July's Book Pick is this year's Caldecott winner, THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE, THE UNIMAGINARY FRIEND, by Dan Santat.
I think this is a beautiful piece of bookmaking. From the charming dustcover with raised type for the title, to the different yet coordinated cover underneath (apparently called the "case cover") on the book itself, to the thick paper the story was printed on, readers will likely feel, before they even begin reading. that this experience is going to be special.
And it is. The endpapers let us know right away that poor Beekle is alone. The other imaginary friends are each happily paired off with his or her own person. Contrast that with the closing endpaper, where Beekle proudly stands with his new name and very own child. Kids will love looking for that on repeated reads. And once the story starts, the gorgeous full color art tells a wonderful tale that enriches the text. Neither is as good alone, just like Alice and Beekle.
I love the pages with the whales, and also the spread of the harbor, as Beekle's ocean journey winds down.
Though I haven't shared this with any (younger) kids myself, I have to think they are loving this timeless and uplifting tale of adventure and friendship.
Did you enjoy THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE, THE UNIMAGINARY FRIEND? Have you read it with any children? What are your favorite details in the story?
--Lynn
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