Stunning Picture Book

I often struggle with some picture books which seem better suited for adults than kids.  The artwork is sophisticated, the subject matter often appeals to grown ups and the text is not quite as simple as it needs to be to entice children.  I love these books on a personal level, but never recommend them because they won't get your kids to clamor for more books - which is always my goal.

This week I have a book that jumped out at me immediately, and not for it's kid friendly, universal appeal.  The artwork is graceful and I worried that it wouldn't have enough to delight kids.  I was wrong.  The humor at times is a little enlightened, but that only means the book can grow with your kids.  The connections were delightful and created a great interactive experience that you can share with your children.

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Title: Before After

Authors: Anne-Margot Ramstein & Matthias Aregul

Target: Preschool - Grade 3

What this book is about: 
In this wordless book parents and kids are treated to a beautiful look at the before and after of life.  We see that an acorn becomes a tree but we also see a cacao bean become a chocolate bar!  We see a bird whose feather becomes a quill and then turn the page and the quill becomes a typewriter.  In an ode to fairytales, a pumpkin becomes a coach and a light switch which is on becomes a dark page when it gets switched off.  This book is filled with clever connections and stunning illustrations.

What I love about this book:  
The illustrations alone make this book a winner for me, but add to that the absolutely ingenious cause and effect connections and you have a brilliant book.

A friend of mine said she thought at first glance that the book would intrigue adults more than kids.  But if my kids are any indication, and they are far from refined, then this book will be a hit with kids too.  My daughter loved getting the subtler connections - there is a fun tip of the hat moment to the three pigs, which delighted both of us.  

Who this book is for: 
This book will grow with kids as they begin to see more and more connections in the illustrations. 

Final thoughts: 
Sadly it does not answer but only expands on the age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg?

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Before After  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.