At the beginning of this month I posted an update on how I was doing on challenges. I was disappointed because I was convinced that there were a few I wouldn’t finish. My friend Nicola of Back to Books suggested that I got to the library and get some picture books. I thanked for the suggestion but said that I thought that would be cheating. Nicola pointed out the “Picture book writers are authors too.”
I thought about that some more. I don’t think I actually saw picture book writers as authors. I know that is very silly of me. I have come to realize that they are just as valuable as other authors. Maybe even more so because they help teach kids to learn to read. I also realized that since I didn’t grow up in Canada, I wasn’t exposed to Canadian picture books.
So, I took Nicola’s advice and went exploring Canadian picture books at my local library. What did I find? A treasure! There are some amazing picture books out there and I am going to share aome od my findings with you now.
Treasure #1: Amos’s Sweater by Janet Lunn and Illustrated by Kim LaFave:
This is a wonderful book about an old goat, Amos that doesn’t want to give up his wool anymore. You see, Amos was cold. Aunt Hattie had to chase him all over the pasture to get his wool. She did succeed but then Amos was cold and mad. There is a happy ending to this story but I won’t give it away. Although, there is a hint in the title.
This was a delightful book even for a too serious adult like me! the pictures capture all of Amos’s emotions in beautiful colours.
Treasure #2: Finklehopper Frog Cheers by Irene Livingson and illustrated by Brian Lies:
Finklehopper Frog went to a picnic with his friends and others. He was a bit scared that some of the other picnickers might make fun of him but then saw his friend, Ruby Rabbit and his fear went away. Two bullies showed up and tried to spoil the fun but Ruby knew just what to do and no violence ensued. Later there was to be a race that Ruby was participating in. When they arrived at the track she saw that Sue Kangaroo was also in the race. Ruby was scared but Finklehopper gave her a pep talk. Did Ruby Rabbit win the race? I’ll never tell! You will have to read it and find out yourself.
This was a charming book with lots of animal characters and excellent pictures.
Treasure #3: The Party by Barbara Reid:
Barbara Reid also did the illustrations for this fun book. Two sisters were going to a party with their parents. They didn’t seem too happy about it. As they drove away they saw their friends outside playing, having a good old time but they had to say, “no.” When they arrive at the party their Aunt Joan kissed them. “The very worst of the party.” The sisters weren’t sure how to start the party but soon some other kids arrived and they played together. The Party then goes on from there.
This book would be a great way to introduce kids to the concept of a party. Barbara Reid does a great job putting it all into words. For her illustrations, she used Plasticine artwork for the illustrations that were simply amazing. It is not surprising that she has won many awards for this artwork. She made Aunt Joan practically burst out of the page with her wet kiss. Aunt Joan reminded me of an Aunt I had far removed who was at a lot of our family gatherings. We always went to get her kiss over with first thing. She had a wet kiss and it was actually not a real kiss. She sucked our cheek into her mouth. LOL!
I have more wonderful picture books to share but this is it for now. To be continued sometime in the future.
