Leo Timmer’s The Monster in the Lake is a lovely picture book. The story is simple, but satisfying; one duck invites others to the lake, […]
My Wonderful Christmas Tree
I recently read my first book by Dahlov Ipkar, The Cat at Night. I enjoyed that book, and found the visual design especially strong, and […]
The Fish with the Deep-Sea Smile
The 2014 version of The Fish with the Deep-Sea Smile really shows the difference illustration makes in a picture book. This was written by Margaret […]
The Cat at Night
In his thoughtful afterword to Dahlov Ipcar’s 1969 picture book The Cat at Night, scholar Carl Little mentions that Ipcar said each of her books […]
The House Before Falling Into the Sea
I has assumed the title of Ann Sue Hak’s 2024 picture book The House Before Falling Into the Sea was metaphoric–some symbol of something that […]
Dress Up and Let’s Have a Party
I recently read Fortunately by Remy Charlip. I enjoyed and appreciated it, and the experience set me looking for more Charlip. Hence, Dress Up and […]
Feeling Like a Kid
Feeling Like a Kid: Childhood and Children’s Literature (2006) is a short, lovely reflection on children’s literature. Author Jerry Griswold is an expert in children’s […]
Fortunately
Remy Charlip’s 1964 picture book Fortunately has a wonderful structure. The first two-page spread starts with “Fortunately,” followed by two pages of good news and […]
A Pond, A Poet, and Three Pests
Okay, I’ll admit it: I was skeptical about A Pond, A Poet, and Three Pests. A lot of kids books about poetry are forced, or […]
Umbrella
Elena Arevalo Melville’s 2024 picture book Umbrella is a well-designed book of magic and whimsy. Clara’s alone in the park, wishing for someone to play […]