At their very best, picture books are capable of instilling in the reader a certain kind of warmth, and in the listener, a not-insignificant amount of joy. That is the aim, I think, for most all of them. Well, the ones not trying to cash in on the success of a brand, character, or a blockbuster movie. But I digress, a great picture book does a lot with a little, using a modicum of words to deliver an emotional gut punch, and to make your immediate world a teensy bit brighter place to reside.
I am working on my 1st picture book (yay!) and this exactly what I am going for, that and to make subsequent reads as engaging as the first by forming some connective tissue between the characters, the words, and the reader.
Salina Yoon’s Penguin and Pinecone (Walker & Company/Bloomsbury), a tender love & friendship story told with the bare minimum of language and bright, uncomplicated illustrations, is a perfect example of a picture book page turner that trades in mild suspense to pack a sentimental punch at the end. Penguin and Pinecone is especially touching for us, because my 5-year-old girl is also fond of *planting* pinecones in hopes they will one day become grand conifers. Oh my, I’ve said too much already. Consider Penguin and Pinecone a sterling addition to your picture book library.
*OWTK received a copy of Penguin and Pinecone for review consideration. The opinions above are honest and unbiased, as always.
