There are a great many picture books involving the imaginings of a child as he or she tries to envision life as someone or something else, but ‘For Just One Day’ brings something different to the table. And that something different is the artistic genius of Marc Boutevant. So vivid, so colorful, and just so welcoming – I feel like looking at Marc’s art is akin to taking a field trip into a child’s imagination in all of its Technicolor glory.Books like this are such a springboard into fun discussions with kiddos – what would be great about being a gorilla? Which part of a snail’s body is the coolest part? Where would you go with butterfly wings? Would you rather be a huge animal or a small animal?
What would you be if you could be anything???
These are Deep Thoughts, friends. Made accessible to the tiniest reader. ‘For Just One Day’ has been around for a few years now and we’ve owned it for awhile, but I keep finding it on the floor every so often. Julia loves it!
If for some reason Marc’s art has escaped you, you must do a couple of things. Go find ‘Mouk’. (I’ll accept your extreme thanks in the form of doughnuts and cute stickers.) And get yourself ready for ‘The Great House Hunt’, which will be released Spring 2013!
I can’t wait!!
I need to check if the Central library has ‘For Just One Day’ and request it right away. Same for'Mouk' which seems like a really awesome book. I am curious now and can't wait to read it... I mean read it to the kids :P
ReplyDeleteOh yes you must!! Hopefully your library will have it :) -- Mouk is the one you are going to want to own, because of the stickers that you can place in various parts of the book -- Julia has loved it unwaveringly for the past 2 years -- it truly is one of the most special books I've EVER come across -- if I can make any kind of point about books, please seek out Mouk, I give it as birthday presents -- it's so special you can't believe it! My post on it was when I first began blogging and my photos are terrible, but believe me, this book is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!
DeleteI ADORE For Just One Day. When it came into the store, I remember rushing around to all of my picture book-appreciating coworkers, showing it off. I used it for a storytime once, along with some other book that was really just filler, because THIS was the book I was excited to do. I think my craft was pretty boring. If I remember right, I just had them draw pictures of what they would be for just one day.
ReplyDeleteNO! I take that back. I found printable animal masks online, and they got to choose one to color and wear. Much better than drawing a picture. ;o)
DeleteFUN!!!!!! Just thought of the most fun trip/journey/vacation idea ever -- a trek to bookstores around America. (or the world for that matter!)
DeleteOh, now I must find a copy at my library!!!!
ReplyDeleteyes yes yes! and see my first comment up above -- you must must must get Mouk -- everyone I've steered towards it has been as knocked out as we were/are!!! xoxo
DeleteWhat a fun book! The rhymes remind me of Never Tease a Weasel, by Jean Conder Soule. If you haven't read it, its worth tracking tracking down. :D
ReplyDeleteOh that sounds awesome Shannon!! This is my idea of heaven, you know, swapping awesome books ideas with friends -- happy day!!!
DeleteWhy do I not own that book already! I know what I want for my birthday now.
ReplyDeleteIs you birthday coming up??? If you don't get it for your birthday, I think I might have to send it to you for Christmas or something...:)
Delete"your", doh, can't type this AM :)
Deletemy birthday is on Christmas :)
Deletewell then! I think a little something in the mail is going to have be a Must Event! :)
DeleteBeautiful! Marc Boutavant is on my list of books I must own!
ReplyDeleteOnce you make Marc's acquaintance, you will be BFF's!! :)
DeleteSo cool! Can't wait to check it out. Love your blog, Melissa! I have so little time right now, but I feel connected to the children's book world because of you. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteOh darling Michaele, thank you, you made my day! I feel so strongly that books can just...form life long memories that kids will remember forever -- and I want to help point out the Most Fabulous amongst them! :)
DeleteLooks amazing! I must get my hands on them.
ReplyDeleteyou will looooooooooooooooooooove!!
DeleteOk, first things first--Hello kitty stuff is back at Target again (I am seriously thinking we need the gumball machine..that's a need item right?) Ok, that was from looking at Mouk...so these illustrations they are like a cross between David Kirk, Richard Scarry and Octonauts... Can you see it?
ReplyDeleteguess what I got today -- Hello Kitty hot cocoa!!! I'll show it in Oct!!! Yes! you are totally right about the art, now that I ruminate on it...:)
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