Picture Books

A book about animal extinction that never ever mentions it—it’s so under-the-surface of each and every startling poem and extraordinary watercolor-over-woodcut picture. All of Holly Meade’s animals are large. Some are too big for the page. We see up to a shoulder, not a whole ear.
Big, yet moves
with grace.
Powerful, yet delicate
as lace.
As to color, plain—
an ordinary gray.
But once we start to look,
we cannot look away.
When peaceful, silent;
when angry, loud.
Who would have guessed
the Elephant
is so much like a cloud?
Fun, beautiful, and thought provoking. Preschool to 3rd grade. —GA

Never before in a picture book have the round of seasons, and the round of friendship, and the round of life been so seamlessly shown. Mo Willems’ bittersweet text is gently humorous, Jon Muth’s watercolors exquisite. This is a wonderful collaboration. Every word counts. Each painting opens and expands the text. What is most amazing is that children and adults will each read a “different” book, but both are perfect. —GA

Sibling stories are a dime a dozen, but occasionally one comes along and it’s a keeper. When a fierce wind blows Flora’s irritating little brother away (he’s unintentionally spilled her paints, Flora complains to their mother, and both children are sent outdoors), Flora is momentarily tempted to let him go, but seeing Crispin’s worried face, she kicks off her boots and leaps to his aid. Together, they encounter a dragonfly, an eagle, a cloud, and the wind itself, all offering to take Crispin off her hands. “Will you give me that little boy?” Each offering strengthens her resolve to rescue him, “He’s my brother and I’m taking him home.” Birdsall’s (The Penderwicks) text and Phelan’s (The Higher Power of Lucky) art blend in a witty and beguiling fashion. K to grade 3. —GA