Three Madeleine L'Engle picture books you might not know about
And three incredible illustrators!
Do you have small children, or grandchildren, or niblings, and dream of the day they’ll be old enough to introduce them to Madeleine L’Engle, the author of one of your favorite childhood books, A Wrinkle in Time? Well, I have good news for you—you don’t have to wait! Here are three picture books you can read to them right now!
Dance in the Desert is a story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus when they fled to Egypt. Madeleine imagines a fantastic night time scene, with baby Jesus dancing, first with a lion, and then joined by other animals. The book was first published in 1969, but has just been re-released with gorgeous new illustrations by Khoa Le, an award-winning illustrator, graphic designer, and painter based in Vietnam.
Kirkus reviews says that, “Le’s ethereal illustrations evoke both beauty and whimsy as beasts and birds cavort upon the sand. The result will please both parochial and secular readers...Take a turn beneath the stars with this gently spiritual paean to the power and pleasure of dancing without fear.”
Stay Angry, Little Girl is inspired by the words of Mrs. Whatsit to Meg in A Wrinkle in Time: “Stay angry, little Meg. You will need all your anger now.” The book explores how things like anger at injustice, sensitivity to the world’s pain, and refusal to be silent are good and needed qualities, rather than character flaws to overcome.
The book is illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan, a queer Chinese American illustrator who grew up in Colorado and lives in the Pacific Northwest.
School Library Journal says that, “In a bold cartoon style, Chan’s illustrations are bursting with color and life, and she features a glorious array of skin tones, physical abilities, and ages. This unique book that embraces sensitivity and encourages action is highly recommended for school and public libraries.”
A Book, Too, Can Be a Star is the story of how young Madeleine L’Engle was inspired to ask questions and write stories. It was written by her granddaughter, Charlotte Jones Voiklis, and author Jennifer Adams, and illustrated by Sweden-based Adelina Lirius. Booklist calls it, “An incredibly thoughtful exploration of both an individual and life in general, and the gorgeous gouache and digital illustrations practically gleam on the page... A resplendent reminder that the big, beautiful questions are always worth asking.”
Have you read these yet? I’ll tell you a secret: you’re allowed to buy children’s books even if you don’t know any children! You can just read them to your own inner child, and love them as much as you did when you were little.
With much love,
Jessica and little Jessica