Another

I was asked to review Christian Robinson’s Another, which was just released March 5, as part of a blog tour. And even though I was completely jetlagged and tired, I took one look at Robinson’s feature illustration and I said “yes” immediately.

Why?

Because this illustration had a little girl with pom poms on the end of her hair, and there was a mirror image of her on the ceiling. Along with a black cat.

How can I say no to such adorable cuteness?

So before I realized that Christian Robinson is the illustrator of Kelly Dipuccio’s Gaston and Antoinette and Matt De La Pena’s Last Stop on Market Street, and before I realized that Another is about other dimensions to our known world, and before I realized that Another is a wordless picture book, I said ‘yes’ wholeheartedly.

And my instincts were RIGHT.

Why?

Because after just one reading, Another is destined to become one of my top ten picture books ever.

It’s about imagination, it’s about multiple dimensions, it’s about friendship, and it’s about wonder. What’s not to love?

The best wordless picture books inspire the reader to make up their own story, one that can change a bit every time.

Another takes us there and more. Robinson’s illustrations and expressions are lovely and engaging, and the color-theme feels nostalgic and brand new at the same time. At its essence, the story boils down to a little girl and her cat finding another dimension and other versions of themselves through a portal. Where our imaginations take us next is up to the reader.

This is Christian Robinson’s first solo picture book and I bet he has many more to come.

[Side note: Imagine my complete delighted surprise when I realized further that Christian Robinson also illustrated another of my faves, Leo, A Ghost Story, written by Mac Barnett. ]

Tell Dr Bookworm!

I love wordless picture books! Mr. Bookworm has repeatedly ‘read’ the Journey/Quest/Return series by Aaron Becker to us. Little Lion used to recite his story in her own way several years ago. It may be time for me to dig up those books again because I’m curious to see how her version of the story has changed over time.

What’s your favorite wordless picture book?