Gem

This book is awesome! Only recently have I discovered wordless picture books through the books we are reading with Sonlight P3/4 yet so far I've been a little bored with them. I might just hand the book to AppleBlossom and let her look, but I would probably not sit and “read” through the pages with her. Gem, however is different.

What a treasure! I find myself giggling, gasping and even grinning again while flipping these pages. There is definitely opportunity with this book. Expand the imagination and open up for discussion. I've known I liked and enjoyed Holly Hobbie's art, but this is fantastic! :)

Thanks to LB Kids for providing a copy for review.

How does Holly Hobbie do it? She somehow is able to tell the story of a toad in a way that is both beautiful and fresh and charming without edging into cutesy or preciousness. This wordless book depicts the spring of toad, a spring full of adventures and follies and near-fatal experiences as well as a little romance. The toad is completely at home in the animal world, yet, when he turns to look at us, I can almost see a wink and a grin.

Charming.