Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Obviously I’m biased towards watercolor art (or in this case, gauche). illustrations are pure color and exuberance. The story itself is charming and fills an important niche in children’s book literature. And the art alone I would hang on my wall!
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerfeld
I love the simplicity of both words and imagery in this book. Somehow Cori manages in a with stark swoosh and two dots for eyes to capture a range of expression and emotion in each character that I find really inspiring.
Hot Dog by Doug Salati
Inspiration for my own latest picture book, Doug’s clever use of panel art amid full page spreads takes full advantage of visual storytelling with few words. And who doesn’t love a puppy protagonist?
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin & Daniel Salmieri
Dragons and tacos? Surely you’ve heard of this book. But if not, you’re now invited to a taco party. Just don’t forget to bring the hot sauce. Dragons I hear like a little *fire* in their food!
Hungry Jim by Laurel Snyder & Chuck Groenink
Anyone who grew up reading Where the Wild Things Are needs this book. Created as an homage to Maurice Sendak, yet a book with it’s own individual and merit Angry Jim shows how ferocious humors can be tamed with iconic illustrations Sendak himself would approve of.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers
A win for clever storytelling this book tells the tale of a box of crayons who are FED UP with being overworked or in some cases (hello, white crayon) overlooked. Written and illustrated as a series of letters from the cray pas themselves each color has a unique perspective and personality that we can each relate to.
Lou by Breanna Carzoo
The most unlikely hero I’ve seen to date, Lou is a fire hydrant who is tired of being overlooked (and peed on!) until the day a fire breaks out across the street. I find art to be so refreshing amid the plethora of digital illustrations in kid lit today. Made from cut paper Lou pops off the page with color and emotion sure to make kids (especially boys) laugh!
I have a new reason to peruse the picture book shelves at the bookstore. As I write this, that reason is going on five months old, has the cutest little belly and a penchant for illustrations with strong contrast. That reason of course, is my new nephew and he’s reason I spent two weeks away from my own book collection this summer to finally become acquainted and try on my new role as Auntie Claire (or so my sister has christened me).
It was no surprise to me upon entering his nursery in Savannah, GA on my recent visit to see he already had a burgeoning library. With two bibliophile parents and an aunt who illustrates books herself, he is sure to be as much of a bookworm as my sister and I were (and still are!).
‘Will he, like me, love books with animal protagonists or books in which he actually sees himself?’
Now when I browse the shelves of my favorite local bookstores I can’t help but wonder what will his favorite books be as he learns to talk and eventually to read. Will he gravitate towards silly books that rhyme? Will he, like me, love books with animal protagonists or books in which he actually sees himself?
Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, my sister asked me to give her a list of what I consider picture book essentials. There are so many great books for kids (and even more being dreamed up right now!) so this list is far from exhaustive. These however are a few that have struck a chord with me as I’ve built my own collection over the past decade:
Now when I browse the shelves of my favorite local bookstores or add the finishing brushstroke to a painting, soon to be a published picture book page, I experience a new sense of meaning. It’s not just for me. No. Tristan, this one’s for you.