this week's library book
We've been finding some great library books lately, following our library routine. When I saw Mama, Is It Summer Yet? on the shelf a few weeks ago, I recognized Nikki McClure's papercut illustrations. She cuts each picture out of black paper with an exacto knife (can you imagine!). I first discovered her work because a good friend gave me her beautiful baby book The First 1000 Days which I've been trying to fill in for Baby M.
This sweet, repetitive book shows a mother and child getting ready for summer. The child asks "Mama, is it summer yet?".
"Not yet," she answers as they plant their seeds and wait for them to sprout and grow.
They move through the seasons, tending their garden through the springand reading books out on the lawn once it gets a little warmer.
"Is it summer now?"
"Yes! Oh yes, my little one! The honeybees are in the flowers. The sun is warm on your round belly. The berries are juicy and sweet." And now that spring has finally arrived, a nice warm summer is right around the corner.
04.1.2011
Reader Comments (32)
we just had this book too. I love the illustrations, gorgeous.
Oh sweet! I love the art in it.
Wow - I love it! I've done some papercutting over the years, but nothing as complex and lovely as this!
My son loves this book!
I love Nikki Mc Clure's work. She is an incredible artist.
nikki is a favorite of mine!
I've just been reading through some of your posts, and you are so inspiring! I have 3 children, and I must say that your post on Mary Poppins reminded me how lucky I am. Time does go so fast.
Thank you for posting on crafts and happiness life brings!
aww, we love our nikki board book. There's something about her paper cuts that my son has loved since he was just a wee thing.
Nearing 14 months I still haven't found a good baby journal for him. I fear it might be too late, but I'm tempted again knowing that Nikki makes a sweet, modern one.
Very cute!
Now I want strawberries ;)
I love this book, too. My son and I invented a fun game with it. We used it almost like a maze, tracing along the black lines with our fingers, trying to connect one part of the picture to another without leaving the black. For example, on the seed planting page, we would try to get from the bird to the squirrel. Just a little extra fun that you can have with a papercut design!
Here it is finally also just about to arrive. Daffodils opening on my balcony and soon also in the nature.
Songs of seagulls from Finland to you.
Just stumbled upon your blog. Midnight pinata research for my son's friends' bday party this weekend. Yours was the coolest, most rockin pinata of all of google images. It really is amazing. Your blog is pretty amazing too- kinda what I just needed. Thanks for the inspiration!
After seeing your recommendation here, I checked this out from the library and read it to my kindergarten class on Friday. We had a crazy weather week (sun, rain and snow--yes snow in April), so it was perfect. Thanks.
Several months ago, a friend gave my daughters All In a Day (another book illustrated by McClure). She does amazing work.
Nikki Mc Clure is so incredibly talented. I love her work.
I've been asking that question for weeks! Such a cute book!
This is very educational!
I love her stuff! Never seen this book... going to have to pick it up for our little baby on the way.
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