The Queen in the Cave by Júlia Sardà. Candlewick, 2022. 9781536220544. 64pp.
Three sisters set out on an adventure into a dark forest without telling anyone, to find the queen who lives in the deepest cave there. What they encounter is both wondrous and a little freaky, and makes for page after page of absolutely amazing illustrations.
The Woman Who Turned Children Into Birds by David Almond, Illustrated by Laura Carlin. Candlewick, 2022. 9781536219968. 32pp.
Nanty Sloto comes to town and says she can turn children into birds. The adults aren’t happy, but soon word spreads among the kids that it’s true, and they all want a turn. Carlin’s sketchy drawings really work with the Almond’s mysterious prose, and the story has a very quick turn that will make kids happy and leave them wondering.
A Day That’s Ours by Blake Nuto, Illustrated by Vyara Boyadjieva. Flying Eye Books, 2022. 9781838740757. 32pp.
A father and daughter steal a day and spend it doing nothing much but having such a great time. A joyous, colorful story that would make a great gift for dads and their daughters.
Well Done, Mommy Penguin by Chris Haughton. Candlewick, 2022. 9781536228656. 40pp.
Mommy penguin goes off to catch fish while the young penguin and its dad watch. The little penguin needs some reassurance that mommy is coming back, and there’s a lot of discussion of how awesome mommy is (plus a harrowing moment or two with hungry seals). Houghton’s drawings (I assume they’re digital) and especially their colors plus the book’s unusual font give this a unique look that drew me in.
