Julie Morstad

Canadian picture-book author and artist Julie Morstad explores the world of children and the things they do in this imaginative, beautifully-illustrated picture-book. A very simple text, with a brief phrase on each two-page spread - "how to go fast / how to go slow" - is paired with the artist's trademark illustrations, depicting a diverse range of children engaged in those activities...

Although I enjoyed How To, and appreciated Morstad's lovely illustrations, I found that it didn't quite show more impress me to the extent that I had hoped, when picking it up. I have read and loved a number of picture-books that Morstad illustrated, but this was the first I have read where she was both author and illustrator. There's absolutely nothing wrong here, and I can see this being very engaging for younger children who are in the mood for simpler, more contemplative picture-books, but somehow it didn't strike that particular chord with me, and I ended up finding the narrative rather random, even while enjoying the illustrations, and the playful way they interpreted each "how to." In the end, this is one I'd recommend primarily to fellow Morstad fans, as the artwork is charming, and perhaps also to picture-book readers looking for quieter, less story-based books. show less

Zeit ist eine Blume.

Zeit ist ein Kiesel, der einst ein Berg war.

Zeit ist der einen Nacht und der anderen Tag.

Was noch ist Zeit?

Eine Linie, ein Kreis?

Julie Morstads wunderbar poetische Gedankenreise über Zeit nimmt uns mit auf eine Reise über Vergänglichkeit, Veränderung und die großen Fragen des Lebens.

So spielerisch, verträumt und frech, dass Leser*innen in jedem Alter dieses Abenteuer durch die Zeit genießen.

Ein kostbarer Titel im 6-Farbdruck: ein Geschenk für alle, die gerne auf show more Gedankenreisen gehen und ein Buch wie ein Schmuckstück lieben. show less

Exquisite is the descriptor for this book by one of my favorite creators in the picture book universe. Julie Morstad’s gorgeous, impeccable artwork; her multifaceted approach to something as ordinary and miraculous as a face; the thought-provoking language — the way she questions, teases out a new idea, poignantly pinpoints emotion; and the overall tone achieved, a gentle, engaging, spaciousness that sparks wonder and imagination, noticing and appreciating. Yes, exquisite is the word.
The show more human face is one of our first focal points as newborns and an integral part of our and others’ personhood all life long. What a felicitous piece of the world to stop and consider. Morstad presents us with a lovely array of faces, beckons us to take a breath and really look, to consider the beauty of a face.
She holds up a prism and muses about faces through a rainbow of tantalizing, refracted angles.
And then she ends in the most comforting of landing spaces – the love that embraces us through the faces of those dearest to us. I am telling you, each new piece of children’s literature that comes to us from Morstad is an enormous gift. This is an immersion in beauty, perfect for ages 3-100. Once you’ve enjoyed it, do go back and find some of her other books such as Time is a Flower, Today, and How To. show less

This is a lovely, lyrical picture book about the beauty and diversity of faces around the world. The book asks the reader to really look at and think about faces, how they're unique, and what makes them special, including encouraging whimsical speculations about what butterflylashes or colored sprinkled freckles might look like. It ends with a lovely reflection on how faces are made for love. The art is simple, whimsical, and affecting.