When I reviewed I Want My Hat Back and Sam and Dave Dig A Hole I was surprised at the simplicity of his illustrations and yet they seemed to grab your attention and shout, "I'm not simple, I'm simply understated." Again in We Found A Hat Klassen has taken the simple palette of neutrals - browns, black, and white to show how two friends or companions act when they find a hat.
One hat. Two companions or friends. As in much of life, the telling is in the eyes and so it is when one friend really, really likes and wants the hat.
Who will enjoy this children's book? Well, the dry, understated humor and art work will appeal to the sophisticated adult and the cuteness of the story and the illustrations will appeal to kids. Usually, kid's books are explosions of brilliant or perhaps pastel colors. Klassen shows how a simple palette works equally as well.
I recommend this for libraries and homes where you enjoy subtle humor, simplicity and understated story and art.
About the book: Two turtles find one hat – and it happens to look great on both of them.
GIVEAWAY - 2 Winners
Begins November 18
Begins November 18
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I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick to facilitate this review of my own opinions. I was not compensated. Winner's giveaway copy is provided and shipped by Candlewick directly to the winner.
I think children should be exposed to all kinds of art, including understated art which allows them to use more of their imagination and interject components and scenarios into the story which might not otherwise exist.
ReplyDeleteI think that very often the illustrator's work helps to make the story come alive, especially for the very young who do not yet have a prolific vocabulary. The first, and one of my personal favorites, is the Dr. Seuss books, especially, Horton Hears a Who.
ReplyDeleteI thought they were strange at first but my youngest loves the pictures. I think it appeals to the children.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of the part the illustrator plays in the success of a book? I think by appealing to the children visually, it makes them more interested.
ReplyDeleteWhat illustrated children's books stand out in your memory? Why? I loved Alice in Wonderland. It was the first book with scary pictures for me.
I think that if an illustrator doesn't do a good job, then the book looks less appealing. One book that stands out in my mind is Dr Seuss's ABC book.
ReplyDeleteSimple and understated is always fine.
ReplyDeleteIllustrations are essential. And Alice In Wonderland is the best in that regard!
I have a sister who loves this type of book! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
ReplyDeleteTina