Tag: Maja Kastelic

Only Picture Books’ 20 Favorites of 2020

On By Only Picture BooksIn OPB Favorites, Picture Book Lists

2020 was a rough year–no doubt about it. But at least we had some first-​rate new picture books to help us through it all.

This list is our subjective ranking of 20 books OPB really liked from this past year. If we missed a great book, please take a moment to share your 2020 faves in the comment section

Great work should be recognized, valued, and encouraged.

We hope OPB helps make all that happen.

All of a Sudden and Forever by Chris Barton, illustrated by Nicole Xu (4 February 2020)

This nonfiction book tenderly handles the Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995–Barton does a wonderful job of showing how healing happens after a collective tragedy. The art by debut illustrator Xu elevates an already beautiful story.

 

Construction People by Lee Bennett Hopkins (editor), illustrated by Ellen Shi (16 March 2020)

The late Lee Bennett Hopkins assembled 14 poems about the wide range of people needed to build a city high rise. The poems are noisy and fun in all the right ways for young readers–this is a real treat.

 

Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built by Angela Burke Kunkel, illustrated by Paolo Escobar (8 September 2020)

This book offers a wonderful look at Colombia while telling the amazing story of a garbage collector in Bogotá who created a library that started with a single discarded book that he found on his route. Digging for Words has solid read-​aloud potential, too, which isn’t always the case with nonfiction.

 

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez (8 September 2020)

The first-​person present-​tense story is a believable tale of how the friendship of two girls can survive anything–including separation/​change. Sánchez’s mixed-​media art is bright, vibrant, and lovely.

 

Hans Christian Anderson: The Journey of His Life by Heinz Janisch, illustrated by Maja Kastelic (1 September 2020)

OPB reviewed this book earlier this year, and months later, we still think it’s still a standout. This story-​in-​a-​story biography is simply enchanting.

 

Hike by Pete Oswald (17 March 2020)

There simply aren’t enough quality father-​son picture books, but this one adds to that list. The adventure is nearly wordless, but the journey is marvelous for father, son, and reader. Delightful, and with just a hint of whimsy.

 

Honeybee: the Busy Life of Apis Mellifera by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann (4 February 2020)

Fleming crafts language that manages to communicate the facts of the honeybee’s intriguing short life, but it’s Rohmann’s exquisite oil paint illustrations that makes this book soar. The close-​ups can easily be mistaken for photographs! Watch for the gorgeous gatefold at the very end, as well as a backmatter essay on the plight of the honeybees.

 

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James (1 September 2020)

There are catchy, memorable lines throughout (“I am good to the core, like the center of a cinnamon roll”) that readers will delight in. But it’s the empowering message of self-​affirmation and value here that makes this a must-​read. James’ oil-​paintings are richly textured and powerful–watch for a cameo from Barack Obama!

 

If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall (15 September 2020)

While the premise is intriguing (how might you introduce Earth to a visitor from outer space?), it’s no surprise that two-​time Caldecott winner Blackall’s illustrations steal the show. Her stunning attention to detail showcases the diversity of our planet in all of its glory. Simply beautiful.

If you liked Oliver Jeffers’ Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, If You Come to Earth will likely be a hit, as well.

 

Lights on Wonder Rock by David Litchfield (8 September 2020)

In this story, Heather yearns to go to outer space. But is she truly ready to leave Earth–and everything about it–behind? I think I love this cover (and story) because it reminds me of E.T., but the graphic novel style throughout is equally compelling. Note the numerous wordless spreads that burst with delicious light and color. Litchfield is really, really good.

 

Nonsense!: The Curious Story of Edward Gorey by Lori Mortensen, illustrated by Chloe Bristol (24 March 2020)

A lyrical biography about the curious, strange man who served as inspiration for other curious, strange creatives (like Tim Burton and Lemony Snicket)? Yes, please! Of course, both the lyrical and artistic elements are positively Gorey-​esque. A generous two-​page Author’s Note helps round out a reader’s understanding of Gorey’s amazing life and accomplishments.

 

The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho, illustrated by Jess X. Snow (4 August 2020)

“Haenyeo” means free diving, and we learn all about that in this lovely story where a Korean girl dreams of being a haenyeo and diving deep to grab treasures from the ocean floor, just as generations have done before, and just as her grandma does now. There’s plenty of STEM appeal here, but it’s also a sweet story about family and tradition.

 

The Old Truck by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey (7 January 2020)

The retro design is what first catches my eye, but I’m quickly taken by this eloquent ode to perseverance and grit. OPB is definitely looking forward to more picture books from the Pumphrey brothers.

 

Outside In by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cindy Derby (14 April 2020)

Each year, it seems OPB includes a Deborah Underwood story in one way or another, and here’s yet another fine one. The starred review at Kirkus has it right–this book is a “love letter to nature.” Best of all, Outside In isn’t preachy nor heavy-​handed. It’s (appropriately) quiet, wise, and wondrous.

 

The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee, illustrated by Pascal Campion (18 February 2020)

What a cool book! It’s the “simple” story of a parent going to work, but it’s filtered through the wondrous imagination of a child. Yes, there’s social critique tucked away in these pages, but even if a child doesn’t get that, this book will resonate on many levels.

 

A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris (13 October 2020)

Children will love the in-​text questions about where this polar bear is going–it’s a great way to get them involved in the storytelling. The art is simple and charming, as is this captivating Arctic adventure.

 

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta, illustrated Frank Morrison (14 January 2020)

I love picture book biographies–especially when it’s about someone I THINK I know, then I come to realize how much more there is to their story. That’s the case here in this dignified and interesting take on the life of George Washington Carver–a “living folk hero.”

 

The Truth About Dragons by Jaime Zollars (15 September 2020)

This debut picture book will help readers see beyond their fears to find their own strength/​inner dragon. It’s a delightful take about the anxiety of new experiences.

 

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade (17 March 2020)

It’s hard to say which is more captivating–the potent words of Lindstrom or the lush art of Goade. Regardless, it’s a passionate call for much-​needed environmental stewardship that shows how interconnected our world is. Simply lovely.

 

Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-​Bigelow (7 July 2020)

A young girl is understandably unhappy at how people mishandling her name, yet her mother teaches her about the magic and music of names…including her own. It’s a celebration of language and history suitable for all readers.

Picture Book Review: Hans Christian Andersen: The Journey of His Life by Heinz Janisch

On By Only Picture BooksIn Picture Book Reviews
Author: Heinz Janisch
Illustrator: Maja Kastelic
NorthSouth Books
1 September 2020
56 pages

This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Frequent Fairytail Fan at Only Picture Books) and Ringling College of Art and Design Illustration Professor John Herzog.

–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–

I’m always a bit leery of picture books that run past the traditional 32 pages. And with this one at 56 pages? This might be the most telling comment of the entire review–it doesn’t feel long. Had I not known in advance that it was 2x as long as most, I wouldn’t have even thought about that fact.

Partially, it’s due to the captivating artwork. Witness how mesmerizingly bright things get when the story leaps into flights of the imagination. But I’ll let John handle that aspect of things, though I’ll simply add that this reader really appreciates the sense of wonder, innocence, and magic the illustrations create at times. Well done, Maja Kastelic!

Austrian author Heinz Janisch’s fresh take on the life of Hans Christian Andersen (translated by David Henry Wilson) is clever in that it allows Hans himself to tell his own story fairy-​tale-​style to a young girl named Elsa as they share a coach ride. That’s so appropriate in that it connects to the oral component of his tales–we likely first heard them read aloud to us, and here’s Hans doing that same thing for yet another young story lover. Like I said–so clever and apt.

Elsa also serves as a stand-​in for the reader, asking the questions we want asked, primarily “What happens next?” But she also asks if he’s the Hans in his many stories, to which he replies:  “I don’t think my stories are all about me. With fairy tales you can sometimes hold a mirror out in front of other people without them realizing it.”

Another way in which this book is clever is how Hans showcases qualities and experiences from his own life through the lens of his stories, such as how his own early years were like “The Ugly Duckling,” which is about a duckling who is teased for being different until one day when it turns into a beautiful swan. “Anyone can turn into something special–that’s what the story tells us. Like a poor cobbler’s son becoming a famous writer,” he says to Elsa and her mom.

Some might argue that the book presents too cheery a take on a life that most realize was fairly grim, lonely, and eccentric (I hesitate to call him weird, but yeah, that’s probably more accurate since he went bonkers over bad reviews, was terrified of being buried alive, and was likely celibate his entire life), but without a doubt, he’s one of the most influential writers of his century and this book captures a bit of that magic in a pleasant mix of biography and a well-​fabricated story frame.

This is a must-​read for any reader, with appropriate Back Matter that likely will offer one or two tidbits adult readers didn’t know about this beloved literary giant.

4.75 out of 5 pencils

 

–John’s Review of the Illustrations–

There’s something truly magical happening in Hans Christian Andersen: The Journey of His Life. It’s not just the context, although there’s plenty of magic to be found there. It’s in everything, really: the story, the illustrations, the colors, the compositions. If there’s a perfect picture book, in my opinion, I’d say this gets damn close to being it.

First, I must point out how much I love the length of this book. It’s much, much longer than your typical picture book today, but I appreciate that here. It’s long, but at no point was I bored and, personally, I don’t think kids will be bored reading this either. Heinz Janisch has made this popular, prominent figure of the establishment feel fresh again with an interesting take on their life story. I found it incredibly clever to couch Andersen’s history in a journey where he talks about his life with Elsa, a child–his main audience then and now. I was pleasantly reminded of how Andersen’s stories don’t talk down to children (and neither does this book), which I feel is something of a problem in the children’s publishing world today.

In terms of the illustrations, this is probably one of the most cinematic picture books I’ve ever read. The compositions, character designs, and expert use of color and mood harken to the work of Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino. As someone who has dabbled in filmmaking, it’s fantastic to see the crossover here. Color especially is used in incredibly effective ways that help tell the story. We’re taken through the highs and lows of Andersen’s life through color, and the way illustrator Maja Kastelic has approached it is pitch perfect. The contrast is such that, if you were to remove the words, I dare say that the images would still tell the story. They’re that good.

The character designs are also brimming with watercolorey appeal. I instantly like Andersen as he’s depicted here with his top hat and blue bow tie, his cheeks slightly flushed. The other characters involved are also charming and full of life. Even the environments are full of appeal and character thanks to the watercolor approach here.

The way the compositions are laid out almost resemble a comic book, and also reminded me of how Wes Anderson loves playing around with aspect ratio in his films (see The Grand Budapest Hotel and The French Dispatch). There’s one page in particular that I absolutely love: Andersen is discussing the dark times he endured as a child, and the illustrations are very desaturated and dour. And at the very bottom right-​side of the page, underneath this mountain of black & white images, we see a small Elsa looking sad at what Andersen had to endure. We know exactly how Elsa is feeling because of the way the page is laid out and the way color (or lack of it) is used. This page, in and of itself, is a masterclass of visual storytelling.

I completely and willingly admit that I’m coming at this book with my own personal biases. However, I’m planning to purchase The Journey of His Life when it’s released in September, so that right there should tell you how much I love it. I think you’ll love it, too.

5 out of 5 crayons

John Herzog is an award-​winning illustrator and educator. 

His clients include Hasbro, Dreamworks TV, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Scholastic, and Highlights for Children. He also teaches illustration classes at Ringling College of Art and Design.

John is a member of the National Cartoonists Society and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where he received the 2018 SCBWI Magazine Merit Award for his Highlights High Five cover illustration. He lives in Florida with his wife, two kids, a pair of geckos, a South American horned frog, a bearded dragon, and a fish.

He is represented by Shannon Associates.