Review of Evy Loe, What Do You Know? by Professor Stork, illustrated by Len Peralta, original artwork by Patricia Wilson

 

Evy Loe visits an art gallery with her father, and once she puts on a magical glasses, the artwork in the gallery comes to life. Evy Loe learns about life on a farm, plays with amazing animals, and meets the artist behind the paintings. Evy Loe is the first book in the Meet the Artists series, a set of books that teaches children about diverse cultures though the eyes of working artists - making the world a friendlier place.

Review of If... by Sarah Perry (25th Anniversary Edition)

Take a fantastical journey through an inspiring world where anything can happen: leaves turn into fish, cats fly with wings, humans have tails, frogs eat rainbows, and dreams become visible.

First published in 1995, Sarah Perry’s delightful picture book of “surreal possibilities” was the Getty’s first children’s title. Twenty-five years later it remains a visual feast that children of all ages enjoy.

Reissued to celebrate a remarkable book’s 25th anniversary, this enhanced edition includes new illustrations and a reader’s guide to the secrets of If… and is sure to appeal to a brand-new generation.

Recommended for ages three and up.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * B&N

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**
Dear God, how did I somehow miss this book over the past 25 years? It is an absolutely stunning piece of work and needs to be a part of every child's library! It stretches the imagination with wacky ideas like what would happen if frogs ate rainbows and then turns them into illustrated interpretations of each statement. The drawings/paintings are breathtakingly beautiful and really make you think. You could have so many discussions about different ways to interpret each of these sayings and try to create your own interpretations. Plus the book is almost open-ended, allowing you to think of even more on your own. And again, it just gorgeous. I think my favorites are the dogs as mountains and holding music. Although the toes as teeth is amusing. They are all just wonderful and a great introduction to surreal art, which is one of my favorite styles.

There's a Readers' Guide at the end of this with some explanations as well as other thought-provoking questions. 

I quite emphatically give this book 5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of The Chalk Giraffe by Kirsty Paxton

The Chalk Giraffe

A little girl's imagination springs to life when the chalk giraffe she drew on the pavement begins talking to her. But then the fickle giraffe begins making demands, and the girl must draw surroundings to fulfill his requests...a tree, soft grass, and animal friends. But nothing seems to please him! This delightful rhyming story escalates until the girl draws a laughing giraffe companion that cheers up the grumpy giraffe at last.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound

**My thoughts**

From the very first picture of the little girl laying on the pavement, tongue sticking out as she concentrated on her drawing, I was captivated by the illustrations. That first image was just so endearing, especially to this former teacher of the young. The rest of the pictures truly conveyed the excitement and the heart with which the young girl is telling her story. It made me want to grab some chalk and go outside to see what kind of a world I could create as well.

The rhyming story flows nicely off the tongue, making it a great read-aloud. It captures the little girl's excitement as she creates the new world for the giraffe, her frustration with his crankiness, and then her awe as she takes a look at the world from his perspective.

And I love how the giraffe invites her to climb up to see what he sees in the world and how she is able to acknowledge the other point of view. That part could easily lend itself to a great discussion with kids. And of course, make sure there is plenty of chalk available for outside pavement drawing as well as chalk and black paper inside for more creative expression!

This one is a must-have for the school and home library!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a review copy. I was not obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.