Book Review: Lenny & Lucy

LENNY & LUCY by Philip C. Stead is an absorbing picture book sharing the melancholy of moving and the joy of budding friendships.

Peter isn’t happy about moving to an old house across a wooden bridge from the dark woods. He builds two pillow people to stand guard at the bridge and keep him company. When a new neighbor invites him to play, Harold begins to feel more comfortable in this strange, new setting.

Stead’s imaginative illustrations draw readers into the setting and bring Harold’s world to life. A slash of color highlights the characters and key elements of the story.

Designed for the primary grades, librarians will find this story of moving and friendship to be a popular addition to the library’s picture book collection.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to http://philipstead.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on October 6, 2015. ARC from publisher.

Book Review: I Am A Bear

I AM A BEAR by Jean-Francois Dumont is a heart-breaking picture book about homelessness, compassion, and acceptance.

Dumont tells the story of a homeless bear living in a city on the edge of society. Even a little kindness brings happiness into his otherwise lonely life.

Dumont is a magnificent storyteller blending simple text with amazing illustrations. His authentic examination of homelessness is powerful and will strike a cord for those who have spent time in urban areas.

Librarians will find this picture book can be experienced on two levels. Young children will empathize with the sad bear without understand the connection to societal issues of homeless. Older children will experience a slightly different story with roots in the loneliness that comes from isolation and a sense of invisibility connected with homelessness. Regardless of the target audience, this book will generate lots of discussion and has the potential to change young lives for the better.

Published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers September 8, 2015.