Rhyming Picture Books Archives - Talking Animal Addicts

NOTE from THE LITERARY RAT: I was given a review copy of this book, and aided in its crowdfunding campaign, but am not personally affiliated with either the book’s author, illustrator or publisher, other than sharing fellow respect for all the above as an author myself.

It’s often said that picture books are like poetry, partly because of their short length (barring historical or otherwise unique exceptions), and partly for even non-rhyming stories have a rhythm, a melody. Sometimes even a chorus (Even when the book’s not musically-themed).

“My Love for You is the Sun” is all of those things and more. Author Julie Hedlund (“ and the storybook app “A Shiver of Sharks“) uses a simple but effective rhyme scheme to tell a tale that’s further enhanced by the detailed mural-like illustrations by maverick artiste, Susan Eaddy.

If Art Clokey animated a bedtime story told by Gumby’s mother when he was born/created (only the Clokey Clan knows which is the case…), this is what it might look like.

I’m not a parent yet (and some days I wonder if I’d be a “Good Enough” one), but if I do take that path, this book will be read to however many of them I have, and I’m honored I had played a small part in bringing this book, and to see a look of pride in my kid(s) eyes when they see my name in the acknowledgements, would be cool.

One last thing, check out your lit. rat’s fan book trailer (Made with the help of my podcasting friends)-

If you need further convincing, check out the OFFICIAL book trailer made the author herself-

That’s it for this special Weekly Readings. See you next time!

Today, to kick off our series of author and illustrator spotlights (In honor of Picture Book Month) we profile Author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler (Who is also the author-illustrator of the Pip and Posy series), and we’ll start off by highlighting their latest book-

(*Click the cover image above if you’re interested in purchasing)

Fans of “The Gruffalo” will love the latest collaboration from author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler where a wicked rat on horseback finds out “Crime Doesn’t Pay” in the most comical, knee-slapping ways, from the reader’s perspective, anyway…!

Being a literary rat who is on the side of good (And PROUD of it!) there is admittedly something to be said for my species “Classic” role as the villain, and the fact that Julia composed this story EXPERTLY IN RHYME, as she did in previous books “A Gold Star for Zog“, “Tabby McTat” and “Stick Man.” (All of which, also illustrated by Axel Scheffler) proves how compelling art and text can really be when they work together. Expect a more through review of this book in the future.

While many of Julia’s books have other various (And equally talented!) illustrators behind them (Such as “Jack and the Flumflum Tree” illustrated by David Roberts), Axel Scheffler’s bright and simple-yet-sophisticated illustrations brilliant compliments Julia’s “Harder to do than it looks, no, REALLY” rhyme scheme, makes for a art and text combo rarely seen since the previous “Golden Age” of children’s books in general, and picture books in particular.

Picture book Month is a great initiative to both celebrate picture books across the ages, it’s also a prime opportunity remind today’s authors, illustrators, and readers the world over that there are many authors and illustrators who are committed to picture books, and to prove beyond doubt that like Madeline, Olivia, and Clifford the Big Red Dog before them, there are plenty of emerging examples of picture book characters in the 21st Century who are just as capable of having staying power beyond their time of creation. No less than their 20th Century (Or further) predecessors.

At T.A.A., we say celebrate the OLD and the NEW, and remember that all the “Classics” today, were once in the rookie’s corner, too. Check back for more author and illustrator spotlights throughout November.

If you’ve read Julia Donaldson or Axel Scheffler’s books (Collaborative or Solo), please share your favorites in the comments below. T.A.A. LOVES to hear back from you, the readers.

Until next time, may the fantastical fauna be with you.

*If I’ve hooked you into buying the book (or books) mentioned above, please support T.A.A. by clicking the affiliate link cover (Or links to other books mentioned above) for the book above. Or check it out at your local public or school library.

Support them so they can stick around to support you or someone you love when you need it most.

Learn more about author, Julia Donaldson, and her many other books at her website-

http://www.juliadonaldson.co.uk

Also, take time to check out the OFFICAL website for Picture Book Month-

http://picturebookmonth.com

Talking Animal Addicts

Not Just For Preschoolers Anymore!

Tag Archives: Rhyming Picture Books

Weekly Readings IX.V (9 1/2)

Welcome to a special “Between the Numbers” edition of Weekly Readings!

My LOVE for you is the SUN

by Julie Hedlund (@JulieFHedlund)

Illustrated by Susan Eaddy

Publisher: Little Bahalia Publishing

Pub. Date: September 9th 2014*

NOTE from THE LITERARY RAT: I was given a review copy of this book, and aided in its crowdfunding campaign, but am not personally affiliated with either the book’s author, illustrator or publisher, other than sharing fellow respect for all the above as an author myself.

NOTE FROM THE LITERARY RAT: If my ramblings convinced you to buy one or more of the books mentioned above, please support T.A.A. and also your local independent bookstores by clicking the affiliate cover images above or the links within the review(s).

Support us and your local bookstores in one go!

Picture Book Month Spotlight #1: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler