Thursday, May 27, 2010

Gracias, Thanks

I treated myself with an older picture book at this week's library visit. Gracias, Thanks had caught my eye in so many mentions lately for it's many awards. The writing and artwork are truly beautiful and illustrate what I hope to instill in my own son: thankfulness, for the little and big things in life. And I suppose a soul that notices those little things in the first place.
The narrative follows one boy, from day to night - but really, it is many days, just the best of life's pleasures. There is humor too, not just sweetness. Some balance that would appeal to a wider range of children.
I love how naturally the bi-lingual text by Pat Mora fits into the design of this book - surely much consideration at work there. Can you picture an Abuelita reading this in Spanish, while a mother reads in English?
I sat for so long (a rare thing for me lately) just admiring the way John Parra blends real and imagined imagery. Crafting a world that feels like a memory. And the postscript makes this a stronger story for older readers as well.

3 comments:

Judy@grammyreads.com said...

Sounds like one I definitely need to check out.

Julissa Mora said...

This one is going on my wish list for sure! Thank you for sharing :)

Kathy said...

Just from the cover alone for me this looks like a MUST. Thanks for posting about it. I must live under a rock because I did not know about it or it's bevy of awards. What is better than beautiful art and design dancing perfectly together?? That cover holds great promise... and the content sounds just as captivating.