In a Jar

Perfect Picture Book Friday

In a Jar (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2020) by Deborah Marcero is a delightful book of magical remembrances and friendship. And it’s about collecting, which kids love to do. I love the feel of the illustrations, too.

Llewellyn collects things in jars. These jars remind him of “all the wonderful things” he has seen and done. One evening he collects “cherry light into his jars.” (I so want to be able to do this.) And gives one jar of light to Evelyn. The two become friends and collect together. Then she moves away. “With Evelyn gone, Llewellyn’s heart felt like an empty jar.” See how he solves this.

This book reminds me a lot of Button and Bundle by Gretchen McLellan. See an interview with the author here. The two books make good companion stories.

Author/illustrator Deborah Marcero has written and/or illustrated other books. Read about them here.

Perfect Picture Book Friday

It’s not out till June, but you’ll want to check out No Party Poopers (little bee books, 2020) by Gretchen McLellan and illustrated by Lucy Semple.

Two friends want to have a party, but everyone bear suggests, panda has an excuse why they shouldn’t be invited. Rhinos? Might pop the balloons. Peacocks? Show offs. Pigs? Hog all the honey buns. PAWSitively no party poopers allowed! But who’s the real party pooper?

Both in text and art this humorous tale will be fun for children and adults. And don’t we all have someone in our lives who finds the negative in everything? I love what bear finally does when panda has turned down every idea. This book could also be used to teach about acceptance and differences.

Check out author Gretchen McLellan’s other books here and read about her here. I love her sense of humor.

Illustrator Lucy Semple is from the UK. Read about her here and check out some of her work here. I love her use of vibrant colors.

Click on the publisher’s link to see some inside spreads.