Not-So-Random Picture Books I Love

First, in honor of the birthday of one of our favorite authors, Mo Willems I will share a couple of my favorites that he has written.  I should say, written and illustrated.  Mo's simple illustrations are amazing at showing emotion, yet give kids hope that they too could draw them.  Especially in the Pigeon and Elephant and Piggie books. 

Speaking of the Pigeon, we'll start with him.  There are several books featuring this character.  My favorite happens to be The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog.  In this book we get a further glimpse into the Pigeon's character with his discovery of a hot dog, and the introduction of his nemesis the Ducky.  Though he is irritated, to say the least, by the Ducky, he does end up sharing the hot dog. (I hope that doesn't ruin the book for anyone.)  The pigeon is so much like many kids I've met, at once adorable and a bit annoying.  Very amusing and highly enjoyable, like the rest of Mr. Willems' books.

Elephant (or Gerald) and Piggie are the main characters in a series of early readers written and illustrated by Mo Willems as mentioned above.  They are laugh out loud funny, and kids of all ages love them.   Great for reading aloud, as long as your audience can see the illustrations, as they are as integral to the story as the words.  My favorite (so far) is Can I Play Too? which introduces us to another friend for Elephant and Piggie.  A snake.  Basically, the two friends are playing catch with a ball, and Snake wants to play too, but how can he, snakes have no arms?  Hilarity ensues as they try to include their new friend.  So. Funny.  Really.  If you are unfamiliar with these books, you really must experience to appreciate them.  What are you waiting for?  Get to the library and check out some of these books!

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed and Leonardo the Terrible Monster are another two of my favorite books by Mr. Willems, but there are more (I didn't even mention the Knuffle Bunnies or Edwina).  His books have heart, humor, great characters and great stories.  Not to mention dealing with day to day dilemmas that we all face. 



On to other books.

Today is also the birthday of author Jane Yolen.  Jane is the author of many, many (over 300) books.  These are but a few of her picture books. Many people are familiar with the "How Do Dinosaurs ____?" series, and award winners such as Owl Moon, however these are not the ones I want to share today.

Yolen's writing is always poetic and wonderful.  Some rhyme, some do not.

Come to the Fairies' Ball is a beautiful, beautiful book, wonderfully illustrated by  Gary Lippincott.  An enchanting, rhyming tale of the invitation, preparations and fun of a ball held by the King and Queen of the Fairies, with a Cinderella story in the midst.  The lyrical words and amazing illustrations make this one of my favorite picture books.  It is whimsical and magical.   I cannot put into the proper words how beautiful this book is.    

Jane's love of poetry is beautifully shown in My Uncle Emily, a story based on true events in the life of Emily Dickinson told through the eyes of her young nephew Gilbert (Gib) who was six at the time.  This touching story so captures this young boy's love of his Aunt, and provides a window into the family of one of America's most famous poets.  Wonderful story.  I wanted more, so I read the "What is true about this story" on the last page in which she includes the full poem used in the story entitled "Tell all the Truth" and tells more about the family.  This book was charmingly illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. 


One of the most moving picture books I have read is also written by Jane Yolen.  All Those Secrets of the World is an account of Jane's father going off (and coming home again) to war which took place when she was four years old.  (she was six when he returned)  I almost can't talk about this one, it moved me so.  The story begins with Jane's detailed recollections of the her father's leaving, the big ship, the ice cream Grandma bought her and her cousin Michael, "chocolate with jimmies", the hugs, and butterfly kisses.  The next day the children play in the water of the bay (which they were not supposed to do), and it is there that Michael shares one of the secrets of the world that help little Janie to understand better her father's absence, which she then shares with him upon his return.  Again, beautifully written by a master storyteller, and beautifully illustrated by Leslie Baker.

Whew!  I think that's enough for one day.  : )

~Jennifer