I updated my Pinterest page with a few new books, if you want to take a look!
Two of the best picture books I’ve read in July play with what I’d call more traditional styles, stretching my brain a bit and showing me what can be done (really well) by pushing past expectations.
Song for Jimi: The Story of Guitar Legend Jimi Hendrix (written by Charles R. Smith Jr. & illustrated by Edel Rodriguez) is stunning. The art carries all the passion and power that Jimi’s music does. And the writing comes in a series of verses that also get to the heart of who Jimi was and the not-like-anything-else way he played guitar.
Small Things Mended (written by Casey W. Robinson & illustrated by Nancy Whitesides) explores grief, but–unlike so many books with this theme–the story starts after the loss. And while there are hints in the illustrations as to what the loss is, the text doesn’t address it. This story is about recovering from grief, and that’s the journey shared with the reader. And it’s beautifully done.
See what you think!
Becky Levine 