Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

It is a gift to be able to write a picture book well. With so few words to work with good writers give life to characters and tell a beautiful story, which is no easy feat. Illustrators are just as gifted, bringing those well-rounded characters to life while capturing the readers’ imagination. To be able to do both and to do it well is just plain not fair! For July I’d like to highlight three new picture books that are each written and illustrated by the same very talented person.

Shh! We Have a Plan
Written and Illustrated by Chris Haughton

It is nighttime in the forest and three sneaky characters see a bird and “have a plan!” They are joined by a much smaller and presumably younger traveler who comes along for the ride. The three want to catch the bird and sneak up on it in various places, but each time the bird foils their plan and flies away. Although it is unclear what they will do with the bird when they catch it the reader assumes that it is in the bird’s best interest to continue to escape their nets. The youngest of the group finally approaches the bird and offers some food. The kindness exhibited attracts many other colourful birds, leaving his companions confused. When all of the birds turn their attention on the three travelers aggressively they themselves run away in fear. Not really learning their lesson a new plan hatches when they see a squirrel!

My Rules for Being a Pretty Princess
Written and Illustrated by Heath McKenzie

Many young girls dream of being a pretty princess. The young girl in this story is no different. That is until she meets a “real” pretty princess who teaches her what that might entail. From wearing impossibly uncomfortable dresses to having perfect hair and make-up. Dancing “gracefully” and of course waiting. Waiting for a handsome prince. Our young girl in this story does not take kindly to these rules of being a princess and so writes her own. Being a fabulous princess also means getting dirty and messy, dancing wildly and never just waiting for a prince.

Coming Home
Written and Illustrated by Greg Ruth

• ebook

Using very little text, one or two words per page, Coming Home depicts a young boy at an airport amongst a large crowd of people. He is wandering through the crowd looking for his mother who is a soldier and coming home from overseas. Although this is perhaps a more common theme in the U.S. the emotion depicted in the young boy, anxious waiting, jealousy and finally joy in seeing his mother, is relatable in many settings. When a loved one leaves for any reason the anticipation felt for their return is universal.