One and All

February 29, 2016
In her U.S. debut, French artist Géhin explores how objects and animals can become part of larger wholes through the use of three-panel sequences that feature full-page flaps. Géhin’s bold, blocky graphics are rendered in saturated shades of mustard, red, and turquoise, and dry wit and even social commentary pop up throughout. An apple core (“garbage”) appears opposite a garbage can; lifting the flap reveals a “garbage dump” overflowing with trash. Elsewhere, a single mosquito turns into a swarm, leading to an exclaimed “yikes!” on a spread packed with the red-nosed bugs. In other transitions, a fishbowl is followed by a river and an ocean crowded with fish, and a page is part of a book, which in turn is part of a library. Géhin’s eye-catching graphics convey ideas of interconnectedness, scale, and scope with humor and flair. Ages 3–5.

July 1, 2016
This modest concept book explores the progression from one item to more to many. On facing pages, a house is juxtaposed with a neighborhood, but then a foldout spread reveals a city; in another example, a vegetable is pictured against a market and then a supermarket. Not all progressions make sense, but the chunky retro-style illustrations and interactive format are appealing.

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)