Every once in awhile, I stumble upon a book that’s just unique or particularly worth mentioning. It’s not always the newest or best-reviewed title, but one that just somehow caught my attention and is worth sharing. Today’s spotlight is on:
Blue Sky
written by Audrey Wood
Scholastic (2012)
One of the many bonuses in interacting with other teachers, librarians, parents, and bibliophiles around the web is that I regularly read recommendations of books I might otherwise have missed. Blue Sky is one of those recommendations.
Audrey Wood is by no means new to the picture book scene. She’s written dozens and dozens of books, and has long-since established herself as a talented author and illustrator. Some of my other favorites include the Alphabet books (illustrated by son Bruce Wood), Elbert’s Bad Word, and Jubal’s Wish (both with illustrations by husband Don Wood).
Her newest creation, Blue Sky, contains very few words. In fact, there are only two words on each 2-page spread. While its simplicity of text means that Preschooler can “read” and enjoy this book both with and without my presence, it’s the illustrations that tell the story.
And the illustrations? ARE. STUNNING.
Each spread shows a new sky, from dawn till dark, that comes with sun, rain, storms, and rainbows. It’s easy to be captivated by the sky itself, but don’t forget to also look at the bottom of the page, where a family of four also reacts to Mother Nature.
Find. Read. Enjoy. And if you’re looking for a companion book, try pairing this one with Baby Bear Sees Blue by Ashley Wolff, another beautifully illustrated picture book about the colors of nature.
Got a story that deserves a place in the spotlight? Let me know!
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