From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Words and phrases loosely associated with the seasons appear in a blocky pink font on each page of this contemplative book, above grainy prints with a decidedly retro flavor. The pages often play off one another, creating a succession of evocative observations. Debris litters a shady grove, but yields discovery for a black bird, opposite, tugging on discarded string. A gleaming plum, seen early, later becomes a prune. Figures engage in many recognizable activities, and a subtle sense of humor can be seen at work (a traffic jam mirrors a caterpillar crawl). The creamy matte paper, rich colors, and deceptively simple imagery combine to breathtaking effect, encouraging readers to take notice of fleeting details. All ages.
(Apr.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From School Library Journal
Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 2 At first glance, this work may appear to be a simple concept book. Four spreads depict the same landscape during each season. Then Blexbolex turns to images of objects, activities, and concepts that remind readers of life's everyday and unusual occurrences as days and months pass. Above each image is a one- or two-word caption printed in block capitals. Sometimes the relationships between illustrations are straightforward, as when cocoon appears opposite butterfly. Other times, turning the page results in contrast or continuity. For example, a scene recalling Manet's painting of people on a picnic is followed by debris left after their departure. Still other connections occur pages apart as characters or objects reappear. The red-and-white house from the initial landscapes can be spotted in several places, sometimes in perilous circumstances such as flood or tornado, but also during snowy silence. The stunning artwork demonstrates Blexbolex's mastery of printmaking. From preschoolers identifying familiar objects to adults pondering visual representations of ideas such as late bloomer, attentive readers will find new connections with each perusal. A book to savor.
Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
