Come one, come all to the Picture Book Ball.
Okay, maybe not a Ball-Ball, but I think most people will have fun reading these diverse and unique books.
You Be Mommy is Karla Clark’s story at connecting with all the moms out there who are just too tired to be mommy today. Clark lovingly shows how mommies are people, too, and they need some lovin’ now and again. Mommy asks her child to do al the things that she would have done so she can be the child and take a rest from all of her chores and duties. Of course, things do not work out as planned, but that is okay, too. Zoe Perisco shows us the laughter, hugs, love and more with their illustraitons. These works of art are fun and bright. They show what is happening, complimenting the text as you go along. Good for the 4 to 6 year-old crowd while the older child can do some solo reading, or some reading with assistance.
We all need a special friend in our lives and I’m Sticking with You shows two friends who have one interesting friendship. Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Steve Small’s book was recommended to me by a teacher acquaintance of mine. She informed me that she cried when reading. And while I did not cry, I can see why she did. It is a sweet story about friendship and how two opposites can make a whole. If the text had been set to music, I would not have been surprised. It has an upbeat feel, even when things in Bear and Squirrels’ lives get a little bumpy. Small’s art is simple, but humorously expressive. Watch Squirrel as they try to find a little space when their large friend Bear is around. This message is one that many are looking for during current events.
I accidentally found An Alphabet of Hugs. I just picked up a handful of reader copies not realizing what they were about, but this one looked like it was a quick read that did not require too much brain power. I ended up reading Emily Snape’s book twice. The concept is simple, an alphabet book of hugs, but it is not your usual alphabet book. A is not for Apple, but how hugs are gentle, careful, bold and more. The art is cute until the letter where the giraffe was injured. The hug to fix an ow is shocking. The young giraffe is bleeding obviously. It seemed unnecessary considering how sweet it all was up to and after that point. It might possibly make it too mature for intended audience. Otherwise, enjoyable and unique way of doing the alphabet.
These three picture books can be good for the same child as each fit whatever mood you want to be in while reading; yet, each one is as unique as the reader that finds them.