I was so tempted to hold off a few days on today's read, but my schedule just wouldn't allow it...because...it's almost time to shout 'Happy Book Birthday'. But it's still a little early. *pfff*
Anyway, my husband smiled when he saw this cover. The artwork is right down his line, and I find it original and wonderful, too. Plus the boy on the front radiates assuredness. This one should be about boy empowerment, something I don't think is hit often enough anymore in kidlit. So, I'm excited to dive in and take a peek. Oh, and this one is for the youngest readers out there—a board book.
HEY NOW, LITTLE MAN
by Dori Elys
Illustrated by Chris Park
Little Simon
Board Book
ages 0 to 4
COMING APRIL 9th!!!
Young boys can read all about the dozen, hundred, thousand ways to be themselves in this sweet and colorful board book. Hey now, Little Man, what’re you all about? Let’s break it down for the crowd. Let’s figure it out. What does it take to be a Little Man? From lending a hand to expressing creativity to enjoying silence, young boys learn that the right way to be is your way.
MY TIDBITS
Little man power shines and empowers in this inspiring book for small hands.
The boy on the cover starts this one off in exactly the right train of thought—colorful, assured, and that with unique aspects, which may be 'off' to some but can be (and should be) owned by him. This read is all about boy empowerment. Each page is bright, bold and colorful as a very diverse bunch of boys are shown in all sorts of situations, being themselves. Sometimes. this means helping others or letting someone else take the spotlight.. Other times, it means being as loud or quiet as a boy needs to be. It's about letting personalities shine and knowing that everyone is different.
The board book is constructed for younger readers' hands and can take a little abuse. Rhyme flows the entire way through, smooth and not forced. The word choice includes modern slang terms, making it time appropriate, while keeping the vocabulary at a level many readers will understand. The illustrations are colorful to mirror the diversity, and very positive to flip through. These are probably my favorite part of this read.
This isn't a true story but rather dances through various situations to show how different people are, while empowering them to embrace these differences and see them as strengths. The ideas are more vague than concrete, although the scenes are familiar. I especially enjoyed the addition of the fathers, who accompany their sons in several scenes. It gives a solid message and a sense of foundation and security, which adds to the goodness of this read.
And here they are...
Dori Elys both writes and edits children’s books. She lives in New York City with her furry best friend.
Chris Park has been a professional illustrator for over twelve years. His work focuses on color and vibrant scenes striving to elicit an emotional connection. Chris lives in Minnesota with his wife and two sons.
No comments:
Post a Comment