Maybe physical walls aren’t the kind that really divide us. A thoughtful and thought-provoking book.
Walls was written by Brad Holdgrafer, illustrated by Jay Cover and published by Princeton Architectural Press. It’ll be out on August 21.
Little Lit Book Series: Wordless Books
We’re sharing wordless picture books for this month’s #littlelitbookseries. Wordless picture books are wonderful for so many reasons — they allow a reader to become an active participant in storytelling, to interact with the narrative and to interpret it in a multitude of ways. Wordless books also provide opportunities for children to learn different lexicons depending on who’s telling the story, and to really understand the elements of story structure (characters, setting, problem, resolution, etc.). When readers revisit wordless books, there are new nuances to discover and fresh takes to be had on the narrative.
When you open the door and your heart to something new and unfamiliar — and possibly strange — you just might find magic, mirth, beauty and friendship. We love how the themes of curiosity and wonder unfold in DOOR, how JiHyeon Lee’s illustrations exude a soft, quiet exuberance and a subtle humor; and how her deft use of color plays an integral role in the narrative.
DOOR was written and illustrated by JiHyeon Lee and published by Chronicle Books. It’ll be out on October 2.
Be sure to stop by @littlelitbookseries for more wordless books throughout the month and see what everyone’s sharing today by searching the hashtag #littlelitbookseries on Instagram.
Bonkers About Beetles
Nature is a beautiful, incomprehensible marvel in the way that everything works together so seamlessly and Owen Davey’s books remind us of nature’s small, perfect and sublime details. In the fourth book of his non-fiction series, we learn about the weird and wonderful complexity of beetles — creatures that comprise 25% of the world’s animals. One fact that we found fascinating — fireflies are a type of beetle and some of them can synchronize their flash patterns and turn their glow on and off at the same time. Did you know that ladybugs hibernate when the days get colder and less food is available? Bonkers About Beetles is perfect for nature enthusiasts and if you think you’ve got a future entomologist — or coleopterist — on your hands.
Bonkers About Beetles was written and illustrated by Owen Davey and published by Flying Eye Books.
Boats on the Bay
Read this yesterday for the first time. It was a slow Sunday afternoon — the soporific heat making it even slower — and wow, I really perked up on the first page turn. The book’s simple, serene text coupled with stunning, sweeping illustrations tell the story of a day in the life of the San Francisco Bay. Illustrator Grady McFerrin does an incredble job highlighting the meaningful landmarks that make living in the Bay area a beautiful and unique experience. A few readings of Boats on the Bay will make you feel like you’re out bobbing on the water breathing in its cold, wet air, taking in a fresh perspective and a welcome break from the sometimes congested life on land. It’s one of the loveliest, most thoughtful tributes to San Francisco. No question one of our favorites this year, for so many reasons.
Boats on the Bay was written by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Grady McFerrin and published by Cameron Kids. It’ll be out on August 21.
Ocean: A Visual Miscellany
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” — Jacques Cousteau
A great big book about our great vast oceans. Some of the topics explored are watercraft (vessels that travel on or under water), ship life and navigation, the many inhabitants of the ocean, “tales from the deep,” famous disasters at sea and nautical experiments to try at home. Sprinkled throughout are questions that engage readers in wonder such as “What does sea spray smell like?” and “Could you ‘catch’ your dinner if you were in complete darkness?” Included is a recipe for caldeirada, a Portuguese fish stew — a nod to the author and illustrator’s heritage.
Ocean: A Visual Miscellany was written by Ricardo Henriques, illustrated by André Letria and published by Chronicle Books.