From: Meg Kavanagh <kavanagh>
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 09:33:12 -0500

Toddlers I've shared books with have enjoyed Byron Barton. What Barton has developed in his 30+ year career is a great benefit to us, because he has a certain mastery in simplicity, different perspectives or subtopics on one central theme, making the most out of few, select elements, and knowing that toddlers enjoy a twist at the end, too. I think his new book, My Car
(Greenwillow, 2001) works due to a number of careful considerations. The subject matter, transportation, is familiar and appealing. The simple story line features a nice rhythm and rhyme for movement. There is both familiarity (ie. "car") and a fun chance for discovery in the word choice
(ie. "pedestrian") The illustrations are stylized, bright and bold, and Barton makes great use of his limited palette, setting off parts of the car and Sam, by the pairing of primary, contrasting colors (I think it's tempura paint). Also, I appreciated that the book isn't just about "how cars go". Sam loves his car, knows it belongs to him, and therefore Sam takes care of it (changes the oil, etc.). Sam also knows the importance of road safety (nice guy that he is, Sam would never cut one off in traffic), and makes sure to pay attention to road signs. (Finally, the mechanic in My Car is a woman, which I thought was a nice touch.)

(I just love what Greenwillow puts out there.)


---------Meg Kavanagh Reference & Users' Services Madison Public Library 201 West Mifflin St. Madison, Wisconsin 53705
(608) 266c59

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Received on Sat 03 Aug 2002 09:33:12 AM CDT