Previously in my capacity as Children's Department Manager for the
Odyssey Book Shop, I had the opportunity to look over publisher's
catalogues at the new books for each season. I was lucky enough to get
my hands on some Fall 2011 catalogues, so decided to revive my seasonal
picture book highlights series.
Disclaimer: I have not seen these books with my
own eyes. So, these books have been chosen
based on my knowledge of the author and/or illustrator's previous work,
the catalogue description, and my own personal taste.
Animal Fun from A to Z: Decorative Flash Cards
by Junzo Terada
9780811877794, $19.95
I've mentioned before my slight obsession with the alphabet, alphabet books, and alphabet cards. Here's just one more set to add to the ever-expanding list of alphabet-related paraphernalia I'd like to have some day.
A is for alligator and Z is for zebra! Showcasing the adorable
vintage-inspired animal illustrations of Japanese artist Junzo Terada,
these distinctive flash cards feature an animal for every letter of the
alphabet. Printed on sturdy board, these cards are educational and
absolutely delightful—perfect for both play and display.
One Love
Adapted by Cedelia Marley, based on the song by Bob Marley, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton
9781452102245, $16.99
Adapted from one of Bob Marley's most beloved songs, One Love
brings the joyful spirit and unforgettable lyrics of his music to life
for a new generation. Readers will delight in dancing to the beat and
feeling the positive groove of change when one girl enlists her
community to help transform her neighborhood for the better. Adapted by
Cedelia Marley, Bob Marley's first child, and gorgeously illustrated by
Vanessa Newton, this heartwarming picture book offers an upbeat
testament to the amazing things that can happen when we all get together
with one love in our hearts.
A Zeal of Zebras: An Alphabet of Collective Nouns
by Woop
9781452104928, $17.99
An embarrassment of pandas, a galaxy of starfish, a shiver of
sharks...these are all collective nouns used to describe their groups.
Woop Studios, acclaimed for their work on the Harry Potter movies, has
illustrated these quirky phrases, creating a series of extraordinarily
beautiful art that has been collected here for the first time. The
colorful introduction to animals and the alphabet is accessible for
young children, while the gorgeous, whimsical art and clever wordplay
make it perfect for design-savvy parents and inspired gift givers.
Longer than the standard picture book, with high design and production
values, this is a volume readers will want on their coffee tables in
addition to their child s bookshelf.
The Conductor
by Laetitia Devernay
9781452104911, $18.95
Pairing two seemingly disparate elements an orchestra conductor and a
grove of trees award-winning artist Laetitia Devernay herself
orchestrates a visual magnum opus. Her spare, yet intricate,
illustrations truly appear to take flight before our eyes and her
wordless narrative nearly roars with sound as the conductor prompts the
leaves to rustle, then whirl, then swirl to unexpected life with each
turn of the page. It is a celebration of creativity, imagination,
storytelling, and the renewing power of nature that will entrance
readers of every age.
Over and Under the Snow
by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neil
9780811867849, $16.99
Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow exists a
secret kingdom of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and
many other animals that live through the winter safe and warm, awake and
busy, under the snow. Discover the wonder and activity that lies
beneath winter s snowy landscape in this magical book.
Best Shot in the West: The Adventures of Nat Love
by Patricia C. McKissack and Frederick L. McKissack Jr., illustrated by Randy DuBurke
9780811857499, $19.99
Cheating a bit with this one as it's actually a graphic novel for ages 12 an up, but the illustrations are just gorgeous, so had to include it.
From acclaimed authors Patricia C. McKissack and Fredrick L. McKissack
Jr. comes a thrilling biography of an unforgettable man told in
compelling graphic novel form. Born into slavery in 1854, Nat Love, also
known as Deadwood Dick, grew up to become the most famous
African-American cowboy in the Old West. A contemporary and acquaintance
of Bat Masterson and Billy the Kid, Nat was widely known as an expert
roper and driver, a crack shot, and a real Wild West character.
Featuring lively full-color artwork by Randy DuBurke, Best Shot in the West is an exhilarating mix of high-interest historical fiction and nonstop adventure.
Over and Under the Snow has been a delightful story to share with not only my four year old son, but my two year old daughter as well. They both love discover the animals hidden beneath the layers of snow and then flipping to the back of the book to learn more about them in the animal guide listing. For my son it's definitely all about the learning aspect of it. He's in a stage where he wants to soak up every little bit of knowledge he can about things and adding the magic of the snow made it even that much more interesting for him. As for my daughter, she just loves the fun of finding all the animals hidden in the snow.
ReplyDelete