(This week's #ReviewsDay pick is from cottager Jamie Michalak.) What it's all about... It starts with a line -- a tip of a pencil and a blade of a skate. At first, this seems to be a simple wordless picture book about an ice skater. But then the real and imagined blur to create magic! Why I love it... The art! Whoa. Exquisite. You'll wonder if the pages are made of ice. Sample illustration...
From LINES. Illustration copyright 2017 by Suzy Lee. Published by Chronicle Books.
What's the kid-appeal? They'll gasp at the surprising turn the story takes when the skater falls, and -- well, I don't want to give too much away. But they won't see it coming. What's the grownup appeal? Beyond the gorgeous visual poetry, Line is a story about picking yourself up when you fall, trying again, and helping others out when they need a hand. This book might also inspire a drawing lesson --- start with a line. Where to find/buy LINES Indie Booksellers Amazon Barnes & Noble Or at a school or library near you!
Suzy Lee is the author-illustrator of Wave, Shadow, and Open This Little Book. Her books have been published and lauded around the world. She was nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen medal, and Wave and Shadow were selected as New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the year. Suzy lives in Seoul, Korea. Learn more about her at www.suzylee.com.
We all know what a cat looks like. . . . Or do we? Brendan Wenzel shows us how humans see a cat and then how many different animals--such as a fox, mouse, bird, and flea--perceive it.
Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Because wow. Just WOW. This stunningly illustrated book is the cat's meow. The brilliant concept is original and the execution is purrfect. (OK, I'll stop with the cat puns now.)
My favorite lines . . .
YES, THEY ALL SAW A CAT!
My favorite illustrations . . .
From THEY ALL SAW A CAT. Illustration copyright 2016 by Brendan Wenzel.
From THEY ALL SAW A CAT. Illustration copyright 2016 by Brendan Wenzel.
Why kids will love it . . .
They'll delight in the unexpected, and often humorous, view revealed with each page turn. This surprising and satisfying read-aloud will elicit giggles and lots of questions about perception.
Why grown-ups will love it . . .
The pawsitively brilliant illustrations! (Sorry. Couldn't help myself.) * GIVEAWAY! Interested in winning a copy of THEY ALL SAW A CAT? Leave a comment below or tweet about this review to enter our giveaway!
What it's all about . . . Ata, the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, can't wait for the parade tomorrow. Her hero, Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph, will be riding on a float! But what happens when a new girl with shiny new shoes challenges Ata to a race? Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . . We immediatelygot swept up in Pat Zietlow Miller's timeless story about howheart and determination -- not squeaky new shoes -- win races. She expertly weaves together many subtle lessons about dreams, hard work, and friendship. The story is perfectly matched by Frank Morrison's energetic, watercolor illustrations. Go, Ata!
Our favorite lines . . . "Got me some new shoes," Charmaine says. Boy-howdy, does she ever. Brand-new, only-been-worn-by-her shoes with stripes down the sides and laces so white they glow. Why kids will love it. . . The Quickest Kid in Clarksville
is a rhythmic, lively read-aloud. Kids will enjoy chanting along with
the sidewalk beat of Ata's worn sneakers: "Wil-ma Ru-dolph. Wil-ma
Rudolph."
Why grown-ups will love it. . . An excellent choice for those seeking to inspire young readers. The Author's Note highlights Wilma Rudolph's victories, including her major role in the first racially integrated event in Clarksville history.
BIGFOOT IS MISSING! by J. Patrick Lewis and Kenn Nesbitt Illustrated by Minalima This week's pick is from Cottager Kara LaReau.
What it's all about... Renowned children’s poets J. Patrick Lewis and Kenn Nesbitt and design agency Minalima shine a light on seventeen cryptids (aka mysterious creatures) from around the world.
Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf... A frighteningly fresh and funny pick for Poetry Month!
Our favorite lines... SAILORS NEEDED. CALL TODAY! Last crew missing; gone aweigh. Ship leaves soon. Hard work. No slackin.’ Be prepared to work with Kraken.
Our favorite illustration...
From BIGFOOT IS MISSING! Illustration copyright 2015 by Minalima.
Why kids will love it... Like their subject matter, these poems will sneak up on you, as they hide in signs, in labels, and in classified ads, among other unexpected places.
Why grown-ups will love it... It’s no mystery — this book is monstrously fun for all ages!
This week's pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak. What it's all about . . . Polar Bear can't find his underwear. It's a problem. Do those striped underpants belong to him? No, Zebra is wearing them. What about the itty-bitty pair? Nope, those belong to Butterfly. And so the search continues. . . . What's a nude polar bear to do?
Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . . This book had us at "Polar Bear's Underwear." It delivered with a funny story, clever die-cuts, and lots of silly surprises. Like the underwear-shaped bellyband that kids must remove before they can read the book.
Our favorite lines . . . It's Bunny's underwear! And it looks GREAT on her head!
Our favorite illustrations . . .
From Polar Bear's Underwear. Copyright 2015 by tupera tupera.
From Polar Bear's Underwear. Copyright 2015 by tupera tupera.
Why kids will love it . . . Three words: POLAR BEAR'S UNDERWEAR!!!
Why grown-ups will love it . . . This read-aloud is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Get ready for giggles!
BONJOUR CAMILLE by Felipe Cano Illustrated by Laia Aguilar
This week's pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak. What it’s all about: On Sunday mornings, an energetic little girl named Camille opens her eyes and puts on her battledress: a tutu and a top hat. She has so many things to do! Like choosing a new favorite color, drawing thousands of faces on balloons, and naming the waves.
Why it’s on the Little Crooked Bookshelf: An Eloise-ish heroine; bold, graphic illustrations; and a whimsical story make this stylish little book enormously appealing.
Our favorite line: Asking the wind in a whispering voice to tell her a story.
Our favorite illustration:
From BONJOUR CAMILLE. Illustration copyright 2014 by Laia Aguilar.
Why kids will like it: My 7-year-old assistant says, "I like all the fun pictures and it's pretty easy for me to read." Kids will immediately like Camille, who's first item of business is to jump on the bed until her mother says, "THAT'S ENOUGH!" They'll be inspired to imagine their own ways to take on the day.
Why parents will like it: Bonjour Camilleis a celebration of the simple joys in life. Not a computer or video game to be found. Hand this to a child who complains, "I'm bored!"
I'm all bundled up because I'm on my way to visit the talented author-illustrator Lizi Boyd! She created the picture books Inside Outside, I Love My Mommy, I Love My Daddy, and most recently, the highly praised Flashlight.
Hmm. . . . where is her studio? Lizi told me it sits on a hill above a field of apple trees with a long
view to the mountains. Through her tall windows the inside and outside
are one, and oh-- I see it! <<knock, knock>>
Hello, Lizi! It's me, Mr. Pig! But you might have guessed that already.
Well, I don't often get dapper pigs at my door. Good to see you! Come in and get warm.
You are visiting me when I’m working fast and furious towards a tight deadline. All the studio tables are full. It is wintery and quiet inside but noisy with images and thoughts.
I like my studio. It sits above a field of apple trees with long mountain views to the south. Today I’m working on cover sketches and ideas for back cover spots.
Alongside the drawing board is another table filled with illustrations that I’m still working on. Behind me is a third long table with finished illustrations, so I am surrounded! It helps to see the whole book lying about. And when I come downstairs in the morning to work, it’s as if I’m folding myself into all the images and pages of the book. It’s both chaotic and calming.
Fascinating! Thanks for the sneak peek. Hey, there's a copy of Flashlight! It was a Little Crooked Cottage Pick of the Week. These two illustrations are my favorite.
From FLASHLIGHT. Illustration copyright 2014 by Lizi Boyd.
From FLASHLIGHT. Illustration copyright 2014 by Lizi Boyd.
Thank you, Mr. Pig! Lizi, who are these characters?
These are old Kokeshi dolls. They were given to me by a second cousin who brought them back from Japan. My favorite one is on the right, this one has a childs’ hands and play in it. It’s slightly worn, its wood color darker, richer, friendlier.
This is a wall of quick sketches and funny old, wooden architects curls.
And this is my gazing-out–of-window just above my drawing board.
Oh, I love a good gazing-out-of-window! Now, tell me about him.
He sits just outside the studio windows and works at keeping the calm.
I have quite a few carved African masks. I love their simplicity and strength.
This one has such strong, flat colors and design. The masks keep me company.
And these are some characters I made while I was working on an idea for a book. I needed to meet them so I made them. They are still holding back on telling me their whole story but one day when they’re ready they’ll tell me.
They look like they have a lot to share! Lizi, could you please show us what's above your studio?
Sure. Above my studio is our wonderful porch, even in winter it is a good place to take a tea break.
Lovely! I see some bird tracks down below. Do you?
You're right. About now I feel like both birds crossing paths with myself trying to finish up this book.
Well, I won't stand in the way of a new Lizi Boyd book. Thanks for giving us a tour of your beautiful studio, Lizi! It's a magical place.
I didn’t say too much, the noisy me is distracted, But I'm glad you enjoyed the tour of my studio. Thank you, Mr. Pig, for visiting!
About Lizi Boyd
Photo: Cary Hazlegrove
Lizi Boyd has written and illustrated many acclaimed children’s books, including Flashlight, Inside Outside, Black Dog Gets Dressed, I Love Grandma, I Love Grandpa, I Love Mommy,andI Love Daddy.
She also creates papers, ribbons, cards, and other works of delight. To learn more about Lizi's work, visit her website.
Praise for Lizi's latest book
FLASHLIGHT by Lizi Boyd Chronicle Books, 2014 ISBN 978-1452118949
An NPR Best Book of the Year
* "This
elegant book serves to alleviate fear of night noises, instigate talk
of nocturnal creatures, or bring calm as a bedtime story." --School
Library Journal, starred review
* "A wordless picture book both soothing and gently humorous." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A must-have wordless picture book." --Library Media Connection, starred review "Positively breathtaking. nothing short of brilliant. No book more purely beautiful has appeared this year." --The Boston Globe "Boyd
showcases a child who is fully capable of educating and entertaining
himself with only a few simple tools (a camping tent, a flashlight) at
his disposal." --Publishers Weekly
"Beneath the sweet, enchanting
illustrations . . . lies a deeper reminder about the wonderland that unfolds
when one is simply willing to look." --Maria Popova, Brainpickings
Read all of Lizi's books!
[Top, from left to right: Flashlight, Inside Outside, Black Dog Gets Dressed; Bottom: I Love Daddy, I Love Mommy, I Love Grandma, I Love Grandpa]
The Narrator's Guacamole which is mostly coleslaw (recipe in the book) decorated with a few tools one needs to build clever inventions.
An apple to stay healthy and smart with a Cryptic Crossword* and Cassie, the Ridiculous Dog.
A very filling ham-and-salad sandwich topped with the Templeton Twins made from bread, cheese, and German edible paper -- I know, I know, you expected beef tacos.** But ham sandwiches are much easier to eat on the go!
* Abigail loves solving Cryptic Crossword puzzles and this clearly stands for The Templeton Twins! ** If you read the book, you would know why. Go read the book!
Why kids will love it . . . They're in control! Kids will feel like they're actually mixing, splattering, and creating the colors in this book. Why grown-ups will love it . . . Parents and teachers can read Mix It Up! with their children and then break out the finger paints to make their own colors.
*TO WIN A COPY OF YOUR OWN, LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE SECTION BELOW. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd.
What it's all about . . . A boy camping in the woods uses his flashlight to illuminate gentle woodland creatures, plants, and flowers. This wordless picture book, illustrated mostly in black and white, includes cut-outs and a visual surprise on every page. Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . . Original and stunning, FLASHLIGHT is an ode to night, nature, and art. Our favorite illustrations . . .
From FLASHLIGHT. Illustration copyright 2014 by Lizi Boyd.
From FLASHLIGHT. Illustration copyright 2014 by Lizi Boyd.
Why kids will love it . . . After reading FLASHLIGHT, kids will want to break out their own flashlights to explore the natural world around them. They'll also love the surprise ending--tables are turned when an owl shines the light on the boy, providing the first time we see the boy in color. Why grown-ups will love it . . .
This book might help parents reassure children who are afraid of the dark.
*TO ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF FLASHLIGHT, ADD A COMMENT IN THE SECTION BELOW!
THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd.
Because we love you so, we're offering a second giveaway this week. . . . Win a signed (or personalized if you prefer) copy of our recent Pick of the Week, CAT SAYS MEOW AND OTHER ANIMALOPOEIA by Michael Arndt!
The winner will also receive a set of limited edition stickers and newly printed two-sided glossy bookmarks (pictured below).
To enter, simply leave a comment. We'll announce the winner tomorrow. Good luck!
Animals look the way they sound in playfully illustrated gift book.
About CAT SAYS MEOW:
Age range: 3 (preschool) and up Publisher: Chronicle Books Animalopoeia (tm) animals look the way they sound. There are 25 animals all rendered in . . . letters! A portion of the author's profits from this book will go to help animals in need who are waiting in animal rescue organizations. "A beautifully crafted and truly stellar book that no library should miss." --School Library Journal
"One of those rare picture books with something for everyone to enjoy." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A winning blend of typography and zoology." --Publishers Weekly
Cat Says Meow: And Other Animalopoeia by Michael Arndt What it's all about . . .
Do you like animals? And eye-catching typography? Then Cat Says Meow is your book. The shapes of the letters (that make the animal sounds) curve and twist to become the animals. It’s original and well crafted and the more you read it the more layers you’ll uncover. For instance, many of the animals are arranged to be in conversation.
Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
It’s a clever concept that has winning results. Plus, the typography makes it different from other animal books out there.
Our favorite lines . . .
Sparrow says chirp.
Our favorite illustration . . .
Why kids will love it . . .
It’s playful, colorful, and perfect for kids learning to read and learning animal sounds.
Why grown-ups will love it . . .
It’s pretty stunning, and if you have any interest in onomatopoeia, then you will love this book.
The Bear's Sea Escape by Benjamin Chaud What it's all about . . . Little Bear and Papa Bear had thought they'd found the perfect place to hibernate--a cozy den full of other dozing bears. But their den is actually the teddy bear section of a toy store. A little boy adopts Little Bear as his own, and Papa Bear sets off on an adventure, following his cub from a snowy city to a tropical island. Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . . The lively story works well on its own, but the detailed and humorous illustrations set this book apart from any other.
Our favorite lines . . . "I wrote this lullaby just for you, about a Little Bear and his Papa Bear, hibernating by the sea, where the sun will keep them warm and fill their winter dreams." Our favorite illustration . . .
From The Bear's Sea Escape. Illustration copyright 2014 by Benjamin Chaud.
Why kids will love it . . . Children, especially fans of Where's Waldo?, will love searching for Little Bear and discovering unexpected characters, such as mermaids, dogs driving cars, and rooftop snowboarders. Why grown-ups will love it . . . With a tropical setting and lots of details to pore over, The Bear's Sea Escape is perfect for long trips this summer!
