Christopher Wormell

An exceptional counting book that goes from 1 to 20 then creatively loops to 1 again. It features such gems as 16 catfish whiskers and 9 opossum babies! A neat feature of this book is that it shows the number very large as well as the spelling of the number (e.g. 12, twelve). The illustrations are lino-cutting or wood engraving. They are masterful! I especially liked the use of tinting to create slight shadows that really bring the critters to life!

Perfect. ?áSimplicity itself, in the style of illustrations, the book design, and the brief text. ?áEven the ideas are straightforward. ?áBut:

?áOn the first page Blue Rabbit looks a little anxious (? or sad? or fearful?), on the second everything lightens, and we're off! ?áSo, are the new friends all going to find a new home together? ?áWell, hmm... that's the classic trope. ?áBut this is a brand-new story. ?áAnd the solution is new (at least to me). ?áAnd the book show more is perfect, until... until the very last page, at which point Wormell introduces one more bit of creativity, and now 'perfect' is supplanted by 'fantastic.' ?áI read this with my 19 yo son and the surprise of the last page had us literally laughing out loud. ?áNot that it's funny, exactly, but oh my it's creative. ?áWe both highly recommend you read this book together, and really slow down to fully appreciate it.

And I haven't even talked about the primary reason for the book's appeal. ?áThe characters, and the setting, are made up from the child's playthings & bedding, and the story is from the child's imagination. ?áNot a machine or screen or soldier anywhere. ?áIt looks like it may have been created when Grandma was in pig-tails, and it will still be wonderful when the your grandchild has a baby of her own.

I definitely want to find more by Christopher Wormell. show less

A gorgeous picture-book, recommended to me by a friend, Mice, Morals, & Monkey Business features Christopher Wormell's vividly colorful linoleum-block prints, each paired with a moral and accompanying fable name, in huge letters. The fables from which these morals are derived are produced at the back of the book, so older children can read the story, while younger readers are entertained by the illustrations and simple morals.

I have to agree with my friend Chandra, that the artwork is what show more makes this edition of Aesop worthwhile - I spent my entire morning train-ride leafing through these pages, and came away with a desire to explore Wormell's artwork further. I think I might have to hunt down his Teeth, Tails, & Tentacles An Animal Counting Book... show less

Excellent illustrations in lovely large format. Why the typos, though? It turns out that the absolute best way to read this book is not to read it at all; just admire the illustrations, which are lovely and very distinctive, and read the captions.