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Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady




Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond and illustrated by Daniel Minter




The Treasure Box by Dave Keane




Color the Sky by David Elliott


It's June! I couldn't be more excited for the start of summer.
What did you think of these publications?

Every one of these titles knocks it out of the ball park! They are all incredible. Two of my favorite picture books of the year are listed.

Blue is one of the most amazing books I have every read. Fiction and non-fiction. It is a unique book illustrated by Caldecott winner, Daniel Minter. I am sure it will be the recipient of several major awards in 2023. Any opinion or review I can give cannot do justice to this title. I suggest you read the goodreads review by esteemed librarian Betsy Bird. Her review of Blue is eloquent and perfect.

Nigel and the Moon is my next favorite title. By debut author Antwan Eady. A shy child tells the moon about his dreams. Nigel is apprehensive about career day at school. His parents have to discuss their jobs in front of all his classmates. Nigel thinks the other kids may ridicule what he considers to be "non-fancy" jobs. A book many children will find relatable. It may also help children find strength and confidence in themselves.

The Treasure Box by Dave Keane is a poignant, important picture book about a grandfather's illness and death. Beautifully written and magnificently illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Not a typical story time book. But it will undoubtedly help numerous children deal with the loss of a loved one.

I love Color the Sky. Another terrific picture book about discovering the joy of color. And birds! Illustrated in pastel and charcoal on drawing paper by the equally terrific Evan Turk. It is practically a crime that Turk has never won a Caldecott. Every picture book he has illustrated is original, detailed and breathtaking, Maybe 2023 will be the year for him!

Color the Sky - This is such a positive, happy book for early readers. The colors of the birds in the sky are rich and vivid, using pastels and charcoal. The double-spread pages offer readers the imaginative thoughts of flying with the birds. It would make a nice Caldecott selection.

The Treasure Box - How common is it for children to have treasure boxes and keep found things just to share with their grandparents? The thoughts of this warms my soul! The illustrations pay great homage to a story well-worded. Some illustrations are full page, and some are a full-double spread. The rich colors, texture, and details from the lacey doilies to the lacey branches of the tree limbs are wonderful. The text and pictures weave together a tale of rich family connections. - Might do well in Caldecott selection.

Blue is a fascinating, well researched book. The illustrations are fabulous! The final double-spread picture is amazing - children flying into the clouds with open hands and open minds! This year's crop of books continuously show and talk about children spreading their wings to learn and reach higher ground and achievements! Perhaps, it is "clear as the sky is blue" that this book might be a Caldecott candidate!

Nigel and the Moon should be put in the hands of every child as they begin to think and talk about what they want to be when they grow up. A real character building story. The illustrations are hand painted to perfection. Heart warming! Brought a tear of joy to my eyes when I read this book! I will share with the moon that this could be Caldecott Gold!

Echoing the two reviewers before me, I love each of these books and think they would be worthy recipients of Caldecott recognition.

Blue is my favorite book thus far this year. The illustrations are gorgeous, vibrant and imaginative, and the text is informative and impactful, making intriguing connections that challenge the reader to dig deeper into recorded history for the unspoken stories of oppression and privilege behind it. A fascinating read that could possibly also garner a Sibert award.

Nigel and the Moon is a close second for me. It is heartwarming and true to the emotions that a young, idealistic mind encounters as it contemplates what might be achieved in a lifetime, and the family dynamics are so beautiful and sweet. The colorful, childlike illustrations bring Nigel's dreams and youthful enthusiasm to life.

Color the Sky shows Evan Turk's unique approach to his artwork, and although the book seems to have turned off some readers, I loved its imaginative celebration of color and birds and the freedom and joy of flight.

Finally, The Treasure Box is poignant and emotionally charged for me, perhaps because my own father's health is failing, but I'm pleased to see it generating love and attention from readers. As a sentimental person, I can relate to the significance and memories that a small object can represent, and this concept is thoughtfully presented in text and illustrations.

Blue: A History of the Color...
I thought the illustrations in this book were outstanding. Minter did a fantastic job of marrying his illustrations to the fascinating text, and expanding upon it. I also loved that he used different colors as a background to the illustrations; not only blues, but also orange, green, and yellow. I would not be surprised if this book won multiple awards; not only the Caldecott, but Sibert and Coretta Scott King as well.

Nigel and the Moon
Zhang did a lovely job of depicting the insecurities of this young student who is too shy to share his dreams with his classmates.

The Treasure Box
I was affected by this heart-warming and sweet story of a young girl's relationship with her grandfather, and the collection of small items they secretly share. The lovely illustrations expertly capture the varying emotions of the characters and the sadness of the grandfather's passing.

Color the Sky
I loved the text of this book, but I am not a particular fan of the distorted way the people and birds are depicted. I did like all the colors, but was unimpressed by the scribbly look.