Reviews for Black Bird Yellow Sun

by Steve Light

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Toddlers can follow a black bird as it goes on a colorful expedition from yellow sun to fabled blue moon in this concept board book.As the titular black bird goes from page to page it makes a striking contrast against the vibrantly colored objects it encounters along the way. Simple, declarative statements in large black type on each page identify the objects: "Black Bird / Purple Grapes // Black Bird / Green Grass // Black Bird / Red Snake." The bird often interacts with its colorful surroundings, seeming about to pluck a grape and, perhaps, flying away from that red snake. In a departure from his recent line-heavy style for older readers (Lucky Lazlo, 2016, etc.), Light's clear, uncomplicated illustrations are done in collage and by printing cardboard shapes with ink. The result is so wonderfully textural children will be tempted to touch, and adult readers and their young listeners may even be inspired to try their own hands at stamping with thick gooey paint. Observant readers will not fail to notice there is a small orange worm also making its way across the book. Once again, Light (Trucks Go, 2008, etc.) shows his understanding of the target age group.Beautiful in its simplicity, this book deserves a spot on any toddler's bookshelf. (Board book. 1-3) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Back