Sewing Stories: Harriet Powers’ Journey from Slave to Artist (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2015) by Barbara Herkert is a delightful picture book biography. The warm illustrations are done by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Read the illustrator’s comments about the book here.
The story takes Harriet from slave child watching the adults quilt to becoming a free woman, quilter and artist. When I read it, I almost cried when Harriet has to sell her story quilt. Besides the lyrical text of the story, there are patchwork boxes with extra information on each spread.
The back matter is very interesting in this book, too. It includes explanations about her quilts, tells more of her story, and even shows a picture of Harriet.
If you are a quilter or love quilts, this is a “must have” book. But it’s also a good story for kids to understand that even when life is hard, there can be joy and beauty.
Barbara Herkert had another artist biography come out last month as well: Mary Cassatt: Extraordinary Impressionist Painter with illustrations by Gabi Swiatkowska. Other books are in the works; read more on the author’s site.
Category: PB
picture books
Mr. Pusskins: a Love Story
Mr. Pusskins: a Love Story (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2006) by Sam Lloyd obviously isn’t a brand-new picture book, but I only discovered it this year* and I love it! I love the humor, the illustrations, and the satisfying ending. No wonder it was a New York Times Best Seller!
Mr. Pusskins’ owner Emily loves him. But he thinks his life is boring and runs away. Of course, running away creates new problems. Will he and Emily get back together?
If you haven’t read this book, you should. 🙂 There are two sequels: Mr. Pusskins and Little Whiskers and Mr. Pusskins Best in Show and board books: Mr. Pusskins Feelings and Mr. Pusskins Opposites.
Author/illustrator Sam Lloyd is a prolific writer and illustrator. Check out her many books here.
*Thank you, Stephanie Shaw, for introducing the book to me.
Nightsong
Nightsong (Simon and Schuster, 2012) by Ari Berk and illustrated by Loren Long is a lovely picture book. The rhythm of the language, the pictures, they meld together to tell a good story of leaving home and coming back again. It shows how a young bat “sees” at night. Each time I read it, I’m left with a smile on my face.
Author Ari Berk has written numerous other books. Go to his website to check them out. Mr. Berk is also an illustrator and shares a sketchbook online.
Illustrator Loren Long also writes and illustrates his own books as well as illustrating others books. Read about him here. And if you’d like to read a tearjerker story about Loren’s dad, go here.
On My Way to Buy Eggs
I love this simple, but sweet picture book On My Way to Buy Eggs (Kane/Miller Book Publishers, 2003) by writer/illustrator Chih-Yuan Chen. Shau-yu is sent to the store to buy eggs. She has simple adventures as she enjoys pretending along the way. The book has a nice mixture of diversity and universal feelings.
I really like how the artist has let us see what Shau-yu is seeing, first through the blue marble, then through the glasses. I also like the use of shadows. Both of these you’ll have to look inside the book to enjoy.
On My Way to Buy Eggs was named a Best Children’s Book by Publishers Weekly.
Chih-Yuan Chen has illustrated and written The Featherless Chicken, Guji Guji (a story about a crocoduck), Best Christmas Ever, and Artie and Julie–all of which have been translated into English and Spanish, as On My Way to Buy Eggs has been. He also illustrated Mimi Says No and Mimi Loves to Mimic. Several of the books have also been translated into German and French.
Number One Sam
Number One Sam (Disney Hyperion, 2014) by Greg Pizzoli is a fast, fun read. Sam, a dog, is number one at the races. He’s used to winning. Until his friend Maggie, an elephant, comes in first. At the next race, Sam has to make a choice about winning or losing.
This book got a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly and has been chosen as Pennsylvania’s One Book, Every Child selection for 2015. At about 300 words is a good short picture book to study for writers and an easy book for beginning readers.
Author/illustrator Greg Pizzoli has written and illustrated 3 other picture books and illustrated 2 others. Read more here. His blog has some interesting posts, too.