The latest picture book to top our stack at the Schulte house? The Book of Mistakes by debut author and illustrator Corinna Luyken. Wow, what an incredible treat. If you are looking for an imaginative, completely original picture book experience, this is the title for you and your family.
Corinna Luyken (@CorinnaLuyken) has created something so very special here. The Book of Mistakes shows readers how mistakes are inevitable in all that we create and do, but errors aren’t things to be scrubbed, deleted or forgotten. They are powerful and important inevitabilities that can lead to wild, fun, exciting adventures.
Just inside the cover is an inkblot. “Mommy! Look!” said Miss C, age 4, when she saw it. "Somebody did this!"
Case in point. Luyken places a black blot on the title page for our immediate contemplation. It begs to be reckoned with and forces several thoughts: Should this be here? Why has this been allowed to remain?
The active reading experience continues, as Luyken seemingly creates a book just for us in real time. We see her lines move across the sparse page as a new world is built before our eyes, starting with a young girl. At first blush, the girl seems quite average and sweet. But then there's a mistake (a too-big eye)... and another mistake (an even BIGGER eye)...
Before long, the mistakes begin mounting. Pointy elbows. A too-long neck. They are labeled mistakes, but the page isn't crumpled and tossed in the trash. The girl and her imperfections continue to grow and evolve. She is unusual and thrilling, and we want to see who she will become.
The Book of Mistakes continues in this fashion, but is anything but predictable. We meet sunny balloons and teal roller skates. We discover a frog-cat-cow thing that becomes a dark, moody bush. Luyken's creations layer and build until we back up and see the most splendid scene.
"Woah!" was the response from my girls to this enchanting spread. Woah, indeed.
I will stop right there. I don't want to ruin the book for you. I'll simply say that the reading experience leaves you eager to write your own story and fill your own blank page - mistakes and all.
To keep the fun going, our crew did a Mistakes-inspired craft, which I'd love to share with you! Like in Luyken's tale, our mural started with but a few simple black lines...
Then came the color...
And some mistakes...
And some tender collaborations...
Until... tada. A wild, fun, exciting masterpiece.
The fun doesn't have to stop here. If you'd like to WIN your very own copy of The Book of Mistakes, visit my Twitter page (@AnitraSchulte) for book giveaway contest details. The event starts NOW and runs through Friday, Aug. 11.
Check out the contest rules in my pinned tweet, and GOOD LUCK!
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To continue learning about Corinna Luyken (Instagram: corinnaluyken) as an artist and creator (she's one to watch!), here are some links to enjoy. The All the Wonders podcast is what introduced me to The Book of Mistakes and is a wonderful listen!