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The Landstr\u00f6ms’ latest book, Pom and Pim<\/em><\/a><\/strong>, does what I think the Landstr\u00f6ms always do so well: They tell wonderfully droll stories that are all about the types of daily dramas (and traumas — see the ice cream-induced tummy ache below) that very young children really care about. <\/p>\n Pom and Pim<\/em> was originally published in 2012, and this first American edition (which I think will be on bookshelves in March) comes from Gecko Press. (Yes, Gecko published last Sunday’s book<\/a><\/strong> as well, but hey, on the whole they make really entertaining books.) It tells the story of a young boy with his favorite toy, who head out on a warm day to explore and play. What follows is a series of good-luck \/ bad-luck moments, ending with one moment that could be seen as either good or back luck, depending on how full or empty one’s glass is. (This book would be great paired with either Linda Ashman’s<\/a><\/strong> Rain!<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, illustrated by Christian Robinson<\/a><\/strong>, or Jeff Mack’s<\/a><\/strong> Good News, Bad News<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.) <\/p>\n There are very short sentences here (“Money! What luck!”)—this is a book great for listening ears, but it’d also serve as a wonderful beginning reader of a picture book—not to mention many emotional highs (a balloon!) and lows (it pops!). Pom’s joys and tears are delivered with a sly, understated humor; he takes the stage on each spread with his expressive face, pulled off with minimal lines, and endearing self — all of which you can see here in the spreads I share today.<\/p>\n I love to see books for very young children done this<\/em> well; I love to see what picture book folks overseas are doing; and this one will really resonate with young children. It’s so funny<\/em> in spots. <\/p>\n Here’s more art. Enjoy. <\/p>\nHave I ever said here at 7-Imp how much I love the work of Swedish author and illustrator duo Lena<\/a><\/strong> and Olof Landstr\u00f6m<\/a><\/strong>? Well, I do. I see that in the old days of 7-Imp, back when images were tragically small, I once posted about Boo and Baa<\/a><\/strong>. (And, oh! The Benny books by Barbro Lindgren<\/a><\/strong> and illustrated by Olof! Oh, how I love those books, which once appeared in this post<\/a><\/strong> I co-wrote with Adrienne Furness<\/a><\/strong>.) <\/p>\n
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