PICTURE BOOK: YUCK, A LOVE STORY

 Hi welcome back

There are so many fabulous books for kids in the market. I don’t know about you, but I never walk out of a bookstore with just one.  My arms are stuffed with books, ranging from picture books all the way to teen and adult. An expensive habit I’ve learned to supplement with the library.  

 

Friends have asked me how do I know which books are good. How do I pick an appropriate book for my child? She/he isn’t ready for the more advanced books, is frustrated with the words, language and often times refuses to try.

 

I am a big believer that a book should be enjoyed, not seen as a burden to read. What I’ve told others is not to be too concerned by the age category of the book but how your child is enjoying the story. Is it written simply enough where they can decipher the words?  Is the story fun, exciting, full of adventure, something they’ll want to revisit again.

PICTURE BOOKS

Picture books, are a child's earliest introduction to reading. Often the text is simple and uses every-day words. Stories are short bursting with brilliant illustrations. Picture books are perfect for kids who cannot yet read and the early readers. On every page is an illustration, which complements the story.  Picture books have little text, often one to two sentences per page.  Fictional stories stretch to the farthest of galaxies to the lowest ocean depths. Nonfiction follows the same format, short clear concise sentences with visuals on every page.

A commonality found in many picture books is family, neighbourhoods, school, and pets, all that is familiar and part of a young child’s immediate world.  Stories are never scary or threatening, but often times reinforce positive messages.

My personal favourites are those that are silly, whimsical, goofy, and above all humorous.

Many years ago, I was a director of a daycare. It was here that I could let down my inhibitions and participate in the wonderful world of creative play.  It began with a simple cluster of blocks. In no time, our classroom converted into a space station. The blocks now the rocket and prepared to launch. Placing on our invisible helmets and space suits, we were ready to explore space. The kids tiptoed, hopped and bounced on the moon, and with a giant leap catapulted into another galaxy. 

Stories that may seem completely outlandish to an adult are filled with excitement to a child, one whose world of make believe is at its peak without any inhibitions. The world is there’s to explore. 

YUCK, A LOVE STORY  

BY DON GILLMOR  ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARIE-LOUISE GAY

 

Austin Grouper does not like girls. They’re yucky. He does like his best friend Sternberg, his dog, and his red bicycle.  

Reluctantly, Austin agrees to meet his new neighbour. Not only is she a girl, but the same age as he. To make matters worse Amy has invited him to her birthday party.

Returning home, Austin knows what he has to do. He’ll give her the biggest present of all, the moon. Now he faces the greatest challenge of all, how to capture the moon and deliver it to Amy at her party.  

DON GILLMOR WRITER

 

 

Canadian author Don Gillmor received the Governor Generals award for Yuck, a Love Story. The book is humorous; a fun read that is part fantasy and adventure.  He captured feelings of change and insecurity, and gently eased the characters through their discomfort to a happy resolution in the end, the bond of friendship.  

MARIE- LOUISE GAY ILLUSTRATOR

Marie-Louise Gay is a Canadian artist and writer. She has published sixty books. Some of her best-known titles are Charlie and Max, and Stella and Sam, which are not only a series of books but also now a very popular pre- school show. Her illustrations jumped off the pages full of whimsy and fun a perfect complement to the story.   

Happy reading
Bye Rosalyne