Zagazoo

Zagazoo

Quentin Blake 1998

Quentin Blake's messy, wild illustrations are brilliant in this story about a couple who get an unexpected parcel.  Inside is a "little pink creature as pretty as could be" who gradually changes into some unexpected things with some hilarious results.  The very end is particularly delightful and after reading it to Charlotte (yes, she's 16 and we still read picture books together!) I went to read it to my husband (giving him a quaint reprieve from work.). Then when Madeleine came over I had her read it too!  She was particularly ticked with the ending.   This is one that would be a great gift to new parents.

The Bundle Book

 Such a cozy story!  Something all mothers of littles have experienced- a "mysterious" bundle under the bed blankets.  What could it be?  The back and forth between mother and her "bundle" is sweet and true to life.  This game has been played in my house for many years and always ends the same way, with snuggles and kisses.    

The Bundle Book
Ruth Krauss
pictures by Helen Stone 1951

Say It!

I think we have been having one of the most golden, beautiful Autumns this year.

Say It!

Charlotte Zolotow

pictures by James Stevenson 1980

Absolutely lovely book about Autumn, the beauty and magic of nature and the love a mother has for her daughter.  Charlotte Zolotow is a premier children's author.  So many of her books are just beautifully written, simple but full of deep emotion.  In this one a mother and daughter take a meandering walk through an Autumn filled world.  The daughter keeps emploring the mother to "Say it!" but while the mother rhapsodizes about the nature around them... 

"It's magic," said her mother.  "It's a golden, shining, spendiferous day!"

It's not what the daughter is wanting to hear.  As they make their way back to the house, where their father has made a cozy fire for them to return to, the mother finally says what the daughter has been waiting for all along.  If this book doesn't end with you scooping up your child and hugging them, I don't know what will!

Although I like James Stevenson, he would not have been my first choice as illustrator for this book.  Yet somehow his loose almost messy illustrations have a beauty I wasn't expecting and fit perfectly.

I Love You the Purplest

 Another book headed for the yard sale.  The pictures in particular feel very dated (1996).  But the story about a single mother and her two competitive boys is timeless as she cleverly and compassionately assures them of her love.

I Love You the Purplest

Barbara M. Joose

illustrations by Mary Whyte 1996

Children and Their Mothers

Children and Their Mothers

Hans Reich 1964

"The Heavens seem as near as our mother's face is..."

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

This beautiful book combines photos of mothers from around the world and a few quotes and poems. I love the multicultural and universal view of motherhood... playful, tender, nurturing, and hard work.  And I adore this from Elizabeth Barret Browning...  

Me & You

A sweet read for Mother's Day...

Me & You

Lisa Thiesing

In illustrated "photographs" a mother shows her daughter how alike they are but also celebrates her daughter's own individually.