I feel so fortunate to have received some incredible Scholastic books to read and review. Most are coming out this fall, but I need to get a jump on reviewing and posting to make sure I get to them all.
Up first are two AMAZEBALLS picture books. I love how they may seem simple but are complex and layered and, well, amazeballs. 😊
WE SHALL OVERCOME by Bryan Collier
From the publisher:
A celebration of the gospel anthem and Civil Rights protest song "We Shall Overcome," masterfully brought to life by Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Bryan Collier.
"We Shall Overcome" is one of the most recognizable anthems of the Civil Rights movement, widely performed at protests and rallies to promote nonviolent civil rights activism. Now, these inspirational, empowering, legendary lyrics are brought to life with the stirring, evocative, and breathtaking illustrations from multi-award-winning talent Bryan Collier. Powerfully imagined for the present moment, Collier's illustrations meld the most emblematic moments of the twentieth-century Civil Rights movement with the present day, depicting the movements, protests, and demonstrations -- big and small -- as the fight for justice continues. With illustrations full of depth, tenderness, and expression, and offering historical context while remaining powerfully relevant to the present-day, this impactful picture book is a must-have for every home, classroom, and bookshelf.
Absolutely stunning. So much history weaved throughout the book as it follows the main character and her friends walking to school. The back-matter illuminates everything you might have missed while enthralled with the illustrations. I love books like this where there’s meaning and depth everywhere. I truly want to go over every page right here! You’ll definitely want this in your collection.
OUR TABLE by Peter H. Reynolds
From the publisher:
Celebrated, bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds brings his signature touch of love and kindness to this special, timely picture book, as families now, more than ever, are rediscovering and reevaluating what means the most: time together with one another.
Violet longs for the time when her family was connected: before life, distractions, and technology pulled them all away from each other. They used to gather at the table, with food and love, to make memories, share their lives, and revel in time spent together. But now her family has been drifting apart, and with nobody to gather around it, the table grows smaller and smaller.
Can Violet remind her family of the warmth of time spent together, and gather around the table once more?
A mystical fable that feels at once timeless and utterly of the present moment, Our Table is renowned, bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds at his best. Exquisite, expressive watercolor tells a tender story, growing from monochrome into luscious, joyful color as Violet's family is reunited around the beloved table. An ode to traditions that unite families, Our Table brings readers together with a universal message of gratitude.
This sweet story shows the determination and imagination of one girl to bring her family together again. Color and lack thereof, play a large part on the pages. The end papers are purple at the beginning and end with lots of color. The story shows you how Violet’s life used to be and it’s full color and how it changes to being only one color, which is the purple (Violet), and how alone she feels, and then how she creatively gets her family back together, with a new, stronger table. Metaphor. Lovely. Another one you’ll want to collect.
