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With Easter right around the corner, our local Barnes & Noble had quite the array of bunnies, chicks, and eggs on display in the Childrens' book department. I have to say, I was a little underwhelmed since the covers and imagery started to blend together. It was either soft & safe, ho hum, or character based, which never interests me. A few stand outs however:
Good Egg, by Barney Saltzberg Super simple graphic book, but really fun and innovative. Every spread is a new mechanical to express 'Good Egg', sit, roll, shake, speak, etc. Just a white egg, and the text 'Good Egg' - but so smart. Actually, follow that link and there is a book trailer where you can see it being read to kids. If I had my wallet that day, I would have either bought the book or let my son play with it - I was afraid he'd damage it, although it wasn't all that delicate I know better!
Numbers, by Jane Smith. Illustrated by Jill McDonald I have a soft spot for all Jill McDonald work. I admired her licensing work when I used to hire artists, and am happy whenever I see her joyful, painterly art. You just get the feeling that she loves all things childhood related. I love the simplicity of this book. Each spread has a giant, chunky number that pops out, revealing that same number of little animals or objects. It's tactile and fun and bold. Gosh, I don't even remember it having anything to do with Easter. But the animals and Spring-ness of it suit the display perfectly.
I realize that I linked to Amazon for those books. So, here's a link to 'Easter Favorites' on Barnes & Nobles website. It's always interesting to see what people are actually buying! I apologize if I implied these were the only two good books on display for Easter. It's just what I noticed while keeping an eye on a 1yr old during story time this week. I don't know if all stores do this, but ours has story time every day at 11am - what a nice program!
It's funny, I just noticed that the color scheme on the covers (and horizon line) is EXACTLY the same. Clearly I'm drawn to something about it, haha.
I was going to say just that! :o))
They do look cute! I wish there was a B&N here.. I miss it so much.
And why don't you like character driven books? I love those.
Love your little bunny sketch! And thanks for the link to Jill McDonald. Just love her work. So loose and playful!
Thanks Deb. Oh, I don't like 'licensed character' driven books. Like Dora, Backyardigans, etc. I know they have their place but they really do tend to 'take over' the market, esp. at B&N!
Ohhh you meant licensed character books! I thought you were referring to character driven books as opposed to story driven books.
I don't like the licenced too much either. Unless is kipper or Maisy :o)
Gina, I love Jill McDonald's work as well. I was JUST thinking of her over the past few days, it is so funny and so serendipitous that you posted this.
I went to her web site and it looks like it has not been updated in quite awhile (still info on Surtex 2008 up there). BUT (and it is a big but :) ) she has a BLOG! Isn't that great??
http://jillmcdonald.blogspot.com/
kathy
Another big Jill McDonald fan here too. Kathy, thanks for the blog link! Bookmarked.
Yes, Gina, definitely see a pattern here as far as palette. =o)