My City shows that even the simplest errand can be full of discovery, if you aren't too busy to notice. Max is on a mission to deliver a letter, and every step of his journey reveals some small wonder: bright colors dancing in a laundromat window, the world mirrored in a puddle, the sky's shifting hues at sunset. Every time I open this book I find something new to marvel at, right alongside Max.
The visuals of this graphic novel are an experience in and of themselves. Before reading Skip I never had the sensation of tasting color. The only thing I can liken it to are the intense feelings that come over me when viewing the art of Vincent Van Gogh. In addition to stunning visuals, the story is absolutely beautiful, and reading through it made me feel like a leaf floating on a river: fast and slow, gentle and crushing.
Flotsam is a feast for the eyes, a window into the beautiful, imaginative vision of its illustrator. David Wiesner captures a kind of magic-- the wonder, hope, and possibilities of childhood-- in these wordless, meditative images.
This book made me laugh aloud with its sweet humor and visual cleverness. Tiny the T. Rex wants to cheer up his friend Pointy the Stegosaurus with a good hug, but his arms are so little that it seems like an impossible goal. Maybe the trick is to practice... Whatever it takes, Tiny will try to be there for his friend in a time of need.
Wild is a wonderful, vibrantly illustrated children's book that balances a deep message-- that the human spirit is stronger than any efforts to tame it, or break it-- with clever humor and whimsical visual beauty. I felt empowered and inspired by the reminder, relevant at any age, that we each have a right to seek happiness and belonging on our own terms. Share this book with the wild child (or adult!) in your life.
A classic collection has been given a new makeover. This stylish edition has been stuff with gorgeous new illustrations by a highly curated selection of artists. A perfect gift for the young (or the young at heart) artist/book collector/designer/folktale enthusiast on your list.
A simple book about making mistakes [in art], but not letting them get in the way of creative process.
Or, in the words of Bob Ross, "There are no mistakes, only happy accidents."
Hands down my favorite children's illustrated book of 2017 and easily in my all-time top 10.
This book shows the journey that many refugees and asylum seekers choose to undertake. It elegantly illustrates the fear, confusion, obstacles, and long periods of waiting that almost universally make up their stories. Sanna set out to honor their experiences and in my opinion she's succeeded.
Finally! The illustrated story of a dumpling that I never knew I needed! When a dumpling is overlooked in a dim sum restaurant, an outgoing cockroach comes to the rescue. Together they explore the varied landscape of the bustling restaurant. The clever illustrations really elevate the story! Flames from a wok spell out sounds, piles of dirty dishes look like shimmering china towers, and hanging red lanterns become the perfect vantage point to take in the view. You'll have to check out this book to see what happens next. But sometimes all we need is a new perspective.
