The Joys of Collecting Kids’ Pictures Books
By AB Plum
Okay, we all know writers will read anything:
Okay, we all know writers will read anything:
- · Bread wrappers
- · Installation instructions for electronics
- · Op ed pieces
- · The daily comics
- · Unedited manuscripts
- · Edited, re-edited, re-re-re-edited, final manuscripts
- · Book contracts
- · Downloaded e-doc instructions
- · Kids’ illustrated books
Of the above list, kids’ illustrated books rank at my top.
In all honesty, I usually read the illustrations before I read the text. The illustrations most likely influenced me to buy the book. I view them with viewing art. (Most kids’ illustrated books cost more than an e-book, but they’re worth the price, IMO, because they are works of art).
In 2108, for the first time in decades, I didn’t request a kids’ illustrated book for Christmas. No real reason, except I bought two amazing books earlier in the year. And while I re-read my picture books more often than most other books, I turned again and again in 2018 to Cry Heart, But Never Break (Glenn Ringtved, Author. Charlotte Pardi Illustrator) and Duck, Death and the Tulip (Wolf Elrbruch, Author and Illustrator).
In a lyrical combination of words and drawings, these books about death leave me gobsmacked. Both verbal and non-verbal media complement each other and remind me my upcoming birthday is another opportunity to add to my collection in 2019.
What about you? Do you ever read children’s picture books? What’s a favorite one from your childhood?
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Barbara Plum writes light and whimsical paranormal romance. Her alter ego writes dark and twisted psychological thrillers. She lives in Silicon Valley with her tekkie husband—because she rarely reads instructions for backing up her computer.
No illustrations for The Weird Magic Trilogy Boxed Set (Free for a limited time). Likewise no pictures for The MisFit Books 5-7, but now on sale for limited time. She knows her limitations and would never attempt to draw, paint, or capture a scene with a camera.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (Charlesbridge) by Traci McClellan-Sorell is a beautiful children's picture book that's gained critical acclaim and up for major awards. Traci is a fellow Cherokee and friend.
You are not alone – I love children's illustrated books! And I did even before I worked as a children's librarian. I believe that the answers to life's most difficult questions can be found in them. One of my favorites is Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney – a beautiful book about how to live your life.