Welcome in Spring with a Good Book -- GEM by Holly Hobbie (Review)

Publish Date: 4/3/2012

US/Can Price: $9.99/$9.99

ISBN: 9780316222273

Pages: 32

Buy now for only $12.67 from Amazon.

Synopsis:

Look carefully. There may be a gem in your garden. For nearly four decades, watercolorist Holly Hobbie has drawn inspiration from the wonders of nature. During one especially hard winter, she found herself imagining the story of a determined toad's spring journey. Her vivid depiction of this endearing creature's glorious yet fragile world is a sparkling celebration of survival and renewal. From the muddy brown road outside a farmhouse to the sweet-smelling garden to the cool lily pads in the pond, readers will feel their senses rejuvenated by Holly Hobbie's gemlike, detailed paintings in this nearly wordless work.

My Thoughts:

This was the first book from Holly Hobbie that I owned and shared with my daughters.  I had heard of her growing up, but never had a chance to experience her amazing work firsthand, until now.  This picture book without words is filled with breathtaking watercolors to help the story of a toad who emerges to welcome in spring, but stumbled upon a young child, who would rather keep him for a pet.  I loved that their were no words, as I was able to make different stories each and every time I shared this wonderful book with my daughters.  Savannah was in ahh of the watercolor illustrations, as she is not used to see this much detail and beauty in her other storybooks.  As I told the story of the toad, I would point to different things on each page and describe them to Savannah, and have her practice saying the words.  She found this very enjoyable, and by the fourth reading, was able to point to things when I asked her where they were in the scene.

And, I know that Savannah is enjoying this book, when she grabs it from the bookcase and sits in her chair to read it to herself.  Well, she sits and babbles, which I am guessing his her way to read the story to her stuffed animals she lined up in front of her.  What a smarty!! :-)

I will definitely be buying more books from Holly Hobbie to share with my girls, and am so lucky to have received this book, which is a great addition to my Welcome in Spring with a Good Book series.  If you are looking for a fun picture book with amazing watercolor scenes, then you need to pick up a copy of GEM today.  You, too, will be in awe of the beautiful watercolors done by talented and famed, Holly Hobbie.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.