Steve Light | The Children’s Book Review | March 8, 2018
My “favorites” change from month to month, but these are the five that are in my head right now. These are books that have achieved “The Book As Art” award in my mind and are inspiring my work right now.
The Three Robbers
Written and Illustrated by Tomi Ungerer
I love this book. This is one of those books that I feel would never get made today so I am so glad it exists. The illustrations are inspiring and the story is strange in a wonderful way. What child doesn’t dream of being kidnapped by robbers so they can decide on how to spend all their treasure!
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Ages 3-6 | Publisher: Phaidon Press | 2009 | ISBN-13: 978-0714848778
Shh! We Have A Plan
Written and Illustrated by Chris Haughton
This is a beautifully illustrated story. A beautifully paced story with humor and beauty. What more could you ask for?
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Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Candlewick | 2015 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-0763679774
Waiting
Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes
This is an incredibly designed book. The way the type is used to convey the story with the pictures is perfect. What a great concept for a children’s book, because kids are always made to wait.
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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Greenwillow Books | 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0062368430
Snow
Written and Illustrated by Uri Shulevitz
This is one of my all-time favorite books. The way the story and pictures build is delightful. All the adults not believing the child. Adults never believe children. It is one of those books I constantly re-read for inspiration. It’s limited use of text is a touchstone for me and my work.
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Ages 4-7 | Publisher: Square Fish | 2004 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-0374468620
The Scraps Book
Written and Illustrated by Lois Ehlert
I love Lois Ehlert’s books, so having a book that gives a peek behind the scenes is priceless. What a perfect book to use in the classroom for an author study on her.
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Ages 5-10 | Publisher: Beach Lane Books | 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-1442435711
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Black Bird Yellow Sun
Written and Illustrated by Steve Light
Publisher’s Synopsis: From the creator of Have You Seen My Dragon? comes an exploration of color that truly soars.
As a solitary black bird wings its way through the day, little ones are treated to a magnificent flight from one vibrant color to another. Inimitable illustrator Steve Light showcases a new style in this board book for the youngest readers. Children can journey with the graceful black bird and its tiny worm friend past orange leaves, through green grass, onto gray rocks, under pink flowers, and more before coming to rest beneath a brilliant blue moon.
Ages 1-3 | Publisher: Candlewick | 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0763690670
Available Here:
About the Author-Illustrator
Steve Light is the author-illustrator of many picture books, including Have You Seen My Dragon?, Have You Seen My Monster?, Lucky Lazlo, Swap!, and Have You Seen My Lunch Box? He lives with his family in New York City.
Steve Light, author-illustrator of Black Bird Yellow Son, selected these five family favorites. Discover more articles on The Children’s Book Review tagged with Family Favorites.
