Words are important. There are all types: good, bad, ugly and the words chocolate (a most important one). And the below books are about words.
On the surface, A Library by Nikki Giovanni is a silly little story about a young girl and the possibilities of the library she goes to. But it is more than that. The library is a place filled with magic. It is a place where you can be a cook, crook, lover, or sit among the stars. There are worlds upon worlds there. And Erin K. Robison lights up those worlds and the words of Giovanni with colors popping of the pages, shadows and light bouncing around, and showing how controlled the chaos is. It is also a sweet story of the simple times we spend with each other, and the escape books provide to have adventures.
My Poet is a book of words. But not just any old words, but the one of Patricia MacLauchlan. These words come from inside her, like they do with her young narrator and her neighbor she calls My Poet. This poet is inspired by the poet Mary Oliver and MacLauchlan’s connection with her (as the author note mentions). Written in a poetic format, the child learns how to look, think, and feel about the people, places, and things around them. The girl has her notebook and pen ready to write her own words, but will they come? Lovely illustrations by Jen Hill add to the masterpiece by MacLachlan. They hold and hide the text within them, as well as hidden gems.
Giovanni’s work is aimed at the younger crowd (ages three to six) and My Poet is aimed more at the five and up group.
