Picture the Sky

by Barbara Reid

2018 CBC Fan Choice Award Winner

A lyrical, beautifully illustrated look at the sky.

The sky can often tell different in the clouds having a parade, in the stars blanketing the night, and in our imagination. Every hour, every day, in every season, the sky is different. In this companion to Picture a Tree, award-winning creator Barbara Reid offers a lyrical story using plasticine relief illustrations to explore the wondrous and ever-changing sky.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens, Art, Storytime, Canada, Earth

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2019

About the author

As a child, Barbara Reid loved reading, drawing, writing and fooling around with plasticine. She kept at it, and has written and illustrated 19 picture books, illustrating more than 25. Her books have been published in over a dozen countries, and her signature plasticine relief illustrations have won many awards including a Governor General’s Award for Illustration and the Ezra Jack Keats Award. Her work has been selected for the IBBY International Honour List, Sydney Taylor Notable Books, the Toronto Public Library’s First and Best List and the Ontario Library Association Best Bets. Recently, Picture a Tree received starred reviews in Quill and Quire, the Horn Book, Kirkus and Booklist.

Through workshops and presentations across Canada, Barbara has enjoyed meeting thousands of young readers, writers and fellow plasticine artists. In July 2013 Barbara was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.

Barbara’s dimensional artwork is photographed for reproduction by photographer, and husband, Ian Crysler. Barbara lives in Toronto, but is at home in libraries and classrooms everywhere.

Reviews

[Effie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm totally blown away by how this artist can create beautiful, detailed illustrations using clay. It's a beautiful book that gave me the same dreamy feeling I get watching clouds go by. Just gorgeous.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and and text to match. We enjoyed thinking of the sky in different ways.

[Ishta Mercurio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is that rare picture book by an author-illustrator whose spare text is as perfect as the illustrations. A wonderful, wondrous book.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age: Toddler-Kindergarten
Nature: Sky

Another captivating collection of clay art, this time identifying the various forms that the sky takes. This book will make a great imagination-starter for art or writing time.

I wish she would add to this series with more regularity (Picture a Tree was published 4 years before) but I can't imagine the time that it takes to create them.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's an ever-changing, always open, everyone welcome art gallery." When you think about it, the sky really is an art gallery. I thought this was such a beautiful book. The illustrations are a work of art. I would definitely recommend this book to kids who want a visual treat or just want a new perspective of the sky.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are different than what we are used to. It is either thick paint or clay, which makes it pop off the page a little bit. I wish we had a little bit of information on how it was created. It is not the bright illustrations that most kids look for. Which may or may not be a bad thing.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrated with modeling clay, this is an interesting book. There really isn't a story, per se. The intent seems to be to encourage children to use their imagination while looking at the sky.

Interesting. Could be a conversation starter. Not sure I would recommend for storytime; maybe for one-on-one sharing.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, it's the illustrations that really make this book! The pictures all look like they're made of clay or something. Sometimes it even looks like spread frosting or something. The text was okay--I like how it ends with the message that we all see and enjoy the same sky.

[Beth Bauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! I love the picture of the scruffy dad sound asleep on a park bench with one shoe and one slipper. :P Also, so many cultures represented in these illustrations! I could spend forever looking at the cloud pictures.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way this book inspired me to look at the world...or the sky...in different ways! Beautiful illustrations through modeling clay art.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended on CBC radio. Her art and imagination are fabulous

[Scout Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the illustration style. The story itself is okay. The book shows the sky in different colours, locations and situations.

Illustration: 5 stars
Story: 3.5 stars

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of these illustrations made of clay. Gorgeous.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Wonderful text that asks us to consider the sky in our lives. Amazing illustrations made from modeling clay with incredible artistry and detail. Just beautiful! As is the subject.

[Colorado Buck · Rating 3 out of 5]

well, great concept - very imaginative. can be creative if used in storytime. teaches you how to see things in the sky.

[DiAnne Warfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preschool story time 6-11-19

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her clay mixed with paint is so interesting!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many differnt animals and people look up at the sky and see difernt things depending on area and season. Preschool and up

[Aarvik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool

[Ailish O’Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful clay artwork as with all Barbara Reid books! 3.5 stars

[Megan Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the texture of the illustrations. I'll give it a go for storytime and could be followed up with an art project about "Picture the sky. How do you feel?"

[Y.Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful claymation?
Great exploration!