Tiny's Big Adventure

Sometimes my favorite new picture books are the ones I can imagine reading as a toddler. When you're a kid it's easy to slip into the moods and evocative scenes picture books conjure up. Books like "A Time To Keep" by Tasha Tudor leave you feeling nostalgic for a time you never knew. Books like "The Maggie B." sweep you into entirely new safe little enclaves. When I picked up "Tiny's Big Adventure", I was immediately entranced by its illustrations. Regardless of the plot (which is dandy), the visual images in this tale give readers entirely new ways of seeing the world. Children reading this book will treasure it for life. Tiny the mouse lives with his big sister Katy in a cozy barn. One day Tiny expresses an interest in the nearby wheat field that stands by their home. Katy, ever patient and caring, takes her little sib there. After playing, Tiny (ever ready to flee at the slightest notion) spots various potential threats. Katy explains to her brother that no, that's a rabbit and not a cat. No, that's a pheasant and not an owl. Further reassurances are needed when Tiny stumbles on a snail, a spider, and an old abandoned boot. Fortunately, Katy is a vastly comforting presence and after playing a little more the two head home. Completely satisfied with the idea that the world is not as frightening as it may seem, Tiny suggests, "Let's do it again, Katy Mouse". And, we are told, they did. I initially took the pictures in this tale to be woodcuts of some sort. After further inspection, however, I discovered that they are instead made from vinyl engravings, watercolor washes, and printed wood textures. The result is a particularly classic look awash in a variety of details and colors. Relying on a sky blue color for images that might otherwise be black, the illustrations deftly lead the reader's eye to various objects. Katy and Tiny are always drawn in comforting chocolate brown tones while the wheat field is a stunning shade of gold. There are red bees and a bright orange sun. These colors meld together effortlessly, yet the feeling you get from the book is still one of age and authority. You half expect this story to have been written in the early 20th century, it's so beautiful. The story itself isn't too different from your usual preschool fare. I did enjoy the palpable love felt between the two siblings. It's always nice to read the occasional book that shows siblings that get along without descending into schmaltzy goo. This tale is touching without ever striking the reader as playing on their emotions. All in all, "Tiny's Big Adventure" is a class act. If you want a story that will remain a family treasure a little longer than, oh say, "Walter the Farting Dog", this should be your first choice. A great gorgeous outing.