Emily
by Michael Bedard, pictures by Barbara Cooney
Published 1992. There is a sense of European flavor to the artwork in this book, I think it is the combination of color and oil paints. The story is a nice glimpse into the life of Emily Dickenson. I enjoyed my time with the book, but the text was a bit long. I felt there were many areas that could’ve been edited down. The artwork is great but it doesn’t push the text. The text also doesn’t push the artwork to create a lasting reason to keep pushing through this book, besides having an interest in its topic. A lovely book but it just feels like the puzzle pieces it is trying to put together are all from different puzzles.
Hector the Collector
by Emily Beeny, illustrations by Stephanie Graegin
Published 2017. The artwork works for the story and is well done with a nice variety of compositions and spreads. The story is almost fully there. For most of the story, I get hints of what I found in John’s Turn by Mac Barnett. But, this story by Emily Beeny could use just a few more elements of the ‘reality’ in those moments she is speaking to. Those moments might not be completely ‘nice’, but they give a sense of realism to the whole story; that the story demands it. The text could use more colorful and sense-based language to further entice the imagination of this book. The book is still quite good, interesting, and worth a read. It’s so close to being an absolute favorite and must-read.
The Bear Who Stared
by Duncan Beedie
Published 2016. I immediately loved the feel of the paper. It’s smooth but has a subtle texture that perfectly complements the artwork. It’s very cozy and nice. The text/story was good to a point. But by the middle, it became a bit too on the nose with its message. I’m not sure how I felt about the message of just a smile changing the outcome/bear, but then again, attitude can change a lot.
Worst in Show
by William Bee and Kate Hindley
Published 2015. The artwork was good, very well done, and told a bunch of funny jokes based on the text. The story was sweet in the end and it felt real which is an odd thing to say about a book on a monster competition.
Bedtime for Little Bears!
by David Bedford and Caroline Pedler
Published 2007. Stunning color and painterly strokes, fantastic artwork. The story is a fairly simple and straightforward tale that leads to a bedtime/go-to-sleep message. Well done and worth a read, especially around bedtime.
Thank you,
Caleb
