There’s so much to love about Dolly’s book picks. Amanda Urabe with Imagination Library of Waco is here to give us book reviews on three books arriving in mailboxes during May.
The Tree in Me
by Corinna Luyken
A reflective story about the gifts that lie within each of us, The Tree in Me, is surprisingly powerful. With simple, almost poetic text, Luyken weaves a story about nature, feelings and relationships. Beautiful and vibrant artwork, created using gouache, pencil and ink, fills every page.
“Because there is a tree, and a sky, and a sun in me, I can see that there is also a tree in you.”
This is a great story for parents, caregivers and teachers to use as a conversation-starter about emotions and how each of us are interconnected in the world.
Luyken’s other picture books include the award-winning titles The Book of Mistakes and My Heart.
Raindrops to Rainbow
by John Micklos Jr. and illustrated by Charlene Chua
Most of us can remember being a kid and looking out the window on a rainy day, our breath fogging up the glass. With a rhyming cadence, Raindrops to Rainbow, is about a little girl who longs to go outside and play. The thunderstorm is scary but with the help of her mom, her pup, and teddy bear, she is lovingly preoccupied until the sun is shining again.
“Mom gives Bear and me a hug. I feel safer. I feel snug.”
Also a concept book, this sweet story reinforces colors—all the colors in a rainbow—for young readers.
John Micklos Jr. has written more than 50 books for children and young adults. His previous book One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count with Me! was also a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library pick in 2018.
Dandelion Magic
by Darren Farrell and illustrated by Maya Tatsukawa
In this fun and interactive book, young readers will be transported into a world of magic —Dandelion Magic! An adorable and imaginative story with whimsical pictures, Jonah’s grandmother believes that by blowing on dandelions, you can make a wish. This leads Jonah on an adventure in which he faces a giant squid, a fire-breathing dragon, a hurricane and more.
“Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Make a special wish. And BLOW!”
A perfect choice for fans of Herve Tullet’s Press Here, children and adults alike will love
“blowing raspberries” and making funny faces.
Farrell is also the author-illustrator of the award-winning picture book Doug-Dennis and the Flyaway Fib.
Imagination Library of Waco 