inspires many readers—both male and female—to forge on and pursue beauty in their lives, regardless of their circumstances and whether or not they find true love. Travel also features prominently throughout the story, both in the words and illustrations. The book itself is dedicated with a small illustrated icon to St. Nicholas, who is the patron saint of children, sailors, and maidens (or unmarried persons), and many of Miss Rumphius' journeys were inspired by Barbara Cooney's own experiences traveling around the world. Cooney's words and illustrations open up readers' imaginations to the possibility of a larger world outside their own, encouraging in them an appreciation for cultural diversity in addition to a sense of wonder for both the present and potential beauty to be discovered, experienced, and created in the world. For as much as Miss Rumphius is the main character of the book, beauty also plays a central role, both in the illustrations and in the story itself. This is most apparent in the book's central theme that repeatedly encourages readers to "Do something to make the world more beautiful." Cooney's picturesque illustrations—beloved my many readers for their vivid color, attention to whimsy, and their visual aesthetic—reinforce that lesson even further. Themes of beauty are touched on even more subtly in Cooney's portrayal of Miss Rumphius' life itself as beautiful and fulfilling, even (and perhaps more particularly) in its long solitude, reiterating the belief that one can be single and still live a richly satisfying life. Adaptations A film adaptation of Miss Rumphius was made by Spellbound Productions, Inc. and Weston Woods Studios, Inc. in 2000. The film was directed by Sarah Kerruish and narrated by Claire Danes. The film is about 16 minutes long and it is available as a video in Spanish and English. The film won the UNICEF Prize at the 2002 Barcelona International TV and Video Festival as well as a Bronze Plaque at the 2001 Columbus International Film and Video Festival. Sources, references, external links, quotations References Ortakales, Denise. 2000–2002 Barbara Cooney Teaching resources based on the book Fitzgerald, Alissa. Miss Rumphius. Philosophy for kids. Site accessed 26 October 2006. Frey, Carol and Jennifer Meier. ‘Be a Good Citizen with Miss Rumphius: A WebQuest for 2nd-3rd Grade’. Yorkville CUSD, 2001. Garthwait, Gail. ‘Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney’. Maine Samplers Part 1I. Maine Association of School Libraries. Site accessed 26 October 2006. Lovelett, Sandvoss, Schoenberg,