Indie Crushes - June 25, 2018
I have a monthly picture book recap series wherein I share the recently published picture books that I found to be quite outstanding for one reason or another. Some of them stand out for their beauty. Others for doing something new or covering a topic I haven't seen before. And others still just have that inexplicable appeal that makes me feel such strong affinity for the story and its makers.
Some of the most special books I read are from small, independent publishers. I often read these titles several months after their publication dates and I've been searching for a straightforward and effective way to feature them on this site. Thankfully, I needed look no further for inspiration than fellow blogger and friend, Mel Schuit. Mel's be sharing crushes of the week for months now on her Let's Talk Picture Books blog. I highly recommend you check it out.
Following suit, here's my first installment in what I hope will be a long-running series, shedding light on independent publishers around the world and those outstanding books they're publishing for readers of all ages.
INDIE CRUSHES - June 27th, 2018
CRUSHING ON THE LUSHLY PAINTED HABITATS AND THOUGHTFUL APPLICATION OF THE SEEK-AND-FIND
Disappearing Acts: A Search-And-Find Book of Endangered Animals by Isabella Bunnell (CICADA BOOKS)
Disappearing Acts is a beautifully illustrated search-and-find book. Each page features a densely detailed landscape: rainforest, savannah, coral reef, and more. Within these landscapes are hiding threatened species such as the Adelie penguin, elephant, panda, and snow leopard, and children are invited to search the picture to find each one. Alongside each illustration run descriptions of the animals, their numbers, their habitats, and why they are endangered. At the back of the book an index of animals provides further context. Isabella Bunnell's warm, intricate watercolors provide a delightful way to learn about our planet's rich diversity and fragile ecosystems.
CRUSHING ON THE ENGAGING VOICE AND VIVID ILLUSTRATIONS
Mrs. Peanuckle's Fruit Alphabet by Mrs Peanuckle and Jessie Ford (RODALE KIDS)
Mrs. Peanuckle’s Fruit Alphabet introduces babies and toddlers to the colorful foods that will help them grow up to be healthy and strong. Children and parents alike will want to devour the fun facts and charming illustrations of fruits from the familiar banana to the not as familiar yumberry.
Mrs. Peanuckle’s Fruit Alphabet is the second in a series of board books celebrating the joy nature brings to young children at home and in the backyard, from fresh fruits and vegetables to birds, bugs, flowers, and trees.
CRUSHING ON THE BREADTH OF CONTENT SHARED IN A HIGHLY ACCESIBLE FORMAT
Festivals and Celebrations by Sandra Lawrence and Jane Newland (360 DEGREES)
Wherever they are in the world, people love to celebrate. This vibrantly illustrated book takes a look through the year at some of the brightest, funniest, and most beautiful festivals on the planet. Explore the ancient and traditional, to the modern and highly unusual!
CRUSHING ON THE GATEFOLD MURALS DEPICTING EACH HERO'S JOURNEY
Heroes of the Night Sky: The Greek Myths Behind the Constellations by Tom Kindley (CICADA BOOKS)
The Ancient Greeks found patterns in the stars and told stories of the gods, heroes, adventures, and battles that lay behind these formations. This gorgeous book brings the tales of twelve key constellations to life, including Ursa Major, Andromeda, Pegasus, Orion, Scorpius, and others. Each story is concisely recounted on a page that then opens out to provide a three-page canvas for Tom Kindley's striking graphic narrative. Luxuriantly packaged with fabric binding, gold metallic printing, and a fold-out star map, this is a spectacular book that will appeal to older children and adults alike.
CRUSHING ON THE SUSPENSEFUL STORY FROM INUIT LEGEND
The Gnawer of Rocks by Louise Flaherty and Jim Nelson (INHABIT MEDIA)
While everyone is busy preparing for the coming winter, two girls wander away from their camp, following a path of strange, beautiful stones. Each stone is lovelier than the last, and the trail leads them farther and farther away from camp. But what starts out as a peaceful afternoon on the land quickly turns dangerous when the girls find themselves trapped in the cave of Mangittatuarjuk--the Gnawer of Rocks Based on a traditional Inuit legend, this graphic novel introduces readers to a dark and twisted creature that haunts the Northern landscape and preys on unsuspecting children...
CRUSHING ON THE NEW AND FOREBODING TAKE ON A FAMILIAR FAIRY TALE
The Little Red Wolf by Amelie Flechais, Andrea Colvin, and Amelie Flechais (LION FORGE)
Lose yourself in in the dark forests of Am lie Fl chais' spectacular artwork. A young wolf, on a journey to bring his grandmother a rabbit, is charmed by the nice little girl who offers to help him...but nice is not the same as good. A haunting fairy tale for children and adults alike.
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