Minni Favorite Books – February
Our Favorite February Books
This month’s stories are united by something they’re all missing… words! We have all heard the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” and in the case of these illustrated stories, it couldn’t be more true. Each story takes us on a journey told entirely through illustration, challenging the viewer to mine each page for visual cues. At Minni we learn not only how to design and create artwork, but how to view art deeply and thoughtfully. What do we notice first? How does the artist use colors and textures to convey a mood? What do we NOT see? Explore the visual language of these textless tales!
Fossil by Bill Thomson
When a boy and his dog go for a hike, the boy trips on a fossil, and it comes to life, revealing an ancient plant. The boy is so intrigued that he breaks two more fossils that come to life—a dragonfly and a pteranodon. When these prehistoric creatures collide with present reality, the boy must figure out a way to make things go back to normal. Visually told through photo-realistic painted vignettes, this "wordless story" will surely spark imagination and creativity.
Yellow Umbrella by Jae-Soo Liu and Dong Il Sheen
This is the perfect book for a rainy day, an art lesson, a lazy afternoon, or a quiet classroom. The hazy, yet colorful paintings give us a bird’s-eye view of the umbrella’s journey. Accompanied by original and evocative piano music, this book aims to connect us through music and art; transcending language and cultural barriers. Viewers and listeners of all ages will love this slice of a rainy day.
Welcome to Mamoko by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
Trouble abounds in the town of Mamoko: artwork has been stolen, Vincent Brisk is late for his date, and Miss Chubb has lost a prized possession. Will everything be put right in time for the town carnival? Readers are invited to investigate the maximal illustrations featuring Mamoko’s quirky cast of characters, sharing their discoveries and using their eyes to uncover the kaleidoscope of stories packed into every page!
Before After By Matthias Arégui and Anne-Margot Ramstein
No words are necessary in this beautiful, artfully humorous book, in which every turn of the page offers a surprise. We can imagine how a tiny acorn grows into a mighty oak or a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. But in this clever, visually enchanting volume, it’s also true that a cow can result in both a bottle of milk and a painting of a cow. With simple, graphic illustrations sure to appeal to even the youngest of children, this beautiful rumination on the passage of time will please the most discerning adult readers, too.
The Whale by Vita Murrow
There is a legend that a Great Spotted Whale lives in the ocean, although a sighting fifty years ago was never corroborated. Two young whale watchers each set out to find it, with recording equipment and a camera to capture incontrovertible proof that the mythical whale exists. This book is a spectacular wordless adventure, brought to life with stunning graphite drawings that convey the drama and haunting beauty of the ocean and capture the majesty of the awe-inspiring whale.
