Dad's Bookshelf: March 2023
It’s time for our monthly roundup of picture books that we’re excited about in our home. It just so happens that this week we’re actually showing off 3 brand new books. That certainly doesn’t work out that way every month on Dad’s Bookshelf, but this time around there are definitely 3 brand new releases we’re extremely impressed with.
I must admit that there’s a bit of a common thread between these books as well. It seems like there is a very consistent theme of a heavy dose of melancholy - but always followed by a tiny bit of hope as well. I must admit that the glimmers of hope are important for me, because I like something that makes me cry as much as the next guy, but I’m not typically one for complete Shakespearean tragedies with nothing to look forward to.
In many ways, all three of these books are about life and death - about our impact on the earth and our impact on each other. They’re all incredibly beautiful commentaries on life and on love, and both the words and the illustrations are very touching. Suffice it to say that I’m very excited to show them off to you.
I tend to really gravitate towards picture books that tackle the difficult topic of death, and two of these books deal very directly with our mortality, and they will without a doubt be added to my personal catalog of favorite picture books about death. And no doubt you’ll be able to find them in the “death” section of our bookshop for years to come.
I think there’s a good chance that all 3 of these books will have a big impact on the picture book world. I look forward to hearing what parents and teachers and counselors have to say about them. I can’t wait to chat with others and hear what you think. So make sure to let me know in the comments after you’ve experienced all of the following books!
Dad’s Bookshelf is a continuing, monthly series featuring the kids books we are most excited about each month. The series is named after the real life bookshelf we have in our home, where I keep all of my favorite picture books of all time. While the books we share on Dad’s Bookshelf are often brand new releases, it’s also not uncommon for us to be excited about an older book we just discovered.
Disclosure: My Baba’s Garden was shared with us by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are our own. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links that will lead you to view the books on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
The Tree and the River
Written and Illustrated by Aaron Becker
Aaron Becker is well known for his wordless picture books - especially Journey - and The Tree and the River is a greatly anticipated new wordless story that officially releases this Tuesday. Every single time we turn the page we are treated to a 2-page spread featuring the rise and fall of new civilizations. We see clear evidence of new buildings and new technology, but we also know that we’re in the same location because of the consistent presence of a tree and a river.
The tree and the river serve as beautiful constants in our fast-paced and ever-changing world. And it’s hard to watch the cities and the technologies progress without reflecting on the destruction of the nature around it. But there is a sense of beauty in the constants - the tree, the river, the mountains. And there’s a beautiful bit of hope at the end, even if our original tree doesn’t last forever. Fans of beautiful art and wordless books shouldn’t miss this one.
My Baba’s Garden
Written by Jordan Scott and Illustrated by Sydney Smith
My Baba’s Garden was crafted by the same team behind the fabulous I Talk Like a River, and this new release is just as moving and beautiful as its predecessor. And there are some similarities between the two books as well. My Baba’s Garden is another touching tribute to a loved one based on author Jordan Scott’s own memories, and the love shines through incredibly detailed memories that have clearly left a lifelong impact.
The boy in this book is recalling his memories with his grandmother. It’s difficult to explain the impact of a book like this. It’s a beautiful personal tribute full of intimate details about a woman who picked up food when the boy dropped it, kissed it, and gave it back to him. And she taught him to go out and pick up worms when it rained, and traced lines on the palm of his hands to explain why. Details like this feel almost impossible to imagine, and therefore bring it all to vivid life.
It can be very emotional to reflect on those who made an impact on us, and those we are lucky enough to have an impact on as well. Books like this force us to engage with the ways our loved ones are remembered, and how we might be remembered one day. And, best of all, it’s all crafted in such a loving and touching way.
The Bear and the Wildcat
Written by Kazumi Yumoto and Illustrated by Komako Sakai
The Bear and the Wildcat was first published in Japan in 2008 - and this was followed with it’s first English language translation in 2011. But it just received it’s first American publication and the US is about to fall in love with it. I am blown away by how sad and touching this story is. I’m a sucker for picture books about the death of a loved one and dealing with grief - and simultaneously quite picky about their quality. And this book absolutely knocks my expectations out of the park.
The book begins with a bear lamenting the death of his bird friend. He makes a little box and places the bird in it, and then proceeds to carry the box around with him. Watching him in his grief is extremely powerful, and the other animals simply don’t understand his pain. It’s only the wildcat that appreciates how important bird must have been to bear, and simply pays tribute with a beautiful, sad song. In this moment bear reflects on some memories of his time with bird, and to me it’s a masterful way to praise the magic and importance of art.
Everything about this book is wonderful. The simple black and white illustrations, done with what I think is charcoal, set the perfect tone. The playful and thoughtful memories are all chosen very wisely - perfectly joyful and poignant at the same time. And the brutally honest way the story deals with bear’s pain is unforgettable. It’s all perfect.
Have you read any of these wonderful books yet? What picture books have you fallen in love with recently? Let us know in the comments!
