Wednesday Picture Book Review: The Funeral by Matt James

Publication Date: 3 Apr. 2018

From the Publisher:

Norma and her parents are going to her great-uncle Frank’s funeral, and Norma is more excited than sad. She is looking forward to playing with her favorite cousin, Ray, but when she arrives at the church, she is confronted with rituals and ideas that have never occurred to her before. While not all questions can be answered, when the day is over Norma is certain of one thing — Uncle Frank would have enjoyed his funeral.

This sensitive and life-affirming story will lead young readers to ask their own questions about life, death and how we remember those who have gone before us.

My Thoughts:

Such an unusual concept: a Fun-eral (get it? it's fun). I was surprised by the unique concept when I saw this picture book at ALA, and picked up a copy.

Great illustrations, and the text was just right. This book shows the remarkable perspective kids have on a day, and how we could all stand to be a little more child-like in our perspective.

One of those books that becomes part of your permanent collection of picture books.

Picture book review: Vincent Can't Sleep by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary Grandpre

From the Publisher:

Vincent can't sleep . . .
out, out, out he runs!
flying through the garden--marigold, geranium, blackberry, raspberry--
past the church with its tall steeple, down rolling hills and sandy paths meant for sheep,
He dives at last into the velvety, violet heath, snuggles under a blanket of sapphire sky,
and looks up, up, up . . . to visit with the stars.
Vincent van Gogh often found himself unable to sleep and wandered under starlit skies. Those nighttime experiences provided the inspiration for many of his paintings, including his most famous, The Starry Night. Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime--but he continued to pursue his unique vision, and ultimately became one of the most beloved artists of all time. 

My thoughts:

I'm from the Netherlands, so I'm intimately familiar with Vincent van Gogh, his art, his story and struggles as an artist, and his life. I was a bit skeptical that it would all translate into a children's book, never mind a picture book...

But the author did a brilliant job, connecting his insomnia (recognizable when you're a kid), his story as a child and then a grown man, a struggling artist, and his brilliant talent. There are some darker elements in the book (if you're familiar with Van Gogh's history), but they're brought in a way that works for the audience, I think. The illustrations are great as well.

At the back of the book, there's a short history, that would make this a great teaching tool. Highly recommend.

**Review of a Goodreads Giveaway copy**