When a majority of the weeks books a from one author I like to research them a little bit, so here is the Candlewick Profile for Jez Alborough. I really enjoyed what he said about ideas:
Ideas are like butterflies.
If I chase them,
they will get away.
But if I sit perfectly still,
and I’m lucky,
one might land with a tickle
on my open hand.
Then I just look
as the butterfly opens up its wings
like the pages of a book,
and I think: “Aha! I will
write that book.”
Then the butterfly flies,
leaving me to capture it
between my pages.
Louella Mae, She’s Run Away!
by Karen Beaumont Alarcón, illustrations by Rosanne Litzinger
1997, I enjoyed the artwork in this story, great compositions, and color, all working together to create some vibrant images and great expressions in the characters. The story was very rhythmic, and I liked how the last word of each rhythm jumped to the next page, which gave an excellent page-turn experience. The story could have been more spectacular, but I enjoyed my time.
Tall
by Jez Alborough
2005, 15 simple words, tells a sweet story, a mother’s eye saves the day in the end. The story can be a starting point for discussing perspectives and differences. The artwork was nicely done. It isn’t the kind of art I look at or like, but the pictures are still constructed well and tell a story. This opinion can be said for all the books by Jez Alborough.
Hug
by Jez Alborough
2000, Another story of little words used, but still conveys a quaint tale of a monkey seeing other animals hug and desiring a hug himself. It reminded me of a more straightforward story of Hug Me by Simon Ciraolo, which came out much later in 2014. It was different, with a similar concept and even different messages to the readers.
Hit the Ball Duck
by Jez Alborough
2006, the first spread of this story has more words than Hug and Tall. I immediately enjoy the consistent rhythm in all of Alborough’s books. However, this story also has a weird tone with the rhythm, that I need help explaining. However, the flow is unique, something I notice little in current books. Amusing and silly story with a solid ending to wrap it up. It has a graphic novel feel and a great flow of pictures.
My Friend Bear
by Jez Alborough
1998, The beginning of the story gives me major deja vu for this story, and having read a very similar story to it by another author. But as the story develops, it diverts in a different direction than the other story (if I remember this book, I will edit this post). A sweet story with the most words by Alborough and a nice message.
Caleb
