There’s something so special about writer-illustrators of children’s books. They create a world and then personally lead you through it, the way a singer-songwriter does with music. Well-paired writers and illustrators can make a great team effort too. But the product of multiple people calls for compromise, whereas the vision of one mind can remain charmingly, idiosyncratically, deliciously singular.
Children’s literature is harder than it looks. Anyone can be a windbag. It takes a specific genius to be clear, simple and poetic – and, perhaps hardest of all, be entertaining enough to hold the attention of a little kid.
On top of all that, illustrations require a creative hand in addition to a creative mind. These folks have a disproportionate amount of talent.
For last-minute holiday gift ideas, here are some of my favorite illustrated children’s books, which I only just realized are almost all products of writer-illustrators:
The Big Orange Splot, written and illustrated by Daniel Pinkwater
The Big Orange Splot is the story of Mr Plumbean and his neighbors, who take pride in their neat street where all the houses look the same. A funny, lovely book about acceptance, understanding and dreams. Daniel Pinkwater is one of my all-time favorites. (Somebody please for the love of childhood put Pinkwater’s The Wuggie Norple Story, illustrated by the great Tomie de Paola, back in print.)
Fortunately, written and illustrated by Remy Charlip
Fortunately is the story of Ned and his adventure-filled day of fortune and misfortune. This book will teach your child the long and useful words “fortunately” and “unfortunately,” but the real lesson here is about rolling with the punches. (Another book we need back in print: Remy Charlip’s small red jewelbox of a book, I Love You.) read on…
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