So, for those of us who adore children’s books, we think you could gift any book as a work of art…but it may not be received the way we think it should. So, for those grown ups who “love kids books but have no one to buy them for” and “love the art but have no one to buy them for” and so on and so on, here are a few choice books for the people on your list who nerd out about authors and illustrators.
“It’s Up To Us” by Christopher Loyd. Illustrated by 33 artists from around the world.
This is lovely book that tackles the complexities of our impact on the earth coupled with beautiful images to soften the blow. As humans, we have a duty to protect, respect, and honor this place we call home. This is a book where artists use their talents to help educate and motivate the rest of us.
“A Velocity of Being: Letters to a Young Reader” edited by Maria Popova and Claudia Bedrick.
A customer told me about this book and I immediately ordered it. And then I read it. And then got chills with each turn of the page. It is just beautiful in concept and design. It is a compilation of letters from authors, writers, and other intelligent folks to young people about the magical ability that books and stories have on shaping a person. Then, the piece de resistance, is the illustration that goes with each letter. It is amazing and beautiful and touching and perfect.
“The Quentin Blake Book” by Jenny Uglow
Basically, if you are a fan of Quentin Blake (which who isn’t?) this book is a stunner. Full of great stories and behind-the-scenes information about the Blake’s work. For many of us, Blakes’ work is forever coupled with Roald Dahl (want to know more about their relationship?) but his catalogue is prolific and beautiful.
“A Map of the World According to Illustrators and Storytellers”
This book is STUNNING. Each page is a work of art. Maps of cities and countries all over the world depicted with the social commentary that we expect of true artists. Some are tongue-in-cheek, some are heart-wrenching, and some are simply just beautiful. Truly a gift for just about anyone (with great taste!)
“Show Me a Story! Why Picture Books Matter” compiled and edited by Leonard S. Marcus
EEEEK! This is just in. Imagine sitting down with your favorite children’s book authors of all time and getting to ask them anything and everything. And then pinch yourself because you’re dreaming. But Marcus did just that and you can read his thoughtful interviews with talents, such as Eric Carle, Mo Willems, Helen Oxenbury, James Marshall, and Rosemary Wells. (And more. So much more!)