Over the last couple of months, I have read quite a few amazing picture books from Candlewick Press, so I wanted to share them all with you.
Paul Meets Bernadette
Author: Rosy Lamb
Published December 10, 2013 by Candlewick Press
Goodreads Summary: Visual humor sweetens an artful tale about a fish who suddenly sees everything a new way — thanks to a charismatic companion.
Paul is a fish who used to go around in circles. He made big circles and little circles. He circled from left to right and from right to left. He circled from top to bottom and from bottom to top. What else was there to do? Until one day Bernadette drops in and shows Paul that there is a whole world out there, right outside his bowl, with so many things to see. A banana-shaped boat! A blue elephant with a spoutlike trunk (be quiet when she’s feeding her babies)! A lovely lunetta butterfly, with tortoise-shell rims! Simple saturated paintings play off this charming ode to an active imagination — and the way that life changes when a bewitching creature opens your eyes.
My Review: This is a special book about thinking outside of your world and exploring. I think it is a good book for young and old because it makes you think about what you are missing out on by limiting yourself. It also is fun because Bernadette isn’t sure of her surroundings as they are new to her, and she makes up fun stories about the things she sees. This would be so much fun to do with young readers. But what pushes this book above many other picture books are its beautiful illustrations. You will not be disappointed.
Forever
Author: Emma Dodd
Published October 22, 2013 by Templar
Goodreads Summary:
If you’re ever feeling scared,
I’ll be right beside you.
If you’re ever feeling lost,
know that I will find you.
A little polar bear discovers that through life’s ups and downs, a parent’s love lasts forever.
My Review: There are a lot of “I Love You Baby” books out there, but few of them make me cry and make me want to reread them to my son. This is one that did. It is heartfelt, lyrical, and the illustrations are so sweet.
A is for Awesome
Author: Dallas Clayton
Published March 11, 2014 by Candlewick
Goodreads Summary: Inspirational artist Dallas Clayton infuses his trademark whimsical art and positive message into an absolutely awesome alphabet book.
Alliterative and rhyming words of wisdom surrounded by all new art fill this energetic alphabet book by Dallas Clayton. Bursting with color and life, each spread offers a rhythmic phrase and an abundance of artwork illustrating the featured letter. The message of dreaming big and living life to its fullest permeates every page, inviting readers to “learn some new letters that you can use to make magical words and share big ideas.”
My Review: Dallas Clayton has a way of making you feel happy whenever you read his books. This one is no exception. His alphabet book focuses on the positive like “D is for dreaming things never expected” and “I is imagine ideas all your own”. Then in the background there are fun little drawings of other things that start with the letter. This is one of my favorite alphabet books.
Picnic
Author: John Burningham
Published May 13, 2014 Candlewick Press (first published August 1, 2013)
Goodreads Summary: The renowned John Burningham is in classic form with a simple story of a boy, a girl, and some animal friends that invites the child listener to join in.
One day, Boy and Girl head down the hill with a picnic basket and meet a fancily dressed Sheep, Pig, and Duck. They all set off to find the perfect place to sit outside — until they see Bull coming! A short-lived chase segues into a gentle interactive text as the friends wend their way from an idyllic outdoor world to a welcoming house on a hill. (Can you find Pig’s ball? Shall we find your bed?) In a charmingly understated tale with child-friendly illustrations and a hint of sly humor, John Burningham evokes a perfect summer day with a fresh new picture book.
My Review: What a fun picture book for summer! I also really like how the author makes the reader part of the story and asks the reader questions. It will definitely make children love this book even more.
The Way to the Zoo
Author: John Burningham
Expected publication August 26, 2014 by Candlewick Press
Goodreads Summary: In her bedroom wall, Sylvie spots a door … and beyond that door she finds a passage … and beyond the passage she discovers … the ZOO! Where Sylvie finds LOTS of animals, looking at her! So she decides to bring a few small ones, like a little bear, into her bedroom at night time, just for a cuddle. And then she takes the penguins back for a splashy bath. Once, she even brings back the monkeys but, really, they were too messy. No matter what Sylvie does though, she always makes sure to close the door in her bedroom wall. Until, one day, she forgets…
My Review: This is a silly book that promotes imagination and curiosity. It’ll also be a huge hit for animal lovers.
Dinosaur Kisses
Author: David Ezra Stein
Published August 6, 2013 by Candlewick Press
Goodreads Summary: WHOMP! An energetic young dinosaur figures out her own way to give a kiss in the latest from the creator of the Caldecott Honor–winning Interrupting Chicken.
For newly hatched dinosaur Dinah, the world is an exciting place. There is so much to see and do. She tries this — STOMP! And she tries that — CHOMP! Then she sees a kiss and knows just what she wants to try next. Who can she kiss? And after a few disastrous attempts, can she figure out how to give someone a kiss without whomping, chomping, or stomping them first? Young children will chuckle and cheer when Dinah finds just the right creature for her dinosaur kisses in this funny new picture book from David Ezra Stein.
My Review: I love Dinah! She is just running crazy and so happy and trying all the new things in her life. This is a funny book that I can imagine kids wanting to read over and over.
All Recommended For:
Next week I’ll share some more great picture books from Bloomsbury!
**Thank you Tracy and Rachel at Candlewick for providing copies of these books for review**
1 thought on “Kellee’s Recently Loved Picture Books from Candlewick Press: Paul Meets Bernadette by Rosy Lamb, Forever by Emma Dodd, A is for Awesome by Dallas Clayton, Picnic by John Burningham, The Way to the Zoo by John Burningham, & Dinosaur Kisses by David Ezra Stein”