Brief language and simple illustrations in comic book format ask readers to consider their everyday world in fresh and new ways. Short poems and sly humor abound in this creative approach.
Poetry Comics
“Time to make art? Hmm…” begins this engaging exploration of what art is, isn’t, and could be. Childlike illustrations are used to ask and answer questions while introducing a wide range of art and styles from around the world. Brief information about the art and artists concludes this dynamic look at human creativity.
Time to Make Art
Their friendship started when one boy accidentally bumped into another’s block building — and then they discovered that building together was more fun. So, too, was imaginatively watching dragons and other fantastic creatures wreck them! Swirling, meticulous illustrations in Santat’s characteristic style detail the children’s friendship with its ups and downs, but one that is built to last.
Built to Last
The rug is the ocean in this imaginative seafaring tale as a child and parent begin their adventure while the other parent is on the phone. Sophisticated but childlike illustrations go between fantasy and real time as the family shares escapades on the high seas. The rug will doubtless go un-vacuumed.
Ahoy!
Short poems are generously illustrated in a large, inviting, and diverse collection of poetry— and as the title indicates, there is at least one for each day! To build on daily poems, try some of the ideas in Poetry Prompts: All Sorts of Ways to Start a Poem from Joseph Coelho (opens in a new window).
A Whale of a Time: Funny Poems for Each Day of the Year
Alice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book. So when it flaps its pages and invites her in, she is swept away to a world of wonder and adventure, riding camels in the desert, swimming under the sea with colorful fish, floating in outer space, and more! But when her imaginative journey comes to an end, she yearns for the place she loves best of all.
Once Upon a Book
Learning to soar ‘from the people who came before’ two siblings are told both that their feelings have been experienced by others, and that “nobody can ever cuff/ your brilliant and beautiful mind,” a lesson they pass on in turn. The book reminds children that imagination is a powerful tool in any situation, and López’s warm, colorful art enhances this message. This book is a companion to The Day You Begin (opens in a new window) by the same author/illustrator team.
The Year We Learned to Fly
Illustration and words paint a portrait of the natural world and a child’s connection to it, until “There is a poem/In the cradle of my Soul/Rocking me.” It continues until the narrator writes, telling her own story.
There Is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me
Marcel Duchamp was full of surprises. In fact, some would consider him irreverent or even a crackpot. Through collage illustrations and informal text scattered on full pages, readers and budding artists are asked to consider what makes art. Slightly irreverent and quite delightful.
Marcel’s Masterpiece: How a Toilet Shaped the History of Art
On a Saturday walk with her parents, Lizzy gets a cloud she named Milo. But sometimes even the most agreeable pet cloud can grow too large. How Lizzy amends the information on cloud care is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Soft lines and careful use of color are effective in this imaginative tale.
Lizzy and the Cloud
With her favorite hat atop her head, Dominiguita visits the library to borrow The Three Musketeers. Thus begins the latest adventure of the Cuban American girl and her imaginative friends in this standalone book in the Dominguita series. Other titles include Knight of the Cape (opens in a new window) and Captain Dom’s Treasure (opens in a new window).
Definitely Dominguita: All for One
Join a young child as she shares her magic wand — a pencil. Short poems celebrate the pleasures of a year of family, celebrations, and everyday experiences. Mixed-media illustrations complement the bright tone. A note by the author reminds readers that not all poems rhyme and will likely encourage writing.
My Magic Wand: Growing with the Seasons
Just when a big-eyed indoor cat thinks it knows all that it sees through various windows, it steps outside to discover a very different world. Illustrations in various media and staccato text are used to create a rich real and imagined world, perfect for multiple readings and close examination.
Inside Cat
Stones look like birds. And birds look like stones. Imagine a day in the boyhood of Japanese American artist, Isamu Noguchi. Wandering through an outdoor market, through the forest, and then by the ocean, Isamu sees things through the eyes of a young artist … but also in a way that many children will relate.
A Boy Named Isamu: A Story of Isamu Noguchi
Backyard play seems quite real to three sisters as they dodge a dragon, find a pocket-sized gorilla and more in their jungle. Inspired by a visit to the Yucatan with his own daughters, Linier’s easier to read graphic novel combines art and text to create tension, movement, and imaginative drama.
Wildflowers
A grandmother and child celebrate all the things the youngster can grow into, all the while recognizing individuality.Light-filled illustrations complement the evocative narration. Also in Spanish: ¿Qué Serás?.
What Will You Be?
Ollie has a vivid imagination and just may need eyeglasses. His poor vision (or is it his imagination?) allows him to see water buffalo instead of cows, interesting creatures rather than letters and numbers. When Ollie, a pink pig in a blue beret, dons his new spectacles, the world becomes more realistic, but glasses are not needed all the time! Comic illustration and understated text tell a humorous tale.
What Ollie Saw
A boat sets out for a sea voyage that evolves intriguingly and abstractly. Highly detailed black/white illustrations call to mind Escher’s impossible but riveting creations in this surreal adventure by a Dutch artist. Fans of Shaun Tan will appreciate this sophisticated and unique book.
The Wanderer
Gina Filomena’s imagination is freed when she meets her new language arts teacher and a mysterious neighbor boy name Antonio. The power of creativity, writing, and friendship are touchingly presented in this short, introspective novel by a Newbery medalist.
One Time
A child celebrates her creativity and individuality as she creates a panda on a large blackboard. Soon Panda steps off the board and joins in the creation of art. Illustration incorporate the pair’s chalk drawings and combine with a conversational text for a playful look at the creative process.
When I Draw a Panda
Young Amadou’s enthusiasm for a class field trip to the zoo cannot be dampened by rules. Instead, his imaginative exploration adds color and joy for the teacher and children alike.
Amadou’s Zoo
Limited colors and simple shapes encourage young readers to see a flower, a lion, and a sun. Each two-page chapter brilliantly introduces a tale that calls on imagination and encourages reader participation.
Sun Flower Lion
A boy is not happy about moving but while exploring his new home, he finds a large roll top desk. There he discovers imaginative, surprising stories. The Argentinian author/illustrator has created a memorable fantasy juxtaposing the real world and extraordinary adventures held in the found journal. Surreal illustrations are presented in sequential art, calling to mind a graphic novel.
When You Look Up
As the day begins, “All is quiet. Or is it?” If you listen closely, the sounds of the day emerge. From dawn darkness, the day gradually lightens in the subtle illustrations that depict city and country, inviting readers to “fill the world with your song.”