Winter & Spring HarperCollins Children's Books

HarperCollins Children’s books
Clink
Written by Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrated by Matthew Myers
April 5th, 2011
In the Robot Shoppe, there are robots who can do all sorts of amazing things. But poor old Clink can only make burnt toast and play crackly old music. Clink tries to do the things the other robots do, but he only causes trouble. One day a boy comes to the shop, and he’s not interested in all the fancy new robots. Is this Clink’s chance to have a home?

Though a relatively conventional story, Myer’s illustrations are zany and fun. His characters, especially the robots, are fun and quirky with classic feel reminiscent of William Joyce’s work. With dynamic compositions and bright colors, this book is sure to appeal to robot lovers of all shapes and sizes.

Dear Tabby
By Carolyn Crimi
Illustrated by David Roberts
February 8th, 2011
Tabby is an alley cat, but with the help of a typewriter he’s also an advice columnist. Over the course of the book he hears from another cat, a parrot, a hamster, a skunk, a groundhog, an ex-circus bear, and a dog. Through letters and newspaper articles we trace the lives of these animals and how, over time, they eventually find happiness- including Tabby himself.

This wordy picturebook is perfect for those in early grade school to read to themselves. Readers will find themselves trying to figure out and patch together each animal’s story, something made especially fun by inserts of newspaper advertisements, posters, etc. Roberts’ illustrations are fun and balance the text well; I especially love his full-page spread of the runaway circus bear on her tricycle.

Bedtime for Bear
By Brett Helquist
December 21st, 2010
Bear is just settling into bed for a nice long hibernation, when his friends come to beg him to play outside. Knowing he should be beginning his hibernation, bear tries to sleep instead. But the sound of his friends playing is just too enticing so he sets out for one last day of snowy fun.

Helquist is an incredible illustrator and his illustrations are what make this book. Special attention is paid to the movement of bear and his two raccoon friends. The palette changes from oranges to blues as the sun sets and the colors of the sky are reflected in the snow. Delightfully expressive characters and beautiful illustrations make this a wonderful holiday gift for any young child. Ages 2-4.