Five Faves: Books by Author-Illustrators

There is something special about the seamlessness achieved when an author is able to completely realize their vision through not only words, but illustration as well. Here are five of my recent favorites that combined the two in a truly remarkable way:  

Hot Dog

By Doug Salati

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2022. Picture Book.

This year's Caldecott winner, Hot Dog, is an emotive triumph. Told through the journey of an overwhelmed dachshund, we learn the importance of taking and enjoying a breath of fresh air both literally, in the summer heat, and figuratively, through life's stressors. 

Bright Star

By Yuyi Morales

New York: Holiday House, 2021. Picture Book. 

Shown primarily through the character of a young fawn, which is then later revealed to have been a metaphor for a young girl, Bright Star,  provides a reassuring voice that you are loved even in dark or difficult times. Greatness is achieved through the story's mix of softly detailed illustrations, intermittent yarn textiles, and an eloquent blend of Spanish and English text.

Meow

By Chris Raschka

New York, NY: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2022. Picture Book.

A funny and charming ode to the way cats relay their many feelings through a simple meow. The movement of Raschka's watercolors is the perfect medium to transmit the importance of body language in feline communication as the book's word count is minimal and yet, somehow a wealth of information is shared anyway.  

You Matter

By Christian Robinson

New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2020. Picture Book.

A thoughtful reminder that through all of life's up and downs one thing will remain constant, that you matter! This simple idea is complimented by the pared down sweetness of Robinson's illustrations, creating a book that will remain as timeless as it's enduring main concept. 

Farmhouse

By Sophie Blackall

New York ; Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 2022. Picture Book. 

Farmhouse follows the life of family within the structure of their well-loved home. We see them through time, until the home seemingly meets its end by falling into disrepair after the last member of the family leaves. However, the cycle of the house's life is renewed when Blackall herself discovers the home and uncovers the love that once lived there through its forgotten treasures. Charmingly, the home and its occupants' story will continue to live on as Blackall used actual scraps of wallpaper, photos, and remnants of clothing she found in the house to create the artwork for the book itself.