HIDING, written and illustrated by Kate Pugsley is subtitled, “A Story About Finding Quiet in a Busy World”. There was something captivating and refreshing about this seemingly ‘simple’ book. I put that word in semi-quotes because we all know that ‘simple’ does not mean ‘easy’, and is never really ‘simple’ …
Charming and unexpected, Most Marshmallows, by Rowboat Watkins, is a sweetly delicious delight. Its superpower is its brilliantly executed absurdity. “Most marshmallows don’t grow on trees, or come from storks, or even Mars.” The story continues to list things that most marshmallows really do do, which are ordinary tasks and …
“But hate has a way of bringing out heroes.” That is my favorite quote from Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust, written by Elisa Boxer and beautifully illustrated by Amy June Bates. I love non-fiction picture books and appreciate how difficult they are …
Not all my friends are picture book fanatics. But one of them is and it’s so fun when we find book love in common and mention it in casual conversation. I was grateful when she reminded me of VERY GOOD HATS the other day so that I could post about …
A really successful, wordless, picture book is so incredibly difficult to create. I don’t think it’s hard to make one that is entertaining to read— once. But to make a wordless book that leaves enough room for the viewer/reader to return to it again and again is extremely tough. And… …
Don’t Forget, written by Jane Godwin and illustrated by Anna Walker feels like a hug. The illustrations are so endearing and the thoughtful “Don’t forget to…” reminders move us through the story in a warm and comfortable way. In order to work as a picture book, the narrative needs to …
Wild Blue, written by Dashka Slater and brilliantly illustrated by Laura Hughes. Just look at this jacket— The shadows? The bike’s shadow is a horse! The little girl’s shadow is wearing a cowgirl hat! How clever! How true! How nostalgic! And zappo— I was whipped back to my childhood. Chester, …
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! A day full of love and I’m excited to celebrate a picture book with which I am quite enamored ❤️ The Big Bath House, written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Gracey Zhang. The story is narrated by a little girl going to visit her Baachan which, …
A Day for Sandcastles is a wordless picture book by JonArno Lawson and illustrated by Qin Leng. And I absolutely love every single grain of sand about it. I read several comments about the book wondering how, or why, it lists an author when there are no words. And I …
Maybe it’s the holidays? Waxing nostalgic? But this well-written, beautifully illustrated picture book brought me to tears. Dadaji’s Paintbrush written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane is a heart-touching, heartwarming, heart-felt, tug-at-my-heartstrings, picture book. Dadaji’s grandfather teaches him to paint. They use their fingers and flowers to create …