Do you think of reading as being only about understanding words on a page? Picture books will show you how amazing it can be to "read" with your eyes as you look carefully at the illustrations. Many people think that picture books are only for young children. While many of them were written with children in mind, readers of all ages will find something to enjoy in picture books if they give them a chance. Picture book artists may use paint, colored pencils, ink, photography, collage or a combination of artistic media to tell a story. We've chosen a few for you that caught our eyes, touched our hearts, or made us laugh. Give them a try, and be sure to browse the children's section of your local library for other great picture books.
Art & Max
David Wiesner
Art is a serious artist. Max is an excitable goofball. Max interrupts a portrait being painted by Art by asking "Art, can I paint you?" When Art agrees, he is surprised when Max meant to paint him literally. Art, as a result, gets mad. So mad that he bursts the first layer of paint off his body revealing a sort of smooth underpaint. Next, Max gives Art a glass of water to drink which then washes away all the underpaint as if it were watercolor. The story goes on and eventually Max reduces Art to a pile of lines and has to redraw him completely. Another very funny and thought provoking picture book written and illustrated by David Wiesner. Art & Max is definitly worth checking out!
Suggested Grade Level: K-3
Reading Level: 0.7
Reviewed by Lorisa Harvey
Grumpy Bird
By Jeremy Tankard
Who hasn't woken up on the wrong side of the nest? Bird doesn't want to fly when the case of the grumps get to him. He chooses to walk instead. As he passes each of his friends, from sheep to rabbit and fox, they ask to join him, thinking a walk sounds fun. Bird is not amused, but after awhile, his mood begins to change. This is a great book to read aloud to young children who will delight in the expression on Bird's face and how it suddenly changes. The illustrations are charming and delightful mixed media collages. The repetition of the text is sure to make this book a favorite.
Interest Level: Pre-K-2
Reading Level: 1.6
Reviewed by Robin Hosemann
Knuffle Bunny Free
An Unexpected Diversion
Written by Mo Willems
After being thrown into a laundramat dryer and a case of mistaken identity, Trixie and Knuffle Bunny travel to Holland to see her Oma and Opa. The trip provides an adventure for both Trixie and Knuffle Bunny.
Reading level: 2.9
Interest level: K-3
Reviewed by Lesley Hermann