Tag Archives: illustration

Review of Artful Adoption Books: Three Names of Me

Yesterday I wrote about a children’s adoption book with beautiful artwork. Today I present another one. Three Names of Me is written by Mary Cummings in the voice of her Chinese-born daughter Ada. I would judge the writing to be for ages 6-12. The illustrations are done by Chinese-American illustrator Lin Wang, who combined watercolor and colored pencil to create a style she calls “ethereal realism”. Like the illustrations in Over Land and Sea, they appear realistic and detailed, yet at the same time soft. The use of light and blended backgrounds in Three Names of Me does produce a … Continue reading →

Adoption Books with Beautiful Art: Over Land and Sea: a Story of International Adoption

Books showing children of color are becoming more common, but books showing multiracial families are still relatively rare. So books that show multiracial adoptive families with gorgeous artwork, while giving a sensitive and accurate portrayal of adoption, are a real find. Many families will find themselves reflected in Over Land and Sea: a Story of International Adoption. This book is one of my new “absolutely favorite things”. This book is one of my new “absolutely favorite things”, largely because of its stunning artwork. Author Steven Layne is a father of three children who were internationally adopted. The simple story—“hey, I … Continue reading →

Sumo Mouse – David Wisniewski

I spend a lot of time reading titles as I select which books to bring home from the library. This title made me laugh out loud, something you shouldn’t do in the library, but can you blame me? “Sumo Mouse!” With bright and colorful illustrations provided by the author, this children’s picture book is written like a melodramatic comic book with a hint of the old Godzilla movies thrown in for good measure. “Sumo Mouse” is the story of Tokyo besieged. All the mice have been stolen by evil cats and are captives at the Tanaka Toy Factory. They are … Continue reading →

Winners of the Caldecott Medal: 1943-1947

For more information about the origins of the Caldecott Medal, please see The Caldecott Medal and the Man for Whom it was Named. Since I do not know a lot about art except what I see, I am giving a brief synopsis of each book along with some comments about the artwork. I am also including lists of the Honor winners for each year. I hope you enjoy my series. Comments are welcomed!! 1943 “The Little House” by Virginia Lee Burton This book is the personification of a little house that was built out in the country. It saw seasons … Continue reading →