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A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

These new picture books are works of art!

May 15, 2022 By Pamela Martinez

Picture books, with their incredible illustrations, drawings, or computerized renditions, come together with the words on the page to create a work of art. Please check out these books from our “New Books” section of the Young Readers’ Room: 

“WHEN I WAKE UP,” written by Seth Fishman and illustrated by Jessixa Bagley, will have your imagination running wild as you read the text and take in the illustrations. Muted and subdued colors fill each page with the softness of nature, human faces, and the wonderment of childhood. A book filled with ideas of what the narrator might do once they wake up…what will you do after you wake up tomorrow?! 

The next book’s author will be familiar name to many in the children’s literature field, Leo Lionni. A newly re-published book, “Mouse Seasons,” will take the reader through each of our four seasons through the eyes of a mouse family by asking a question on each page. The answers to the questions are located on the following pages! Simplistic artwork decorate each page with distinctive color and life-like drawings. I hope this book, first published in 1967, will bring you joy as it did for me! 

My next suggestion for your checkout pleasure is written by world-renowned author Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by our next Family Day guest, Rafael Lopez, “The Year We Learned to Fly.” Siblings take their grandmother’s advice one stormy, spring day. She suggested they embrace the day, even though the weather was not agreeable for outside play. Boredom will take a backseat for youngsters after reading this book! Ideas of creative thinking will take precedence as their imagination begins to develop fun with good dreams to come! 

“Close Your Eyes,” written by Robyn Wilson-Owen, is a precious bedtime story for all to enjoy. Five toddlers fill each two-page spread with their cuteness in hiding under the covers, exploring the outdoors, or finally falling asleep! This adventure story will tuck in your little ones and (hopefully!) help them to sleep! Large drawings and extra large text make this a perfect and quick bedtime story! 

To finish up my book suggestions, I’d like you to check out “Dad Bakes” by Katie Yamasaki. This is a story of a dad who is also a baker. This book shows the relationship with dad at the bakery and later, with his daughter and how they work and play together. At the end of the book, the author shares insight into rehabilitation programs for incarcerated parents, and how the time away affects the children involved. This book is a warm story of affection, love and family, and the joy we can bring to each other. 

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