I love children’s books. Last week I read through a batch of seven that were recommended in Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market and I loved all but one. These were all promised to reveal great writer/illustrator relationships – picture books that the illustrators work not only adds color and animation to the story but actually adds to the story itself.
Here are the six I now want to add to my collection.
Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type
This is a quirky tale of a farmer at odds with his dairy cows because of a sudden typing ability. These cows discovered a typewriter in the barn and set to work making demands of the farmer. I was skeptical of this book at first, I figured it wasn’t my type of tale but I’m glad I read it because I giggled my way all the way to the end.
A set of new parents finds themselves always trying to hang onto their baby. This little baby is always on the move and, in this story, gets out of the house for a full day of adventures around town. Without his trusty sidekicks, dog and cat, in tow this story shares what could have been a bad ending if it weren’t for them. This rhyming book is a great read; the illustrations are colorful interpretations of the adventures in ways that makes them worthy of continuous hearty chuckles.
The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman
Very simply, this is a story of a niece who misses her uncle. The tale starts with a letter written by the niece requesting a visit from her uncle. He replies that he can’t make it but Oliver K. Woodman would love to make the trip in his stead. The catch, Oliver K. Woodman is actually a life-size wooden doll figurine, so you can imagine how his hitchhiking across the county would be thoroughly entertaining.
Bertie is a teeny tiny little mutt. One night a big, bad burglar enters his home and when Bertie sounds the alarm the burglar simply laughs and starts picking on the pooch. Bertie is clever though and ultimately outwits the burglar. This is a feel good tale of how even the seemingly inadequate can prevail if they tap into their unique gifting – the perfect kind of book for teaching kids that just because they can’t do things the way the world says they should doesn’t mean they are any worse off to do the things God has gifted them to.
Sarah stayed too late at her friend’s house. The minute she stepped outside to walk home she was struck with fear of the night and imagines multitudes of terrifying creatures in her midst. It’s a tale of learning how to obey your parents the hard way isn’t always the best idea but it sure does stick.
The goose is a family pet. One day she gets out and causes trouble in every niche of town. Ultimately it is a tale of imagination and friendship with a rockin’ rhythm and illustrious drawings.
Musings of a Musician's Wife 