Back by popular demand, our picture book lovers guide to bookish Christmas gifts. In a nutshell, our top reads from 2016. If you haven’t managed to get your mitts on these fabulous reads, we highly recommend you add them to your wish lists, pronto!
The Liszts by Kyo Maclear & Júlia Sardà (Andersen Press)
We do have a penchant for an outstandingly quirky picture book that stands apart from all of the rest and The Liszts does exactly that! A totally unique story, re-enforcing the need to live for the moment, it provides an unconventional fable with the most stunningly detailed illustrations.
The Polar Bear by Jenni Desmond (Enchanted Lion)
If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing Jenni Desmond‘s work before, you’ll know how she delivers on all fronts with her picture books. Stunning illustrative style, delicate but powerful story-telling and an in-depth knowledge of her subject matter.
Nightlights by Lorena Alvarez (Nobrow)
A stunningly eerie mix between picture book and graphic novel, Nightlights provides an engaging and dark story, with a truly resplendent palette. It delves into a more sinister element to storytelling, an often overlooked territory for picture books.
Pandora by Victoria Turnbull (Quarto Kids)
In our eyes, Victoria Turnbull can do no wrong. She has already produced two magical picture books and Pandora is no different. Printed on shimmering silk, this is a heart-wrenchingly emotive tale and one which ultimately offers great hope and prosperity.
Women In Science by Rachel Ignotofsky (Ten Speed Press)
A thoughtfully written and strikingly illustrated book on some of the world’s most inspirational women. In this kaleidoscopic introduction to a diverse range of incredible women, you’ll find some you know well and perhaps introduce you to a few new ones.
Petra by Marianne Coppo (Lapis Edizioni)
Petra is a book with limited words but maximum impact. Petra is a stone, but this she is no normal stone, she is an extraordinary stone. She is an egg, a mountain and even an island. English edition coming soon!
They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel (Chronicle Books)
A very cleverly executed book about perspective. Conceptually, this is such a creative picture book and one which executes its point to perfection. Just take a look at the vast differences between how the cat is viewed from each of the different onlookers.
A Child Of Books by Oliver Jeffers & Sam Winston (Walker Books)
Without doubt, this is one of the most breathtaking, engaging and multifaceted picture books we’ve ever laid our eyes on. It offers a completely unique reading experience, presented in a highly original way, as we are taken on a poignant journey of discovery.
The Hungry Lion by Ruth Cummins (Simon & Schuster)
It’s not often that a book includes cute little animals, a truly side-splitting storyline, a quirkily original narrative, wholly engaging illustrations coupled with a dark undertone that undulates from the outset… Well, this one does!
The Journey by Francesca Sanna (Flying Eye Books)
This tale of forced migration is one tinged with fear, sadness and trepidation as a mother and her two children are forced to up sticks and move to a new home, due to war. Told through the eyes of a young child, this story unfurls before the eyes of the reader, in glorious interchanging palettes of colour.
Cloth Lullaby by Amy Novesky& Isabelle Arsenault (Abrams Kids)
A visually captivating and melodic tribute to Louise Bourgeois, an artist who was way ahead of her time. This picture book is a sensitively and empathetically produced biography of a hugely creative woman.
Oi Dog! by Kes & Claire Gray & Jim Field (Hodder Children’s)
This is the much anticipated and equally humorous sequel to Oi Frog! It’s fast-paced rhyme, coupled with character-filled illustrations makes for a highly engaging and great read-aloud bedtime read.
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