From: Judith O'Malley <jomalley>
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 1996 08:14:55 -0600

I totally agree with Eliza and Ruth about the wonderful blending of art and text in *The Genie in the Jar* and the strong message of inner strength nurtured by loving community support. Chris Raschka, the illustrator of that book, also wrote and illustrated another of my favorite picture books of this year, *The Blushful Hippopotamus."

As in *Genie,* color and changes in the relative size of figures convey a young child's growth in self-esteem when reinforced by loving, positive messages. The soft yellows, expressing healthy confidence based on a friend's support subtly deepen in intensity as the deep blush-pink of embarrassment brought on by cruel teasing pales to an ineffective tint and a tiny aggravation. Warm and reassuring, *Blushful* also rewards a young child's careful inspection and attention to details of size, color, shape and tone.


Judy O'Malley Book Links
Received on Fri 13 Dec 1996 08:14:55 AM CST