(A bookish trip to Paris, via A Visit to Paris – The Fine Books Blog)
This color illustration from The Nursery Alice (an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland for very young readers) shows the behind-the-scenes process of color printing. Each stage represents a printing plate of the same image inked with different colors, building to the finished illustration.
One of the many highlights from our online exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland.
Tenniel, John. Proof plates for “The Jury Box,” 1889, from The Nursery Alice.
Houghton Library, Harvard University
Wonderful!
Vincent and the Night, by Adele Enersen; Dial Books, $16.99, 32 pages, ages 2-5.
Finnish copywriter-turned author Adele Enersen gained global attention with her blog, Mila’s Daydreams, thrilling readers with photos of her baby in various imaginary situations. Now, pen and ink line drawings surround her youngest child in this latest installment. Here, little Vincent shows no interest in falling asleep, and is imagined as a swashbuckling pirate, zookeeper, and even a violinist. Despite the artistic whimsy, the text doesn’t sing like it ought to, and the images just aren’t strong enough to carry the story on their own. Even though Amazon lists Vincent as one of it’s best books for 2015, I have to respectfully demur. It’s cute, but geared more towards cooing adults than young readers. That said, I think it would be excellent refashioned as a board book – gather the black and white images closer together, and put the thing right into children’s hands so that they might gaze into the eyes of Vincent, marvel at his antics, and perhaps engage in a few adventures of their own.
(via – The Fine Books Blog) Andy Warhol’s AMERICA, as witty and relevant as ever.
About Habitats: Polar Regions, by Cathryn Sill, illustrated by John Sill; Peachtree Publishers, $16.95, 32 pages, ages 2-7.
Barack Obama made history this week as the first American president to cross the Arctic Circle. Stopping in places like Kotzebue, Alaska, the trip highlighted the administration’s efforts to help coastal fishing communities battle climate change and to also spread the word on rapidly rising oceans and temperatures. In recognition of his visit, today’s book About Habitats: Polar Regions is a perfect invitation for young explorers to learn about the Arctic and Antarctica. Husband-and-wife duo Cathryn and John Sill’s award-winning About Habitat series offers simple explanations of complex ecosystems with short, declarative sentences in large font. (Mrs. Sill was an elementary school teacher for three decades, so she has a pretty good idea of what grabs young minds.) John Sill’s wildlife paintings are striking and inviting, and each painting is accompanied by plate descriptions in the afterword. The whole is rounded out by a glossary, bibliography, and websites. The delicate flora and fauna of the polar regions are on the front lines of climate change, and this book will serve as a powerful, beautiful inspiration to budding scientists.
(via Archie Andrews: Looking Good at 75 – The Fine Books Blog)
Late Summer Dances
Yes, it’s August, whether we like it or not, and in these dog days, let’s remember to relish this time before young ones return to school and life resumes its daily rhythm. With the summer’s ease in mind, the following two books are wonderful reminders that this is the season for fun, whimsy, and cultivating friendships.
Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea (Disney-Hyperion, $9.99 ages 5-8) appeared on many summer-reading lists, and for good reason: Shea cornered the market with his brand of bold, slightly retro art and snappy writing. In this early reader, we meet energetic Ballet Cat and her best friend Sparkles the Pony. The pair are having trouble figuring out what to play, and even though they decide on a dance party, Sparkles moves are less than inspired, and Ballet Cat can’t figure out what’s wrong. Yes, there is a secret, but Sparkles is scared about sharing this one – what if it ruins their friendship? Parents will find the pace similar to Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie early readers, and kids will happily read this one aloud, on their own or with adults. Looking forward to further installments in the series.
Marilyn Singer has written over 100 books for children, and her Tallulah books are particularly beloved. In Tallulah’s Tap Shoes (Clarion Books, $16.99, ages 5-8) the budding ballerina and her younger brother Beckett sign up for summer dance camp, and this is the first time our heroine tries tap. Tallulah’s confidence plummets in tap class, while another camper named Kacie excels. Both girls eventually learn that patience and hard work bring rewards, and that no one is the best at everything – themes that will certainly resonate with young perfectionists. Alexandra Boiger’s watercolors evoke all the sparkles and glitter a tiny dancer could ever hope for, while also capturing the subtle struggle of self-acceptance and and self-discovery. Every page is a treat, right down to the endpapers where Kacie demonstrates a tap shuffle.
Literary Features Syndicate 