Picture Books
Big. By Vashti Harrison. Illus. by the author. Little, Brown Books for YoungReaders, 2023.
Caldecott Medal Winner. What can I add to what has already been said about this book? The illustrations are amazing, capturing the transition from a time in a young girl’s life when being big was a good thing to the time her size begins to draw negative attention. Her isolation grows as she feels both exposed and invisible. She curls into herself, allowing herself to be defined by the words others use, words that wound and crush her until she decides to reclaim her space. She recaptures the positive words that had described her, words like creative, kind, and graceful. This book is a heart-wrenching look at how even well-intentioned words can carry judgments and prejudices that hurt. She doesn’t need help or to change. She’s already creative, imaginative, compassionate, and good.
Beneath. By Cori Doerrfeld. Illus. by the author. Little, Brown Books for YoungReaders, 2023
Poor Finn is in a horrible mood. He just wants to stay in bed, hidden under his quilt. He’s sure Grandpa won’t understand. Grandpa coaxes Finn into going for a walk and urges him to remember what’s beneath. As the pair walks through the forest, they consider the roots growing beneath the soil and animals in dens and fish under the water. Seeds hidden in plants promise new growth and a hollow tree can be home for an owl family. And Finn learns that beneath their appearances, people also have more to them. And maybe someone who looks like they won’t understand actually shares the same pain – beneath. Beautifully illustrated and evocative of the natural world, this book celebrates the diversity around us. There is more than you think beneath.
Cape. By Kevin Johnson. Illus. by Kitt Thomas. Roaring Brook Press, 2023
This cape is a young boy’s armor against pain that seems too much to bear. If only he can use it to block out the memories of his loved one, maybe his loss won’t hurt so much. But despite all his attempts to fly his memories to outer space or sink them in the depths of the ocean, the bittersweet memories break through. This book is an unflinching look at grief through the eyes of a child. “Memories make my swallow hurt,” he says. But as the memories close in, the illustrations brighten and the colors become more vibrant, a counterpoint to the darkness of grief. While focusing on the solace memories can bring, this book does not ignore or downplay the gray sadness of profound loss. This stunning book brought tears to my eyes.
Writing 'Bout Reading 