunch of kids.
I didn't like it and wouldn't recommend it! Still give it two stars because of the message!
December 31, 2019
Fans of the previous complex and defiantly weird books of the author might be a little dismayed (as I was) at what even Mr. D. admits is a very simple book, in the style of a children's book for maybe a third grader. And although the graphics are, as one would expect, terrific and colorful, the message about overcoming fear and giving others their space is just a wee bit twee and granola-ish for my personal taste. Your mileage may vary....
February 24, 2020
Author Danielewski (famous for his complicated and confounding adult books) tries something similar but simpler here for kids. At least I think that’s his intention as there are instructions for 3 ways to read this but it all adds up to pretty much nothing. At least nothing to me but esoteric, psycho-babble that is supposed to free and empower. I think. It is pretty to look at.
December 1, 2025
This was an enjoyable flip through. Admittedly I had not noticed on my own that there are different ways to read this. I also didn't think it went very deep or anywhere new for the topic, but in my opinion that's okay. The rating reflect enjoyment of the design and experience more than anything else.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews