Vivid: Poems & Notes About Color

And yet another book to add to this year’s foison of color books.  It’s a resplendent collection of poems about color accompanied by fascinating bits about the history, science, language and culture of color.

“What color paint would you like tonight?

Crimson, scarlet, or cadmium light?

Magenta, madder, beet, carmine?

Quinacridone rose, alizarin?

There are a zillion!

Even vermillion!”

Vivid: Poems & Notes About Color was written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis and published by Henry Holt and Co.

Good Morning, Neighbor

This charming story is about friendship, sharing and how teamwork and compromise can bring big — and delicious — ideas to life.  And it’s a lovely reminder of the importance of breaking bread together and coming together as a community.

Good Morning, Neighbor was written by Davide Cali, illustrated by Maria Dek and published by Princeton Architectural Press.  It’ll be out on September 4.

Time for Bed, Miyuki

“With a rain of gold on silver hills, the sun offers its last light before leaving for the night.”

Night is falling and Grandpa tells Miyuki that it’s bedtime but she’s “busy playing and trying to push back time.”  She thinks of one more thing — which turns into a long string of “one more things”— that she needs to finish preparing for tomorrow.  Illustrator Seng Soun Ratanavanh’s art and palette are some sort of wonderful otherworldly dream.  Time for Bed, Miyuki is an enchanting, poetic tale to settle down with at the end of the day.  One of our favorites published this year.

Time for Bed, Miyuki was written by Roxane Marie Galliez, illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh and published by Princeton Architectural Press.  It’ll be out on September 18.

Trevor

Little Trevor is in need of a friend and he finds a steadfast one in a lemon hanging on the end of a branch near his cage.  An endearing tale of unique and unexpected friendship.

Trevor was written by Jim Averbeck, illustrated by Amy Hevron and published by Roaring Brook Press.

Loretta’s Gift

Things are abuzz with anticipation and excitement — Aunt Esme and Uncle Jax are expecting a baby and Loretta is out to find the perfect gift for baby Gabe.  Loretta struggles to come up with something special, but eventually she learns that sometimes the best gifts are the intangible ones.  A sweet and heartfelt story.

Loretta’s Gift was written by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Alea Marley and published by Little Bee Books.