Caroline Starr Rose

picture book and middle-grade author

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Quick Lit: What I’ve Been Reading Lately — Picture Book Edition

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Time is a Flower by Julie Morstad

I read about this one in a Publishers Weekly article about high-concept picture books a few months back and ended up checking out a pile of the recommended titles at the library. This book was probably my favorite. Time is a Flower is full a number of familiar and fresh ideas — “Time is a seed. / Sleeping, / waiting / in the dark” and “Time is a pebble / that used to be a mountain.” It’s the kind of book that will keep a young mind thinking and making connections long after reading and reminded me of one of my favorite picture books ever, A House Is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman.

Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer

In a very similar vein to Time is a Flower and A House Is a House (and at the same time entirely unique), Wonder Walkers, a 2022 Caldecott Honor book, is a joyful exploration of nature and is full of juicy questions and unusual pairings: “Are trees the sky’s legs? Is dirt the world’s skin?” The illustrations — “inks and collage, using tissue paper and patterned papers created with homemade stamps” — are magnificent. This is one I’d love to experience with a little person.

The Longest Letsgoboy by Derick Wilder, illustrated by Catia Chien

A few months ago, my writing friend, Vaunda Nelson, mentioned this beautiful book to our writing group. When friends of mine lost their dog suddenly, I knew I wanted to give them a copy. This story is so tenderly written. It’s an absolute tearjerker in a healing way. Told from the perspective of an old dog nearing the end of his life, we see the world through his eyes (a “letsgoboy” is a walk). We experience his memories and his love for his child, whom he refers to as Little. It’s precious and joyous and profound.

Winter Lullaby by Dianne White, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki

“As winter dims to charcoal grays, / bears sleep and wait for greener days.” This lovely rhyming picture book follows Small Bear and his mama as they prepare to hibernate. Small Bear isn’t so certain, especially when he sees other animals like Squirrel and Badger and Rabbit still frolicking, but Mama assures him “We’ll snuggle close all winter through.” Sweet illustrations with lots of texture and atmosphere. Click through to read Dianne’s interview about Winter Lullaby here.

What have you been reading lately?

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