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My Pictures after the Storm
With its funky format, clever rhymes and funny images, My Pictures after the storm is a witty and inventive take on "before" and "after."
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2014
About the author
Éric Veillé
53 books12 followersEric Veillé est né en 1976 à Laval. Après des études d’arts appliqués à l’école Duperré à Paris et un exil de deux ans au Cambodge, sa bande dessinée absurde Le Sens de la vie et ses frères, paraît chez Cornélius en 2008. Directeur artistique dans l’édition, il décide un jour de printemps de se consacrer à l’écriture et l’illustration de livres jeunesse. Depuis, il a publié de nombreux albums chez Actes Sud Junior : Maman à l'école (illustré par Pauline Martin) 2015, Mon imagier après la tempête 2014, Les secrets de l'école, où vont les maîtresses après le coucher du soleil ? 2014, Un Monstre à chaussettes 2014, Le bureau des papas perdus (illustré par Pauline Martin) 2013, Tout sur le grand méchant loup 2013 et les cahiers d’activités Sorcières à chatouiller et Pirates à tartiner en 2013 en tant qu’auteur et illustrateur. Lionel est sa première série chez Actes Sud Junior.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
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February 12, 2024Een eenvoudig, vindingrijk en erg grappig karton- en plaatjesboek voor dreumesen, peuters en kleuters. Op de linkerbladzijde ziet de lezer tal van plaatjes vóór de storm staan. Op de rechterpagina volgen de plaatjes ná de storm, met alle geestige veranderingen, woordgrapjes en originele vondsten van dien. Vertaald vanuit het Frans door Lidewij van de Berg en uitgegeven bij Boycott. Vanaf 2 jaar en ouder.
We bespreken het boek in aflevering 107 van De Grote Vriendelijke Podcast. Luister nu via Spotify, je podcastapp of https://degrotevriendelijkepodcast.nl...
We bespreken het boek in aflevering 107 van De Grote Vriendelijke Podcast. Luister nu via Spotify, je podcastapp of https://degrotevriendelijkepodcast.nl...
April 10, 2021
Each page is a before/after showing a series of inferences. Reading with a child I would hide the recto while reading the verso and then only show the top of the page where the 'after' is revealed. Most pages are based on inference, but some of them play enough with self-reference, meaning, forms and format that they click into the postmodern.
Typesetting in a fully cursive font is fun, challenging and clearly makes the book a read-aloud for young kids. I would bring it back around ages 8-9 just for reading cursive print. Editor and designers all credited in peritext - nice job everyone!
Thanks Lu Benke for the loan!
Typesetting in a fully cursive font is fun, challenging and clearly makes the book a read-aloud for young kids. I would bring it back around ages 8-9 just for reading cursive print. Editor and designers all credited in peritext - nice job everyone!
Thanks Lu Benke for the loan!
September 21, 2017
First picture sets stage and the second picture has differences due to some event.
Board book size creates a question if the appropriate audience will find it. I don't think there is enough for I Spy or Waldo fans, possible use for consequences. Rounded down because illustrations didn't grab me.
Board book size creates a question if the appropriate audience will find it. I don't think there is enough for I Spy or Waldo fans, possible use for consequences. Rounded down because illustrations didn't grab me.
November 22, 2017
so very French....
February 12, 2024
Está lo máximo!!!!!!
Super divertido!
Super divertido!
March 5, 2026
trop fun
May 18, 2017
One of the staples of baby books are those that look at opposites. This elephant is big, whilst this mouse is small. They help children to understand the world around them, but can also be a little dull. What about a more interesting book about cause and effect that looks at what happens before and after an event. You could start off gently by seeing what happens to items after a storm, but if you are Eric Veillé you can soon spiral into a madcap world of elephant stampedes and babies being born.
The use of humour in children’s books is a great way of entraining a child, but also the adult, but there is a line of sophistication that an author should be wary of. Children should not be belittled or patronised, but you also need to keep in mind that they don’t know everything. ‘‘My Pictures after the Storm’’ seems to ignore this advice as Veillé has almost created a book that appears to be aimed at children, but will appeal to a mischievous adult.
I for one thoroughly enjoyed the book. There is a French sense of humour that reminds me of cheeky seaside postcards, but is that what a child wants or understands? On a good note, the book is genuinely funny and innovative. Veillé has seen the staid and dull world of cause and effect books and created something that stands out. The illustrations themselves are simple, but great fun. Were the real entertainment lies is in the situations themselves. Each double spread of the book has a before and after page; the left side is calm, the right side chaos. However, some of the reasons that the chaos has ensued are as daft as a brush. Parents will enjoy the page that shows before and after the baby – one side a nuclear family, the other a crying baby surrounded by mess.
The humour is perhaps too subversive for the audience that the book is traditionally aimed at. A toddler can just about understand a before and after picture, but they won’t understand why something is meant to be funny. Therefore, is it for an older child, or an adult? These groups will inversely find the book too simple. The humour raises a chuckle, but it does feel like it is designed for a toddler. Has Veillé been too clever for his own good? Perhaps, the book would only really work with a very cheeky family, but there is no denying that it is really good fun and for that I can forgive that it is seems to be aimed at everyone and no one at the same time. Orginal review on thebookbag.co.uk
The use of humour in children’s books is a great way of entraining a child, but also the adult, but there is a line of sophistication that an author should be wary of. Children should not be belittled or patronised, but you also need to keep in mind that they don’t know everything. ‘‘My Pictures after the Storm’’ seems to ignore this advice as Veillé has almost created a book that appears to be aimed at children, but will appeal to a mischievous adult.
I for one thoroughly enjoyed the book. There is a French sense of humour that reminds me of cheeky seaside postcards, but is that what a child wants or understands? On a good note, the book is genuinely funny and innovative. Veillé has seen the staid and dull world of cause and effect books and created something that stands out. The illustrations themselves are simple, but great fun. Were the real entertainment lies is in the situations themselves. Each double spread of the book has a before and after page; the left side is calm, the right side chaos. However, some of the reasons that the chaos has ensued are as daft as a brush. Parents will enjoy the page that shows before and after the baby – one side a nuclear family, the other a crying baby surrounded by mess.
The humour is perhaps too subversive for the audience that the book is traditionally aimed at. A toddler can just about understand a before and after picture, but they won’t understand why something is meant to be funny. Therefore, is it for an older child, or an adult? These groups will inversely find the book too simple. The humour raises a chuckle, but it does feel like it is designed for a toddler. Has Veillé been too clever for his own good? Perhaps, the book would only really work with a very cheeky family, but there is no denying that it is really good fun and for that I can forgive that it is seems to be aimed at everyone and no one at the same time. Orginal review on thebookbag.co.uk
February 19, 2017
Super clever concept!
May 16, 2018
Children's books about opposites are a dime a dozen. Children's books about cause and effect, however, are a little more rare. This one using the interesting set up of a storm (what before the storm looks like, and what after the storm looks like) to establish some humorous visual gags. The colorful pages are sure to grab the eye of children.
Although some before and after pairs are very easily understood, like the items from the beach being blown away, or lunch being eaten, some of the humor is a tad bit more sophisticated than many American's would expect their children to understand, and the cursive writing will make some older elementary students not want to try. Additionally, the format of the book might be off putting for that same age range - who might not want a "baby" book. However, if a parent were to pull this book out with their child, and prepare to spend time enjoying it, I can picture lots of giggles. Yes, there will be explanation of some of the humor, but that is how parenting works. You teach your kid stuff. Explaining to them how to compare the pictures, how to recognize what is different, and why that makes you laugh, is an excellent way to spend 10 to 20 minutes.
- Miss Kelly
Although some before and after pairs are very easily understood, like the items from the beach being blown away, or lunch being eaten, some of the humor is a tad bit more sophisticated than many American's would expect their children to understand, and the cursive writing will make some older elementary students not want to try. Additionally, the format of the book might be off putting for that same age range - who might not want a "baby" book. However, if a parent were to pull this book out with their child, and prepare to spend time enjoying it, I can picture lots of giggles. Yes, there will be explanation of some of the humor, but that is how parenting works. You teach your kid stuff. Explaining to them how to compare the pictures, how to recognize what is different, and why that makes you laugh, is an excellent way to spend 10 to 20 minutes.
- Miss Kelly
July 10, 2017
What does a spotted ball look like after an elephant? A pizza of course! The theme of this amusing children’s book are before and after happenings drawn in simple style pictures is The pages are colourful, the objects easily recognisable and the humour delicious. The book has a cardboard cover and the pages sturdy enough to survive handling from younger children.
My four-year-old laughed uproariously at some of the situations but required an explanation for others. He enjoyed the ridiculousness of a dog after the hairdresser and the mislabelling of objects for correction but he did spot that the caterpillar needed the chrysalis stage before turning into a butterfly. After the baby had special significance for him.
The word play is fun and the situations hilarious. For early readers I would have liked to see a simpler font used. Apart from that, this book, written and illustrated by the author, will tickle the sense of humour of both parents and children.
Reviewed by Kinsa Hays (Bookrapt)
My four-year-old laughed uproariously at some of the situations but required an explanation for others. He enjoyed the ridiculousness of a dog after the hairdresser and the mislabelling of objects for correction but he did spot that the caterpillar needed the chrysalis stage before turning into a butterfly. After the baby had special significance for him.
The word play is fun and the situations hilarious. For early readers I would have liked to see a simpler font used. Apart from that, this book, written and illustrated by the author, will tickle the sense of humour of both parents and children.
Reviewed by Kinsa Hays (Bookrapt)
March 15, 2017
Loved it. Funny quirky board book.
March 23, 2017
Definitely one of the quirkiest picture books of the year. Readers will enjoy seeing the before and after humor.
March 29, 2018
What a fun way to teach the concept of "before and after". On each two page spread, Veille shows his pictures -- to the left is the way he normally sees the subjects, on the right is after something has caused it to change. Examples include "after the storm"... in which everything on the left is shown topsy turvy on the right, "after the elephant"...on the right they are squashed, "after lunch"...food is eaten (or not in the case of the boiled spinach!), "after some magic"...the frog is changed into a handsome prince and the big brother to a frog (among other transformations).
Translated from French, this book really requires a little sophistication (and/or many readings) for little ones to really grasp the humor. Largely lists, there are some that have fabulous rhythm, some that rhyme, and some that are a little punny. All are enjoyable. A great book to read if you want to keep the youngster entertained for just a few minutes as you don't have to read it all at once; these are lists of images perfect to discuss with the tiny tike to keep him/her entertained for a brief time.
Translated from French, this book really requires a little sophistication (and/or many readings) for little ones to really grasp the humor. Largely lists, there are some that have fabulous rhythm, some that rhyme, and some that are a little punny. All are enjoyable. A great book to read if you want to keep the youngster entertained for just a few minutes as you don't have to read it all at once; these are lists of images perfect to discuss with the tiny tike to keep him/her entertained for a brief time.
August 28, 2021
What a clever little book!
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm so happy that whoever put the book away messed up and put it in the board book section so that I could enjoy it sooner. It's definitely not a board book, just a regular paper book, so you would probably want to wait until your child can handle it with at least a little bit of care before you buy it. But buy it you should.
It's hilarious.
I started reading it and felt doubtful, because it's essentially an illustrated dictionary, I mean it has the objects and the name of the objects underneath them. But it's an extremely clever little dictionary. Each page has a different event occur and the objects change in relationship to the event. It's engaging, universal, fun and uses the imagination. I would read it more than once.
It's published by the "Curiously good books" division of geckopress and I cannot think of a more awesome publisher name. It's certainly apt.
Story: Dictionary Narrative-Really clever, he manages to tell stories without using words.
Art: Engaging
Price: $16.99
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm so happy that whoever put the book away messed up and put it in the board book section so that I could enjoy it sooner. It's definitely not a board book, just a regular paper book, so you would probably want to wait until your child can handle it with at least a little bit of care before you buy it. But buy it you should.
It's hilarious.
I started reading it and felt doubtful, because it's essentially an illustrated dictionary, I mean it has the objects and the name of the objects underneath them. But it's an extremely clever little dictionary. Each page has a different event occur and the objects change in relationship to the event. It's engaging, universal, fun and uses the imagination. I would read it more than once.
It's published by the "Curiously good books" division of geckopress and I cannot think of a more awesome publisher name. It's certainly apt.
Story: Dictionary Narrative-Really clever, he manages to tell stories without using words.
Art: Engaging
Price: $16.99
May 7, 2017
Before and after takes a humorous turn in this picture book. The first part of each pair of illustrations shows normalcy. Then something happens and everything changes. In the first pages, there are items from a beach and then after the storm things are tipped over, towels blow away, and ice cream falls. Lunch is shown and then after lunch everything is munched and changed. Other changes get more silly such as animals going to a hairdresser or mislabeled objects get relabeled or creatures eat too many potato chips.
Veillé has created a picture book that is a joy to share. The pictures are fun to explore and children will love spotting the differences. There is a zany nature to the illustrations, done in simple lines and bright, flat colors. The simplicity adds to the fun as the objects shift and change after an event.
Much more than a concept book, this is a funny and wry look at the chaos of life before and after. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Veillé has created a picture book that is a joy to share. The pictures are fun to explore and children will love spotting the differences. There is a zany nature to the illustrations, done in simple lines and bright, flat colors. The simplicity adds to the fun as the objects shift and change after an event.
Much more than a concept book, this is a funny and wry look at the chaos of life before and after. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
January 9, 2018
In addition to completely defying my categorization scheme, for reasons I can't describe (the sly, sardonic wit, perhaps?) this picture book made me think to myself, "Could that have been more French?" Not sure which kids I'd be successful in sharing this with, but I myself had quite a chuckle over it. And now I'm off to contemplate whether or not to add a picture book shelf here labelled...what? "Consequences," perhaps? Hmm...
January 10, 2020
My 5- and 7-year-old and I all very much enjoyed this book. Some pages are just ok, but some are hysterical. I cut out a piece of black paper and put it on top of the right-hand side of each spread so the "after" page would be more of a surprise.
This book would be great for an elementary school or art teacher to use as a lesson. My son, on his own, created some before and after stories after we read this book a few times.
This book would be great for an elementary school or art teacher to use as a lesson. My son, on his own, created some before and after stories after we read this book a few times.
August 30, 2017
August 2017 - I put this on hold after reading something about the process of translating it, and Ben loves it! Each spread is a mini-story, and some are funnier than others. Sometimes the humor is in the before-and-after language, sometimes in the pictures. Ben's favorite is probably "My pictures - my pictures after a cold" - saying "badada" and "lebod" for banana and lemon has him rolling.
March 8, 2022
Looking for a picture book that's different from all the rest? Look no further than this strange little number, a book with a "before" page of pictures on the left and an "after" page of pictures on the right. You betcha it'll have the older members of the picture book crowd in fits of giggles. (Don't worry. You'll join in too.) Strange, silly, and so very entertaining.
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May 15, 2024Il est rare de trouvé un livre pour tout petit drôle mais celui ci en est un vraiment bien.
Chaque page est un imagier « avant » et « après ». Il y a une situation de base qui va changer sur la page d’après causé par un événement.
Les dessins sont très adaptés pour les premières lectures, le livre est drôle et reste un bon imagier, je recommande fortement!
-LGO
Chaque page est un imagier « avant » et « après ». Il y a une situation de base qui va changer sur la page d’après causé par un événement.
Les dessins sont très adaptés pour les premières lectures, le livre est drôle et reste un bon imagier, je recommande fortement!
-LGO
June 21, 2017
Before and after ... calm and chaos. Thoroughly entertaining for all ages. Whimsical illustrations for younger people and quirky wordplay humour for adults. A great sharing-time book for families.
July 24, 2017
Fun book! This will be great for ages 3-Adult. On the left side is a set of pictures that change after something happens, which are reflected on the right side. "My pictures after the storm" is one scenario. Another is "My pictures after too many potato chips." Good stuff!
August 10, 2017
If you don't laugh out loud reading this one, you need to get out of your serious mode more often. Much of this one may be wasted on the young...subtle humor, silly pictures...especially My Pictures After a Cannonball.
February 23, 2018
Unique and comical concept of befores and afters. The effectiveness is potentially diminished for US kids by the use of UK/Euro terms (in the nip = naked) and a loopy cursive-ish font. Worth a look for kids with an appreciation for offbeat humor.
July 9, 2019
Got strange looks in the bookshop because I was laughing too much reading this!
Would like to read the french original for some of the rhymes and wordplay; however the translations felt good overall.
Would like to read the french original for some of the rhymes and wordplay; however the translations felt good overall.
May 7, 2017
Super unique "before & after" picture book. Maybe a bit of dark humor... I would gear this towards 2nd/3rd grade readers instead of your littlest ones! But what chuckles I got out of this one! =)
May 18, 2017
I found this a bit creepy for young kids, but older ones might appreciate the black humor of things being stepped on by an elephant or eaten by a crocodile. Also the words are in cursive.
May 18, 2017
I enjoyed the illustrations but I found the font really hard to read, especially words that started with b, p, and r.
May 29, 2017
Clever concept but didn't work for me.
June 20, 2017
This was a hilarious book!! I need to add this to my personal collection. Extremely clever and witty. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews