Ana's Picture Book of the Week

I continue to browse through new library picture books... it seems the good ones are becoming rarer, or it may be that my filters have become more selective. So many unpleasant twists in kids' books, be it revisionist history or politically correct-ness. Or both.

In any event here are three new and wonderful picture books I was able to gather from various recent visits to the library. I included their covers and also my own favorite page of each one. Enjoy!

George : George Washington, our founding father  by Frank Keating ; paintings by Mike Wimmer. New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012.

This is a gorgeous, gorgeous book. Vignettes of Washington's life are juxtaposed with some of his words of wisdom, done in beautiful period calligraphy. A treasure of a book, and the text doesn't shy away from Washington's faith in God.

Minette's feast : the delicious story of Julia Child and her cat  by Susanna Reich ; illustrated by Amy Bates. New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2012.

The illustrations in this book are the sort of wonderful children's book illustrations I haven't seen in a while! Dynamic, sweet, full of interesting details and, of course, adorable! I confess I knew nothing of Julia Child's life, not even the very obvious fact that she was six foot two inches tall. I couldn't put it down, this story of a hard-working, intelligent and talented woman who was also a kind pet owner! The story is told from the perspective of her cat and the title reminds one of a certain famous Scandinavian film revolving around food as well!

Hanging off Jefferson's nose : growing up on Mount Rushmore by Tina Nichols Coury, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport. New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012.

A book about a hard-working young man, the son of Mount Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The book focuses on Lincoln Borglum's early life of work and discipline, and then the huge responsibility he undertook when his father died with the project incomplete. The story tells of the love the working men had for him, and of the respect he showed the local native Americans. The illustrations are excellent, rich in details and history. Winner in my book!