Picture Books

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Copyright & Publishing Date: 2018

Recommended Age Level: ages 4 - 8

Lexile: AD510L

Awards: Caldecott Medal, 2019; ALA Notable Children's Book, 2019

Starred Reviews: Booklist (02/01/18), Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (04/01/18), Kirkus Reviews (02/15/18), Publishers Weekly (01/22/18), School Library Journal (01/01/18)

Summary: This story begins with the arrival of a new lighthouse keeper and follows him and his family through the years until the lighthouse becomes automated and there is no longer a need for a light keeper to stay on the island.  One might think it is lonely being on a small island living in a lighthouse, but there are many things that say "hello" to the lighthouse keeper and his family.

Categories/Genre: Picture book, fiction.  I chose to add this book to my list because of the beautiful illustrations and because it is a topic that is not often found in picture books, but many people are fascinated by lighthouses.  I also appreciate the author's note giving more information about lighthouses and what life was like for a lighthouse keeper.

Title: Drawn Together

Author: Minh Le

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Copyright & Publishing Date: 2018

Audience: Ages 4 - 8

Lexile: AD310L

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book (2019), Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2019), Red Clover Book nominee (2019 - 2020)

Starred Reviews: Booklist (06/01/18), Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (06/01/18), Kirkus Reviews (05/01/18), Publishers Weekly (03/26/18), School Library Journal (06/01/18)

Summary: When a grandson is dropped off at his grandfather's house for the afternoon, things are awkward and uncomfortable because of a language barrier.  The boy speaks English while his grandfather speaks Vietnamese.  When the grandson gets out his drawing notebook and markers, the grandfather gets out his sketchbook with brushes and ink.  The two find common language through their drawing and learn how to connect to each other without words.  

Catergories/Genre: Fiction picture book.  I chose this picture book because of the beautiful illustrations by Dan Santat.  There are portions of the book where there are no words and the illustrations carry the story.  I also chose the book because it is an #Ownvoices book.