Written by Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Renata Liwska
Places to Be is a new picture book written by bestselling and award winning author Mac Barnett and illustrated by best seller and award winning illustrator Renata Liwska. This duo spin a beautiful tale of the emotions of life. Sometimes life makes us sad, mad, scared, sullen or lazy, but that is okay, because we all feel that way and those feelings are only temporary on our journey. This is the tale of two brothers who navigated those emotions and on the way learn how to make friends, how to give service, how to forgive, and how to comfort one another. All these emotions are taught in very simple lines and beautiful pictures.
The artwork is beautiful in Places to Be. Liwska’s art is reminiscent of Peter Rabbit, Pooh Bear and The Velveteen Rabbit. Looking at her artwork makes you feel like you are reading a classic, but she throws in modern touches in order to make it relatable; the two brothers love their bikes, skateboards and reckless tricks; the two brothers spend time texting on their phones, almost falling into manholes. Yikes!
This is a perfect book to have in your library and for story time. Places to Be will be great to read at the end of the year when the kids are about to leave, since it teaches about life and everything out there waiting for your students. The book can be used in class to teach new vocabulary words: jubilant, sullen, acrobatic, awestruck. The best use for Places to Be is through circulation, because it can help those kids who are lonely, sad or mad. Maybe give them a little hope that things get better. “Yes, we have so many places to be. And I’ll be with you, and you’ll be with me.”
Review by Alyssa Carraway, Granite Educational Technology Dept.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Places to Be
Written by Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Renata Liwska
HarperCollins Publishers
32 pages
Release Date: April 4, 2017
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
Thanks Alyssa, this sounds like a winner and the cover is darling. Add in Mac Barnett and you just sold me a picture book. ;)