Picture Book Re-Fresh
Before my writing group meeting this morning, I grabbed a few books that I wanted to re-read today for inspiration to work on my own writing. I referred to Creepy Carrots in our last meeting, so I had to show it off via zoom. I also grabbed the rest of the books shown above, plus also grabbed two of my three Pig and Chick books as P. Marin is a member of my writing group. She read us a lovely future book about Pig and Chick, an early reader that your early readers are sure to love!
Check them out:
Pig and Chick by P. Marin: I always liken their lovely relationship to Frog and Toad, which is the gold standard. Though P. Marin brings her own stamp of fun and quirky in this charming duo.
Rot: The Cutest in the World! by Ben Clanton: I know you all know how much I love Ben Clanton, but did you know that my trio is obsessed with potatoes? I blame Mr. Bookworm. We had a math professor in college who would give many examples starting with “this potato” in a very distinctive accent. We loved to repeat it in our early twenties and it’s lasted through now. There are many reasons why I love my husband, not the least of which is each of us ‘getting’ each other’s humor.
The Hello, Goodbye Window written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Chris Raschka: I think this book was a gift from my twin. I’ve always loved the relationship this little girl has with her grandparents. The vibrant colors and paintings add to its charm.
Hug Machine by Scott Campbell: I’m a huggy type person so this book has always been right up my alley. The main character hugs everything. In our social distanced world, it means a lot to give and receive a hug. And Scott Campbell’s water color illustrations are also among my favorite.
Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Peter Brown: this whole book is done in shades of black and white and orange, but the illustrations lack nothing. A fun twist on carrots that come to haunt an ‘innocent’ bunny named Jasper. A fun squeal-out-loud read-aloud picture book.
After the Fall by Dan Santat: just like Clanton and Campbell above, Santat is one of my favorite author-illustrators. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but it’s a twist on the classic Humpty Dumpty story that contains such an inspirational message that we could all use right now during quarantine.
Your libraries are likely closed, but you can find these books on the various electronic check-out methods that your local library uses. Or, if you’re going to buy one of them, check out your local indie bookstore. They can use your love right now. And your kids could use a new book to brighten their day! :D P.S. The Hello-Goodbye Window is kind of how we are visiting my parents these days—video chats and one brief in person, drop off to wave hello with masks on and at a distance. This weekend, we hope to say hello through a window too.
Virtual hugs all around to you.
xo
