Transported Through Books

"We must remember that children don’t read books, they inhabit them."

—Eric Rohmann*

Open Window bookplate via Pratt Institute Library

*Via Highlights Foundation

PPBF, The Cinder-Eyed Cats

I've decided to jump on the Perfect Picture Book Friday bandwagon.

Today's pick

The Cinder-Eyed Cats, by Eric Rohmann

The Cinder-Eyed Cats
Written and Illustrated by Eric Rohmann

Dragonfly Books, a division of Random House, 1997, Fiction, ages 3-8

Themes:
Fantasy, Adventure, Imagination, Whimsy
Tigers, Tropics, Sea Creatures






Opening:
"In Faraway lands,
When twilight falls on fair and wind-swept days,
Cats like velvet shadows move,
Their coal-fire eyes ablaze."

Synopsis:
This nearly wordless picture book takes the reader on an adventure in a flying sailboat to a tropical isle populated by magical creatures of land, sand, and sea.

What I Love:
I was first attracted to the stunning illustration style with its lush tropical palette.  At second glance, the spare, lyrical text charmed me.  But my favorite feature of this book is how author/ illustrator Eric Rohmann draws you into his imagination with four wordless double-page spreads.

sand clay

Bonus:
Why not make your own sand creations?
1. Readers can imagine their own animals coming to life.  Draw or paint them, then accent with Elmer's glue and a sprinkling of sand.
2. I've used this fabulous Family Fun concoction to make a moldable play sand that air dries.  Warning: Use an old pot and kiss the non-stick coating goodbye.
3. Celebrate reading with a sandy snack.

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday for March 1, 2013.
Thanks to Susanna Leonard Hill and to Julie Rowan-Zoch for prompting me to participate.

If you love Eric Rohmann, see his newest book here.

Oh, No!

I love a good story, especially one which demands to be read aloud.  And of course, great illustrations will make me loyal to a book I've never even read.  Amazon is promoting Oh, No!, written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann.  That proves even the big box bookstores recognize a winner once in a while.

Oh, No!
Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann, 2012

This picture book is scheduled to be released on September 11, 2012.  You may recognize Candace Fleming as the author of  Muncha!  Muncha!  Muncha!, Madame LaGrande and Her So High, to the Sky, Uproarious Pompadour, or The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School.  Her book Amelia Lost was awarded the Golden Kite last March.

I have loved Eric Rohmann ever since I first bought The Cinder-Eyed Cats in 1997.  His first picture book, Time Flies, was a Caldecott Honor Book.    In 2003, he won the award itself for My Friend Rabbit.  As an accomplished printmaker, Eric is sure to take our breath away with his beautiful illustrations.

Take note,  both creators are listed with equal billing on the cover.  What's next, children's book authors' names bigger than the title ? (compare to any adult novel cover and you'll see what I mean.)

Learn more about Eric and Candace at the Children's Literature Website.  And be sure to see Candace's "For the Press" info on her own website for a funny story!