Month: April 2013

Oliver Jeffers Calls Them Picture Books

“Since I began making picture books I have come to realise over time that I call them just that. Picture books. Not children’s books. The reason for this is twofold; firstly I don’t believe they are just for children. I have met countless adults that collect picture books for themselves, and they are growing in confidence about openly admitting this in a book-signing queue. It’s not for my daughter, or a friend’s nephew. It’s for me. Often these individuals are teachers, librarians, publishing employees, art college students / aspiring picture-book makers themselves. But increasingly, they are doctors, civil servants, bus drivers … just people who have discovered the joy of a story unfolding visually over a few dozen pages.

I refrain from calling them children’s books because that implies I write them specifically for children. I don’t. I write them for myself. And for everyone.”

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Barbara Cooney On A Robust Literary Diet

“I believe that children in this country need a more robust literary diet than they are getting…. It does not hurt them to read about good and evil, love and hate, life and death. Nor do I think they should read only about things that they understand… a man’s reach should exceed his grasp. So should a child’s. For myself, I will never talk down to—or draw down to—children.”

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Best Baby Picture Books: Great Gift Ideas for Baby Showers and More

Spring is in full swing and often it brings baby showers and first birthdays, as well as other random celebrations for little ones. If you know me well, then you know my philosophy is that books are the best gifts. A book is a way to give again and again; something that develops the child; plants memories; and introduces joy, silliness, beauty and so much more. To quote a favorite movie, “When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.”

It is a big responsibility to choose a book for a child; one that too many people take lightly. If you know the family well, you can choose books that you think will fit their personality. But often, you just need some quality books to choose from. Being the kind person I am, I’m letting you in on my secret list – well, at least sixteen from it. There are lots of books that people consider a must for a baby library, many I like and some I really don’t. I have not included the most familiar ones as I find that the parents probably already have those, someone else will gift them, or I just want to give an even more unique one. Here is my top sixteen list of children’s picture books that are excellent baby shower gifts, first birthday gifts, or just because you are cute gifts. Continue reading “Best Baby Picture Books: Great Gift Ideas for Baby Showers and More” →

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Book Review: Alice In Wonderland By Jennifer Adams & Alison Oliver

It’s Friday, and as I prepare for a big post next week, I decided to present a short, light-hearted book today. I mentioned this book in my notable list from 2012, so I thought it might delight your day to get a peek inside if you haven’t seen it yet. A simplified twist on a beloved classic, this clever duo has taken on teaching colors through the fantastical story of Alice in Wonderland by Little Master Carroll as they call him. Let’s take a quick look at Alice in Wonderland by Jennifer Adams, art by Alison Oliver, 2012.

Continue reading “Book Review: Alice In Wonderland By Jennifer Adams & Alison Oliver” →

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