THEY SAY BLUE by Jillian Tamaki. New York:  Abrams Books, 2018.  32p.  ISBN: 978-141972851-8 hc. $17.99   PreS - Gr. 1    E PIC

The full-spread illustrations, composed of acrylic paint on watercolor paper to give the effect of translucence, could almost tell the tale by themselves.  However, when you add the poetic text, the book comes alive with story.  With a little imagination, a trip to the beach becomes a discussion of blue sky and sea , a bus ride from school turns into a boat ride on waves of golden grasses, and a good night of sleep leads to waking up each morning with a renewed curiosity about nature and the colors that surround us.  Tamaki is a Caldecott Honor recipient for illustrating THIS ONE SUMMER, a middle school graphic novel which was written by her cousin, Mariko Tamaki.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI