I am so happy to introduce you to Little Gestalten and
their debut line of beautiful, high concept, totally unique picture books.
Critically acclaimed, The New York Times Style Section
says "Little Gestalten....marries thoughtful storytelling with supercool
visuals."
I received books from Berlin based Little Gestalten to check out for myself and possibly share with my readers if I considered them something worthy of Maria's Space readers. Well, they are so worth it and you guys already know you are worth it so here we go.
The Books:
Issun Boshi: The One Inch Boy - This
classic Japanese fairy tale tells the story of Issun Boshi, the
tiny son of an old, long childless couple. His mother had longed to have a
child for so many years that she finally added "even if it is a very small
one" to her wish. When the elderly couple did in fact bear a son, he
turned out to be only one inch high. He was thus called Issun Boshi,
Japanese for one-inch boy. Tiny and brave -- these are the two most
striking characteristics of IssunBoshi. Although his parents raised him very
lovingly, Issun Boshi realized one day that he would not
grow any taller. He then left his home to set off on a journey to find his
place in the world.
Little
Red Riding Hood - The New York Times Sunday
Review describes this book the best -- "Even the classic “Little Red
Riding Hood” seems new again in Little Gestalten’s version, with cutout images
that can be held up to the light to cast shadows on the wall until it’s time to
say, “My, what big, tired eyes you have."
Elsa
and the Night - Elsa and the Night tells the story of an extraordinary
friendship. Can one make
friends with the night? One day Elsa is sitting at her
kitchen table and suddenly hears a sound coming from under the sofa. When she
investigates, she realizes that it's neither an animal nor a ghost. It's the
night. The night not only listens to Elsa, but also accompanies her on a
heartwarming and moving journey where it cares for her, protects her, and
finally carries her through the town in its arms.
The
Zoo's Grand Opening - With this book, even the youngest
children can playfully learn their ABCs, the names of animals, and how to
count. This fun animal book tells the exciting story of a zoo preparing for its
opening day. The head zookeeper, who guides young readers through its pages, is
waiting anxiously for the animals to get there. Will they all be in their cages
by the time the first visitors arrive?
Alphabetics: An Aesthetically Awesome
Alliterated Alphabet Anthology - C is for cat? D is for
dog? Not in this book! Here, Colossal Cornelius captures his companions with
his camera and Daisy the diver dares a death-defying dip with dinosaurs.
In Alphabetics, each of the alphabet’s
twenty-six letters is depicted with an awesome alliteration—not to mention an
illuminating illustration—that will captivate and stimulate young minds.
Although the lettered tales are meant to be humorous and fun, they also
serve a commendable purpose. Complex words are introduced to expand children’s
vocabularies and linguistic horizons. The book includes a glossary so that
readers can look up any terms that are unfamiliar to them.
The 411:
The books are stunning! I felt as if these books were a designer's dream because they are classic looking, colorful and fun. I particular loved the matte, muted colors used in the books. Feeling as if these were timeless masterpieces that were more about the words and promoting a children's love of reading rather than gloss and glare that takes away from the story and makes kids focus on the pictures.
My personal favorite was the Little Red Riding Hood by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm and illustrated by Clementine Sourdas. It is truly a work of art. The primary colors red, black and white make it a perfect baby book although this classic should be kept out of the baby's hands as the perfect artwork is too delicate for little tearing hands. Oh my gosh that would break my heart to hear tearing if one of my little one's were last seen holding one of these books.
Please check out the website and find some wonderful reads and see why I am so in love with Gestalten.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary gift pack for my honest opinion of the same books that are mentioned in this post and in the giveaway. The sponsor will be sending the prize directly to the winner after the giveaway ends.
All of the books look cute. I also think I'd like The Incredible Three and a Half Superheros.
ReplyDeleteThe Zoo’s Grand Opening
ReplyDeleteI think that the Honey Hunter would a cute book to read.
ReplyDeleteI'd also like the book Lou Caribou
ReplyDeletetiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
The Honey Hunter and the Lucas magnetic book look great!
ReplyDeleteI would like to read The Incredible Three and a Half Superheroes. I saw that it is going to be available in the US soon!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteLou Caribou is a book I would love to read to my Grandson
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thank you
http://usshop.gestalten.com/little-gestalten/holleben-uk.html Perfect for my know it all teens
ReplyDeleteThe Honey Hunter my niece would love these books. Thankyou, Ken pohl19@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteThis is another book that I would like;Puss In Boots-
ReplyDeleteThe Story of Mademoiselle Oiseau sounds so cute. When I saw the cover I was drawn to it. I have 4 cats and the little girl meeting this unusual women sound like a great story.
ReplyDeleteI also like: How Big is Big? How Far Is Far?
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
There was a nice selection. I would select "How Big is big, How Far is far."
ReplyDeletehttp://usshop.gestalten.com/little-gestalten/how-big-how-far.html
With a daughter turning 13, "Does This Happen To Everyone" would be appropriate!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read How Big Is Big? How Far Is Far?.
ReplyDeleteIssun Bôshi
ReplyDeletewe like plip the umbrella man.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
I like lou carribou
ReplyDeleteI would love to read Elsa and the Night.
ReplyDeleteThe Incredible Three and a Half Superheros looks good too - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
ReplyDelete