We are deep into autumn in the Western hemisphere. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in America, and while it is a holiday fraught with controversial myths and history; our family celebrates in the tradition of harvest feasts. We love autumn and we fill our home with food and friendship as we remind our hearts to be filled with gratitude. And what better way to remember how to be thankful than with picture books. I’ve covered all three of these books in the past and they continue to be the ones I reach for this time of year. So, let’s reflect and let’s read three thankful books.
Continue reading “Let’s Read Three: Favorite Thankful Books”Tag: Patrick McDonnell
How To Read A Wordless Book
Two years ago, while I was acting as a judge for the Cybils and reading even more books than normal in a given year, I noted the inordinate amount of wordless picture books that had come out in 2013. It even turned out to be the Caldecott year for wordless picture books as the 2014 honor awards went to three wordless picture books: Journey, Flora and the Flamingo, and Mr. Wuffles!. It was an unheard-of year for wordless picture books. I even frequently refer to 2013 as “The year of the wordless picture book.” Clever, no?
I’ve discussed wordless books occasionally, the most important for me being South by Patrick McDonnell; but I tend to avoid discussing them as they are intimidating as a reader, and especially as an illustrator. They can be lovely and they can also be frustrating. The tendency to just barrel through each page and not pause too long is even greater because there are no words to guide you. They can be delightful to savor by yourself, but groan-inducing when brought to you by a child with full expectation of you putting on a great ad lib read.
But, a well-executed wordless picture book has gone beyond creating lovely pictures and has buried a story so deep that words cannot express it. The illustrations must do double-duty. They must draw you in, yes with their actual drawn nature; but also with their ability to tell the story with every detail, every expression, every movement and page turn.
I do not have what I would consider the ultimate grasp on how to read a wordless picture book, but I thought I would share a few pointers I have gleaned to help make them less intimidating and perhaps invite you to experience them more fully. I plan on sharing a wordless picture book review every Wednesday for a while, and so I hope this serves as an intro on how to approach all the amazing picture books that come out “quietly.” I took a ton of pictures from the cast of 2013 wordless picture books, so I am going to illustrate my reading tips using those books. Taking a cue from 6 of the stellar wordless books from 2013, here are my 5 tips to reading a wordless picture book:
Continue reading “How To Read A Wordless Book”Ten Lovely Picture Books For Valentine’s Day, 2014
February 14th is almost upon us and while that day is just another date to some, a birthday to many people, and International Book Giving Day to others – most people know the day as Valentine’s Day. Last year I struggled to make a list of themed books as I just never really get into this particular holiday, but there really are a lot of lovely books that are love-themed, heart-themed or especially specific to the day. So, I have pulled a few of my new favorites and we’ve been reading them constantly this week in great enjoyment. Reading is a good cause anytime and love is worth being celebrated, so why not have some love-themed books on the agenda for the week! Allow me to help you find some great ones. Here are 10 children’s picture books for Valentine’s Day to help you get in the loving mood.
Continue reading “Ten Lovely Picture Books For Valentine’s Day, 2014”25 Days – Book 23: The Gift Of Nothing
What do you give someone who has everything? A question that we should all be considering as we have so much stuff! Well, here is the perfect book for just such a minimalist thought process, The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell from 2005.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 23: The Gift Of Nothing”Book Review: South By Patrick McDonnell
When winter days are cold and dark, little books with sweet stories can warm your heart. And so it is with this wordless book from McDonnell. Allow me to introduce you to South by Patrick McDonnell, 2008.
Continue reading “Book Review: South By Patrick McDonnell”Notable Children’s Picture Books From 2012
Or perhaps this post should be called the books I noticed and loved in 2012, as this is definitely not an all-inclusive list of the great books that came out last year. Whatever the title, I feel it necessary and enjoyable to point out a few of my favorite children’s books that 2012 offered. Some I’ve reviewed and will link to, and a couple others I intend on reviewing more in depth in the next few weeks. So here we go – 15 books to enjoy from 2012. Continue reading “Notable Children’s Picture Books From 2012”