My personal favourite children's book of the moment is Augustus and his Smile. Even if it does give me a huge lump in my throat every single time I read it out loud.
Augustus the tiger was sad. He had lost his smile. So he did a huge tigery stretch and set off to find it.
The tale of a tiger, who looses his smile and then finds it again. I love it for it's message of finding happiness in the everyday. I can't think of a lesson I would rather my boys learned. And when they can do so, with lyrical language that is a joy to read out loud and wonderfully nuanced illustrations, it's even better.
Catherine Rayner, the author and illustrator came to give a talk at the bookshop last night. She brought her sketchbooks - I could happily have spent days looking through them and listening to her speak about the process of bringing an illustrated book into the world. There is a great interview with her here, along similar lines.
Joy is a very precious commodity, and there is nothing better than to come across somebody whose work simply oozes with it.
Oh how fun! I LOVE children's books and shamelessly admit to enjoying read-aloud time with my children more than they did. And also, is there anything more fun that being inspired by someone creative? I've checked this little gem out on Amazon and now it's on my wishlist so I won't forget. After all, I must be prepared someday for grandchildren. ;-)
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 06 May 2009 at 17:41
The talk sounds like it was wonderful!
How interesting to hear about her process and browse through her sketchbooks in person. Looking at snippets from her sketchbooks online, I'm not sure I would have been able to give them back!
K x
Posted by: kristina | 06 May 2009 at 17:43
You're right, the ability to find joy in the everyday is a talent indeed.
Posted by: dottycookie | 06 May 2009 at 18:22
Thank you for the recommendation ... would my two be too old for this now? I love reading aloud and my son especially enjoys it. It's always good to have a good story recommended. x
Posted by: Kitty | 06 May 2009 at 20:29
I think blogging helps us find joy and beauty in the everyday items. Sounds like a great book too. Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 06 May 2009 at 20:50
I LOVE this book. Especially the illustrations.
Posted by: Dragonfly | 06 May 2009 at 22:09
This is a lovely book. Our school library has just acquired a half a dozen or so copies in various dual languages for EAL support, in addition of course to having an English only copy... Sounds like a great talk.
Posted by: Kate | 06 May 2009 at 22:31
I'll have to keep an eye out for that one. I always have a soft spot for well-illustrated children's books.
Posted by: UK lass in US | 06 May 2009 at 23:12
My little boy LOVED this book when he was smaller.
Posted by: The Antidote | 07 May 2009 at 09:31
We had that book from the library a while ago and I found it very moving too. The pictures are beautiful.
Posted by: Rebecca | 07 May 2009 at 10:31
What a great book recommendation. What a lovely evening to see her work and hear her talk, you have a great job.
Posted by: Thimbleina | 07 May 2009 at 12:31
It looks like a gorgeous book and how lucky for you to get to meet her and see her beautiful illustrations. I will have to get that for the girls.
Posted by: Louise | 07 May 2009 at 12:40
The best bit about reading books with your children is when you get to the stage you actually enjoy the book yourself as well. I now read books with my 10 year old daughter that I find hard to put down. Michael Morpurgo is our favourite, he manages to make me cry almost with every book.
Posted by: Cybèle | 07 May 2009 at 13:02
oh lord, don't give me more children's books to cry about
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 07 May 2009 at 13:36
awesome, we need more books like this, now more than ever!
Posted by: dee | 08 May 2009 at 19:03