I’m usually not a fan of bright, bold, and graphic illustrations, especially when they look too modern (i.e. computer-generated, etc.). That’s just not my style. However, My Heart Is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall first caught my attention because we’re studying animals right now for science and we hope to make a trip to the zoo sometime this fall. Although this book is illustrated using digital artwork, it is deceptively simple. First of all, the entire text of the book is a long list of similes for the heart. The heart is compared to all kinds of animals–”my heart is [. . .] snappy as a crab [. . .] silly as a seal [. . .] quiet as a caterpillar wearing knitted socks [. . .]“ Although I don’t usually go in for too much touchy-feely business, I like this one. I think the comparisons can be good discussion starters, and some of them are just plain cute. (I love the caterpillar one!) Second, every illustration in this book is made up of hearts, both big and small. This makes it visually interesting, even if you’re not too much into similes. Inspiration struck when I first read this book to my girls, and I thought we should make our own heart illustrations. Ideally, this would make a great Valentine’s Day craft activity, but since I’m pretty forgetful, I decided to go ahead and do it now. I cut out hearts of different shapes and colors and let the girls go to work. Lulu ended up making heart people out of hers, but Louise did indeed turn hers into an animal–a butterfly.
Birds by Kevin Henkes (yes, that Kevin Henkes) is another graphic picture book, but the illustrations in this one appear to be handmade. The illustrator, Laura Dronzek, has the ability to draw very child-like, albeit almost perfect, illustrations. I love them! This is a very simple book that is simply about birds. It’s written from the point of view of a little girl and details her observations about her flying friends. This book makes me want to get out my drawing pencil and paints and go to work. This book would make a great introduction to a study of birds (especially for very young children), or it would make a great model for drawing birds. I give this one a Highly Recommended!
It’s all about bold and graphic here at Hope Is the Word today, anyway. Next week I can guarantee that it won’t be, so come back for the variety, if nothing else.
What books have you been enjoying this week as a family? Leave a link to your blog post below!
(I’m linking this post up to stART at A Mommy’s Adventures.)
I love that heart butterfly! Birds looks intriguing. Today’s our library day, so I’ll have a look.
We’ve read various things this week: The Silver Chair for our chapter book, some Dr Suess books and Beatrix Potter books for picture fare.
Love the My Heart is Like a Zoo and accompanying crafts! That’s awesome!
Aw, who says hearts are just for Valentine’s Day? Cute craft. Coming through from staRT.
We LOVED Birds too! I meant to link up today. Will do it now.
Hi – just a quick note to let you know that I featured Read Aloud Thursday on a free printable chart of toddler homeschooling related link-ups that I made available on my blog tonight. Hope you don’t mind being included! You can see it at: http://infantbibliophile.blogspot.com/2010/09/homeschooling-toddler-related-link.html. If you want to mention it on your blog sometime with a link back, that’s great, but no obligation. I just needed a way to keep track of all of the great linkies! Thanks for such a fun weekly feature.
What a cute craft!!
Birds is a great book. Both my kids really liked it when we had it a few weeks ago.
My 3 year old loves hearts. She calls them vows. Not sure why but it is cute so I totally encourage it. I bet she would love it if I cut out some hearts for her to make something with.
I love her butterfly. It’s super cute, and I’m with you a lot of the times the computer generated ones don’t work for me.
Oh, yes, always do the craft or activity when you have the idea. If I don’t I never make it back. I’m sure your girls will remember the book and have enjoyed it that much more by making such cute pictures.
Laura Dronzek is Kevin Henke’s wife so Birds is truly special. We met Kevin Henkes this spring and he’s a very down to earth, soft spoken individual. My daughter really liked seeing him and watching him draw.