It’s been a gray January thus far, so what better way to add a little color than perusing these brilliant picture books. Each story has a warmth and charm of its own. And the illustrations would be a welcome addition to any children’s book museum!
HECTOR FOX AND THE GIANT QUEST
by Astrid Sheckels
Oh my… If you haven’t checked out this picture book by illustrator/writer Astrid Sheckels, hie thee to islandportpress.com and buy a copy, or get your local library to purchase all three in the series! (even though I’ve yet to read the other two) One of Astrid’s watercolor painting videos popped up on instagram and I was immediately mesmerized. As a kid, I would have been obsessed with her illustrations. Actually, I’m obsessed with her illustrations as an adult! This sweet tale follows a cast of forest creatures as they search for a fairy tale giant. And, of course, adventure ensues…
astridsheckels.com
LILY LEADS THE WAY
by Margi Preus / illus. by Matt Myers
This spring was the grand opening of the new Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, MI (where I was born! ☺️) So to celebrate, I’m finally posting Margi Preus’s charming picture book LILY LEADS THE WAY !!! The illustrations by Matt Myers are so vibrant and captivating and the personification of Lily the little sailboat makes you root for her from start to finish. I love stories set in the Great Lakes region and Margi Preus does not disappoint with this endearing story of determination. I loved learning about the different types of boats, both old and new, and at the back of the book, you’ll learn more about various types of bridges around the world. Margi lives near Lake Superior and she’s had firsthand experience with a small sailboat and the nearby lift bridge! Don’t miss this one…
THE TALE OF THE CASTLE MICE
by Michael Bond (yes, Paddington) / illus. by Emily Sutton
If you’ve missed reading this picture book, you’ve missed a gem. It’s chock-full of classic Michael Bond-humor. I even laughed out loud. I’ve been reading through some Paddington books, since I missed them as a child, and happily stumbled on this timeless tale from “rodentia”. I’ll be checking out the sequel forthwith! The illustrations by Emily Sutton are a wonder – so much to explore – and Bond’s storytelling is a master performance. In this endearing adventure, a family of mice lose their dollhouse home in a castle and are forced to endure a winter in a garden shed. When spring arrives, something extraordinary happens… And you’ll just have to read it to find out!
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK
by Alice Schertle / illus. by Jill McElmurry
I’m probably the last person in the children’s book world to finally check out the LITTLE BLUE TRUCK. I have to say it deserves all the praise. I was charmed! The autumnal colors and folk art style of the illustrations are a perfect match for the warm friendships in the story. And the rhyming seems effortless, floating from page to page, as the Little Blue Truck encounters his friends. That’s a difficult feat! Not least, the theme of helping someone out – even if it’s a huge, self-important dump truck that gets stuck in the mud – is timeless and endearing. Undaunted by its “littleness”, the Little Blue Truck comes to the rescue with the help of his friends.