An asterisk (*) will denote that I have read the book. I will provide a short summary of the book and the reasons why I fell in love with the illustrations and text within the volume.
I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but these books are so visually impressive that they will draw children and adults to them just by their sheer beauty and exquisite eye to artistic detail through the use of color, shading, and design.
The books have been placed in alphabetical order by book format or genre.
Make sure to stop back often. More striking book covers will be placed on this page periodically.
Picture Books
*Just How Long Can a Long String Be?! by Keith Baker
Summary: A winsome little ant asks a bird "just how long can a long string be?!"
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
- The story helps children visualize how a long string can be cut to many different lengths depending on its use or purpose. This makes this a perfect book for preschoolers learning about early math concepts pertaining to measurement.
- The story is fun and cheerful and shows children that you can gain knowledge by speaking with others (examples of social relationships and verbal communication).
- Crisp and clear language keeps the story lucid and on topic. Many picture books fail miserably on this subject due to their use of cutesy language and busy illustrations.
Why I fell in love with the illustrations:
- Keith Baker is a talented illustrator/author has the essential ability to create artwork which beautifully complements the story. This is truly a rare combination in many author/illustrators who usually excel in either language usage or illustration.
- The watery appearance and blending of colors gives the pictures a "sponged" appearance that is glorious to the eye.
- Lovely use of unusual color schemes which lend a modern twist on such mundane subjects such as a puppet and whirling toy top.
*Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig
Summary: It's a wild dance party with a bunch of happy-go-lucky animals!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
- You can't go wrong with smiling, frolicking animals. Lindsey Craig nailed it!
- The use of noises such as stompity, stompity for the elephant's footwork are a snappy addition to the text.
- This book will make toddlers and preschoolers want to get up and dance. You could use the book to create a movement activity that could be used in storytime!
- Great ending!
Why I fell in love with the illustrations:
- I loved the use of Marc Brown's collage technique rather than traditional illustration. I believe it gave the book character that allowed the story to shine through.
- The collages are spirited, colorful, and 3-dimensional through the use of decorative painting techniques and textured papers.
- Illustrations are flawless in their exhibition. A+++++!
*For Just One Day by Laura Leuck
Summary: A child dreams of and apes all the animals they could be for a day.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
- It offers an exciting guessing game for young children who will eagerly turn the pages to see if they guessed the correct animal.
- The text is energetic and easy to follow.
- A perfect read aloud.
- The shiny surprise ending prompts children to love themselves for who they are.
- They have a simplistic quality that harkens to the appeal of vintage 1940s-1960s artwork with its sharp lines and bright colors.
- Uncluttered pictures which invite the reader to enter the story rather than passively read it.
- Illustrations are given a 3-d quality (examples fluffy, woolly sheep glowing octopus, and ripe, juicy bananas)
- Fantastic use of digital technology to create drawings.
*Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum by Lisa Wheeler
Summary: A whole lot of bubbly trouble happens when a frog finds some sticky bubble gum in the road.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
- It is truly a sweet and chuckle-worthy story!
- Wheeler's language is winsome and comforting to both adults and children alike. Use of words such as "bumpy-icky-sticky" "roll-around-and-grumble bee" roll off the tongue wonderfully which makes it a great read-aloud.
- Shows teamwork and determination between animals of many species.
- Repetition of words helps children understand the plot line and guess what will happen next.
Why I fell in love with the illustrations:
- Multi-media illustration always catch my eye. Laura Huliska-Beith's mixture of gingham fabrics, paper, screen printed words, and paint give the story depth and fantasy.
- Expert brush stokes develop cartoon characters in shades of rich sienna browns, spring greens, bubble gum pinks and pond blues.
- The illustrations are reminiscent of fairy tale characters such as those found in Goldilocks and the Three Bears and The Goose Who Laid the Golden Egg.
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