The world is fast-paced and speeding up every day. Young children are growing up with technology in every aspect of their daily lives, quite literally.
But there were times before television, cell phones and computers became ubiquitous.
Caldecott honor winning, Lane Smith reminds readers of the simple pleasures of a book in his very funny (and very sophisticated) It’s a Book (Roaring Brook). In it, a tech-savvy donkey (aka jackass) is introduced to the wonders of a book by a monkey with his mouse sidekick. The understated humor of the seemingly simple text and illustration makes the book all the funnier.
Smith again shows his prowess as a visual storyteller in a book that’s due out in August. Grandpa Green (Roaring Brook) begins in a long ago time. Delicate line and lush green of the character’s creations — topiaries in an opulent garden — express not only emotion but chronicle the milestones in his life.
From growing up on a farm to growing old enough to have children, grandchildren and even a great grandkid — the narrator — Grandpa’s life is remembered in the garden. A final foldout not only provides a glimpse of wondrous garden, it subtly reveals how generations are connected.
Visual storytelling takes many forms but my favorite is in a picture book.
Smith’s books are ideal for lingering over, for going back and forth to see what was missed, or even how something did what it did. Equally important, they’re meant to be shared between readers of all ages.
About the Author
Reading Rockets’ children’s literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Publication Date
June 7, 2011