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Thursday, April 5, 2018

With My Hands:Poems About Making Things, words by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater and illustrated by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson. Clarion, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Raincoast, 2018. 24.99 ages 5 and up

"Collage

This
kaleidoscope
of scraps
torn from
tattered
photographs
is a window
to my heart
showing ... "

Sticking to a similar theme for this second day, I want to tell you about another book that honors artistic sensibility. Amy presents a wonderful assortment of projects meant to inspire her readers, and inviting them to let loose their imagination and try something new. Hands and the work they do can be challenging, uplifting, powerful, and fulfilling.

" ... A maker
pushes
through mistakes.
A maker
must be tough.

A maker is
a tinkerer.
A maker will
explore.

A maker creates
something new
that
never
was
before."

The projects are varied and inviting. First person narration gives an immediate sense of accomplishment and pride. The poems are written using diversity in approach, and are meant to clearly exhibit a child's feelings as the project is worked on and completed.

"Tie-Dye Shirt

I made a tie dye.
Didn't buy it.
Twisted.
Tied it.
Dipped it.
Dyed it.
Rinsed.
Untied it.
Shook it.
Dried it.
Wore it.

Try it!"

The collage artwork, completed using mixed media, add context for the poetry. The colorful illustrations show children dedicated to the work they have chosen to do; a boy covered in glittery sprinkles, a girl warming her hands on a mug of hot chocolate after a snowman build, bakers tasting their wares, a boy showing great pride for making a card for his dad rather than buying one. Together, they provide just the impetus needed to get those creative juices flowing. Have some art materials at hand when the reading is done.

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