The November weather may be wet and blustery; the November world may be dreary and brown. Even so, take heart: some things in life are still leafy and colorful.
Picture books, for example.
Leaf through a good picture book, and, likely as not, you’ll find every color of the rainbow smiling back at you.
To celebrate Picture Book Month in November, we’re highlighting a few of our many beautiful picture books on Eerdmans.com this month.
Visit our website to view the complete collection, or read on to discover five great books . . .
Thank You, God
Written by J. Bradley Wigger
Illustrated by Jago
This bright, lyrical book offers readers of all ages and backgrounds the perfect chance to reflect on all the things that they have to be grateful for. Thank You, God is a celebration of family and friends, of homes and food to share, and of the wonder of creation from the first light of day to the calm, peaceful night.
With its elegant yet accessible text and vibrant illustrations, Thank You, God is sure to have a powerful impact on readers as it encourages them to view the world around them with fresh eyes.
“An inspiring and accessible introduction to the practice of prayer.”
— Publishers Weekly (STARRED review)
Watch the book trailer.
Brother Hugo and the Bear
Written by Katy Beebe
Illustrated by S. D. Schindler
Brother Hugo can’t return his library book — the letters of St. Augustine — because, it turns out, the precious book has been devoured by a bear! Instructed by the abbot to borrow another monastery’s copy and create a replacement, the hapless monk painstakingly crafts a new book, copying it letter by letter and line by line. But when he sets off to return the borrowed copy, he finds himself trailed by his hungry new friend. Once a bear has a taste of letters, it appears, he’s rarely satisfied!
Brother Hugo and the Bear is loosely based on a note found in a twelfth-century manuscript — and largely on the creative imaginings of author Katy Beebe. Lavishly illustrated by S. D. Schindler in the style of medieval manuscripts, this humorous tale is sure to delight readers who have acquired their own taste for books.
“Combines suspense, humor, and information in a handsome, entertaining package.”
— School Library Journal (STARRED review)
Watch the book trailer.
The Big Book of Slumber
Written by Giovana Zoboli
Illustrated by Simona Mulazzani
All creatures of the world find time to rest. And in this charming lullaby book, countless cozy animals settle down in their beds. Bears lie under their blankets, the fox snuggles beneath a tree in the light of the moon, and the monkey tucks his banana close beside him.
This brilliant pairing of author and illustrator brings us a vibrant yet elegant bedtime book that is sure to enchant young readers as they drift sweetly into their own dreams.
“The juxtapositions are funny but unfrantic, gentled by the sweet couplets and piquant but restful paintings.”
— The New York Times Book Review
“With their deep, jewel-like colors and comforting coziness, what small child wouldn’t want to join this snoozing menagerie?”
— The Wall Street Journal
The Sheep Go on Strike
Jean-Franςois Dumont
The sheep on the farm are sick of getting sheared — so they decide to go on strike! Things get heated as the rest of the animals start to take sides, eventually leading to a furry, feathery scuffle. But when they all sit down together, the sheep learn how important their wool is to the farm, and the animals come up with a creative solution to everyone’s problem.
This colorful, rollicking story demonstrates the importance of collaboration and teamwork and can lead to a wonderful conversation about the art of compromise.
“Fun on the farm, with plenty of fodder for conversations about social justice.”
— Publishers Weekly
The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus
Written by Jen Bryant
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
For shy young Peter Mark Roget, books were the best companions — and it wasn’t long before Peter began writing his own book. But he didn’t write stories; he wrote lists. Peter took his love for words and used it to organize his ideas and find exactly the right word to express just what he thought. His lists grew and grew, eventually turning into one of the most important reference books of all time.
This book is an inviting, visually engrossing portrayal of Peter Mark Roget and the creation of the thesaurus. Readers of all ages will marvel at Roget’s life, depicted through lyrical text and brilliantly detailed illustrations. This elegant book celebrates the joy of learning and the power of words.
“In brilliant pages teeming with enthusiasm for language and learning, Bryant and Sweet joyfully celebrate curiosity, the love of knowledge, and the power of words.”
— Booklist (STARRED review)
Watch the book trailer.
Click to view the rest of our featured picture book collection.
