Tony by Ed Galing

I have a particular penchant for picture books. Below is a review I wrote of one you won't want to miss. (Plus two bonus titles with reviews coming later.) 

Review: 

Galing, Ed. Tony. Illus. by Erin E. Stead. New York: Roaring Brook, 2017. Print. 

This illustrated poem in picture book form introduces readers to a gentle horse named Tony and his driver, Ed --  a bygone milk delivery team. Readers get a glimpse of a treasured memory as Tony and Ed go about their work in the early morning hours, pulling a wagon down the street, earning the young narrator's admiration and fondness. Gallon's succinct and tender verse endears Tony to readers (and spotlights a special friendship), while Stead's pencil illustrations bring the horse to life. Effective use of scale brings readers closer into moments, and farther for perspective -- in wordless spreads or full pages. Soft, nostalgic hues of yellow and blue capture the warmth from streetlights or homes, and the quiet beauty of pre-dawn. A sweet childhood recollection, this title is a must have for both poetry fans, as well as fans of the work of Caldecott winner Erin Stead. 

Two other picture books I have read recently: 

Miss Maple's Seeds by Eliza Wheeler

MISS MAPLE'S SEEDS by Eliza Wheeler

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Publication date: 4/4/2013

Pages: 32

Miss Maple cares for all kinds of seeds--from poppy to pine to pumpkin. She takes them on field trips and tours,  warns them of weeds, and reads to them each night (I love that part). Birds and other neighborhood friends are part of her little community, and the story is told by way of each changing season. Miss Maple is both their teacher and their mother. With each illustration, more of Miss Maple's kind and noble character is revealed. What words of advice does Miss Maple have for her seeds? How does she guide them on their tender way? You must read MISS MAPLE'S SEEDS to find out.

Eliza Wheeler is both the writer and the illustrator of this lovely picture book, and so her gifts are double for readers. Wheeler uses warm buttery colors and Miss Maple's own joyful smile to weave a delightful tale of renewal, growth and hope for the future.

When you read this book, be sure to find the page with the seed drawings--each is labeled meticulously, inviting readers to learn and investigate further.

What more can you expect from a book? I highly recommend this title.