It's raining outside again, so summer has actually packed its bags and headed south. Grmpf. But it doesn't matter, fall also has its beautiful sides - in this case literally, between two book covers. When it gets wet and cold outside, we make ourselves cozy at home, invite the neighbors' children over, cocoa steams in the mugs and we read aloud. I firmly believe that a love of books is inherited. My daughter, at least, had her first pile of delightful reading material waiting for her before she was even born. Today, she sometimes makes herself comfortable alone in her "reading lounge". Among the new releases this season, I've noticed some really great novelties. Books with a message and beautiful illustrations. They are also fun for the aesthetically-minded reader, as it's not unusual to read a book to your children again and again and "oh please, just one more time". There are also the most beautiful things for a cozy reading corner:
The Brown lamp from Papamaria is a great place to browse.
The soft fabric baby book from Wee Gallery will captivate even the youngest bookworms.
The airplane shelf from Up! Warsaw brings together the latest favorite books.
Come snuggle up under the pineapple blanket from ferm LIVING.
It's good to be different
This book is teeming with panting suits and yapping egalitarians - only a funky dog lady doesn't fit into this uniform mash. So she emigrates to Bellowood. Where everyone is just like her and she doesn't even notice that she's out of line. And in the end she asks herself: maybe being a colorful dog wasn't so bad after all? A brightly colored celebration of tolerance, diversity and self-confidence.
"A Colorful Dog" by British illustrator Rob Biddulph is published by Diogenes. Ages 3 and up.
"No future" is so yesterday
What do dad and mom do when they're at work - and what might the child want to do themselves one day? Instead of becoming a firefighter or vet, how about a career as a beer brewer, astronaut or drummer in a punk rock band? Go where your heart takes you. The (professional) world is full of possibilities. And the graphic illustrations in this book also delight the readers.
"When I grow up, I will ..." by Polish illustrator (and drummer) Dawid Ryski was published by Kleine Gestalten. One of my favorite children's book publishers ... From 3 years.
Take courage
At least 211 colored pencils were used for "Der Club der Mutigen". A poetically crazy picture book in beautiful colors. It tells the story of siblings Hannes and Janna and their super secret club, which you have to be brave enough to join.
"Der Club der Mutigen" by Catherine Kuhlmann is published by Swiss publisher Bohem. Ages 3 and up.
Thinking outside the box
It doesn't always have to be the Brothers Grimm: Georgia's rich fairytale culture can be glimpsed in this beautifully produced volume, illustrated by young illustrators from the country. Here, the realistic is beautifully interwoven with the magical.
"The King Who Couldn't Laugh" is published by NordSüd Verlag. Ages 10 and up.
Hare in wolf's clothing
The rabbit no longer wants to be afraid and sews himself a wolf costume. He actually manages to put the real wolf to flight - but his friends also flee. Until the mole, hedgehog and owl realize who - surprise! - is actually in the costume.
"I am a wolf, says the rabbit" is the first picture book by Jadwiga Kowalska and was published by Atlantis. Ages 4 and up.
Leoni Hof, @leonihof
