3.09.2010

Summer 2010 Picturebook Highlights - Scholastic

Presenting #6 in the Summer 2010 Picturebook Highlights series...Scholastic!

Swim! Swim!

by Lerch

9780545094191, $16.99,
Pub. Date: July 2010

Hilarious! Lerch, the fish, the main character of the story (as well as, apparently, the author), is so very proper I can't help reading this in a (horrendous) British accent. Lerch is lonely and wants a friend, so he examines every object in his confined space to see if he can find one. When he can't find a friend inside, he finds one outside. But who is that furry-looking creature staring so intently at Lerch the fish saying "Yummy?" Friend? Or foe? Great storytime book; you won't stop laughing.

Zen Ghosts
by Jon J. Muth

9780439634304, $17.99, Pub. Date: July 2010

So very beautiful, this is a third companion book to
Zen Shorts, a Caldecott Honor Book, and Zen Ties. All three feature dreamy watercolors paintings with hints of vivid colors, and a Panda and his human friends.

This is Silly!
by Gary Taxali

9780439718363, $17.99,
Pub. Date: August 2010

While children may enjoy the illustrations, this is pretty much a picturebook for adults, in my humble opinion. Art-and-pop-art-loving adults, to be specific. Andy Warhol-esque colors and the whimsical characters and overall design reflect the pop art style of the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Silly rhymes showcase the Dr. Seuss influence on Taxali's work (who is an illustrator, fine artist, and toy designer in Canada). I'm not sure how well this picturebook works as a storytime book, but the art is not to be missed.
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2 comments:

Playing by the book said...

We're not all so very "proper" over here ;-) But I shall have to track down Swim! Swim! to see what you're on about - can't wait!

Broche Fabian said...

Ha! Glad you're not offended by that. :) I hope you enjoy it, too!