Nina Laden

Pigasso the porcine painter meets Mootise the bovine master in this punny picture-book introduction to two famous artists, and sparks fly. As each character seeks to escape his growing fame by moving to the country, they find themselves next-door neighbors. But when they each criticize the other's artwork, tempers flare, and soon they've built a wall to separate them. In the end however, there is more that unites than divides them, and they turn the wall itself into art...

I first encountered show more Nina Laden's work through her two poetic picture-books, If I Had a Little Dream and Yellow Kayak, which were both illustrated by Melissa Castrillón. When Pigasso Met Mootisse is the first book of Laden's that I have picked up that contains her own artwork, and it is in a very different style than those other two titles. Done in gouache, the bright and bold illustrations here are well-suited to a story about Picasso and Matisse, and I appreciated the way that they playfully mirrored the styles of those two artists. I don't think this makes the best introduction to either, despite the author's afterword giving more information about them, as more enjoyment can be derived from the reading, if one is already familiar with Picasso and Matisse. That said, this was still a fun art-related picture-book romp, one I would recommend to young art lovers, perhaps in conjunction with a more factual books about either Picasso or Matisse. show less

Author Nina Laden and illustrator Melissa Castrillón, whose subsequent picture-book, Yellow Kayak, was my introduction to their work, first collaborated here, on this lovely little tome. The rhyming text explores a child's view of everyone and everything around her, from her house and garden to her brother and sister, giving each a name (her house is "Love," her pond is "Wonder") that reflects what it means to her. The accompanying artwork is gorgeous, with a deep palette of oranges and show more blues, beautifully stylized figures, and an overall composition that is reminiscent of a tapestry...

Much like their other book, I found Laden and Castrillón's If I Had a Little Dream to be a visually stunning title. I would happily put this artwork on my bedroom wall - it makes me think of a tapestry for some reason, or some kind of intricate cloth art. I thought the rhyming text was engaging, with a old-fashioned feeling that was very charming. That said, I had no sooner finished reading it, than I was struggling to recall what it said, and to articulate what it meant. There's nothing at all wrong with the text, but I think it is stronger at conveying an emotional impression - of love and contentment - than an idea. Which is perfectly fine, not every piece of writing needs to accomplish the same thing. Recommended to anyone looking for beautifully-illustrated picture-books, or for gentle children's stories told in rhyme. show less

A boy and his giraffe friend set out to sea in a yellow kayak in this lovely picture-book from author Nina Laden and illustrator Melissa Castrillón, who previously collaborated on If I Had a Little Dream. The simple but poetic text sets out their many exciting and perilous adventures, while the vibrantly colorful artwork accentuates the beauty of the marine world around them, and the tension of their passage through it...

Yellow Kayak is my first book from either Laden or Castrillón, but I show more certainly hope it will not be my last! The text is quite brief, with choppy little declarative sentences, but it is immensely expressive all the same: "Yellow kayak. / Blue sky. / Paddle swiftly. / Wave goodbye. / Fish jump. / Loons float. / Seal watch. / Little boat." The artwork is simply gorgeous, with an intense palette in which sea-greens and pinks predominate, and a stylized sensibility that feels simultaneously folksy and sophisticated. Recommended to anyone looking for beautifully-illustrated picture-books in general, or for seafaring tales for the younger picture-book set. show less

With pointed text and stunning illustrations, this book invites into the world of dreams and endless possibilities.

A boy and his friend, a simple giraffe, take a boat ride into adventure. The journey takes them through storms, peaceful waves, swirling sea creatures and bucket loads of other sights and unexpected places.

The illustrations in this one are amazing. While in some ways reminding of the swirly, imaginative style found in Dr. Seuss, these colorful depictions go a step further and show more enter the world of artistic wonder. The colors radiate and are daring, giving each scene a wonderful and inviting atmosphere. Yet, the playful side sits front and center, giving young readers something to discover and enjoy time and again.

The text is exquisite. The four line rhymes are composed and carefully placed, each line only consisting of two words. And these two words are exactly what is needed to call in each emotion and image. It reads like a fantastic dream, letting the adventure slide in harmony with the illustrations. It's calming, invites imagination to take flight, leaves the reader feeling a bit braver and craving an exciting journey of their own.

I highly recommend this read, and see it as a clear favorite among young listeners and older readers alike.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading this so much (and my kids declared this one a favorite right away) that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts. show less