What: Title Choices
During my time working as a head children’s bookseller, I kept a running list of (primarily) picture books whose story lines touched on topics like anger, anxiety, bullying, emotions, empathy, grief, and loss. Because of my personal struggle with anxiety and perfectionism, I have been especially drawn to books that speak to these issues.
I am also continually hunting for new titles. I haunt the shelves of my local library and–when I can get there–love browsing in the children’s department at the nearest book store: cradling the crisp spine of a new title in one hand while I flip through fresh pages with the other.
How: My Ranking System
I rank books in three areas: content, style, and design. I rank each book out of 5 possible points in each category, so that the highest overall score a book can receive is 15/15. Obviously, the score I give each book is highly subjective; however, I hope that the book summary I write on each title, as well as my reflections on content, style, and design, may prove useful to readers/shoppers.
Content
I look for books that include subtle messages of hope and help. I love when these messages are woven into the fabric of the story rather than stated explicitly. Since stories are what change us, the more powerful and vivid the story, the more powerful and lasting the message.
Style
As a lover of language since birth and a former English major, I deeply value well-crafted prose. In children’s books, I am a sucker for strong verbs, fresh diction that expands a child’s vocabulary, and beautifully-woven sentences.
My faith also affects both my choice and my ranking in this area: since I believe the Bible is the greatest, true story that exists, I see all other stories within the context of its narrative. I firmly believe that every good, true, helpful story originates in the One story God is writing. While some books I review will contain explicitly Christian messages, the majority will simply be “true stories, well told” (referencing a collection of creative nonfiction essays by that title).
Design
Art should draw us in through beauty and surprise: whether complex or simple, bold or subtle, good art beckons us to linger and prompts us to think, question, and reflect. Part of the reason I enjoy picture books so much is because of the illustrations they feature on nearly every page–after all, they are called picture books! My personal aesthetic leans more toward hand-drawn or painted (especially watercolor!) illustrations more than digitally-created images, more toward the life-like or whimsical than to the abstract. In addition to these personal preferences, I always look for originality, creativity and fresh perspectives.
Why: the Power of Story
Stories are what change us. They sear themselves into our memories through characterization, plot, and image. They allow us to “experience” things we’ve never been able to see, smell, our touch. They challenge, comfort, and teach. As we look at the world through another’s eyes, we have the opportunity to gain knowledge about God, our world, ourselves, and others.
Whether you come to this blog as a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or educator–or simply as a lover of good picture books–I hope I can serve you and help you help others in their their journeys toward greater mental, emotional, and spiritual health.