Category: Book Reviews

Book Review: Shrewbettina’s Birthday By John S. Goodall

It is two days from the first day of fall which can only mean two things: First, the best month and season have arrived, and second, I forgot to do anything to celebrate this little blog’s first birthday. August 22, 2012 was my first post here and that date has come and gone unnoticed. So, although I’m a month late, I still prefer to celebrate great birthdays in September and I’m going to celebrate today with a marvel of a little book about a sweet shrew mouse’s birthday. Completely wordless, but incredibly stunning; this is nothing but a little masterpiece from a fantastic illustrator. So come to a party with me in Shrewbettina’s Birthday by John S. Goodall, 1970.

Continue reading “Book Review: Shrewbettina’s Birthday By John S. Goodall” →

Caryn6 Comments

Book Review: For Just One Day By Leuck & Boutavant

Some days are just rough. Like when it is pouring rain at an inopportune time, or you are having an unfortunately bad hair day, or your stature and looks just aren’t helping you socially. Thankfully, there are books like this one that are perfect for every day, and especially that not so great day. Not only should the bright yellow cover bring a smile to your face; but the clever animals, wildly imaginative moments and popping colors will leave you feeling just a little bit better about the world and yourself. Come along and see what it would be like to be all sorts of animals and insects For Just One Day by Laura Leuck, illustrated by Marc Boutavant, 2009.

Continue reading “Book Review: For Just One Day By Leuck & Boutavant” →

Caryn1 Comment

Book Review: Anno’s Counting House By Mitsumasa Anno

Hello friends! My apologies at the lack of posting due to sickness, family visits, and an American holiday weekend. I hope your days were lovely and I’m itching to get back to sharing some favorite picture books. Today’s book is a bit different, but it has made quite an impression on my illustration heart and I need to share it in the hopes that someone else comes to love it too. A wordless book, with the exception of a note to readers in the front and a note to parents and others in the back, this is a unique book about counting, math, details and observation. Let’s hope I do it some justice in my explanations. Here is Anno’s Counting House by Mitsumasa Anno, 1982.

Continue reading “Book Review: Anno’s Counting House By Mitsumasa Anno” →

Caryn3 Comments

Book Review: Dick Bruna’s Little Red Riding Hood

Continuing with my minor obsession for great illustrated versions of “Little Red Riding Hood,” I was quite thrilled to recently acquire this 1960s graphic depiction of the tale by the renowned Dick Bruna. His ability to pare down ideas to bold and clever images is unique and beloved by many. I couldn’t wait to share this one! Here is Dick Bruna’s Little Red Riding Hood, 1966.

Continue reading “Book Review: Dick Bruna’s Little Red Riding Hood” →

Caryn3 Comments

Book Review: Back to School Tortoise By Lucy M. George & Merel Eyckerman

It happens of course, that occasionally after I post a book list, I will come across a new favorite that should have made the list. Such is the case for today’s book, so instead it gets a review all its own! A sweet back-to-school story that confronts the “what ifs” about a new situation and also politely turns the situation on its head. Here is Back to School Tortoise by Lucy M. George, illustrated by Merel Eyckerman, 2011.

Continue reading “Book Review: Back to School Tortoise By Lucy M. George & Merel Eyckerman” →

Caryn1 Comment

Book Review: How To Paint The Portrait Of A Bird By Prévert & Gerstein

A French poem translated and illustrated in a way that ponders creativity, art, waiting, and wonder. It is a book that requests and deserves many reads and I feel the reader always leaves with a new discovery. Allow me to show you How to Paint the Portrait of a Bird by Jacques Prévert, illustrated and translated by Mordicai Gerstein, 2007.

Continue reading “Book Review: How To Paint The Portrait Of A Bird By Prévert & Gerstein” →

Caryn2 Comments