Two weeks ago, I featured a picture book with a parallel structure. This week's picture book also features a parallel structure with two timelines, one that moves forward in current day, and one that moves forward in the past. Text ©Anne Wynter Illus. ©Daniel Miyares Before a grip on a branch and a fall to … Continue reading Nell Plants a Tree – Perfect Picture Book Friday
It's Women's History month, so I thought I'd feature this fabulous biography of someone who didn't let gender stop her from claiming her independence as a "masterless woman." Text ©Beth Anderson Illustration ©Anne Lambelet I love this first sentence: Deborah Sampson's spirit was always a little too large. And then it's followed by three "maybes," … Continue reading Cloaked in Courage – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Turns out that a parallel story structure—tracing the birth of a star along with the life of the woman who discovered the heart of their fire—is a perfect narrative metaphor. Wrapped in a blanket of sparkling space, an unformed star waits for its bright future to begin. Text ©Kirsten Larson Illustration ©Katherine Roy So begins … Continue reading The Fire of Stars – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Yes, I usually love books in translation because they take risks that those published in the U.S. often don't. Case in point is this book from 2021 that you may have missed. Here we have a frazzled, overworked father who's pulling his hair out, while his child just wants to go to the lake, as … Continue reading Seahorses Are Sold Out – Perfect Picture Book Friday
One of the things I often love about books not published in the U.S. is how they clearly put an author and/or illustrator's obsessions on display. In contrast, U.S. picture books can feel a little too similar or too familiar. BUT, surprise!!! This book WAS written and published in the U.S. and is a testament … Continue reading Woven of the World – Perfect Picture Book Friday
From the moment I read the first line, I new this book would be filled with lyrical moments that explores the relationship between parent and child, child and the natural world, child and friends/family members, and child and their interior world. When you ask me why your skin is brown, I will tell you that … Continue reading You Are My Favorite Color – Perfect Picture Book Friday
There's something about Yevgenia Nayberg's illustration style that speaks to my heart. I can recognize one of her books from 50 paces, and I'm nearsighted. I think it's her color palette and surrealist bent. The minute I walked by the library display last week, I knew this book would be coming home with me. But … Continue reading I Hate Borsch! – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Here's a book that many may have missed, because it was published right before the crazy days of 2020. And if you missed it, you've missed a heart-filled, award-winning story about a baby gorilla and her mother who doesn't know how to be a mother. It would make a terrific read aloud for early elementary … Continue reading Growing Up Gorilla – Perfect Picture and Chapter Book
Gone are the days of nonfiction picture books that read like a desiccated encyclopedia entry. Yay! Announcing... the heyday of beautifully written STEM-oriented picture books!! DEEP, DEEP DOWN is part of this glorious tsunami. With a lyricism that submerges us in the beauty of a secret place that some used to believe was the lair … Continue reading Deep, Deep Down – Perfect Picture Book Friday
If you're looking for a hilarious read aloud that also plucks the heart strings, one filled with vibrant and playful illustrations, and one that simultaneously does and doesn't take itself seriously— This is your book. If you're looking to be seen as the favorite auntie or uncle by the under age10 set, gift this book … Continue reading Blurp’s Book of Manners – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Jilanne Hoffmann 