Simon Smith (@smithsmm) is a go to account to follow for picture books on Twitter. He recently posted a list of 100 Best Picture Books of 2020, this post looks at some of those that were published by independent authors.
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The Blurb
Adin and Dina are best friends. They live in the beautiful countryside surrounded by cherry trees. Their favourite game is to plant cherry stones around their little village — in the cracks in the pavement and in the flowerbeds outside the post office. Then one day Adin and his family move away to the city.
Will Adin and Dina’s friendship survive the new distance between them?
In this beautifully lyrical book, one story fractures into two when the friends are parted. But their lives continue to be linked as Adin finds a way to feel connected to his friend — throwing paper planes filled with cherry stones from the balcony of his tower block. Held together by their love of cherry blossom and paper planes, Adin and Dina’s roads finally lead back to one another.
Cherry Blossom and Paper Planes is a touching story of true friendship, resilience, belief — and a little bit of magic — illuminated with stunning artwork full of seasonal detail, light and hope.
The Blurb
Berta is a young girl with an artistic soul growing up on a farm in the Swedish countryside at the beginning of the 20th century. Her father doesn’t understand her and her mother is dying. But Berta longs to be an artist and can’t stay on the farm forever.
Based on the life of Swedish artist Berta Hansson, this is the story of a young woman with the bravery to live her own truth and follow her own path, despite the protests of her father and society at the time.
A universal story of longing and imagination, the perfect refrain for a young rebel.
AWARDS FOR THE SWEDISH EDITION
Winner of the August Prize 2017
The Snowball Award (Sweden): Best Swedish picture book of the year (2017)
White Ravens Award: White Raven 2018 / Internationale Jugendbibliothek, Munchen
Winner of Svensk Bokkonst 2017 (Swedish Book Design 2017)
The Blurb
From the creator of The Boring Book, a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book
Shinsuke Yoshitake is back with a witty, thought-provoking picture book for our times.
There Must Be More Than That! is all about perspective , and wading past the bad to embrace the possibility of good.
* A thoughtful and laugh-out-loud exploration into an uncertain ever after
* Empowers readers to choose their own future
* A powerful antidote to anxiety for kids unsure about current events and what comes next
What does the future hold? This question can be daunting-or delightfully promising!
Readers of all ages will seek solace in this smart and spirited exploration of the good that might be right around the corner.
* Perfect for fans of Shinsuke Yoshitake
* Resonates year-round as a go-to gift for birthdays, holidays, and more
* Ideal for children ages 5 to 8 years old
* A great pick for parents and grandparents, as well as librarians and teachers
* Add it to the shelf with books like Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty; What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada; and Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison.
The Blurb
I wonder, then, what freedom is. Is it a place? Is it a thought? Can it be stolen? Can it be bought? As powerful as it is beautiful, Freedom, We Sing is a lyrical picture book designed to inspire and give hope to readers around the world. Molly Mendoza’s immersive, lush illustrations invite kids into the text, to ask themselves what it means to be free, while lyrical and emotive text is provided by musician Amyra Leon.
The Blurb
Felix hides all of his sorrow inside a large black suitcase that he carries with him wherever he goes. One day, a small boy opens the suitcase whilst Felix is sleeping. Felix wakes and the tears that he had been carrying for so long suddenly pour from him. Felix is uplifted, free and his heart is full of joy. Felix embraces the world, and the world embraces him.
A beautiful book about feelings of sadness and the power of friendship from Slovenian picture book creator Dunja Jogan.
The Blurb
Take to the trails for a celebration of nature – and a day spent with Dad.
In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they’re going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest. By the time they return home, they feel alive – and closer than ever – as they document their hike and take their place in family history.
In detail-rich panels and textured panoramas, Pete Oswald perfectly paces this nearly wordless adventure, allowing readers to pause for subtle wonders and marvel at the views. A touching tribute to the bond between father and child, with resonant themes for Earth Day, Hike is a breath of fresh air.
