Plume - Hardcover

Simler, Isabelle

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802854923 ISBN 13: 9780802854926

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2017

Synopsis

New York Times selection for Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2017

In this lovely book, young readers are introduced to a variety of beautiful birds, from the familiar chicken to the exotic ibis. But lurking in the background of every page is a cat, who also seems very interested in the birds.

With its funny illustrations and engaging concepts, this clever counting book will invite readers to linger over every page.

About this title

About the Author

 

Isabelle Simler has written and illustrated over twenty children's books. The Blue Hour, Sweet Dreamers, My Wild Cat, Plume, and A Perfect Spot (all Eerdmans) were each featured in the Society of Illustrators "The Original Art" annual exhibition, and Plume was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book. Isabelle lives in France. Follow her on Instagram @isabellesimler or visit her website at isabellesimler.com.

Reviews

K-Gr 2—Plume is a cat with a penchant for soft feather pillows. Though readers don't know this until the very end of the book, they get a glimpse of the feline on every page—some little part lurking around or near a bird. But the menace of a predator and its prey is not what will capture children's attention in this title: it's the feathers. At once sturdy and delicate, they look completely different on birds than they do on their own. Simler shows both—a large, labeled illustration of a bird, common and uncommon, and on the facing page, exquisitely detailed drawings of one or more of its feathers. And Plume. First, he is just a shadow that readers might easily miss. Then there's the tail, the whiskers, the tips of his ears appearing on the page, creating tension and a little confusion—what should viewers be looking at? There's relief at the end, when Plume introduces himself and admits to his passion—feathers make a soft spot to dream. Simler's delightful digital drawings begin on the endpapers, making the book as much a beginner's guide to feathers as a story. VERDICT Savor the stunning close-up drawings in this picture book one-on-one. For a nonfiction pairing, match with Melissa Stewart's Feathers, Not Just For Flying.—Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence

Edition details

• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802854923
• ISBN 13: 9780802854926
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 42