The Power of the Picture Book: Jess Keating

BLOBFISH’S FAVORITE PICTURE BOOKS 

(written by Mr. Blobby)

Hi. I’m a blobfish. My full name is Psychrolutes marcidus, but you can call me Mr. Blobby. Or Blob, for short. You might have read about me in this cool book called Pink is for Blobfish. I’m not used to getting much attention (being that I live 3000 feet deep in the ocean), but I must say I took to it quite well. Did you know that some kids think I’m actually cute?

This made me very happy to hear.

Being in a picture book made me wonder: what other picture books are out there? It’s not easy to get a hold of books in the ocean, but I asked around and borrowed some from my friends. I am very lucky to have such wonderful friends. I wanted to share them with you today, if that’s okay. As a blobfish, I don’t get to travel too much. But picture books let me travel anywhere I want! Here are five books that I think you should read.

Can an Aardvark Bark? by Melissa Stewart

As a blobfish, I don’t get to hear many noises. Mainly just gurgles, grunts, and the odd squeak. But this book made me think about all the other noises that my fellow animals can make. After reading it, I tried to bark like some of the animals in the book, but it came out as more of a bubbly-hiccup. Oh well. I really love the pictures in this book too!

Little Fox in the Forest  by Stephanie Graegin

This book surprised me so much! Did you know that not all picture books have words?! Amazing. Blobfish especially appreciate wordless picture books, because pronouncing words can sometimes be hard for us. I had so much fun following this story through all the pictures! I’ve never met a fox before, or any human children, but this book made me think they are delightful.

She Persisted  by Chelsea Clinton

I don’t know who Chelsea Clinton is, but she sure seems amazing. This book taught me so much about humans, especially humans known as girls and women. They face so many obstacles, but are so strong! I want to meet amazing women like this one day. Persistence is so important, whether you’re a human or a blobfish, and this book left me feeling like I could conquer the world.

If Sharks Disappeared  by Lily Williams

I have to admit, I wasn’t so sure about this book. I see sharks swimming around my home quite often,and they look so scary to me! Those teeth and dark eyes! But this book changed my mind. I learned what the world and oceans would be like without them—that scared me even more! We really do need sharks to survive and be healthy. Because of this book, I, Mr. Blobby, hereby swear to stop judging sharks so harshly. (Though I will always give them a wide berth if I see them.)

Where Oliver Fits  by Cale Atkinson

This story made me feel so happy, and I think it’s because it got me thinking about where I fit in the ocean. As a blobfish, I sometimes feel different from other fish. Like I don’t fit in. The main character of this book feels the same way, but he showed me that I don’t need to change myself to find my place. I loved it, and will be recommending it to all my blobfish friends, and anyone else who is still finding their place in their world. (I also love the bright colors in this one—they really cheered up my home!)

Thank you for sharing your time with a blobfish today! I’d love to know what picture books you’re reading, and what you think I would enjoy. Please let me know!

Have a happy day!

-Mr. Blobby

***** 

Jess Keating is the author of several acclaimed books for kids, including the My Life is a Zoo trilogy, The World of Weird Animals series, and Shark Lady. She also publishes a free monthly e-zine for children, The Curious Creative, which combines her love of science and creativity. You can learn more about her at www.jesskeating.com, or tweet her @Jess_Keating.