The Wordy Book

Words are the subject of this reverie by Paschkis, who incorporates them into striking, dreamlike folk-art. In rhythmic compositions that feature birds, mammals, and humans wearing intricately patterned clothing in shades of blue, fresh greens, deep fuchsia, and dramatic black, areas of color are paved with small tiles, each one emblazoned with its own hand-lettered word. “Wonder wander wink whisper whistle think thimble thistle,” reads a section of the endpaper artwork, the words awash in whirling greens and blues. A rabbit with a human face juggles vowels beneath a pencil-legged creature in a splendid frock coat, whose hat proves to be a handsome book. “What does a word think about?” the narrating voice asks. In another spread, the ouroboros, a snake with its tail in its mouth, illuminates the circle of life and death: “When does the end turn into a beginning?” Questions lead only to more questions in this mesmerizing exploration of sound, form, and color. Back matter features an author’s note. Ages 6–10. (Sept.)