Students often come to me searching for a book but don’t remember the exact title. So they try to describe the cover color. Inspired by the students' statements, for this post I chose to review a few picture books from my collection with greenish covers.
The first three stories are written and illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, the Fan Brothers.
I am in love with what their stories have to convey but even more with their illustration style.
The Night Gardener is a story about a mysterious gardener coming to a small town. He trims the trees and bushes in the neighborhood into delightful animal shapes. I understand this story as a story about change. The gardener brings change and a different vibe in the community and brings its people together. The simple narrative is accompanied with magical and detailed illustrations that bring this story at a different level. Readers would enjoy the surprise shape on every page.
The Barnabus Project is a story with an interesting background. In an interview for Art of the Picture Book the Fan Brothers explain how an idea born 25 years ago came to life through this picture book. A project at a pet store ends up with a number of failed hybrid creatures among which is Barnabus, a half elephant and half mouse. They all live in glass jars and dream of freedom. This is a story about following your dreams and finding a place where you belong. According to Barnabus, “Nothing is impossible”.
The latest book by the Fan Brothers is my new favorite addition to my shelf. It Fell From the Sky is a story about community and wonder. The whimsical illustrations take you on a journey of discovering what actually is the mysterious object that fell from the sky. Little ones would enjoy this story as they can simply enter the world of littles creatures and bugs leaving in the garden and wonder with them.
The following two books with greenish covers are Little Monkey by Marta Altes and Crocodiles Need Kisses Too by Rebecca Colby.
Little Monkey by Marta Altes is a story about bravery. A small monkey learns that you can go on a big adventure no matter how small. The lively and colorful illustrations are food for the eyes of all “little monkeys” out there.
Crocodiles Need Kisses Too by Rebecca Colby is a cute story about little ones and their need for love, hugs and kisses no matter if they are scratchy, scary or prickly. Little ones will enjoy learning about different animals and get a snuggles and kisses.
I hope you enjoy one of the adventures with a green cover.
Happy reading!
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