I adore picture books – they are a 32 page art form that
offers an eye-opening slice of life. They can do all kinds of things to the
beholder; they can captivate, provoke and amuse. Throughout my years as an
editor I’ve been lucky to work with so many fabulous picture book writers and
artists, and here are a few of my all-time favorites (and they are all still in
print, woohoo!):
Leaves – evokes: joy
This simple, joyful story of a small bear’s first experience
of seasons is perfectly written -- it won the Ezra Jack Keats Award for its
splendid short text. It begins: It was
his first year/Everything/was going well/until the first leaf fell/“Are you
okay?” he wondered.
I love how David Ezra Stein’s book reminds us of a time when
everything was new and to see the world with fresh eyes. The expressive little
bear does that and we just want to share in his wide-eyed wonder!
Five Little Gefiltes – evokes:
laughter
Oy I love this book!
Five curious little gefilte fish have the chutzpah to leave their mama and go out
and explore their world (the deli scene is hilarious!). But these little
wanderers are sweet enough to come back home at the end because they love their
mama! “Mama Gefilte sat on a bench/and
the gefiltes came back ‘cause each was a mensch.”
I am kvelling like Mama Gefilte by the end of this book!
Thanks for the laughs and the Yiddish words, author/artist Dave Horowitz!
Fireboat
– evokes: perspective
The inspiring true story of the John J. Harvey— a retired
New York City Fireboat that was called into service on 9/11 – celebrates the
energy and hope of a city and its people. The book begins in 1931 when the
fireboat and Empire State Building both were built. It gives us a glimpse of a
city that that has been around a long time and that pulls together in times of
crisis. It is a heartbreaking celebration of resiliency.
Maira Kalman has written a classic book for our times in
just the right tone to introduce picture book readers to New York and
9/11.
Each
Kindness – evokes: empathy
Chloe and her friends won’t play with the new girl; and
sadly, by the time Chloe realizes her mistake, Maya has moved on. This is a
story of a missed opportunity to be kind, and even though some feel the ending
it harsh, so is reality. I like to think of it as a book that gives the reader
the opportunity not to make Chloe’s mistake – because you know that Chloe is
not going to make it again either.
This book is such a great conversation starter. Jacqueline
Woodson’s spare, elegant text and E. B. Lewis’s shimmering, impressionistic art
provoke readers and reminds them that they have the power to be kind and that
each kindness makes the world a little better.
Miss
Maple's Seeds –evokes: appreciation
Miss Maple is a nurturer. She is the size of a bird and
lives in a tree and makes sure every seed has a chance to reach its full
potential. Miss Maple’s world is captivating! The art is enchanting with its
rich palette of burnt oranges, warm golds and peacock blues. Flower lantern
boats, snug treehouses and miles and miles of gorgeous landscapes, and
especially seeds that grow into glorious trees, reminds us that nature is truly
magical!
The experience of entering Miss Maple’s world is what a good
picture book is all about – bravo Eliza Wheeler! It’s enchanting, eye-opening
and inspiring. I will leave you with the words of Miss Maple: “Take care my little ones, for the world is
big and you are small. But never forget that even the grandest of seeds had to
grow up from the smallest of seeds.”
*****
Nancy Paulsen is the
President and Publisher of Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young
Readers. The imprint publishes fifteen books a year and focuses on eye-opening,
often funny picture books and middle grade fiction from diverse and distinct
voices, especially stories that are inventive and emotionally satisfying. A few
of the New York Times bestsellers she has edited include National Book Award
and Newbery Honor Winner Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, Fish
in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, and Miss
Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler. She’s on Twitter @nancyrosep
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