Friday found me busy with several things, including a sick kid later in the day. But earlier in the morning the little one and I found ourselves at a bookstore. Dangerous territory. Back up to last weekend when I sat in my car and listened to a story on NPR on Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day. This is the 50th anniversary of the book, and it is one of my all time favorite children’s books. We have a copy of the book in paperback, but I saw this hardback edition with really interesting historical information in the back about the author and the time, and I had to pick it up. Big, deep snow is something of a rarity around these parts, but when we manage to get a good dumping, both girls instantly become this little boy. They have had this book read to them since they were born, and they make their tracks in the snow, and drag their sticks along the side just as he does. Even if you have the original, I highly recommend this new edition.
One of my favorite pages is the bathtub scene. I can remember what it felt like to come in from an afternoon in the cold, warming up in the tub, thinking about the snow. I love the colors in this book – and the lack of them. The cityscape plays second fiddle to all of the whiteness, and the warmth of the interior shots are in perfect contrast to the winter scene outside.
Speaking of cities – I saw the book Symphony City in the store as well and picked it up. We checked out this gorgeous book by Amy Martin from the library right after it was published.
When I read this book I spend long moments on each page – the layers of color over kraft paper are so brilliant. Each page has a different perspective point, and the pages move from the underground subway to the rooftops.
Even though we didn’t own the book at the time, I think the pages also influenced the city that I did for my nephew.
And speaking of that city… thanks to Jessie of Mix and Chic for featuring the city project on her blog today. That’s one of my favorite projects. When we went back for a visit I made a few adjustments to the layout, and now the individual pieces are spread out a little more and hang a little lower. I’ll have to take some updated photos next time we’re there. And who knows – maybe it will grow a little as my nephew grows.
With inspiration like these two books it’s hard not to let the city grow and evolve and blossom.
Hope you had a great Friday. Find anything interesting (in the city, or outside of it)? Do share.
Symphony City seems like a wonderful book. The illustrations are so beautiful and whimsical. I am drawn to the colors, too.
Thanks for the shoutout, Kristin.
Have a great weekend!
Jessie