Peter Pauper
Press, White Plains, NY, is a new publisher to watch for standout picture
books. The publisher of gift books, humor books, compact references, travel
guides, stationery, holiday cards, journals and activity books, began
publishing a small number of picture books two years ago. This year’s list includes two not to miss: “No
Yeti Yet” by Mary Ann Fraser and “Mina’s White Canvas” by Hyeon-Ju Lee.
No Yeti Yet
by Mary Ann Fraser
Ages 4-8
Two
young brothers venture out on a snowy day in search of a “yeti,” a big, shaggy
snow monster in “No Yeti Yet.” The little brother is full of questions for his
older brother, but they can’t find the yeti until the end. The blue, snowy pictures
that cover every page are wonderful. Readers will be amused to find the yeti
before the characters do. He hides on every page. The big brother is at first
afraid when the monster shows up in the end, but the yeti turns out to be
friendly.
My one
complaint is that the story does not take place in the Himalayan region of
Nepal and Tibet, the setting for the legendary yeti or Abominable Snowman. Instead
of looking Nepalese or Tibetan, the children in the book appear to be
Caucasian. Nevertheless, I recommend the book.
About the author: Mary Ann Fraser graduated from UCLA and
then spent a year studying at England’s Exeter College of Art and Design. Since
then, she has written and illustrated 60 books for children, winning accolades
including School Library Journal’s Best Book of the Year and American
Booksellers Association Pick of the List. Visit her website at
www.maryannfraser.com.
Mina’s White
Canvas
By
Hyeon-Ju Lee
Ages
4-8
On a gray, gloomy day,
Mina draws a beautiful snowfall on her windowpane with a magic crayon. Then she
takes a walk in the forest and uses her crayon to solve problems for many
animal friends she meets. The story is similar to the 1955 classic “Harold and
the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson, but this one stars a Korean girl and
focuses on making friends. The pictures are lovely, and despite the simplicity
of style, the characters’ faces are expressive, adding to the fun of the story.
Recommended.
About the author: Hyeon-Ju Lee is a talented young author
and illustrator from Korea. This is her debut children’s picture book, which
was originally published in Korea. In 2012, she won a Special Mention for the Opera
Prima section of the Bologna Ragazzi Award, honoring new authors and
illustrators of the best designed books worldwide.
