Picture Books for Children

by Mary Northrup

  MacDonald, Margaret Read, reteller

  MABELA THE CLEVER

  Illustrated by Tim Coffey

  Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman, 2001 | 978-0-8075-4903-2 | paper

  A tale from the Limba people of Africa, this story features a mouse who listens to her father’s advice. When a cat promises membership in a secret Cat Club if the mice walk in single file and do not look back, Mabela soon discovers why the cat wants to be at the end of the line. Soon she is the only mouse left, as she suspected. When the cat pounces, she escapes and liberates the rest of the mice. The acrylic illustrations on paper textured with gesso create animals, vegetation, and thatched houses that look as if they would be soft, or smooth, or scratchy if felt. The illustrations, and sometimes the text, are bordered with a geometric pattern showing African influences. This book would make a wonderful introduction to folklore, especially the folklore of Africa. A classic story in which the smallest creature is the smartest.

  MacDonald, Margaret Read, reteller 4–9 years

  TUNJUR! TUNJUR! TUNJUR! A PALESTINIAN FOLKTALE

  Illustrated by Alik Arzoumanian

  Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2006 | 978-0-7614-5225-6

  A lively little cooking pot becomes the child of a woman, who allows her little one to roll around their town. The title reflects the sound that the pot makes rolling on the cobbled street. After the pot convinces those she meets to fill her with honey and then again with jewelry, she refuses to let her lid be opened and gets into trouble with some influential townspeople. She eventually learns not to steal, which is the moral of the story. The richly colored illustrations, rendered in acrylics, depict stylized people and a pot with facial features. Illustrations covering two full pages present broad views of the woman’s house and the little pot’s travels; a narrow border of geometric or floral design in a coordinating color frame other single-page illustrations. Middle Eastern clothes, architecture, and design elements suffuse the story with an authentic air.

  McDermott, Gerald 4–8 years

  PIG-BOY: A TRICKSTER TALE FROM HAWAI’I

  Illustrated by Gerald McDermott

  New York: Harcourt/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009 | 978-0-15-216590-1

  Richly colored illustrations in textured gouache, colored pencil, and pastel delight the eye. Exciting text reads with the cadences of storytelling. Together they tell the tale of this trickster-hero of Hawaiian myth. The use of size provides interesting contrasts: as Pig-Boy eats and grows, he becomes large on the page; when he nestles in the arms of Grandmother or approaches the goddess Pele, he is small. Although this little pig bristles with hair and dirt and mischief, he comes across as lovable. The comical illustrations go a long way toward presenting him as cute, rather than ugly. The gorgeously colored artwork captures the beauty of the islands, while the story includes such crowd pleasers as magic, outsmarting the king, and a pig sailing a boat. An author’s note at the beginning provides the background on the Pig-Boy tales.

  McGill, Alice 6–10 years

  WAY UP AND OVER EVERYTHING

  Illustrated by Jude Daly

  Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008 | 978-0-618-38796-0

  Can the desire for freedom be so strong that a person can fly away from a horrible situation? In this folktale that comes from the oral traditions of African Americans, slaves can step into the sky and fly away. The watercolor illustrations, in folk art style, are spare yet colorful, with shades of brown in skin and land, blue in water, and green in trees, and with splashes of bright color in clothing. The text, told by a girl who heard it passed down by female relatives, relates the story of how five slaves, newly brought from Africa, whirled and flew away from the overseer and master. Hope triumphs over sorrow in this fine African American folktale. A note at the end provides information on African slaves and their flying stories.

  Mora, Pat 4–8 years

  DOÑA FLOR: A TALL TALE ABOUT A GIANT WOMAN WITH A GREAT BIG HEART

  Illustrated by Raul Colón

  New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005 | 978-0-375-82337-4

  Doña Flor comes from the Paul Bunyan tall tale tradition: a giant who is strong and uses her power for good. When she finds that her neighbors have been terrified by a mountain lion that they hear roaring, she sets out to find it. How surprised she is when all she discovers is a small cat growling through a big log. She befriends the cat and soon all is peaceful again. The book itself is tall, as befits its subject matter. The large illustrations make the most of the contrast between Doña Flor and the tiny villagers and animals. Muted illustrations have a pointillist feel and lend themselves well to the contrasting forces of gentleness and power that occur in each picture. With some Spanish words scattered throughout, Doña Flor is a good introduction to the tales of this culture. Discover Paul Bunyan’s sister’s story in Paula Bunyan (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2009) by Phyllis Root.

  Morales, Yuyi 4–8 years

  JUST IN CASE: A TRICKSTER TALE AND SPANISH ALPHABET BOOK

  Illustrated by Yuyi Morales

  New York: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook, 2008 | 978-1-59643-329-8

  Señor Calavera, the Grim Reaper of Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book (Chronicle, 2003) by Morales, rattles back again, ready to go to Grandma Beetle’s birthday party. For a skeleton, Señor Calavera is rather cute: he has flowers on his eyeballs, a pert upside-down heart for a nose surrounded by red jewels, and purple eyebrows. But his handsome self cannot be enough; he must take a gift. Aided by Zelmiro the Ghost, he collects one item for each letter of the alphabet. The illustrations, rich and colorful, provide plenty to look at on each page. The Spanish name appears next to each item in the A-to-Z array—for example, un acordeón for an accordion. A mood of hurry-hurry permeates the pictures, as Señor Calavera rushes to get to the party, where Grandma Beetle receives the best present of all.

  Nishizuka, Koko 4–8 years

  THE BECKONING CAT

  Illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger

  New York: Holiday House, 2009 | 978-0-8234-2051-3

  When Yohei, a poor young boy living in a Japanese fishing village, feeds a stray cat, he has no idea what the consequences will be. A few days later, he finds that villagers are coming to him to buy fish, persuaded by the cat beckoning with her little paw. Eventually Yohei is able to open a shop. The illustrations, delicately done in watercolor, colored pencil, ink, and gouache, portray Yohei and the other characters in traditional costumes, which set the story long ago. Bright colors and large character close-ups make it easy to share this book with a group. And the cat? Just adorable! The last page relates how she became a symbol of good luck and, as a porcelain statue, ubiquitous in stores in Asia. A beautiful folktale, ideal for sharing with young children.

  Nolen, Jerdine 5–8 years

  THUNDER ROSE

  Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

  Orlando: Silver Whistle/Harcourt, 2003 | 978-0-15-216472-0

  With a crash of thunder and a flash of lightning, baby Rose is born, and immediately her parents know that she is special. She speaks formally and displays uncanny strength, even as a baby. Set in the Old West, this folktale features an African American cowgirl who can accomplish amazing feats. For those who always wondered where barbed wire came from, it’s an invention of Thunder Rose, named after her little sister Barbara! From tracking down desperadoes to controlling a tornado, this Rose is one tough cowgirl. The illustrations—oil, watercolor, and pencil—evoke amazement in some instances and aw-shucks everyday life in others. Young girls will admire Rose’s strength and courage.

  Osborne, Will, and Mary Pope Osborne 4–8 years

  SLEEPING BOBBY

  Illustrated by Giselle Potter

  New York: Anne Schwartz/Atheneum, 2005 | 978-0-689-87668-4

  An alternative version of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, this story does some gender-bending and features a Bobby instead of a Beauty. The rest of the story follows the traditional plot, except that a beautiful princess comes to awaken the handsome princ
e from his hundred-year spell. Simple yet delightful illustrations use pencil, ink, gouache, gesso, and watercolor. Parents and teachers of the very young may appreciate the fact that the wicked old woman who puts the spell on Bobby does not look particularly scary. Endpapers feature young women trying to get through the thorny hedge during the hundred-year sleep, following up on that particular illustration in the story. Those who love happily ever after tales with a twist will appreciate this story. Readers may also enjoy the Osborne-Potter collaboration on The Brave Little Seamstress (2002) and Kate and the Beanstalk (2000). Another take on the story is Bruce Hale’s Snoring Beauty (Harcourt, 2008).

  Palatini, Margie 4–8 years

  LOUSY ROTTEN STINKIN’ GRAPES

  Illustrated by Barry Moser

  New York: Simon & Schuster, 2009 | 978-0-689-80246-1

  This version of the Aesop’s fable begs to be read out loud with sass and comic timing. Fox, quite full of himself, thinks he has devised the perfect plan to reach the beautiful purple grapes. As he enlists one animal after another to do his bidding, he still cannot get to the fruit. The realistic watercolor illustrations lend humor to the quest, as does the text. Fox continually refers to his cleverness, even as the other animals come up with good ideas which he dismisses. This Fox has personality, and adult readers who like to ham it up will find a perfect vehicle here for their talents. Young listeners who love animal stories or humorous stories are in for a treat.

  Pinkney, Jerry 4–8 years

  THE LION & THE MOUSE

  Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

  New York: Little, Brown, 2009 | 978-0-316-01356-7

  This nearly wordless book retells Aesop’s fable of the mouse who, because of a lion’s earlier kindness, now rescues him by gnawing off the ropes that hold the king of the beasts ensnared. The animals, realistically rendered in gorgeous pencil, watercolor, and colored pencil illustrations, inhabit the African Serengeti, according to a note at the end of the book. Vegetation, additional animals, and safari hunters contribute to the fully rounded scenes that largely feature the lion and the mouse. The only words that appear are the animal sounds of the owl, the mice, and the lion, and the motor sounds of the hunters’ jeep. What a marvelous book for a storyteller to use, or for a child who enjoys telling the story from the pictures. The winner of the 2010 Caldecott Medal, The Lion & the Mouse displays Pinkney’s storytelling skills and artistic excellence.

  Poole, Amy Lowry, reteller 4–9 years

  THE PEA BLOSSOM

  Illustrated by Amy Lowry Poole

  New York: Holiday House, 2005 | 978-0-8234-2018-6 | paper

  Based on a Hans Christian Andersen story, this tale is set in China, where the author lived for a time. The spare yet evocative illustrations, delicate paintings on rice paper, express just a touch of whimsy. Note the animal shapes to illustrate trees and ground. The five peas in the shell exhibit interesting facial expressions as they talk about their future lives. The four who have big plans end up being eaten, while the fifth, with a Zen outlook, is content to be happy with whatever happens. He fulfills his destiny in helping a young girl get well. This book could be used in the study of traditional tales, as a science lesson in seeds and plant growth, for art instruction, or as a quiet book to enjoy by oneself.

  San Souci, Robert D., reteller 4–9 years

  ROBIN HOOD AND THE GOLDEN ARROW

  Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

  New York: Orchard/Scholastic, 2010 | 978-0-439-62538-8| library binding

  The traditional tale of Robin Hood and the Merry Men of Sherwood Forest springs to life in this retelling. Who can resist the story of Robin and his band, which culminates in an archery contest where a disguised Robin bests the sheriff’s favorite and wins the golden prize? Beautiful watercolor illustrations feature dominant colors of green and brown, with splashes of red, especially Robin’s hood and shirt that he wears to the contest. Faces come across as very realistic, especially in the close-ups. The large size of the book matches the larger-than-life character of Robin Hood. An author’s note at the end explains the origins of the story from a traditional British ballad. After reading this, it could be time to introduce the next generation to the classic 1938 film The Adventures of Robin Hood, starring Errol Flynn.

  Santore, Charles 5–10 years

  THE SILK PRINCESS

  Illustrated by Charles Santore

  New York: Random House, 2007 | 978-0-375-83664-0

  Based on a legend that stretches back to 2700 BC, the story of the princess who discovers a secret thread combines fantasy and reality. Princess Hsi-Ling Chi, confined like her mother to the Royal Palace and gardens, notices a cocoon that unravels when it falls in hot tea. With her mother’s consent, she ventures away with the string to see how far it will go. After a nap, she meets a talking spider, a dragon, and an old man weaving thread. Or was that a dream? Either way, exciting events told in the text and sumptuously illustrated unfold until she journeys back to her mother with the secret of silk. The illustrations offer a wealth of variety in color, scene, and size of the main character. One especially effective page spread frames the old weaver and the princess with a border of leaves and pale silkworms, their trailing thread caught up by the old man’s hand in the central illustration. A wonderful read-aloud for the study of ancient Chinese culture, legends, or simply a gripping tale.

  Smith, Chris 4–10 years

  ONE CITY, TWO BROTHERS

  Illustrated by Aurélia Fronty

  Cambridge, MA: Barefoot, 2007 | 978-1-84686-042-3

  From the Middle East comes this tale of brothers who share farm fields and the work of harvesting. Each brother secretly gives his sibling a larger portion of grain, until they discover what each is doing. The love and respect between the two consecrates the ground, where it is believed the city of Jerusalem began. Illustrations in acrylics bring a sense of the sacred to the story, with stylized drawings of people, buildings, and animals in rich hues of greens, yellows, and blues. The story itself is part of the oral tradition of many peoples, both Jews and Palestinian Arabs. This book can be used in many ways: as part of social studies, in the study of folktales, as an illustration of sharing and family love, or simply as a wonderful visual and aural treat to enjoy. Endpapers feature doves and hearts, which can also be found on some of the pages within.

  Souhami, Jessica 4–8 years

  KING POM AND THE FOX

  Illustrated by Jessica Souhami

  London: Frances Lincoln, 2007 | 978-1-84507-365-7 | paper

  Known as Puss in Boots in the West, this Chinese version introduces King Pom, short for pomegranate tree, which is the only item that Li Ming owns. With the help of a clever fox who is an expert at the art of convincing people, Li Ming acquires a palace and marries the emperor’s daughter. The illustrations, in bold colors, are a collage of papers hand-painted with watercolor inks and graphite pencil. Their form and color allow them to stand out starkly on each page, with little detail, but a pleasing shape. Facial expressions and body positions convey emotion, while the depiction of movement, especially of animals, is thrilling. Notice especially the two-page spreads of the tiger leaping and the fox attacking an ogre-turned-bug. Listeners will cheer at the end as both Li Ming and the fox come out on top.

  Spirin, Gennady 4–8 years

  A APPLE PIE

  Illustrated by Gennady Spirin

  New York: Philomel, 2005 | 978-0-399-23981-6

  Based on an alphabet rhyme from the 1600s, this book features Spirin’s marvelous watercolor illustrations. The Victorian setting and costumes create an old-fashioned feel to the active rhyme; the detail will give listeners much to peruse. Each page or two-page spread features a letter of the alphabet in both print and cursive, plus a two- or three-word phrase about the pie: “bit it,” “cut it,” and so on. A large letter centers the illustration on the page and the characters sit on it, jump from it, or are surrounded by it as a frame. The pie itself appears large in all the illustrations, and huge in some. Eac
h page also contains an apple in the corner, introducing another common thread throughout the book. A beautiful rendition of an old nursery rhyme, this version could serve as an introductory ABC for young ones.

  Squires, Janet 3–8 years

  THE GINGERBREAD COWBOY

  Illustrated by Holly Berry

  New York: Laura Geringer/HarperCollins, 2006 | 978-0-06-077863-7

  Break out the ten-gallon hats and get ready for a Wild West version of the Little Gingerbread Man. In this retelling, a rancher’s wife makes a gingerbread cowboy cookie, complete with hat, boots, and vest. True to form, he escapes the oven and runs as fast as he can out of the kitchen. Eventually a lizard, a roadrunner, javelinas, cattle, and cowboys chase after him until he meets the coyote that promises rescue. Even though the rancher’s wife tries to lasso him, the gingerbread cowboy crosses the river on the coyote’s nose, and everyone knows how that will end. The last page shows the rancher and his wife and a surprise guest back in the kitchen making more gingerbread cowboys. On most pages, illustrations with a Southwest feel cover the entire two-page spread, perfect for group read-alouds. For other gingerbread people, see Margie Palatini’s Bad Boys Get Cookie! (HarperCollins, 2006) and Jan Brett’s Gingerbread Friends (Putnam, 2008). A Jewish version by Lisa Shulman is The Matzo Ball Boy (Dutton, 2005). The gingerbread boy’s sister is featured in The Gingerbread Girl by Lisa Campbell Ernst (Dutton, 2006).

  Sweet, Melissa 4–8 years