Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love (2024) is an odd but pleasing book. It was created by, as the cover says, “Joseph Coelho and 21 Artist Friends,” and the content is a number of very short stories. These ten-word flash fictions are linked by theme (love) but not plot or character (or if they are, how they linked is not clear). The brief stories are illustrated in very different styles, and color patterns, so it felt like I was changing stories, and perhaps worlds, every two-page spread.
The (very) brief stories vary. Some work well as flash fiction, and do not need the illustrations (engaging through they are). Others take much of their meaning and power from the images.
Adult fans of flash fiction would enjoy this. So would mature, complex, and/or artistic kids.
