Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I Wish I Had


I Wish I Had is a beautifully written and beautifully illustrated picture book. Words are minimal while the illustrations cover two-page spreads throughout.

The text begins on the first two pages: “I wish I had the eyes of a blackbird to see every blade of grass growing in the meadow…” And continues to the next two: “…and the feather-light steps of a tiger as it explores the silence.”

The author, Giovanna Zoboli, uses such animals as a leopard, an owl, a dog, a lemur and a bear in the text. The book ends, “Most of all, I wish I had the huge ears of an elephant to hear what the heavens say.”

What I Like: The text is lyrical and the illustrations, by Simona Mulazzani, work perfectly with the text.

What I Dislike: There is no mention of God. I point this out because those of you who are looking strictly for Christian children’s picture books would probably not choose this one. I suppose the word “heavens” could be loosely construed to have Christian meaning in this context.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers, 2013: ISBN: 9780802854155; Hardcover, $16.00

Buy now at ChristianBook $11.49!
 
 


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