Picture books are fun, but are hard books to write reviews about. There are usually only a few hundred words (at best) and the stories short enough that to give a description of things means you told the whole book. Recently I found two books that I enjoyed, but I am not saying, “OMG BEST BOOKS EVER” about. They are cozy, their audiences are people who like a softer toned, but strong read. Please read on to learn more about them…
The picture book Gray explores the feelings a young child has during one day. Today they feel gray. They are not sunny yellow or even lullaby blue. This feeling is when you just are not feeling yourself and the day is off. This works out when the mother-presenting character tells their child they will love them through all their colors and feelings, even when they are gray. This is cleverly done in the simplistic signature style of Lauren Child. The colors are not just supporting the story, but are a character within themselves. They accent Laura Dockrill’s text perfectly giving a funky atmosphere. Though available, I read via an online reader copy.
Gwendolyn wants a friend in Gwendolyn and the Light: A Picture Book. They start following a beam of light which eventually leads to the perfect friend for them. The story itself is known, but Susan Yoon’s text is not repetitive or is a “been there done that” wording. There is a classic and modern feeling which mostly comes out in the illustrations of Audrey Helen Weber. Things are without a lot of unique details, but the colors allow the tone to come through. It did not “grab me,” but it has something that makes me want to find a finished copy in October 2024 as I read via an online reader copy.
