I’m lucky enough to have grandchildren, so I’ve never had to outgrow my love for what we, when I took a Library Science class, called “Kiddie Lit”. Oh, who am I kidding? I never did and never will outgrow my love for kids’ books. I love ’em, from picture books to Young Adult. I even liked the first book in the Twilight series. What was the name of that book? Oh, yeah–TWILIGHT. Duh.
ANYWAY, one of the things I love about picture books is — guess what? — Yeah, the pictures. One of my favorite illustrators is Raymond Briggs, who did the earthy yet ethereal pictures for THE SNOWMAN. I recommend it to your attention.
Now comes Helen Ward, who studied under Briggs (among others), with an enchanting book called, in America, after the main character, SNUTT THE IFT. The original British publication was called WONDERFUL LIFE, but the American publisher may have been afraid that Americans are too stupid to know the difference between a watercolor painting of an imaginary creature on an alien planet and Jimmy Stewart.
Be that as it may, SNUTT THE IFT is purely beautiful, or as purely beautiful as anything can be which also contains little bits of mischievous humor. When you look at these illustrations, as Joanna Carey of The Guardian put it, “you think about where illustration stops and fine art begins.”
Miss Ward reminds me, warranted or not, in her Guardian interview, of a certain Miss Potter in her retiring self-effacement and in her love of animals and the outdoors. In contrast to Miss Potter, she prefers her animals to look and dress — or, rather, fail to dress — like animals.
Miss Ward wrote WONDERFUL LIFE / SNUTT THE IFT as well as illustrating it. The subjects it addresses, directly and indirectly, are dear to my heart: the beauty of diversity, the importance of mindful presence, the necessity of connection and the transcendent joy of friendship.
But don’t just take my word for it.Ā Get a load of this:
This is a book to add to your library, whether you have a child in your life or only in your heart.
You can buy it at Little Pickle Press. Aaand, this just in from the promotional Pickle: “Be sure to enter the grand prize drawing for NINE Little Pickle Press books including the two foreign-language titles. What a great gift for some lucky child. Just sign up for the newsletter at http://www.littlepicklepress.com to automatically be entered. While you’re there, look at all the award-winning books. Good luck!”
WRITING PROMPT: What was your main character’s favorite picture book when he or she was a child? What was yours? Why?
MA
Rana DiOrio
December 9, 2011 at 10:05amHelen Ward’s illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful, but as words are my craft, I also admire her colorful lexicon. Any way you view this book, it is a must-have for your collection. Thanks so much, Marian. ~ Rana
Dani G.
December 9, 2011 at 10:11amI don’t know if I can name a favorite, having grown up with books like Struwelpeter which must be one of the most dreadful children’s books ever! I’ll always be a Velveteen Rabbit fan, and anything with lush illustration grabs me. Snutt is right up there. Marian, you have a hysterically wicked sense of humor! LOL.
barak
December 9, 2011 at 10:26amMy fav child hero was peter pan! this guy could fly! when i was a child, flying people was so fresh! i expected for peter pan chapter all day!
i liked also the pictuers on the book pictuers š i explain them to my nephews the way i desire š
tony
December 9, 2011 at 11:50amFavorites are tough to choose, as I had my own growing up and was then introduced to a whole new set of them as I got to be Uncle Tony. I guess I would have to go with Mr. Gumpy from John Burningham. I still really enjoy children’s books, and Snutt the Ift is such a richly illustrated book with a very poignant and timeless message. A good addition to any collection.
Marian Allen
December 9, 2011 at 12:16pm@Rana DiOrio – They are beautiful. And I had fun looking for the eyes-on-stalks and other little “funnies” sprinkled through it. This is a book that child and adult can enjoy together in many ways over many readings.
Marian Allen
December 9, 2011 at 12:18pm@Dani G. – I didn’t come to The Velveteen Rabbit until I had a child of my own. I think my childhood picture books were Little Golden Books. My favorite was The Pokey Little Puppy for reasons which anyone who has had to wait for me to do something will understand.
Bob Sanchez
December 9, 2011 at 12:18pmGreat review, Marian!
Marian Allen
December 9, 2011 at 12:19pm@barak – Peter Pan-YES! I tried thinking lovely, wonderful thoughts and flying. Fortunately for me, my mama didn’t raise a fool, and I only jumped off the footstool and not the roof. p.s. It didn’t work.
Marian Allen
December 9, 2011 at 12:23pm@tony – I don’t know Mr. Grumpy, except from the Roger Hargreaves “Mr. Men” series.
Dani G.
December 9, 2011 at 1:07pmI learned to speak English with Dick & Jane and still love those books! Hahaha. I forgot that until this discussion.
Marian Allen
December 9, 2011 at 1:41pmThe younger generation have nothing to make fun of. “Run, Forrest, run!” is just that much less funny for them.
lisa brackmann
December 9, 2011 at 4:41pmOh, this looks gorgeous! I have a little kidlet I need to get a book for…I’m buying it!
Marian Allen
December 9, 2011 at 4:52pmYou’ll be so glad you did! If this doesn’t become a classic, it ought to.