This week I selected Mo Willems book titled, “We Are in a Book! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)“. I selected this book for originality in writing. If you have not read this yet, I highly recommend that you do. The book is told from the perspective of Elephant and Piggie. Right from the start, the reader is immersed into the story when Elephant and Piggie make the discovery that they are being watched, not by a monster, but by readers. They then giggle for a few pages at the realization that they can control what the readers say (read out loud). The characters then begin to panic when they come to the conclusion that there is an end to every book.

This book is funny, engaging, and unique. It makes readers feel as if they are part of the book and they are actually interacting with the characters. I love reading this to my son and I know it will be one we will return to time and time in hopes of keeping Elephant and Piggie alive as long as possible.

I selected Elly MacKay‘s book, “Butterfly Park“, as this week’s book for originality in illustrating. The book tells the story of a young girl who has to move to the city. When she arrives to her new home, she realizes they live next to a butterfly park, unfortunately there are no butterflies. She then recruits the help of the neighborhood children to catch butterflies and put them in the butterfly park, but the butterflies fly away. Soon the little girl discovers that butterflies need flowers. The community comes together and plants lots of flowers in the butterfly park, creating a beautiful park full of butterflies.

This book caught my eye right from the start – the cover is absolutely stunning. Once I opened the book, I was sold. The images are absolutely breathtaking. Elly uses different layers, lighting, and staging to give her images a 3 dimensional feel. She essentially creates little sets for each of the pages. The process really pays off and it makes this book one of a kind.

Please be sure to check back every Friday to see what book(s) I selected as my Books of the Week for Originality in the Writing and Illustrations. Feel free to make any recommendations on books I should check out.

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