Interesting that you don't count The Book with No Pictures as a picture book. I'd argue that while there's no illustrator, there's certainly a designer involved here, who made lots of artistic decisions re: the layout of the text to help the reader shuttle through the experience of the book in the most maximized way. Plus an intentional use of white space. But it's also interesting to think of this book in a genre of one.
Is it okay if I keep sharing stories about my toddler and picture books that hold no direct connection to the truly delightful posts that I share them on?
Taking that as a yes, I got an old copy of Edward Lear’s Nonsense Book, and somehow my husband and I have gotten roped into reading limericks every time our son uses the potty. This weekend, that resulted in the request, in the middle of the act, “Poop and read some Edward Lear?” I think there is nothing Edward Lear would have rather had as his legacy.
The people (I) need to know which of Jon’s books Mac voted for. Because some people (my 2 yo son) demanded we carve “laser beam eyeball monster” pumpkins for Halloween last year and thus other people (me, again) need validation that the only right answer here is The Rock from the Sky.
Oh, and our favorite (non-Barnett/Klassen) 21st century books (biased toward toddler-fare): And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell illustrated by Henry Cole, Rain by Linda Ashman illustrated by Christian Robinson, Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke illustrated by Angela Brooksbank, Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers illustrated by Marla Frazee, Run, Run, Run! by Taro Gomi. And let’s face it, The Pout-Pout Fish is a banger.
Du Iz Tak is one of my favorite books. Every day I wish I had written it. And if I had, I would have dedicated it to that damn guy who built the Tower of Babel.
As someone who reviews illustrated picture books in my blog, this is a strange list. I am full of 'whaddabouts' (but still, there are some solid choices). Considering how many picture books are published per year, X 25, this seems like a very short, click-baity list and one space was given over to The Book With No Pictures. Insane!
Interesting that you don't count The Book with No Pictures as a picture book. I'd argue that while there's no illustrator, there's certainly a designer involved here, who made lots of artistic decisions re: the layout of the text to help the reader shuttle through the experience of the book in the most maximized way. Plus an intentional use of white space. But it's also interesting to think of this book in a genre of one.
Is it okay if I keep sharing stories about my toddler and picture books that hold no direct connection to the truly delightful posts that I share them on?
Taking that as a yes, I got an old copy of Edward Lear’s Nonsense Book, and somehow my husband and I have gotten roped into reading limericks every time our son uses the potty. This weekend, that resulted in the request, in the middle of the act, “Poop and read some Edward Lear?” I think there is nothing Edward Lear would have rather had as his legacy.
Also highly recommend this Edward Lear alphabet illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/an-edward-lear-alphabet_edward-lear_carol-newsom/666116/item/6558470/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_shopping_childrens_22852179116&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=766933689252&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22852179116&gclid=Cj0KCQjw58PGBhCkARIsADbDilyCmrCTpejGF163PH9gLv-9UmGPljBPehvudlayXui_vQoMZE9InYQaArfSEALw_wcB#isbn=0060281146&idiq=6558470
Hey! That was one of the first books I ever worked on as a baby editor (Simone
Kaplan was the grown-up editor ). I'm pleased to see it get called out. I'll have to remember to keep a copy in the bathroom.
The people (I) need to know which of Jon’s books Mac voted for. Because some people (my 2 yo son) demanded we carve “laser beam eyeball monster” pumpkins for Halloween last year and thus other people (me, again) need validation that the only right answer here is The Rock from the Sky.
And we can't forget some of the BEST books on the Slate list....... "Extra Yarn" and "The Skull" by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.... ;) Woohoo!!!
Oh, and our favorite (non-Barnett/Klassen) 21st century books (biased toward toddler-fare): And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell illustrated by Henry Cole, Rain by Linda Ashman illustrated by Christian Robinson, Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke illustrated by Angela Brooksbank, Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers illustrated by Marla Frazee, Run, Run, Run! by Taro Gomi. And let’s face it, The Pout-Pout Fish is a banger.
Du Iz Tak is one of my favorite books. Every day I wish I had written it. And if I had, I would have dedicated it to that damn guy who built the Tower of Babel.
As someone who reviews illustrated picture books in my blog, this is a strange list. I am full of 'whaddabouts' (but still, there are some solid choices). Considering how many picture books are published per year, X 25, this seems like a very short, click-baity list and one space was given over to The Book With No Pictures. Insane!