There have been so many amazing picture books released lately. Today we are sharing two new ones that focus on imagination and stepping out of one's comfort zone. The first book is Maya's World by Andrea Pippins. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
A young artist is eager to share her colorful artwork but when the rainbow she creates causes confusion among her classmates, she must overcome self-doubt in this empowering picture book about embracing the artist in you!When Maya’s class is asked to draw something inspired by nature, she gets right to work. There’s nothing Maya loves to do more than draw! So she spends all evening drawing, painting, and gluing. She even wakes up early the next day to add the finishing touches. In class, the students take turns presenting their artwork. Tatiana shares her drawing of a puddle, Pedro shows his picture of a butterfly, and Ravi proudly displays his sketch of rocks. Excited to share her rainbow, Maya opens her drawing with a big “Ta-da!” But her classmates are confused. “I like your drawing, but rainbows don’t look like that,” says Ravi. Maya’s cheeks tingle and her palms start to sweat. How can Maya help her classmates understand her drawing? With encouragement from their teacher, Maya inspires her class to unleash their own creativity and bring everyone’s unique perspectives together to create a beautiful masterpiece.
Here is a vibrant story that celebrates self-expression and imagination, perfect for any young artist who sees the world in different and interesting ways, encouraging readers to explore their creativity and share their ideas with pride.
From Me:
Maya's favorite thing to do is draw. When her class is given an assignment to draw a picture of nature. She is excited and gets right to work. She works hard creating her rainbow. When it comes time to share the pictures her class is a bit confused because her rainbow doesn't look like a rainbow to them. The colors are not right. She used glitter. However, her teacher steps in to tell the class that Maya used her imagination and has Maya explain her picture. The kids get motivated and they're inspired to rethink their own pictures when they make the class mural.
I love how this book focuses on nature and imagination. It is diverse with the races of the students in the class and the teacher. Maya imagines a world where the colors are different and things that are often solid have patterns. As she explains her world to her peers, they begin to imagine the world in their own ways, and it gets them thinking and being creative. This book is perfect for reading at home or in class. It explores imagination and gets readers thinking about their world. Another book to read with this one is When I Redraw the World. Then have the kids draw or describe what their world would be like.
Our second book is about a duck who is a homebody and doesn't like to do new things. With some encouragement from his grandfather, he steps out of his comfort zone. The book is Duck Delivers by Tom Tinn-Disbury. It is also recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
Follow along with a homebody duck who learns to spread his wings in this story of adventure and missed (literal) signs with a message of perseverance and positivity.Duck is a home bird. He likes splashing in the bath, eating bread in bed, and organizing his sock collection. But there comes a time when even the most unadventurous bird must fly the coop. At least that’s what Great-Granduck says as he gives Duck his lucky compass and encourages him spread his wings. And what better way to see the world than as a … delivery duck?! With Great-Granduck’s compass and three simple rules for getting through life’s challenges – Pay attention, Don’t Panic, Stay Positive – surely Duck will be able to deliver a package to Squirrel for sunset!
Follow along on this funny and endearing journey as Duck gets distracted, completely panics, and what was that about staying positive? Tom Tinn-Tisbury’s art is positively charming with its limited palette, expressive characters, and fun details in every scene.
From Me:
Duck is a homebody. He doesn't like to go out. When he does, he often forgets his great grandfather's advice of 1. Pay Attention; 2. Don't Panic; and 3. Stay Positive. When his great grandduck gives Duck his lucky compass, Duck decides to give the outside world another chance. He then discovers a sign recruiting workers for a delivery service and the sign sounds just like him, so he applies. However, his first delivery has some issues like going on a ten-hour plane ride away from his destination. His experience gets him trying all sorts of new things like skiing, flying, and hang gliding. It is a fun book that will have readers laughing at poor Duck and is luck.
This book is a fun and humorous read. Kids will love it at story time whether before bed or in the classroom (or library). They will be laughing at some of Duck's choices and situations. From him losing package and having to jump on a plane to get it back and getting the scooter instead of train or rocket for his delivery. There are topics to discuss like coincident and choices. Also, why Duck should try to get out more. Plus, of course how he did with his job. It will have everyone laughing and enjoying the story.
