Pax and Blue

I'm so thrilled I came across this new book! I gave it to my own kids for Valentine's Day and they LOVED it. Now I'm sure it will be a go-to birthday gift for 2017 and beyond. Pax and Blue are such relatable characters, and their story is relevant for both preschoolers and elementary students. It's beautiful written and illustrated--a simple but poignant tale that shines a light on the importance of friendship, love, and looking out for each another. I can't recommend this book enough. I'd give it six stars if I could!

The illustrations of Lori Richmond are so simple yet incredibly whimsical. This is her author and illustrator debut book (her illustrator debut book 'A Hop Is Up' is awesome, by the way), which we were excited to read to our daughter. While pigeons are considered pretty annoying and gross, Lori was able to persuade us that they are charming and cute in their own way. What I love about this book is that the story is so very NYC. In terms of the illustrations, the muted color palette of the background make the boldly colored main characters stand out, making it fun to follow the characters throughout the book. It's a fun and sweet story about friendship. And as a parent with only one kid at the moment, it's a great way to encourage our daughter use her imagination to find new friends while out and about!

I'll say upfront that I hate pigeons. But this story is so sweet and well-done that it sort of convinced me to like pigeons. There are now two pigeons that I like. Blue from this book and the other bus driving one. But that's it. This book is really about friendship and there's a fun surprise that pays off with some smart illustrations and layout. (spoiler: it involves the subway) I definitely recommend this easy-going friendship story.

A great book about friendship and small kindnesses. Pax (the boy) and Blue (the pigeon) greet each other each day and share a bit of snack. But on a day when Pax's mom is in a hurry, Blue stumbles into an unfamiliar situation. Luckily, Pax is there to help him out. The art has a limited pallet that works beautifully. And make sure to look under the dust cover. We love the old fashion feel of this modern story.

This is such a sweet book. We received the original in a kids chick fil a meal and it eventually fell apart because we read it so much and took it everywhere. We replaced it with this hardcover copy and it is still a family favorite and much more durable!

Every child will relate to that feeling of being small in an adult world. The illustrations are emotive and beautiful, the story's pace is perfect for its age intended, and adults will love the fact that it's slyly teaching their little ones about how even small you have a lot of power to do something kind.

First, I love the book's design- the case is an old-fashioned wrap and the matte paper is perfect for the monochromatic palette offset with bright pops of yellow, red, and green. The perspectives vary wonderfully; my favorite is the cross-section of subway or maybe it's the close-up of Blue's face. But most of all, this is such a sweet story of friendship b/t a city kid, Pax, and his friend, Blue, a little blue pigeon. When Blue gets himself into a bit of a situation, Pax, who also knows what it feels like to be little, knows just how to save the day.

Pax (a boy) and Blue (a pigeon) have an easy beginning to their friendship, sharing toast and understanding what it's like for the other to be little. When Pax has to leave too quickly one morning, their friendship becomes even stronger during a subway trip. Beautifully illustrated, Pax and Blue is a story that kids (and their parents) will love.