For my five reviews, I intended to do an author study of five of the books written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, one of my favorite illustrators. But, as I was going through the library, I happened upon the books Into the Forest by Browne and Jungle Gym Jitters by Chuck Richards. Both of their drawing styles reminded me of Van Allsburg’s books. All three of these author-illustrators use graphite pencils in their artwork. And all three illustrators incorporate fantastic elements into their picturebooks.
For example, Jungle Gym Jitters tells the story of Jerry J. Jingle who has a father who decides to construct a jungle gym. As the jungle gym grows bigger and bigger, Jerry’s sisters and friends enjoy playing on it, but Jerry is reluctant to join them, since he has a case of the jungle gym jitters. While the illustrations initially appear to be in grayscale, as I looked closer, I realized that there were subtle hints of other dark colors, accenting the illustrations. When I realized this, I found that I couldn’t stop looking at the pictures. I wanted to trace the impossible structures that Jerry’s father had created. I have no doubt that a child reader would enjoy the structures as well and the images would probably spark their imaginations over how they would climb the jungle gym and all the games they could play. This would be a good book to share with a child who is afraid of jungle gyms, heights or that is reluctant to play outside. It could also be used in a lesson on poetry.
Browne also incorporates color and fairy tale elements in his picturebook, Into the Forest….
Works Cited
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Richards, C. (2004). Jungle Gym Jitters. New York: Walker & Company.
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