Two books found their way onto my work desk the other day. One was Ninja Boy’s Secret by Tina Schneider and the other Time is a Flower by Julie Morstad. Both are picture books, but that is where most of the similarities end. The other two comparisons one can make are both have unique and interesting illustrations, and both have nice messages.
I am giving Ninja Boy’s Secret a 4.5 because the illustrations were not completely “my thing” They are lovely, but the simplistic nature was a little too sparse. Though this sweet story about having the courage to be yourself and do the thing you love the most is worth any little “bump” with the illustrations. While it is a bit idealistic, (spoiler the father accepts the ninja boy) it is wonderfully done. And while the art was not completely me, I adored the way the music is presented in the boy’s daydreams and while he is playing. This use of color in an otherwise black and white world (with a small use of blue in a few places) makes the importance of music more impactful.
When I first saw Time is a Flower, I was not sure what to expect. But Morstad’s gorgeous, artistic illustrations capture the spirit of what the story wants to present. Which is connecting nature and its playful nature, especially when paired with children. However, the theme’s presentation is a little modern, fluffy even “spiritually” a bit “too much” for my personal tastes. I appreciate the idea of nature and play being combined, but the wording was a bit heavy for my personal taste. It is the art (check out the flower petals falling off or the spiderweb) that makes this book fascinating. That same lightness I am not liking makes what I like about the illustrations.
Both books are all ages, but most likely the best ages would be five and up. The solo reader (or one who still needs a little help) can also partake of them.