Myra here.
It’s Monday, What are You Reading is a meme hosted by Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers (new host of Monday reading: Kathryn T at Book Date). Since two of our friends, Linda from Teacher Dance and Tara from A Teaching Life have been joining this meme for quite awhile now, we thought of joining this warm and inviting community.Â
These two picturebooks celebrate swathes of colour, realization of dreams through teamwork, perseverance, and self-efficacy.
The Almost Impossible Thing
Written and Illustrated by:Â Basak Agaoglu
Published by:Â Philomel Books, 2017
ISBN: 0399548270 (ISBN13: 9780399548277). Borrowed from the Jurong West Public Library. Book photos taken by me.
It all began with a dream. One that inspires. One that drives one to make a plan.
It did not matter that it seemed impossible – that’s what goal-setting is for.
Failures are inevitable. And the occasional imprisonment of a dream in a tiny box – because this happens far too often.
Until of course it breaks free… when one discovers the power of a tribe that will give one wings. A lovely testament to teamwork, persistence, and how one can still “sparkle with every colour and fly into the light.”
I Don’t Draw, I Color!
Written by Adam Lehrhaupt Illustrated by Felicita Sala
Published by Simon Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books (2017)
ISBN: 148146275X (ISBN13: 9781481462754). Borrowed from the Jurong West Public Library. Book photos taken by me.
This young boy began by affirming those who are able to draw very well, then acknowledging that this particular talent is not something that he shares, unfortunately.
As I was reading this book, I couldn’t help but inwardly scream “Me! Me!” I like how there is no pity party, just a recognition of one’s strengths and weaknesses: that while one may not necessarily be good at one thing, one can be the best at another.
I think this is a perfect book to give to young colourists (if there is such a word) – or to adults (like me) who spend time with their colouring books, because, yes, it can be therapeutic.
#LitWorld2018GB Update: Basak Agaoglu is originally from Turkey before moving to New York – 48 (of target 40). Adam Lehrhaupt is from the US while Felicita Sala is from Italy.
Gathering Books 
It’s always so pleasing to read a Monday post and realize I have one of the books already checked out and it’s sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. I love this current theme and all the wonderful illustrations and messages about art.
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Oooh, I love the artwork in I Don’t Draw, I Color! I’m going to have to hunt this one down to read this fall. Thank you for sharing!
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The Almost Impossible Thing sounds like the kind of books our kids need today.
My Roundup
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What beautiful books you shared today. Of course I want to read them right now! I’ve been reading graphic novels these days and realized that the young person in the second book has a career option as a colourist, the person who adds colour to the art that another person draws!
My partner is trying to sell an invention of his these days so The Almost Impossible Thing really strikes home for me.
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A great pairing of books. My weekly updates
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I love I Don’t Draw, I Color 🙂 As someone who loves coloring, this book was perfect!
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You always find the prettiest picture books. I need to get to the library more often and check some out.
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